How To Tell If Someone Is Accessing Your iPhone Remotely

How to Spot Unauthorized Remote Access to Your iPhone

There are several ways someone could gain remote access to your iPhone. Below, we’ll walk you through the most common methods, how to spot them, and what to do if you discover unauthorized access.

1. Spyware is installed on your iPhone

Spyware is malicious software designed to secretly monitor your activity and steal your personal data. Once installed, it gives cybercriminals remote access to almost everything on your device—your location, call logs, text messages, and even what you’re typing.

How spyware gets on your iPhone

• Someone gains physical access to your phone and installs it directly.
• You’re tricked into downloading it through a phishing email or text message.
• You unknowingly download a malicious app from the App Store or a third-party.

Warning signs of iPhone spyware

Keep in mind that some of these signs could have other causes, but if you notice several together, it’s worth investigating:

• Someone knows details about your private conversations.
• You discover an app called Cydia on your phone (indicates jailbreaking).
• Unfamiliar apps appear on your device.
• Data usage is unusually high.
• Unknown configuration profiles are installed.
• Custom keyboards you didn’t add appear in your settings.
• Developer Mode is enabled on your device.
• The orange or green privacy dots appear when you’re not using your camera or microphone.
• Your battery drains faster than expected or your phone gets hot when idle.

How to remove spyware from your iPhone

If you suspect spyware, take these steps in order:

1️⃣ Restart your device

Restarting your iPhone can restore security features that may have been disabled when spyware was installed. Some types of spyware also don’t survive a reboot, so this simple step can sometimes stop the threat immediately.

2️⃣ Update iOS

Spyware often exploits vulnerabilities in outdated software. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates.

3️⃣ Look for suspicious apps

Go through your installed apps carefully. Check Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see a complete list. Delete anything you don’t recognize.

4️⃣ Use anti-spyware software

The most reliable way to find and remove spyware is with a tool designed for the job. Certo AntiSpy scans your iPhone from a computer via USB, allowing it to perform a deeper scan than traditional anti-spyware apps.

It can quickly detect hidden threats, and help you remove them completely.

Fig 1. Certo AntiSpy detecting spyware on an iPhone.

Protect yourself from future spyware attacks

Whether you found spyware or just want to stay protected, these steps will help keep your iPhone secure:

• Never click links in unsolicited texts or emails.
• Be cautious with apps that seem slow, glitchy, or outdated.
• Always read reviews before downloading any app and only get apps from Apple’s official App Store.
• Keep your iPhone’s passcode private and enable Face ID or Touch ID.

2. Your iCloud account has been compromised

Most people sync data from their iPhone to their iCloud account. If someone hacks your iCloud account, they can access a frightening amount of this data from anywhere in the world—your location, iMessages, call logs, photos, videos, and more.

What makes iCloud hacking particularly concerning is how hard it can be to detect. Someone could be monitoring your data for months or even years without you noticing.

Signs your iCloud has been hacked

Look out for these warning signs:

• Your Apple Account password suddenly doesn’t work.
• Your iPhone is mysteriously locked or in Lost Mode.
• You see unrecognized devices in your iCloud account.
• You receive an unexpected login notification from Apple.

How to secure your iCloud account

Check for unknown devices:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap your name at the top.
3. Scroll down to see all devices signed into your Apple Account.
4. Look for any device you don’t recognize.
5. Tap the unknown device and select Remove from Account.

Fig 2. How to find out what devices are connected to an Apple Account.

Change your password:

Change your Apple Account password immediately if you suspect unauthorized access. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign-In & Security > Change Password.

Enable two-factor authentication:

This adds a crucial extra layer of security. Even if someone has your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the verification code sent to your trusted devices.

1. Go to Settings and tap your name.
2. Tap Sign-In & Security.
3. Tap Two-Factor Authentication.
4. Tap Turn On Two-Factor Authentication.

3. Someone added themselves to your Family Sharing

Apple’s Family Sharing feature is designed to let families share purchases and subscriptions. But cybercriminals can exploit it to track your location remotely.

To do this, they either need to hack your Apple Account or gain brief physical access to one of your devices. Once they’ve added themselves to your Family Sharing, they can see your location whenever they want.

How to check for unauthorized Family Sharing users

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap your name at the top.
3. Tap Family.
4. Review the list carefully—do you recognize everyone?

How to remove suspicious users

1. In Family, tap the user you want to remove.
2. Tap Remove [name] From Family.
3. Confirm your choice.

After removing unknown users, change your Apple Account password and enable two-factor authentication to prevent this from happening again.

Fig 3. Removing a user from family sharing.

4. Linked devices on your messaging apps

Hackers don’t just target your iPhone—they might also go after the messaging apps you use. Apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram all have “linked device” features that let you access your messages on multiple devices. While convenient for legitimate use, this feature can be exploited by someone with brief physical access to your phone.

Here’s how it works: By using your phone to scan a QR code on their own device, someone can link it to your messaging account. From that point on, they can read all your new messages—even after they no longer have access to your phone.

Signs your messaging apps have been compromised

• You see devices you don’t recognize in your linked devices list.
• Messages are marked as read even though you never opened them.
• Your contacts receive strange messages from your account.
• You get a notification about a new device being linked to your account.

How to check and remove unknown linked devices

For WhatsApp:

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Tap Linked Devices.
4. Check for any devices you don’t recognize.
5. Tap the unknown device and select Log Out.

For Signal:

1. Open Signal.
2. Tap your profile icon, then tap Settings.
3. Select Linked Devices.
4. Review the list for unfamiliar devices.
5. Tap any unknown device and select Unlink Device.

For Telegram:

1. Open Telegram.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Tap Devices.
4. Look for sessions you don’t recognize.
5. Tap the session and select Terminate Session.

Protect your messaging apps from unauthorized access

• Use a strong passcode or biometric lock for your iPhone.
• Enable two-factor authentication in your messaging apps.
• Never share verification codes with anyone.
• Keep your phone with you at all times.
• Regularly check your linked devices for anything suspicious.

5. Advanced spyware like Pegasus

Pegasus represents one of the most sophisticated forms of remote iPhone surveillance. Developed by the Israeli company NSO Group, this powerful spyware has been used by governments to target journalists, activists, and high-profile individuals around the world.

What makes Pegasus particularly dangerous is its “zero-click” capability—it can be installed remotely without you needing to click anything or interact with any message.

In some cases, simply receiving an iMessage was enough to trigger the spyware. While this level of attack is rare and typically reserved for high-risk targets, it’s important to understand it exists.

Once installed, Pegasus can:

• Access all your messages, calls, and emails.
• Track your location in real-time.
• Secretly record you through your camera and microphone.
• Steal your passwords and access your accounts.

Signs of possible Pegasus infection

Detecting Pegasus is extremely difficult because it’s designed to be invisible. However, you might notice:

• Excessive battery drain with no clear cause.
• Unusual data usage patterns.
• Unexpected phone behavior or crashes.
• Your device running hot even when idle.

How to check for Pegasus

For those who want to investigate themselves, you can use the Mobile Verification Toolkit (MVT)—a free tool created by Amnesty International specifically for detecting Pegasus. However, it requires comfort with command-line tools and technical analysis.

You can learn more about using MVT and detecting Pegasus in our detailed guide: How Do You Detect Pegasus Spyware on Your iPhone?

Basic protection against advanced threats

While Pegasus-level attacks are rare for most people, these steps can help protect you:

• Reboot your iPhone regularly (Pegasus often doesn’t survive reboots).
• Keep iOS updated to the latest version.
• Avoid interacting with unsolicited messages.
• Enable Lockdown Mode if you’re a high-risk target.
• Use anti-spyware software for regular security checks.

Wrapping Up

The thought that someone might be watching your iPhone activity without permission is uncomfortable—and if you’re reading this article, you probably have a reason to be concerned. Trust that instinct.

The good news? Most people who gain unauthorized access to iPhones aren’t sophisticated hackers; they’re people who had brief physical access to your device or tricked you into revealing your password. That means the problem is usually fixable once you know what to look for.

If something feels off about your phone—maybe your battery is draining too fast, or someone seems to know things they shouldn’t—don’t brush it off.

Take 10 minutes to run through the checks we’ve outlined. Look at your linked devices, review your iCloud settings, and if you’re still unsure, run a scan with Certo AntiSpy. It’s designed to give you a clear answer in minutes.

Your privacy matters, and you have more control than you think. Taking action today means you can stop worrying and start knowing for sure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone access my iPhone remotely without me knowing?

Yes, it’s possible through several methods including spyware installation, iCloud account hacking, Family Sharing exploitation, or linked messaging devices.

However, there are usually warning signs like unusual battery drain, unfamiliar devices in your accounts, or strange phone behavior. Regular security checks and monitoring your device settings can help you detect unauthorized access.

How do I know if someone is spying on my iPhone?

Look for warning signs such as: faster battery drain, your phone getting hot, unusually high data usage, unfamiliar apps or devices in your settings, messages being marked as read when you didn’t open them, or someone knowing details about your private conversations.

Running a scan with anti-spyware software like Certo AntiSpy is also a great way to check.

Can someone hack my iPhone through iCloud?

Yes, if someone gains access to your Apple Account credentials, they can access any data you’ve synced to iCloud—including your photos, messages, location, and backups.

Signs of iCloud hacking include login notifications you don’t recognize, unknown devices in your Apple Account, or your password suddenly not working. Protect yourself by using a strong password and enabling two-factor authentication.

What should I do if I find unauthorized access to my iPhone?

Immediately change your Apple Account password, remove any unknown devices from your Apple ID and messaging apps, enable two-factor authentication, run an anti-spyware scan with Certo AntiSpy, update iOS to the latest version, and review all your privacy settings.

If you discover spyware or suspect serious hacking, consider contacting Apple Support or a digital security expert.

Can spyware be installed on my iPhone without physical access?

In most cases, no. Standard iPhone spyware typically requires physical access to your device to be installed.

However, sophisticated spyware like Pegasus can be installed remotely through zero-click exploits—though these attacks are rare and typically only used against high-profile targets like journalists and activists.

For the average person, protecting your device with a passcode and keeping it up to date with the latest software updates is usually sufficient.

How often should I check my iPhone for unauthorized access?

It’s a good practice to run a security scan with anti-spyware software weekly, or immediately if you notice any suspicious behavior.

Additionally, review your Apple Account connected devices, messaging app linked devices, and Family Sharing members every few months. If you’re in a situation where you’re particularly concerned about surveillance (such as leaving an abusive relationship), consider checking weekly.