Can Spyware Be Transferred to a New Phone?

Many people believe that getting a new phone will automatically solve their security issues. After all, a fresh device should mean a clean slate, right? Unfortunately, when it comes to mobile security, things aren’t always that straightforward. Let’s explore whether spyware can follow you to your new device and what you can do to protect yourself.

Spyware can transfer through backups, compromised accounts, or malicious apps. Stay protected with Certo’s award-winning apps for iPhone and Android.

Understanding How Spyware Works

Before diving into whether spyware can transfer to a new phone, it’s important to understand how spyware typically infects a device in the first place.

Spyware is malicious software designed to monitor your activities without your knowledge. It can track your location, record calls, capture text messages, monitor app usage, and even access your photos and videos. This type of software is often installed by someone with physical access to your device, but can also be installed remotely through:

Malicious apps.
Phishing links.
Compromised websites.
Exploiting device vulnerabilities.

Can Spyware Transfer to a New Phone?

The short answer is: While spyware doesn’t automatically transfer from an old phone to a new one, there are several ways it can still end up on your new device. Here’s how:

1. Backup Restoration

Many of us set up our new phones by restoring from a computer or cloud backup (e.g. Google or Apple account). If spyware has infected this backup as well as your device, it could potentially be transferred over when you set up your new phone.

⚠️ How it happens: When restoring from a backup to a new device, certain apps and settings are automatically restored. If a malicious app was included in your backup, it might be reinstalled during this process.

2. Manual App Reinstallation

Sometimes people unwittingly reinstall the very spyware that was causing problems on their old device.

⚠️ How it happens: If you don’t realize that a particular app is actually spyware, you might manually download it again on your new phone. This is especially common with apps that appear legitimate but contain hidden malicious code, often called a Trojan.

3. Pre-installed Malware

If you’re purchasing a used or refurbished phone, there’s a small chance it could come with pre-installed malware.

⚠️ How it happens: A previous owner may have installed spyware before selling or returning the device. Or, in rare cases involving shady retailers or distributors, malware could be pre-installed before the device is sold.

4. Account Compromises

Even with a brand new phone, compromised cloud accounts remain a major security risk that many users underestimate. If someone has obtained access to your Apple or Google account, they can continue monitoring you regardless of which physical device you use.

⚠️ How it happens: Attackers gain credentials through phishing emails, data breaches, or password guessing. Once they have access to your cloud accounts, they can push malicious apps to your new device, access your synced data and even track your location, all without needing physical access to your phone.

5. SIM Card Transfer

This is a common concern, but SIM cards themselves do not typically carry or transfer spyware. Your SIM card primarily stores:

Your phone number.
Contact information.
Text messages (in some cases).
Network authentication information.

SIM cards have very limited storage capacity and functionality, making them unlikely vectors for transferring malware. However, there are rare exceptions:

⚠️ How it happens: In highly sophisticated attacks (usually by nation-states or advanced threat actors), certain vulnerabilities in how a device interacts with a SIM could potentially be exploited. These are extremely rare and not a concern for the average user.

How to Prevent Spyware on Your New Phone

Taking the following precautions can help ensure your new device stays spyware-free:

1. Start Fresh

Rather than restoring your entire phone from a backup, consider setting up your new device as new. This can be a bit more time-consuming but provides a much cleaner start.

Manually reinstall apps from official sources only (App Store or Google Play).
Sign in to accounts individually.
Transfer only essential data like photos and contacts.

2. Secure Your Accounts

Your online accounts (email, cloud storage, social media) are prime targets for hackers who could access sensitive data, monitor your activity, or potentially install tracking software depending on the account. Even with a brand-new phone, unsecured accounts can quickly compromise your privacy and security. Before setting up your new phone:

Change passwords for all major accounts.
Enable two-factor authentication.
Review authorized apps and devices and remove any you don’t recognize.
Check for unfamiliar recovery email addresses or phone numbers.

3. Be Cautious with Apps

Apps are the most common vector for spyware installation, with malicious software often hiding behind seemingly innocent applications. Take your time with each installation and remember that convenience should never come at the expense of security. When installing apps on your new device:

Only download from official app stores.
Check app permissions carefully.
Research the developer.
Read reviews from other users.
Avoid sideloading apps or installing from links sent to you.

4. Factory Reset Your New Device

Used devices may contain hidden spyware installed by the previous owner or during the refurbishment process. A factory reset eliminates most threats and gives you a clean foundation for your security setup. If you’re receiving a secondhand phone or one that’s been refurbished:

Perform a factory reset before you begin setup.
Update to the latest operating system immediately.
Install security updates as soon as they’re available.

How to Detect and Remove Spyware

If you suspect your new phone may have spyware, here are 3 effective ways to check your device and remove any threats:

1. Run a Security Scan

Using specialized anti-spyware software like Certo can help detect and remove any hidden spyware on your phone. Unlike general antivirus apps, Certo is specifically designed to identify sophisticated monitoring software that other security apps might miss.

Certo’s deep scan can find and remove:

Spyware
GPS tracking apps
Keyloggers
Trojans
Advanced threats (e.g. Pegasus)

Fig 1. Detecting spyware with Certo for Android.

2. Check for Unfamiliar Apps

Review all installed applications and remove any suspicious ones from your device. Spyware often disguises itself as legitimate apps or hides within duplicates of common applications. Making regular audits of your installed software is essential for maintaining security. Remove any apps that:

You don’t recognize.
You didn’t intentionally install.
Have unusual permissions.
Appear to be duplicates of legitimate apps.

3. Review App Permissions

Go through your app permissions settings and revoke unnecessary access, especially for sensitive features. For example, if a simple calculator app requests access to your camera, microphone, and location, this is a significant red flag that the app may be collecting data beyond its stated purpose.

Location
Camera
Microphone
Contacts
Storage

Pro Tip: Keep your device updated with the latest security patches to close vulnerabilities that spyware might exploit.

From our experience helping thousands of customers remove spyware from their devices, here are the most common scenarios we see where spyware follows users to their new phones:

The victim reinstalls a seemingly harmless app that is actually spyware – Often disguised as utility apps (flashlights, calculators, etc.) or even security apps.
The person who installed the spyware has physical access to the new phone – For example, in cases of domestic abuse or stalking.
The victim’s cloud accounts remain compromised – Allowing the attacker to continue accessing data synced from the phone.
Backup and restore processes – When full system backups are restored without screening for malicious applications.

Final Thoughts

While getting a new phone can be a good step toward removing spyware, it’s not a guaranteed solution. The spyware itself doesn’t transfer directly from one phone to another just by switching SIM cards or being on the same cell plan, but there are several indirect ways it can end up on your new device.

By understanding these risks and taking proper precautions, you can significantly reduce the chances of spyware following you to your new phone. Remember, mobile security is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and awareness of potential threats.

If you’re concerned about spyware on your device, consider running a scan with security software specifically designed to detect mobile spyware. Being proactive about your digital security is the best way to keep your personal information safe.

Transferring data from your old phone? Spyware could come with it. Detect and remove hidden threats with Certo’s powerful security tools.

New Phone Security Checklist

We have put together a comprehensive security checklist you can use when setting up a new phone to minimize the risk of spyware transfer. This checklist covers important steps to take before, during, and after setting up your new device.