How to Tell if Your Phone is Bugged

Sophia Taylor

By Sophia Taylor

Updated:

From keeping up with social media to making financial transactions, we live our lives through our mobile devices. This makes them a prime target for those who wish to invade our privacy.

Phone bugging – secretly monitoring or recording your calls and data–is a chilling reality that can have devastating consequences.

Whether it’s a jealous partner, a suspicious employer, or even a malicious hacker, there are many reasons why someone might bug your phone. The invasion of your privacy can lead to personal data leaks, blackmail, or even physical harm. It’s a violation that can leave you feeling exposed and vulnerable.

This guide will show you how to tell if your phone is bugged. We’ll delve into the signs that your phone might be compromised and provide actionable steps you can take to protect yourself.

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How Can You Tell If Your Phone Is Bugged?

Below is a list of signs that might indicate phone bugging. While none of these on their own are confirmation that your phone is tapped, if you find yourself experiencing many of these, then it would be worth investigating further.

Battery power decreases quickly

While heavy usage like gaming or streaming can naturally drain your phone’s battery, a sudden and significant decrease in battery life, even when idle, could indicate that your phone is bugged. Spyware, running silently in the background, continuously monitors and transmits your data, placing a heavy burden on your battery.

To investigate this potential red flag, check the battery usage statistics on your cell phone. Examine which apps consume the most power. If you see unfamiliar apps or a significant spike in usage that doesn’t align with your activity, it could signal spyware.

Here’s how to check battery usage on both iPhone and Android devices:

iPhone

  1. Go to the Settings app on your home screen.
  2. Scroll down and tap on the Battery option.
  3. Here, you’ll see a graph of your battery level over the past 24 hours and up to the last 10 days. You’ll also find a list of apps, showing the percentage of battery each app has used during this period.
  4. Tap Show Activity to see a detailed breakdown of how long each app was actively used on-screen versus in the background.

Fig 1. Checking battery usage by app on iPhone.

Android

  1. Go to the Settings app from your app drawer or notification panel.
  2. Depending on your Android version and manufacturer, the option might be labeled Battery or Power.
  3. Look for a graph of your battery level and a list of apps with their corresponding battery usage percentages.

Fig 2. Checking battery usage by app on Android.

Pro Tip: Look for any apps you don’t recognize or remember downloading. High battery usage from these apps could indicate spyware.

Unusual sounds during calls

If your calls are consistently disrupted by clicking, static, echoes, or other strange noises, it could be a sign that someone is listening.

While dismissing these sounds as glitches or occasional interference due to a poor signal is easy, their consistent presence is a red flag.

Pay close attention to the frequency and timing of these noises. Do they occur only during certain calls, with specific contacts, or at random times? If you notice a pattern or a consistent presence of these sounds, it’s crucial to investigate further and rule out the possibility of a phone bug.

Unexpected increase in mobile data usage

One way to spot hidden spyware is to monitor your data usage. Bugging software often uses your data to send information back to hackers, which can lead to a noticeable increase in your usage.

Increased data usage can result in unexpected charges or overage fees if you have a limited data plan. Be sure to check your phone bill regularly for any unexplained spikes in cost.

Here’s how to check your data usage on both iPhone and Android devices:

iPhone

  1. Go to the Settings app on your home screen.
  2. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Service).
  3. In the Cellular Data section, you’ll see the total amount of cellular data you’ve used since the last time your billing cycle reset.
  4. Scroll down to see a list of apps and how much cellular data each one has used.

Android

  1. Go to the Settings app.
  2. Tap Network & Internet (or Connections). The exact wording may vary depending on your Android version and manufacturer.
  3. Tap Data Usage. This will take you to a screen that shows your total data usage for the current billing cycle.
  4. Tap on Mobile data usage or a similar option to see a breakdown of how much data each app has used.

Fig 3. Checking data usage by app on iPhone and Android.

Phone acting strangely

A phone with a mind of its own could be a sign that it is bugged. If your phone makes unexplained noises, the screen lights up randomly or it gets unusually hot, someone may have gained unauthorized access to your device.

Here are some specific signs to look out for:

  • Unexplained shutdowns: While occasional automatic updates can cause restarts, frequent and unexplained reboots might indicate that malware is installing new components or trying to cover its tracks.
  • Apps opening and closing on their own: Unexpected app activity, such as apps launching or closing without your input, could signal the presence of rogue software. Spyware might use this tactic to record data, activate your camera or microphone, or perform other malicious actions.
  • Phone overheating: While phones can get warm during heavy use or charging, frequent and unexplained overheating, especially when the phone is idle, could indicate malware running in the background.

Receiving odd text messages

Are you receiving strange or suspicious text messages? This could indicate spyware on your phone. Watch out for:

  • Messages with garbled characters, random numbers, or symbols.
  • Texts from someone who seems to know more about your activities than they should, like an ex or a boss.

Microphone or camera randomly turning on

If the LED light next to your camera turns on unexpectedly or the microphone icon appears in your status bar without you actively using a related app, it’s a sign of a possible phone tap.

Ensure that you monitor which apps have access to your microphone and camera. If you see any apps you don’t remember installing, remove them right away.

Pro Tip: On most phones, you can swipe down from the top of the screen when you see your microphone or camera is in use to see which app is accessing it.

Fig 4. Dot indicating camera in use on Android and iPhone.

Phone taking ages to shut down

If your phone does not shut down properly or takes an unusually long time to turn off, it could be a sign that your device is compromised or bugged. This behavior might indicate that malicious software is running in the background and preventing the phone from shutting down correctly.

There are a few reasons why a tapped phone may have shutdown issues:

  • Background processes: Spyware or malware often runs background processes that can interfere with normal shutdown procedures.
  • Data transmission: Malicious software might secretly transmit data to an external source, delaying shutdown.
  • System conflicts: Unauthorized software can cause conflicts with the phone’s operating system, leading to shutdown issues.

You suddenly stop receiving calls

If you suspect your phone might be bugged, one telltale sign is unauthorized call forwarding. This means your calls and messages could be secretly routed to another device.

You can check for and disable any unauthorized call forwarding by using MMI (Man-Machine Interface) codes, which are specific combinations of numbers and symbols that interact with your phone’s system settings. Simply dial the code and press the call button:

Here are the MMI codes to display the current call-forwarding settings on most phones:

  • *#61# – This code displays the call forwarding status when calls are unanswered.
  • *#67# – This code shows the call forwarding status when your line is busy.
  • ##61# – Disables all call forwarding
  • ##002# – This code deactivates all types of call forwarding (voice, data, fax, SMS, etc.).

Alternatively, you can check for call forwarding settings on your phone:

iPhone

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Apps.
  3. Tap Phone.
  4. Tap Call Forwarding.
  5. If call forwarding is enabled, the toggle switch will be green, and the number to which calls are being forwarded will be displayed.

Fig 5. Checking call forwarding settings on iPhone.

Android

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Tap the three-dot menu icon (usually in the top-right corner).
  3. Tap Settings or Call Settings.
  4. Look for Call forwarding or Supplementary services and tap it.
  5. Check the different call forwarding options (e.g., Always Forward, Forward When Busy, Forward When Unanswered) to see if any are enabled.

Fig 6. Checking call forwarding settings on Android.

Unfamiliar apps on your phone

Apps you don’t remember downloading or that seem out of place could be spyware disguised as legitimate software.

If you find unfamiliar apps, delete them promptly. Here’s how to remove apps on both iPhone and Android:

  • On your home screen, touch and hold the app icon until an options menu appears.
  • Tap Remove App or Uninstall.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check app folders. Hackers will often try to hide malware from the user by placing the app in an innocuous-sounding folder, like “Utilities”.

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What to Do if You Suspect You Have a Bugged Cell Phone

If you are experiencing three or more of the signs above, it could be cause for concern. Taking swift action is essential to protect your privacy and security. Here are some steps you can take immediately:

Disconnect from networks

Temporarily switch your phone to airplane mode. This will block all wireless connections, preventing any further data transmission by potential malware.

Scan for malware with security software

Run a thorough scan using a reputable mobile security app like Certo Mobile Security for Android and Certo AntiSpy for iPhone to discover and remove threats.

Fig 7. Detecting malware with Certo for Android.

Change your passwords

Change all your important passwords, including those for email, social media, banking, and other sensitive accounts. Choose strong, unique passwords that are difficult to guess.

Consider a factory reset

As a last resort, you can perform a factory reset. This will erase all data on your phone and restore it to its original settings, removing any lingering malware. Remember to back up your important data beforehand.

Here’s how to perform a factory reset on both iPhone and Android devices:

iPhone

Before you start, back up all your important data using iCloud or iTunes. A factory reset will erase everything on your phone.

  1. Open your Settings app.
  2. Scroll down and tap on General.
  3. Scroll to the bottom and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  4. Tap Erase All Content and Settings. You’ll be asked to enter your passcode or Apple ID password to confirm.
  5. Your iPhone will restart and erase all data and settings, returning it to factory defaults.

Factory Reset iPhone

Fig 8. Factory resetting an iPhone.

Android

As with the iPhone, back up all your important data before proceeding. You can use Google Drive, your computer, or other backup methods.

  1. Go to the Settings app.
  2. Tap System (or General Management). The exact location may vary depending on your Android version and manufacturer.
  3. Tap Reset options, Backup and reset, or similar.
  4. Tap Factory Data Reset (or Erase All Data). Confirm your choice by entering your PIN, pattern, or password.
  5. Your Android device will restart and erase all data, returning it to its factory state.

Factory-reset-android

Fig 9. Factory resetting an Android device.

Report to Authorities

If you have strong evidence that your phone has been illegally bugged, consider reporting the situation to law enforcement. Unauthorized surveillance is a serious crime, and reporting it can help protect others from falling victim to the same invasion of privacy.

Who Might Bug Your Phone? And Is It Legal?

Your partner

People might want to keep tabs on your phone activity for various reasons. We often see abusive spouses or partners using spyware to assert control.

This software uses inbuilt features and hardware on your phone—for example, the microphone, camera, and GPS location mapping. Bugging software gives people access to not only your call history and text messages but also the photos you take, your browser and social media activity, and your location at any given moment. They can even listen in on your phone conversations as they happen.

This type of intrusive monitoring can fall into a legal gray area if your partner or spouse has bought or paid for your phone. But if you own your device and pay the phone bill, it is illegal for a third party to install bugging software without your consent.

Your boss

Another potential spy might be your boss. Many employers admit they would love to have a window into their employees’ cell phones and online behaviors during work hours, but a few may even install software to make this a reality.

Monitoring software FlexiSpy has an employee monitoring feature that is supposedly used to check for security breaches and misuse of company assets, but it can also be used to spy on your emails and phone calls, as well as any other activity on your phone or computer.

If your phone has been issued to you by your workplace, this would be even easier for them to do.

Your parents

Apps like mSpy are outwardly framed as parental control software and marketed toward protective parents and guardians.

They can use the software to ensure their child isn’t accessing dangerous or inappropriate material online and check in on their correspondence to watch out for cyberbullying. They can also track their child’s location, so they can find them if they ever have any trouble.

It is legal to use this kind of app if your child is under 18, and outwardly this might seem like a good thing. After all, everyone wants their children to be safe online. However, others would argue that this is a dangerous habit that oversteps someone’s privacy and erodes trust.

Anyone with access to your phone

Anyone with access to your mobile device could install monitoring or bugging software on it. Installing a spy app onto any Android or iOS device is easier than you might think and often takes just a matter of minutes.

For this reason, vigilance is key. If you suspect your phone is bugged, however far-fetched you may think it sounds, it is important to check it out.

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Related Guide

For a deeper understanding of the legal framework surrounding digital privacy, especially in cases of cyberstalking and unauthorized surveillance, check out our Guide To U.S. Cyberstalking Laws By State.

This resource provides an overview of relevant laws and how they vary across states, helping you understand your rights and protections under U.S. law.

How to Protect Yourself from Phone Bugging In the Future

While it’s crucial to be aware of the signs that your phone might already be compromised, taking proactive steps to safeguard your device and prevent future intrusions is equally important.

✅ Regularly Review App Permissions

Periodically check the permissions granted to your apps and revoke any that are excessive or unnecessary. This can help prevent unauthorized access to your camera, microphone, contacts, or other sensitive data.

✅ Create complex passcodes

Most of the time, physical access to your device is needed to bug a phone. This means having a strong passcode no one else knows is your first line of defense.

✅ Enable two-factor authentication

You should also implement two-factor authentication wherever possible. This is where you must input two pieces of information when you log into an account rather than just one. For example, it could be a passcode and a verification code sent to you by SMS.

✅ Update your phone regularly

Consistently keeping your phone’s software up to date is crucial. This not only ensures your device runs smoothly but every new update that your provider releases patches up holes and vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers.

✅ Be cautious about downloads

Only download apps from trusted sources, like the official app stores (Google Play Store for Android and the App Store for iOS). Avoid downloading apps from unknown websites or third-party sources, as these may harbor malware.

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Signs of a suspicious app

Here are some signs that an app may be malware:

  • Unusual names: Vague or generic names that don’t reflect the app’s purpose.
  • Excessive permissions: Requests for access that seem unnecessary for the app’s function.
  • Poor app store ratings: Low average ratings from other users.
  • Negative app store reviews: Complaints about the app’s behavior or functionality.

✅ Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi

When using public Wi-Fi networks, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your data from potential eavesdroppers.

✅ Don’t click on suspicious links

Never click links in unsolicited texts and emails. If you are unsure of the validity of an email or text, do not open it and block or report the sender.

✅ Enable Google Play Protect

For Android users, activating Google Play Protect adds an extra layer of security. It automatically scans apps for potential threats and can warn you or even remove harmful apps from your device.

Final Thoughts

In today’s connected world, safeguarding your privacy is essential. Your phone holds more than just data; it contains your personal life, and understanding how to protect it from invasive threats is crucial.

Recognizing the signs of a bugged device and taking proactive steps—like reviewing app permissions and using security tools—can help you maintain control over your digital space.

By staying vigilant and informed, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized surveillance, ensuring your private information remains truly private.

Remember, protecting your phone isn’t just about security—it’s about preserving your peace of mind in a digital age where privacy is more precious than ever.