Is Your Phone Being Spied On? 6 Clear Signs You’re Being Tracked

The Growing Threat of Phone Spying

In 2025, smartphones are our lifeline—storing photos, messages, and banking details. But this makes them prime targets for spyware and stalkerware, malicious apps that track your location, messages, or even activate your camera remotely. According to Surfshark, spyware infections are rising, with 75% of people admitting to checking their partner’s phone, per Kaspersky. How can you tell if your phone is compromised? Here are six clear signs to watch for, plus practical steps to secure your device, inspired by insights from TechTudo, Olhar Digital, and ESET.

[](https://g1.globo.com/fantastico/noticia/2020/01/31/como-descobrir-se-voce-esta-sendo-espionado-pelo-celular-veja-dicas.ghtml)[](https://olhardigital.com.br/2024/10/06/dicas-e-tutoriais/6-apps-para-saber-se-o-celular-esta-sendo-espionado/)[](https://www.techtudo.com.br/noticias/2024/02/como-saber-se-meu-celular-esta-sendo-rastreado-veja-o-guia-definitivo-edmobile.ghtml)

6 Clear Signs Your Phone Is Being Tracked

Spyware often hides, but it leaves clues. Here are the top six signs your phone might be spied on in 2025, based on expert analysis.

1. Battery Draining Unusually Fast

If your phone’s battery is dying much faster than usual, even with normal use, spyware could be the culprit. These apps run in the background, sending data to remote servers, which drains energy. TechTudo notes that spyware’s constant activity can cut battery life significantly. Check your battery usage in settings to spot unfamiliar apps consuming power.

[](https://www.techtudo.com.br/listas/2025/05/5-sinais-assustadores-de-que-alguem-esta-te-espionando-pelo-seu-celular-edapps.ghtml)

Tip: On Android, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Usage. On iOS, check Settings > Battery. Look for apps you don’t recognize.

2. Phone Overheating Without Use

Does your phone feel hot even when idle? Spyware taxes your processor by running processes like GPS tracking or data uploads, causing overheating. ESET warns that consistent overheating during minimal use is a red flag. Normal tasks like gaming cause heat, but an idle phone shouldn’t.

[](https://www.folhabv.com.br/inovacao-e-tech/como-saber-se-meu-celular-esta-sendo-rastreado/)

Try This: Leave your phone untouched for 30 minutes. If it’s warm, investigate further.

3. Unexpected Data Usage Spikes

Spyware often uses your data to send stolen information to hackers. If your data usage spikes without explanation, as noted by Olhar Digital, it could indicate tracking. For example, a 2024 Surfshark report found that spyware can consume significant data, even on Wi-Fi.

[](https://olhardigital.com.br/2024/10/06/dicas-e-tutoriais/6-apps-para-saber-se-o-celular-esta-sendo-espionado/)[](https://surfshark.com/pt-br/blog/como-saber-se-tem-alguem-espionando-meu-celular)

Check It: On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage. On iOS, check Settings > Cellular. Look for unusual app activity.

4. Strange Noises During Calls

Hearing clicks, static, or echoes during calls? While network issues can cause this, persistent odd sounds may signal spyware recording your conversations, per Terra. Sophisticated apps can activate your microphone remotely, invading your privacy.

[](https://www.terra.com.br/byte/como-saber-se-meu-celular-esta-sendo-rastreado-codigos%2C51eda8ca2b8c564c75429497aa2a226bi38uhsk7.html)

Action: Test calls with a trusted contact. If noises persist, run an antivirus scan.

5. Pop-Up Ads or Strange Notifications

Frequent pop-ups, especially those mimicking system alerts, or notifications from unknown apps are major warning signs. TechTudo reports that spyware often generates intrusive ads to trick users into installing more malware. SMS with random codes, as noted by ESET, may also indicate remote commands to spyware.

[](https://www.techtudo.com.br/noticias/2024/02/como-saber-se-meu-celular-esta-sendo-rastreado-veja-o-guia-definitivo-edmobile.ghtml)[](https://www.folhabv.com.br/inovacao-e-tech/como-saber-se-meu-celular-esta-sendo-rastreado/)

Solution: Avoid clicking suspicious pop-ups. Check your notification history for unfamiliar sources.

6. Unfamiliar Apps or Settings Changes

Spot an app you didn’t install? Spyware may disguise itself as legitimate apps or hide entirely, per ExpressVPN. Changes like enabled “Developer Mode” or “Unknown Sources” (Android) without your input are also suspicious, as highlighted by Terra.

[](https://www.expressvpn.com/pt/blog/tem-alguem-espionando-o-seu-celular/)[](https://www.terra.com.br/byte/como-saber-se-meu-celular-esta-sendo-rastreado-codigos%2C51eda8ca2b8c564c75429497aa2a226bi38uhsk7.html)

Verify: On Android, check Settings > Apps. On iOS, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Remove unknown apps immediately.

What to Do If You Suspect Spying

If you notice two or more of these signs, act quickly to protect your privacy. Here’s a step-by-step guide, inspired by Olhar Digital and Surfshark.

[](https://surfshark.com/pt-br/blog/como-saber-se-tem-alguem-espionando-meu-celular)[](https://olhardigital.com.br/2024/10/06/dicas-e-tutoriais/6-apps-para-saber-se-o-celular-esta-sendo-espionado/)

Run an Antivirus Scan: Use apps like AVG AntiVirus FREE (Android) or Certo AntiSpy (iOS) to detect spyware.
Check App Permissions: Review permissions in Settings > Apps (Android) or Settings > Privacy (iOS). Revoke access for suspicious apps, especially those using location or microphone.
Update Your Phone: Install the latest OS updates to patch security vulnerabilities, as advised by ESET.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Secure your accounts (e.g., iCloud, Google) with 2FA to prevent unauthorized access, per ExpressVPN.
Use a VPN: Apps like NordVPN or Surfshark hide your IP and protect against tracking.
Factory Reset: If spyware persists, back up critical data and reset your phone to factory settings. Note: This deletes all data, so proceed carefully.
Seek Professional Help: For serious cases, like suspected stalking, contact experts or organizations like the Coalition Against Stalkerware.

Warning: Avoid confronting suspected spies, as removing spyware may alert them, per Top10VPN. If you fear for your safety, contact authorities using a secure device.

[](https://www.top10vpn.com/pt/guias/tem-alguem-espionando-meu-celular/)

How to Prevent Phone Spying

Prevention is key to staying safe. Follow these tips to protect your phone in 2025:

Avoid Suspicious Links: Don’t click links in unknown texts or emails, which may install spyware via phishing, per TechTudo.
Download from Trusted Sources: Stick to Google Play or App Store, as jailbreaking or sideloading apps increases risks.
Secure Your Device: Use strong passwords, PINs, or biometrics, and lock your phone when not in use.
Monitor Account Activity: Check Gmail or iCloud for unfamiliar logins via “Last Account Activity” or “Devices.”
Disable Unnecessary Features: Turn off GPS when not needed, or use apps like iMyFone AnyTo to spoof location.

Why Act Now?

With spyware becoming more sophisticated, as noted by @ESETLA on X, your phone could be compromised without obvious signs. In Brazil, where mobile banking is widespread, spyware can lead to financial theft or identity fraud. Stay vigilant, check for these six signs, and secure your device today. Share your cybersecurity tips on X with #PhoneSecurity2025!

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