How to Know If Your Phone is Hacked – 10 Warning Signs

If something feels ‘off’ with your phone, it most likely is a warning sign for something more sinister. You might’ve noticed that your phone has started having minor glitches. Perhaps it may restart itself throughout the day without any prompt. It may also constantly be warm to the touch, even when you haven’t used it excessively. 

You may even see that your GPS has enabled or disabled yourself, and your call log or messages inbox is filled with data you haven’t typed out. This is typically paired with greater data and internet consumption beyond your typical usage.

These odd snags are not glitches. They are the most common signs reported by users with compromised device security. One other evident and frightening sign is that you may simply lose access to all of your device’s features.

 According to TheSun.co.uk, In early 2025, over 330 malicious Android apps, downloaded 60 million times from Google Play, were reported stealing credit card details

Is it possible that someone can hack my phone?

Yes, it is indeed possible for someone to hack your phone. Mobile devices are increasingly becoming targets for cybercriminals due to the vast amount of personal information they store. Hackers employ various methods to gain unauthorized access to your phone, including:

Phishing Attacks

Cybercriminals often use deceptive emails, text messages, or websites to trick you into revealing your personal information. These phishing attempts can look very convincing, often mimicking legitimate companies or contacts. Once you enter your details, the hacker gains access to your accounts and personal information, and you won’t notice any phone hacking symptoms.

Malware and Spyware

Malicious software can be installed on your phone by downloading fake apps, clicking on suspicious links, or even opening infected email attachments. Malware can steal your data, monitor your activity, and even control your device remotely. Spyware, however, specifically tracks your activities, such as text messages, call logs, and browsing history, without your consent.

Public Wi-Fi Networks

Unsecured public Wi-Fi networks are a common hunting ground for hackers. When you connect to these networks, hackers can intercept the data transmitted between your phone and the network. This can include sensitive information like login credentials, emails, and financial details. Sometimes, hackers set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots that appear legitimate, tricking you into connecting.

SIM Swapping

This method involves tricking your mobile carrier into transferring your phone number to a new SIM card owned by the hacker. The hacker achieves this by impersonating you and providing enough personal information to convince the carrier to make the switch. Once the hacker controls your phone number, they can receive your calls and messages, including verification codes for your online accounts, effectively taking over your identity.

Bluetooth and NFC Vulnerabilities

Hackers can exploit Bluetooth and Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol weaknesses to access your phone without your knowledge. For instance, Bluejacking and Bluesnarfing are techniques where hackers send unsolicited messages or steal information from your device via Bluetooth. If your phone’s Bluetooth or NFC features are left on in public places, it increases the risk of such attacks.

Outdated Software

Using outdated software on your phone can leave it vulnerable to hacking. Software updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that have been discovered. If you do not keep your phone’s operating system and apps up to date, hackers may exploit known weaknesses.

Physical Access

Sometimes, all a hacker needs is physical access to your phone. If someone temporarily gets hold of your device, they can install malicious apps or tamper with your settings to gain ongoing access.

10 ways Your Phone Can be Hacked

Smartphones store everything from personal conversations to financial information, making them a prime target for cybercriminals. Here are some of the most common and dangerous methods used to hack mobile phones:

1. Keylogging Software

Keyloggers are covert tools designed to record every keystroke made on your device. Whether you’re typing passwords, credit card numbers, or personal messages, the software silently captures this data and sends it to the attacker. Keyloggers often sneak in through malicious apps or compromised downloads.

2. Trojan Malware

Trojans disguise themselves as legitimate applications or files. Once installed, they can fully control your device, steal sensitive data, spy on your activity, or download additional malware. Some advanced trojans can operate silently in the background while collecting valuable information.

3. Adaptive Mobile Exploits

These sophisticated threats take advantage of vulnerabilities in mobile operating systems and networks. They can alter their behavior based on the device’s environment, making them difficult to detect. Adaptive exploits are often used in high-level surveillance and targeted attacks.

4. Phishing and Smishing

Phishing is a deceptive tactic that involves tricking users into revealing personal information through fake websites or emails. Smishing is its mobile variant, delivered via text messages. These messages often appear to come from trusted services, prompting users to click malicious links or share credentials.

5. Spyware and Stalkerware Apps

Spyware apps can monitor your phone activities, including messages, calls, location, photos, and even microphone usage. Although some are marketed as legal tools for monitoring children or employees, they are frequently used for malicious spying. These apps typically operate in stealth mode and are hard to detect without dedicated security tools.

6. Public Wi-Fi Attacks

Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making them ideal for attackers. Hackers can intercept the data you send and receive using techniques like man-in-the-middle attacks. They may even set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots that look legitimate to steal information from unsuspecting users.

7. SIM Swap Attacks

In a SIM swap attack, a hacker convinces or bribes a telecom provider to transfer your phone number to a SIM card they control. Once they access your number, they can intercept authentication codes and hijack your online accounts, including banking and social media.

8. Malicious QR Codes and App Downloads

Malicious QR codes can redirect you to harmful websites or initiate a download without your knowledge. Similarly, downloading apps from unofficial sources or third-party app stores can result in malware infections, as these apps may bypass security protocols found in official app stores.

9. Bluetooth Exploits

If Bluetooth is left on and unprotected, attackers within range can connect to your device without permission. This can allow them to steal data, inject malicious software, or even take control of certain device functions. These attacks are known as bluejacking or bluesnarfing.

10. Hacking via Phone Number Lookup Tools

Some attackers use open-source intelligence tools to gather data linked to your phone number. This includes breach history, geolocation, or associated email accounts. With enough data, they can launch personalized attacks or commit identity theft.

How can I tell if my Phone has been Hacked – 10 Warning Signs

Detecting a phone hack isn’t always straightforward, especially since many malware and spyware are designed to remain hidden. However, clear warning signs and diagnostic steps can help you determine whether your device has been compromised. Here’s what to look for:

1. Unusual Battery Drain

If your phone’s battery is depleting much faster than usual, it may run unauthorized processes in the background. Spyware, keyloggers, or remote access tools often consume significant power while transmitting data to hackers without your consent.

2. Overheating Without Heavy Use

While phones can naturally heat up during gaming or video calls, unexplained overheating while idle or during light use can signal that malicious apps are operating silently in the background.

3. Increased Data Usage

A sudden spike in mobile data usage can indicate that malware transfers information from your phone to external servers. Check your data usage settings to identify apps using more bandwidth than expected.

4. Suspicious Apps or Icons

If you notice apps you didn’t download or unfamiliar icons appearing on your screen, it’s a major red flag. Some spyware apps disguise themselves under generic names or hidden folders. Regularly review your app list for anything out of the ordinary.

5. Pop-Ups and Ads Appearing Randomly

Unexpected pop-ups, redirect ads, or aggressive push notifications may result from adware. These intrusive behaviors disrupt user experience and often serve as a gateway for more harmful malware.

6. Phone Slowing Down

If your device performance has noticeably declined—frequent freezing, crashing, or slow response times, it could be under strain from hidden malicious processes. This is especially concerning if your phone is relatively new or has ample storage and memory.

7. Unfamiliar Calls or Texts

Hackers sometimes use your phone to send premium-rate texts or make unauthorized calls, especially in botnet or SMS fraud campaigns. Check your call and text logs for activity you don’t recognize.

8. Strange Behavior from Installed Apps

If your legitimate apps start malfunctioning—closing on their own, displaying errors, or misbehaving, it could indicate a system compromise. Malware can interfere with other apps or alter their behavior to avoid detection.

9. Warnings from Antivirus or Security Apps

If you’re using mobile security software that flags unusual activity or detects threats, don’t ignore it. These alerts often point to real security issues that need immediate attention.

10. Account Lockouts and Security Notifications

Receiving password reset emails or login alerts from your email, social media, or bank accounts may mean a hacker is attempting to gain access using data stolen from your phone.

How to Recover Your Phone After Being Hacked

Most of the time, booting your phone up in Safe Mode to delete the malicious app is the perfect fit. But there are many times when we don’t know what app is causing the problem. Here are some other tips for recovering your phone.

Change Your Password

Make sure you don’t use the same password for different websites. Always try to incorporate special characters into longer passwords to make them over ten characters. Also, put a reminder in your calendar that tells you to change your password every 6 to 8 months, just to fully secure your device.

Install and Run an Anti-malware Software

An anti-malware software does everything you need it to do. It can not only identify the source of the problem but also get rid of it entirely. The most effective results come from preventative measures, so make sure to run this software regularly.

Turn Off Your Mobile Data and Wifi

It’s never a good idea to connect to a public Wi-Fi or to have your phone automatically connect to one, especially without a VPN. AstrillVPN is one of the best and most complete security solutions that are available on the market. It can protect your identity and encrypt your data so that there can be no access point for hackers to infect your device. 

Remove all Third-party and Suspicious Apps

If you are unsure about where you’ve downloaded an application form, you should delete it. Any application that hasn’t been downloaded from the Google Play Store is dangerous to have on your phone. Ensure you also check all the privacy settings and application permissions for any suspicious behavior.

Restore Your Phone to Factory Settings

Resetting your phone to factory settings erases all of the data stored on your device. This reboot allows your phone to go back to its bare essentials, which means that anyone who has access to your device can no longer reach it. This is a relatively simple process and is one of the most effective options.

Update OS and All Apps

If you notice suspicious activity on your phone, one of the first things you should do is update your operating system and all installed apps. Software updates often include critical security patches that fix vulnerabilities hackers actively exploit. 

An outdated app or OS version can be an easy entry point for malware, spyware, or unauthorized access. By updating your phone, you enhance its performance and close any backdoors that could allow continued intrusion.

 Both iOS and Android platforms offer easy access to updates through the settings menu, and it’s advisable to enable automatic updates to ensure your system remains protected against the latest threats without manual intervention.

Lock SIM with a PIN (Prevent SIM Swap)

SIM swap attacks have become a serious threat, particularly because they allow hackers to hijack your phone number and intercept calls and SMS messages, including two-factor authentication codes. 

You should immediately lock your SIM card with a PIN to prevent this. This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a passcode when the SIM is inserted into a new device or changes are made to the mobile profile. The process is simple and available on both Android and iOS devices through your phone’s security or cellular settings. 

Avoid using easily guessed PINs like “0000” or “1234,” and instead choose a unique code that’s hard to crack. With a SIM PIN in place, attackers will have a much harder time executing a SIM swap or gaining control of your number.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the most effective ways to protect your online accounts in the event that your phone has been compromised. 2FA adds a second layer of verification, typically requiring a time-sensitive code in addition to your password. 

Even if a hacker obtains your login credentials through malware or phishing, they won’t be able to access your accounts without that second verification factor. While many people use SMS-based codes, relying on authenticator apps such as Google Authenticator or Authy is more secure, they are not vulnerable to SIM swap attacks.

 Enable 2FA on all critical accounts, including email, cloud storage, banking, and especially your VPN service. This simple measure can significantly reduce the likelihood of full account takeovers and limit the damage a hacker can do if your phone is compromised.

5 Tips to Prevent Your Phone from Being Hacked

Although there are multiple ways for a hacker to gain access to your phone to steal private and sensitive data, here are several preventative measures to consider taking:

Use a VPN to Protect Your Data Online

VPNs work in a way where that connects your device to a VPN server. AstrillVPN, for example, has hundreds of servers in over fifty countries. This means that whenever you connect to a VPN, you will be totally anonymous and untraceable. All of your data will also be encrypted, whether incoming or outgoing. 

Any hackers trying to hijack your device will ultimately fail. AstrillVPN will change your IP address, protect your data, and give you an incomparable experience of privacy when online.

If you are using an iPhone, then you can check out our Astrill VPN on iPhone guide. 

Moreover, you are android user then you can check our VPN guide on Android

Constantly Update your Phone and its Apps

Prevention is definitely better than a last-minute solution. Other than keeping your bases covered with anti-malware software, staying updated with your phone’s own security updates is essential. Make sure you keep all apps and services active with regular updates, as that keeps everything running smoothly and securely.

Use a Password Manager

A complicated password is one of the best defenses against hacking attacks. However, it can get troublesome to remember a variety of passwords. Using a password manager can fix this because you can use it to not only keep your passwords in a safe place but can also use it to create top-notch passwords for total security.

Refrain from Using Third-Party Apps

Third-party applications from the internet do not go through the stringent checks that Google Play has in place for applications on their platform. Many third-party applications often demand unnecessary permissions that grant them greater access to your phone than needed. Google Play also has security protocols in place that immediately delete any malicious app, which further protects your safety. 

Keep Your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Turned off when not in use

Whenever you turn your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth off during inactivity, you are effectively shutting the door to any unwanted parties from entering your device. Prevention is absolutely key, so whenever you are traveling and don’t need to be connected to the internet, just turn the connectivity options off.

Examples of real-life hacks and how they were detected and addressed

Here are some examples of real-life hacks and how they were detected and addressed:

1. Pegasus Spyware

In 2021, the Pegasus spyware was discovered to be infecting the phones of journalists, activists, and government officials worldwide. The spyware could secretly collect data from the phone’s microphone, camera, and other apps and send it back to its operators. The hack was detected by cybersecurity researchers who were analyzing a phone belonging to a Saudi activist, and the issue was addressed by companies releasing security updates to fix the vulnerabilities that the spyware exploited.

2. iPhone Phishing Attack

In 2019, a group of hackers used a sophisticated phishing attack to gain access to the iPhones of several prominent Twitter users, including Elon Musk and Barack Obama. The hackers sent messages that appeared to be from the victims’ IT departments, asking them to enter their login information on a fake website. Once the hackers had access to the victims’ phones, they could post tweets from their accounts. The hack was detected when the fake website was reported to the authorities, and the issue was addressed by Twitter, strengthening its security measures.

3. Android Malware

Researchers discovered “Android.Banker.A9480” in 2018, a malware that targeted banking apps on Android phones in India, stealing sensitive information and login credentials that were transferred to the hacker’s server. The cybersecurity experts identified the hack through suspicious activity on the victim’s phone. The affected banks addressed the issue by releasing security updates to their apps.

4. WhatsApp Spyware

In 2019, WhatsApp revealed that spyware known as “Pegasus” had been used to target the phones of human rights activists and journalists. The spyware could infect the phone via a missed voice call on WhatsApp and then access sensitive information such as location data and messages. The hack was detected when a cybersecurity company discovered the vulnerability and reported it to WhatsApp. The issue was addressed by WhatsApp releasing an update to fix the vulnerability and urging users to update their apps.

5. iOS Malware

Researchers identified “iOS14-JB,” a new iOS malware in 2020 that could jailbreak iPhones and install malicious apps. The malware spread via a fake website that offered iPhone jailbreak software. Upon analyzing the malware, the researchers reported their findings to Apple, which addressed the issue by releasing a security update to patch the exploited vulnerability.

6. SIM Swap Attacks

Several high-profile Twitter accounts were hacked in 2018 in a SIM swap attack, where hackers were able to take control of the victim’s phone numbers and access their accounts. The hack was detected when the victims noticed unusual activity on their accounts and reported it to Twitter. The issue was addressed by Twitter strengthening its security measures and urging users to enable two-factor authentication to protect their accounts.

Why do Hackers Hack your Phone?

Nowadays, our phones are basically our lives. These devices include our private data and have logs of our personal moments. This information can be useful to anyone who has malicious motives, such as:

1. Identity theft, which can be done by stealing baking information
2. Selling personal data to advertisers or companies
3. Using your data for illegal purposes
4. Using your device for mining cryptocurrency
5. Making your device a third-party in cyber or botnet attacks

Conclusion

With all of the sensitive data that we carry along with us in our devices, knowing how to identify any warning signs could make a world of difference. Being aware of how to recognize any red flags and learning how to recover your data if you suffer any losses can help you through an otherwise problematic situation.

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