How to Remove a Hacker from Your Samsung Phone: 8 Easy Solutions

Worried someone might be spying on your Samsung phone? It happens more often than you might think.

In late 2024, security researchers discovered a critical vulnerability affecting multiple Samsung Exynos processors, allowing hackers to execute code remotely and take control of the device. Meanwhile, Certo’s 2024 Mobile Security Roundup revealed spyware threats on over 43,000 Android phones, the majority of which were Samsung devices.

Android’s flexibility allows app installation from sources beyond the Google Play Store, but this can be exploited if someone gains access to your device or tricks you into installing malicious software.

If you suspect your Samsung phone has been compromised, there are proven steps to detect, remove, and prevent future threats. This guide shows you exactly how to secure your device and protect your personal information.

10 Signs of a Hacked Phone

Malicious software like trojans, viruses and spyware are designed to stay hidden, but often leave warning signs. Here’s what to watch out for on your Samsung phone:

1. Shorter battery life

Spyware constantly runs in the background to track activity or transmit data. This extra processing can drain your battery faster than usual, even during light use.

2. Unfamiliar apps

Hackers often hide malware inside apps that look legitimate. If you spot apps you don’t recognize, it could mean malicious software was added by someone with physical access to your phone, or you may have unknowingly downloaded a malicious app disguised as something legitimate.

3. Your phone feels hot

Malware increases processor load by constantly monitoring your actions and communicating with remote servers. This causes your phone battery to work overtime, which may cause it to overheat.

4. Increased data usage

Spyware sends stolen data to a hacker’s server. A noticeable spike in mobile data, especially when you’re not streaming or downloading anything, could indicate the presence of spyware.

5. Delayed shutdown

If your phone takes longer than normal to turn off, it might be because a hidden spy app is still active, finishing its data collection or transmission before allowing the device to shut down.

6. Messages or calls you didn’t make

Some spyware can send messages or make calls to premium-rate numbers or even communicate with other compromised devices. These actions are still logged in your outgoing messages and calls.

7. Strange pop-ups

Unexpected system pop-ups or permission requests can indicate hackers trying to gain more access or update their malicious code.

8. Random crashes or restarts

Malware is often unstable. It can conflict with other installed apps or overload your phone’s resources, leading to freezing, crashing, or sudden reboots.

9. Sluggish performance

If your phone lags or slows down without explanation, it could be because malware is using memory and processing power in the background.

10. Changes to settings

Hackers often need to make changes to your phone’s security settings—such as turning off Google Play Protect or enabling certain permissions—in order to install malicious apps.

8 Ways to Detect and Remove Hackers on Samsung Phones

If your phone is experiencing any of the warning signs above, or you suspect it has been hacked, there are a few things you can do.

1. Check for suspicious admin privileges

Hackers can give malware access to special admin privileges, which allows it to gain access to your private data and makes it more difficult to remove.

You can review which installed apps have these permissions and revoke them if they look suspicious.

To check:

1. Open your Settings app.
2. Search for “device admin” and tap Device admin apps in the results.
3. Tap Device admin apps.
4. Look for any apps you don’t recognize.

Removing these permissions can make it easier to delete suspicious apps later.

Fig 1. Locating device admin apps on Samsung.

2. Review app permissions

Some malicious apps request access to your camera, microphone, or location to transmit recordings and data to hackers. Unusual or excessive permissions can be a sign of spyware.

As with admin privileges, it’s worth reviewing these and removing permissions from any that look suspicious.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Security and privacy.
3. Tap Privacy.
4. Select Permission manager.
5. Tap each permission (e.g., microphone, location) and check for any apps that shouldn’t have access.

Fig 2. Reviewing app permissions on Samsung.

3. Manually uninstall suspicious apps

Did you notice any unfamiliar apps while checking privileges and permissions? It’s worth investigating these further and removing any that you don’t recognize, as they could potentially be unwanted software.

To uninstall:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Scroll through and look for anything you don’t recognize or trust.
4. Tap the app and select Uninstall.

Fig 3. Uninstalling a malicious app on Samsung.

If the uninstall option is greyed out, it may have device admin access. Disable that first using the steps in the earlier section.

4. Boot into Safe Mode

If your device is behaving unusually, restarting in Safe Mode can help you test if it’s caused by a malicious app.

Safe Mode temporarily disables third-party apps. If your phone behaves normally in Safe Mode, then it might have a malicious app installed.

To enter Safe Mode:

1. Press and hold the power and volume down buttons.
2. Tap and hold Power off until Safe Mode appears.
3. Tap Safe Mode.

To exit Safe Mode, simply restart your phone.

Fig 4. Entering safe mode on a Samsung phone.

Uninstall suspicious apps one at a time to find out which one is to blame. Remember that changes only take effect after exiting safe mode, so you must restart your mobile device each time.

5. Use Samsung’s security scan

If you can’t fix the issue using safe mode, the next step is to use the security check built into most of Samsung’s devices. This will allow you to quickly scan your device and detect many types of malware installed on the device.

How to use the Samsung’s security scanner:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Security and privacy.
3. Tap Scan.

Fig 5. Scanning for malware with Samsung’s built-in security scanner.

6. Use Certo AntiSpy

Using an anti-spyware app like Certo AntiSpy is the best way to deal with phone hacking.

It’s free to download from the Google Play Store, and compatible with all Android devices, including Samsung phones. Using advanced deep scan technology, Certo can detect hidden spyware that other security apps might miss.

Scanning for and removing threats is easy with Certo:

1. On the home screen, tap Scan.
2. Wait while the app checks your device for spyware and other threats.
3. Review the results. If anything suspicious is found, just tap Remove to secure your phone.

Fig 6. Detecting malware with Certo AntiSpy for Android.

7. Change your passwords on another device

If your phone has been hacked, your online accounts could also be at risk. Spyware may have recorded your login details, so changing passwords is vital when your phone has been hacked.

However, you should avoid doing it using the infected phone, as hackers might steal them again.

To stay safe:

• Use a trusted computer or device.
• Change passwords for email, banking, and social media accounts.
• Set strong, unique passwords for each account.
• Turn on two-factor authentication where available.

8. The last resort: Factory reset

A factory reset will wipe everything on your phone and return it to its original settings. This removes even the most deeply embedded malware, but it should only be done if other steps fail.

To reset:

1. Back up important photos, phone numbers, contacts, and files (but avoid restoring apps you don’t trust)
2. Go to Settings.
3. Tap General management.
4. Select Reset > Factory data reset.
5. Follow the prompts to complete the reset.

Once reset, only reinstall trusted apps from the Google Play Store to avoid reintroducing malware.

Fig 7. Performing a factory reset on Samsung.

How to Keep Your Samsung Phone Secure in the Future

Here are some best practices to protect your Samsung device from hackers.

Use a security app

Certo AntiSpy provides ongoing protection for your Samsung phone, not just one-time threat removal.

The app can run automatic scans in the background, giving you continuous security without any effort on your part.

Here’s how to set up Real-Time Protection:

1. On the home screen, tap Real-Time Protection.
2. Tap the slider at the top to turn the feature on.
3. You’ll get an alert the moment any threats are detected.

Fig 8. Activating Real-Time Protection in Certo AntiSpy.

Keep your phone updated

Keeping your phone operating system updated with the latest security patches is essential. Samsung regularly releases security patches to fix vulnerabilities and protect against new threats.

Regularly checking for updates and installing them will fortify your device against potential security threats.

To check for updates:

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap Software update.
3. Tap Download and install.
4. Your phone will check for available updates
5. If an update is available, tap Download.
6. Once downloaded, tap Install now to begin the update.
7. Your phone will restart during the installation process.

Fig 9. Performing a software update on Samsung.

If your phone says it’s up to date, no further action is needed, but it’s a good habit to check regularly or enable automatic updates.

Use a strong passcode

To improve your phone’s security, opt for a passcode consisting of numbers and letters for your lock screen.

This passcode, when combined with biometric authentication options like fingerprint or facial recognition, creates a formidable barrier against unauthorized access.

To change your Samsung phone’s passcode:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Security and privacy.
3. Tap Lock screen.
4. Tap Screen lock.
5. Enter your current passcode, PIN, or pattern when prompted.
6. Select Password (or choose PIN or Pattern if preferred).
7. Enter your new password and tap Continue.
8. Re-enter the new password to confirm, then tap OK.

Fig 10. Changing screen lock settings on Samsung.

Only download apps from trusted sources

Malicious apps can compromise your device’s security. It’s therefore paramount to download applications only from reputable sources, such as the Google Play Store or the Galaxy Store.

These official app stores have security measures in place to screen apps before they’re made available for download. While no system is perfect, sticking to official stores significantly reduces your risk of accidentally installing malware.

If you need to install an app from outside these stores, research the app thoroughly first. Check reviews, verify the developer’s reputation, and make sure you trust the source completely before proceeding.

Block unsafe or annoying pop up ads

Intrusive pop-up ads can be more than just an annoyance; they can serve as gateways for malware. Protect your device by using an ad blocker app. This enhances your browsing experience and shields you from potential threats.

To use an ad blocker:

1. Open the Samsung Internet app.
2. Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines in the bottom-right corner).
3. Tap Ad blockers.
4. You’ll see a list of recommended ad blocker extensions.
5. Tap the Download button next to one (e.g., Adblock Fast, AdGuard, or Adblock Plus).
6. You’ll be taken to the Galaxy Store — tap Install.
7. Once installed, return to the Ad blockers menu and tap the switch next to the ad blocker to enable it.

Fig 11. Enabling an ad blocker in the Samsung Internet app.

Use Samsung Pass

Samsung Pass enables users to use their fingerprint or facial recognition data for authentication, replacing the need for traditional passwords.

This method is not only quicker than manually typing out your password, it also adds an extra layer of biometric security. Here’s how to set up Samsung Pass:

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap Security and privacy.
3. Tap Samsung Pass.
4. Review the welcome screen and tap Continue.
5. Sign in to your Samsung account (or create one if you haven’t already).
6. Agree to the terms and conditions.
7. Set up biometric verification if you haven’t already (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition).
8. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete setup.

Fig 12. Activating Samsung Pass.

Once Samsung Pass is active, it can securely store and autofill login details for websites and apps using your biometric data.

Use Secure Folder

Samsung phones have several built-in security features, like the Secure Folder. This creates a private, encrypted space on your device.

Anything you move into the folder such as apps, photos, documents, or files, is protected by a separate lock (such as a password or fingerprint). It’s a useful way to hide sensitive content from anyone who might access your phone, including potential hackers or people you know.

Apps and data stored in your Secure Folder are sandboxed, meaning they don’t interact with content in your main phone space. For example, a messaging app in the Secure Folder will have its own contacts and data, completely separate from the main version.

To set up Secure Folder:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Security and privacy.
3. Scroll down and tap Secure Folder.
4. Sign in to your Samsung account if prompted.
5. Tap Continue and follow the on-screen steps.
6. Choose a lock type (PIN, password, pattern, or biometric) for added security.
7. Once setup is complete, the Secure Folder icon will appear on your apps screen.

Fig 13. Setting up a Secure Folder on Samsung.

Don’t click suspicious links

Be cautious with links in text messages, emails, or social media—especially from unknown senders. Scammers often create fake websites that look identical to real ones to steal your login details or trick you into downloading malware.

Before clicking any link, ask yourself: Do I know this sender? Does this message seem legitimate? When in doubt, go directly to the official website or app instead of clicking the link.

Don’t root your device

Rooting a phone means removing the built-in restrictions that limit access to system files and settings. Some people root their Samsung device to unlock advanced features or customizations.

However, when a device is rooted, it bypasses Samsung and Google’s key protections. This makes it much easier for spyware, malware, or hackers to gain remote access to your phone’s data.

Sometimes, a third party may root your device without your knowledge in order to install spyware. If you have Certo’s Android app, it can detect if a third party has rooted your device.

Here’s how to use Certo to check for signs of rooting:

1. On the home screen, tap Scan.
2. Wait while the app checks your device for rooting and other threats.
3. If the Certo reports that your device is rooted, then try downloading an update for your phone.
4. If updating your phone doesn’t work, try a factory reset (we covered how to do this earlier in the article).

Wrapping Up

Discovering your Samsung phone has been hacked can feel like a major violation of your privacy, but the reality is that these threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and common. The key is responding quickly and methodically rather than panicking.

What many people don’t realize is that most phone hacking isn’t carried out by seasoned cybercriminals—it’s often someone you know who had brief physical access to your device. This makes prevention through strong security habits even more crucial than reactive measures.

The steps in this guide aren’t just about cleaning up after an attack; they’re about building a fortress around your digital life. Regular security scans, careful app management, and staying vigilant about unusual behavior can prevent most threats before they take hold.

If you’re still uncertain about your phone’s security, running a free scan with Certo AntiSpy can provide definitive answers in just minutes. Your privacy is worth the small effort it takes to protect it properly.

FAQs

Is a Samsung phone easy to hack?

Most phone manufacturers prioritize security when designing their devices, and Samsung is no exception. However, it is relatively simple for someone to install spyware on your device without your knowledge.

Spyware apps can be purchased for around $30 and installed on your phone by anyone who has physical access to it.

To protect yourself against this type of threat, we recommend downloading an anti-spyware app like Certo.

What is the safest phone to have?

Unfortunately, there is no definite answer to this question, since it’s technically possible for all phones to be hacked. Whatever phone you have, our best advice is to use strong and unique passwords, be vigilant, and use an anti-spyware app to protect your phone and your personal information.

Who can I contact about my phone being hacked?

If you’re concerned that your phone has been hacked, use an app like Certo to investigate. If it becomes clear that you are a victim of phone hacking, you should contact any financial services or online stores that have your credit card or bank account information.

It’s also a good idea to contact your bank to find out whether there have been any fraudulent transactions.