How To Tell If Someone Is Tracking Your iPhone

12 Signs That Your iPhone Is Being Tracked

This section lists 12 signs that your iPhone might be tracked. Remember, just because you spot one or more of these indicators, it doesn’t mean someone is definitely tracking you.

There could also be legitimate explanations to consider, such as an aging device or technical fault.

Don’t panic if you do see some of these signs. Take the precautions and actions listed later in this article.

1. Battery drainage

Suddenly finding your fully charged phone dead by midday? While batteries degrade over time, a drastic change often points to something else. Spyware secretly drains power as it tracks your data and activity.

If you find that your battery is draining faster than usual, Check your battery health:

• Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health to check the overall condition of your battery.

Fig 1. Checking battery health and usage on iPhone.

2. Hearing strange noises

Unusual clicks, beeps, static, or distant voices during phone calls can be unsettling. While spyware is a possibility, it’s important to rule out more common causes first:

• Poor signal: Weak cellular reception often leads to distorted audio. Try moving to a location with a better signal or using Wi-Fi calling if available.
• Hardware issues: A faulty speaker or microphone could create unusual sounds. Test these components using other apps (voice recorder, video calls).
• Outdated software: Infrequently, outdated iOS versions can cause call quality issues. Check for updates in Settings > General > Software Update.

If the strange noises persist even with a good signal and updated software, it’s worth investigating potential spyware. Look for other signs we’ll discuss below, and consider a malware scan with security software, like Certo AntiSpy for iPhone.

3. Increased data usage

If your data usage unexpectedly increases, especially alongside other suspicious signs like a draining battery, it’s worth investigating for spyware.

Spyware works by secretly using your data to send your private information to hackers.

Here is how to check data usage on an iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on Cellular or Mobile Service.
3. Scroll down to Cellular Data or Mobile Data. Underneath, you’ll see the section Current Period. This shows you how much cellular data you’ve used since the statistics were last reset.
4. Below the Current Period, you’ll see a list of apps and how much data each has used. This helps identify any app consuming an unusual amount of data.

Fig 2. Checking data usage by app on an iPhone.

4. Random phone shutdowns

6. Strange permission requests

In addition to receiving strange text messages, pay close attention to app permission requests. While some access is necessary (like a camera app needing photos), be wary of anything unusual.

If a simple reminder app asks to use your microphone or location, proceed cautiously — it could be a sign you have a spy app on your iOS device.

7. Your iPhone has slowed down

If your iPhone suddenly runs slower, then it could be a sign that you have spyware installed. This is because the spyware uses up a chunk of the system’s memory, which means it takes longer to perform certain functions, like loading apps.

However, your phone slowing down could be the result of it being an older device or because you have too many apps running. Try shutting down all apps and seeing if that improves your iPhone’s speed.

8. Your device is overheating

If you have spyware installed on your iPhone, it will constantly be active in the background. This requires a lot of power, which strains the battery and processor, causing the phone to heat up. If you feel your mobile device overheating for no apparent reason, it could be a sign that it is being tracked.

9. Phone shows activity when not in use

Think your phone goes to sleep when you do? Not always. Spyware operates covertly, often triggering activity on your phone when you least expect it.

Pay attention to unexplained screen activations, strange notifications, or sounds coming from your supposedly idle phone.

10. Browser history

To install spyware on your iPhone, hackers may need to access certain websites using your device’s browser.

To stay safe, regularly check your browser history. Here’s how to check your browser history on your iPhone using Safari:

1. Open Safari: Find the Safari app icon (a blue compass) and tap on it.
2. Locate the bookmarks icon: At the bottom of the Safari window, find the icon that looks like an open book. Tap it.
3. Access browser history: In the Bookmarks menu, you’ll see three icons at the top: Bookmarks, Reading List, and History. Tap on the clock icon to view your History.
4. Review and search: Your browser history is organized by date. You can search for specific websites using the search bar at the top.

Fig 3. Checking browsing history for Safari on iPhone.

If you also notice websites acting strange, like getting lots of pop-ups, odd redirects, or sites in your history that you didn’t visit, it could indicate spyware messing with your web browsing.

11. New or suspicious apps appear on your phone

Unfamiliar app icons are a red flag for potential spyware. Take time to periodically review all apps installed on your device in your phone’s Settings. Delete anything you don’t recognize or use.

12. Weird status icons

Notice a strange new icon at the top of your iPhone screen? A small orange dot indicates your microphone is active, while a green dot means the camera is in use.

If an app you’re not actively using triggers these, it could be a sign of unauthorized background activity or potential spyware.

Fig 4. An iPhone showing the green and orange indicators.

How Do People Track My iPhone?

Now you know the different signs that could indicate someone is tracking your iPhone, it’s also useful to understand how they can do so in the first place.

The main way for someone to track your iPhone is if they’ve managed to install spyware on it. This malicious software enables someone to access your data remotely any time they want.

Hackers often use a type of spyware called stalkerware to track people’s mobile devices. This malicious software allows a hacker to follow everything you do on your device, including reading your messages, checking your browser history, and tracking your iPhone’s location.

There are two ways that someone can install spyware on your phone:

1. Physically gaining access to your phone and downloading the software.
2. Tricking you into downloading the software. This is usually done by sending you a fraudulent email or text from a reputable company—for example, a bank. You will usually be asked to click on a link or open an attachment. When you do, the spyware is installed.

An alternative method that may give a hacker access to some information from your iPhone involves targeting your Apple ID. This type of hacking is less common due to recent advances in iCloud security. There are two ways a hacker could do this:

1. They find your password leaked on the dark web and use it to access your Apple account.
2. They trick you into giving your details away. For example, they send you an email claiming to be Apple Support and ask you to confirm your identity by giving them your ID.

ℹ️ It’s worth noting that both of these Apple ID attacks only work if you have two-factor authentication disabled.

Who Might Be Tracking Your iPhone?

Unfortunately, several individuals or groups might attempt to track your iPhone for different reasons. Here’s a breakdown:

• Cybercriminals: One of the most common perpetrators. They aim to steal personal data, banking details, or anything else they can use to profit financially.
• Stalkers: Individuals with malicious intent might use spyware to monitor your location, web activity, or communications. This aids in harassment and can be a serious safety concern.
• Jealous or controlling partners: Someone close to you may seek to control or monitor your movements and online activities. This is a form of abuse and a significant invasion of privacy.
• Vengeful exes: Similar to controlling partners, individuals with a grudge may track you for revenge or to gather personal information against you.
• Government surveillance: While less common for everyday users, advanced spyware such as Pegasus, is used by some governments to target journalists, activists, or individuals deemed a threat. This type of surveillance is highly sophisticated and difficult to detect.

How to Stop Your iPhone from Being Tracked

Although it’s useful to know the signs to look out for to identify phone tracking, prevention is usually better than cure. Here are some steps you can take to stop your iPhone from being tracked in the first place.

1. Limit physical access to your iPhone

If you’re worried about your iPhone being tracked, never lend it to anyone or leave it lying around where someone else could pick it up.

If someone else uses your device, even for a short period, they might install malware on it, allowing them to track it.

2. Use anti-spy software

Installing anti-spy software such as Certo AntiSpy for iPhone provides you with the security tools to detect and remove spyware threats from your device.

It also allows you to easily review which apps can access things like your iPhone’s location, microphone, or camera.

Fig 5. Detecting and removing iPhone spyware with Certo AntiSpy.

3. Avoid jailbreaking

Jailbreaking is when you remove Apple’s manufacturer restrictions that it placed on your iPhone. Some people do this so they can install a wider range of software or so they can access certain blocked features.

However, it also makes the device vulnerable to hackers because the security functions no longer work properly.

4. Don’t install unverified apps

Apple’s App Store has a rigorous vetting process, making apps downloaded from it generally safer.

This doesn’t guarantee freedom from spyware, but apps from other sources carry much higher risk. If you’ve installed anything outside the App Store, be extra vigilant for signs of potential compromise.

5. Keep your device up-to-date

Spyware creators are always looking for new ways to get around security systems. This means the threat posed by spyware and stalkerware is constantly evolving.

Luckily, Apple regularly releases security updates to combat these new threats.

Immediately installing new iOS updates ensures that your cell phone has the latest security measures installed. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to update iOS on your iPhone:

1. In the Settings app, scroll down and tap on General.
2. Choose the Software Update option.
3. If an update is available, you’ll see the option to Download and Install. Tap on it. Your iPhone will download the update in the background. Once downloaded, you’ll be prompted to install it.

6. Use a strong password

Online Security 101 — use a strong and unique password. Don’t use the same password for all websites and devices, or something easily guessed like “password1”.

Remembering these can be hard, so consider using a password manager app. These are a great way to handle a different password for each device, website, and app.

7. Enable two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication adds an additional layer of security to your Apple ID by requiring a special code sent to your device, as well as your usual password. This means that for someone to hack your iPhone via iCloud, they would need to have your Apple ID, your password, and your device—it’s very unlikely they would have all three without your knowledge.

Click here to learn how to enable two-factor authentication for your Apple ID, or just follow along with the steps outlined below:

1. Go to your Settings app.
2. Tap your name, then Sign-In & Security.
3. Tap Turn on two-factor authentication, then tap Continue.

8. Enable Lockdown Mode

Lockdown Mode is an optional protection measure that can be turned on to help combat targeted and sophisticated cyberattacks, like Pegasus. Attacks of this nature are rare and typically only used against high-profile targets.

When enabled, apps, websites, and features will be strictly limited, and some experiences will be completely unavailable.

Lockdown mode can be enabled as follows:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Privacy & Security.
3. Under Security, tap Lockdown Mode and tap Turn On Lockdown Mode.
4. Tap Turn On & Restart then enter your device passcode.

Fig 6. Enabling Lockdown Mode on iPhone

9. Update location-sharing for your phone apps

Control which apps can see your iPhone location to protect your privacy and potentially reduce hackers obtaining your GPS location.

To do this, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services. On this page you have a few options to manage location sharing for your apps:

• Turn off for all apps: Toggle the main Location Services to off (gray).
• Per-app control: Scroll down for a list of apps. Tap on each one and choose:
  • “Never”
  • “Ask Next Time”
  • “While Using the App”
  • “Always” (Use sparingly!)
• Precise Location: Consider turning this off for apps that don’t need exact data.

How to Remove Tracking Apps from Your iPhone

If you think that your iPhone is being tracked, then there are several things you can do:

Remove suspicious apps

Check all installed apps on your iPhone. Any that you do not recognize or look suspicious should be removed immediately.

ℹ️ You can view a full list of installed apps by going to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.

It’s also worth reviewing which apps can access sensitive device permissions such as your microphone, camera, or location. This can be a good way to reveal a tracking app on your iPhone.

Use a security app like Certo AntiSpy

Certo AntiSpy is a great tool to help protect your iPhone from tracking. It doesn’t just help uncover some of the most elusive spy apps. Its intelligent scan will either safely remove a threat for you or provide easy-to-follow instructions.

Find and remove iPhone tracking apps in four easy steps:

1. Download Certo AntiSpy to your computer.
2. Connect your iPhone via USB.
3. Click Scan Now.
4. Once complete, click Remove next to any threats detected.

Fig 7. Scanning an iPhone for threats with Certo AntiSpy.

Factory reset

Performing a factory reset will delete all files, apps, and information on your iPhone and return it to its original state when you bought it.

This will remove ALL apps, including any spyware or tracking apps. Although this will be effective, it’s also a last resort for most people, as they don’t want to lose everything on their cell phones.

Here’s how to factory reset your iPhone. Please note — a factory reset erases ALL your data, so having an iCloud or iTunes backup is crucial first.

1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
2. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
3. Confirm you want to erase by following the prompts.
4. Enter your passcode when asked.

ℹ️ After the reset, you’ll be prompted to set up your iPhone as new. You can restore it from your backup during this setup process.

Plus, it’s important to note that if “Find My iPhone” is enabled, you’ll need your Apple ID and password to erase the device.

Wrapping Up

Even the threat of having your iPhone tracked is frightening. If you spot some of the signs listed in this article, it’s worth investigating further and even taking some of the steps explained above.

However, iPhones have excellent security, and it could just be a coincidence. Whatever you do, don’t panic. If you want to ensure your iPhone is not being tracked, download Certo AntiSpy today.