How to Stop Someone from Spying On Your Phone

Signs Someone Is Spying On Your Phone

Before taking action, it’s worth knowing what to look for. These are the telltale signs that your phone may have spy software installed:

• Your battery life runs down faster than usual. Tracking your GPS location and recording phone calls uses a lot of battery power.
• Your phone is heating up. All the extra processes that are running on your cell phone can cause it to get hotter than usual.
• Your cellular data usage is unusually high. Sending your private information back to the hacker can lead to high data usage.
• You notice distorted noises on phone calls. This may be a sign that your phone calls are being recorded.
• Your phone takes a long time to shut down. If your device is sending large amounts of data to a hacker, these tasks will need to be finished before your device switches off.
• You’re receiving odd text messages that include unrecognized links. This can mean a hacker is trying to access your sensitive information.

9. Use a VPN

When connected to an unsecured public Wi-Fi network, someone on the same network can potentially intercept your unencrypted traffic — monitoring your browsing activity, login attempts, and communications.

A virtual private network (VPN) will encrypt all the traffic between your phone and any online resource it’s accessing, whether it be your email account, social media apps, or a website you’re visiting.

Use a reputable VPN like Certo Secure VPN to ensure that no one can spy on your online activity.

Although a VPN doesn’t automatically give you complete protection, it should be part of an overall security plan.

10. Use two-factor authentication

Hackers don’t always target your phone directly, sometimes they go after the accounts linked to it instead.

If someone gains access to your Apple Account or Google account, they could quietly download everything synced to it: photos, messages, contacts, and more. No spyware needed.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection. Even if a hacker has your password, they’d also need a one-time code sent to your device to get in — which stops them in their tracks.

Here’s how to set it up:

iPhone

1. Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap your name at the top of the screen.
3. Select Sign-In & Security (or Password & Security).
4. Tap Turn On Two-Factor Authentication and follow the on-screen instructions.

Fig 5. Enabling 2FA on iPhone.

Android

1. Open your device’s Settings app.
2. Tap Google (or Accounts, then Google).
3. Select the Google account you want to secure.
4. Tap Manage your Google Account.
5. Tap the Security tab.
6. Tap 2-Step Verification.
7. Tap Turn on 2-Step Verification and follow the on-screen instructions.

Fig 6. Enabling 2FA on Android.

11. Check your Apple Account or Google account for unknown devices

Enabling 2FA is a great start, but it’s worth going one step further and checking exactly which devices are currently signed into your account.

If someone knows your Apple or Google account credentials, they don’t need to install spyware on your phone. They can simply sign in on their own device and quietly access everything backed up to the cloud — your photos, messages, contacts, and even your location history.

This is one of the most underestimated surveillance methods out there, precisely because it leaves no trace on your phone itself. The good news is that it takes less than a minute to check.

iPhone

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap your name at the top of the screen.
3. Scroll down — you’ll see a list of every device signed into your Apple Account.
4. Tap any device you don’t recognize and select Remove from Account.

Fig 7. Checking for connected devices on iPhone.

Android

1. Go to myaccount.google.com in your browser.
2. Tap Security, then Your devices.
3. Review the list and remove any devices you don’t recognize.

Fig 8. Checking for connected devices on Android.

12. Factory reset your phone

It’s worth noting that this is the last resort and should really only be used if nothing else works.

A factory reset will erase all data from your phone and return it to the state it was in when you first opened the box.

This will wipe all your personal data, so make sure you back up any contacts, photos, videos, and data that you want to keep.

Here’s how to do a factory reset for an iPhone and Android device:

iPhone

Before you start, make sure to back up your iPhone to iCloud or a computer. This will save your photos, messages, contacts, and other data.

1. Once your data is backed up go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap General.
3. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
4. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
5. You might be asked to enter your device passcode or Apple ID password to confirm.
6. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm that you want to erase your iPhone. This process may take a few minutes.

Fig 9. Performing a factory reset on iPhone.

Android

As with an iPhone, be sure to back up your important data (photos, contacts, messages, etc.) to Google Drive or another storage option.

1. Go to the Settings app on your phone.
2. Use the search bar at the top of Settings to find Reset or similar options. Alternatively, you can usually find it under System or General management.
3. Tap Factory data reset or a similar option (the wording may vary slightly depending on your Android version and phone model).
4. Tap Reset phone or Erase everything to confirm.
5. You may be asked to enter your PIN, pattern, or password to authorize the reset.
6. Your phone will restart and begin the reset process. This may take several minutes.

Fig 10. Performing a factory reset on Android.

Wrapping Up

Phone spying rarely looks like something out of a thriller — in most cases, it’s carried out by someone close to you, using tools that are cheap, easy to find, and designed to stay hidden.

That’s what makes it so unsettling. But it’s also why awareness is such a powerful first step.

If something still feels off after working through this guide, trust that instinct. A quick scan with Certo AntiSpy for iPhone or Android can tell you in minutes whether there’s something on your device that shouldn’t be there.

And if you believe the person spying on you is a partner, ex, or someone you live with — your safety matters more than your phone. The Coalition Against Stalkerware offers free resources and support for anyone in that situation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there a way to tell if your phone is being spied on?

Yes, there are indicators that your phone might be monitored. Unexpected battery drain, strange noises during calls, and unexplained data usage spikes can be signs to look out for. Installing a reputable security app can help detect spyware and other threats.

Can I block my phone from being spied on?

To stop someone from spying on your mobile device, change your passcode and utilize biometric features like fingerprints or facial recognition. Restart your phone, update your device and apps to the latest versions, and perform a scan for spyware using a reliable tool.

Additionally, check for location-sharing settings in apps like Google Maps and Apple’s Find My, and as a last resort, consider a factory reset after backing up essential data.

How do I protect my phone from being tracked?

To prevent tracking, regularly review and limit app permissions, especially those requesting location access.

Use encrypted communication apps, disable unnecessary location services, and consider using a VPN. Remember, though, some tracking, like by mobile carriers, can’t be completely stopped.

How can I make sure my online activities are secure?

Use a reputable VPN to encrypt online traffic, enable two-factor authentication on your accounts, and be cautious about the accounts you’re logged into, especially on browsers and apps.