My Phone Was Hacked. How Do I Fix It?

Sophia Taylor

By Sophia Taylor

Updated:

My Phone Was Hacked. How Do I Fix It

Discovering your phone has been hacked is unsettling. Your device holds a wealth of personal information—bank details, private messages, photos, passwords, and more. Having a stranger access your digital life is a serious concern.

The good news? You’ve already taken the first important step by looking for solutions, and there are clear actions you can take to fix this.

Whether your phone was compromised through a malicious app, phishing link, public Wi-Fi, or physical access by someone you know, the damage isn’t permanent if you act quickly.

This guide will walk you through the precise steps you need to take to fix a hacked Android phone or iPhone. You’ll learn how to identify and remove malicious software, secure your accounts, and close the security gaps that allowed the hack to happen. We’ll also show you proactive measures to protect your device from future attacks.

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Table of Contents

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Phone Hacked? Emergency Checklist

If you suspect your phone has been compromised, take these immediate actions to limit further damage and regain control:

  • Reboot your device – A simple restart can stop some malicious processes running in the background and may even remove certain malware entirely.
  • Enable Airplane mode – It cuts off cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connections immediately, preventing spyware from sending your data to a hacker.
  • Update your OS and apps – Outdated software can have security vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.
  • Change your passwords – If someone has access to your Apple or Google account, they can track your location or view your data.
  • Remove suspicious apps – Check your app list for anything unfamiliar or that you didn’t install. Delete any suspicious apps to prevent further data theft.
  • Do a spyware scan – Run a scan with Certo AntiSpy to find hidden malware on your phone and remove it immediately

Whether you have an Android device or an iPhone, falling victim to a hack can be an upsetting experience.

Yet, amidst the initial panic, acting swiftly and decisively is crucial. In the following sections, we’ll outline actionable steps and fixes to help you regain control, secure your device, and prevent further unauthorized access.

Let’s dive in and explore what to do if your phone is hacked.

How to Fix a Hacked Android Phone

1. Disconnect from networks

Most Android malware requires access to the Internet to send your data to a third-party or receive instructions of how to behave on your device.

If your phone is hacked, the first thing you should do is turn off Wi-Fi and mobile data to prevent further unauthorized access or transfer of data.

Putting your phone into Airplane Mode is the quickest and easiest way to do this.

Pro Tip: Never use public Wi-Fi networks when accessing your online accounts like your bank accounts. Hackers can gain access to these networks and steal your information.

2. Change passwords

If someone has hacked your phone, they may have extracted any passwords saved to your device or captured them in real-time using a keylogger.

It’s therefore a good idea to change all passwords starting with your Google Account and then passwords for other critical accounts like banking and email from a different, secure device.

3. Find and remove unknown or suspicious apps

If you notice any apps that look out of place or you don’t recognize, it might indicate a spyware infection on your phone.

We advise removing any apps that appear unfamiliar or raise your suspicion. If you come across such an app, follow these steps:

Step 1: Switch to safe mode

  1. Press and hold down the power button on your device until the power menu pops up.
  2. Now, press and hold the Power off option listed in the menu.
  3. A message will show up asking whether you want to reboot into Safe Mode. Hit OK.
  4. Your device will restart, and Safe Mode will be displayed on the screen’s bottom left or right corner.
  5. In Safe Mode, all third-party apps are disabled and only system apps are allowed to run. This is useful for troubleshooting as it helps identify whether a third-party app is causing problems on your device.

Step 2: Delete suspicious apps

  1. Navigate to Settings > Apps or Manage Apps.
  2. Scroll through the list to identify any unfamiliar or dubious-looking apps. Remove any app that isn’t needed or you don’t recall installing.
  3. If you find a suspicious app, tap Uninstall.

Fig 1: Uninstalling a suspicious app on Android.

  1. If the Uninstall button is not active (grayed out), it may indicate that the app has device administrator privileges. Malicious apps sometimes obtain these privileges to prevent deletion. Open the Settings app and search for “device admin” then tap Device admin apps.
  2. Once on the Device Administrators screen, find the malicious app.
  3. Turn off administrator privileges for the suspicious app by unchecking the box next to its name.
  4. Return to the previous screen and uninstall the malicious app.
  5. Restart your phone.

Fig 2: Removing a Device Admin app on Android.

4. Run an antivirus scan

One of the best ways to fix a hacked Android phone is to install a good antivirus app such as Certo AntiSpy. This free app will allow you to perform a full scan of your Android device, discover any installed spyware, and give you the option to remove it with a tap of a button

The app will also check the configuration of your device and highlight any settings that could make your phone vulnerable to attacks.

Here’s how to fix a hacked Android device with Certo:

  1. Install Certo AntiSpy.
  2. Open the app and tap Scan Now.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete.
  4. Tap Remove next to any threats found.

Fig 3: Fixing a hacked Android phone with Certo AntiSpy

5. Review app permissions

Another way to secure your device is to review and modify app permissions. This means ensuring that each app only has access to the functions it genuinely needs.

For instance, be cautious of apps that can access your camera or track your location. By monitoring which apps have such permissions, you can quickly identify and remove any suspicious apps pretending to be trustworthy.

Here’s a guide to checking and modifying your app permissions (note that the exact steps might vary depending on your device):

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Privacy.
  3. Tap Permission manager.
  4. Tap each permission (e.g., camera, location) to check which apps have access.
  5. If you find any suspicious apps with permissions you haven’t granted, tap Uninstall to remove them from your device.

Fig 4: Checking which apps have access to your camera on Android.

6. Update your software

Ensure that your phone’s operating system and apps are fully up to date to protect against known vulnerabilities.

Here’s how to update the operating system on Android:

  1. Go to Settings > Software update or System update.
  2. Tap on Download and install if any updates are available.

Fig 5: Updating Android OS.

7. Enable Play Protect

Google Play Protect is Android’s built-in app checker. Many types of malware require this feature to be disabled to operate undetected on your device.

If you discover Play Protect has been turned off without your knowledge, this is a major red flag that your phone may be compromised. Re-enable it immediately to help protect against malicious apps.

Here’s how to check and enable Play Protect:

  1. Open the Google Play Store app.
  2. Tap your profile icon in the top right.
  3. Tap Play Protect.
  4. If it’s turned off, tap Turn on.
  5. Tap the settings icon and ensure “Scan apps with Play Protect” is enabled.

Fig 6. Turning on Google Play Protect.

Pro Tip: Play Protect scans apps when you install them and also runs regular checks on your device. Keeping this enabled is one of the simplest ways to protect your Android phone.

8. Enable Advanced Protection

Advanced Protection is a security feature available on most newer Android devices designed to defend against sophisticated threats like Pegasus and Predator spyware.

When enabled, it restricts certain device features and blocks sideloading of apps from unknown sources, providing an additional layer of protection against targeted attacks.

Keep in mind that enabling Advanced Protection may limit some functionality on your device, but it’s worth considering if you believe you’re a victim of advanced hacking attempts.

To enable Advanced Protection (if available on your device):

  1. Go to Settings > Security or Security & Privacy.
  2. Tap Advanced Protection.
  3. Follow the prompts to enable this feature.

Fig 7. The Advanced Protection settings.

Pro Tip: Advanced Protection is typically recommended for high-risk users such as journalists, activists, or business executives who may be targets of sophisticated cyberattacks.

9. If necessary, perform a factory reset

It’s also possible to fix a hacked phone by performing a factory reset, which wipes all the data and installed apps from your phone to return it to its original state.

This option is a last resort and should only be carried out after you have backed up all your important data (photos, music, contacts, etc.) via cloud storage or an external device.

How to do a factory reset for Android

  1. Navigate to Settings > System (this might vary depending on your device).
  2. Tap Reset Options.
  3. Tap Factory Data Reset, and tap again to confirm.
  4. Depending on your security settings, you may need to enter your PIN or password to authorize the operation.

Fig 8. Factory resetting an Android phone.

How to Protect Your Android Phone from Hacking

  1. The best way to protect your Android device is to use a security app such as Certo AntiSpy. This will allow you to perform regular scans to stay on top of any potential threats to your device.
  2. Never root your device. This will make it much easier for hackers to access your phone and steal your data.
  3. Never install apps from outside the official Google Play Store. This increases your chance of accidentally downloading and installing malicious software.
  4. Use a strong passcode or pattern to lock your phone and use biometrics if available.
  5. Keep your phone’s operating system and apps up to date to prevent hackers from gaining access.
  6. Make sure specific system settings are correct, including:
    • Play Protect set to enabled.
    • Developer Options set to disabled.
    • Allow Apps from Unknown Sources set to disabled.

How to Fix a Hacked iPhone

1. Restart your device

It sounds simple, but restarting your iPhone can stop malicious processes running in the background and can even remove some malware entirely.

To restart, hold down the side button and either of the volume buttons until the power off slider appears.

Once the device is off, hold the side button again to turn it back on.

2. Update iOS

If you suspect your iPhone has been hacked, it’s a good idea to ensure you are running the latest version of iOS. Hackers often exploit security vulnerabilities in out-of-date operating systems to access people’s phones, so don’t make it easy for them.

Updating iOS will often stop any installed malware from functioning, so it can be a quick way to fix a hacked iPhone:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Scroll down and tap on General.
  3. Tap on Software Update.
  4. If an update is available, tap on Download and Install.

Fig 9. Performing an iOS update on iPhone.

Pro Tip: To have your iPhone update automatically in the future, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates, then turn on Download iOS updates or Install iOS updates.

3. Run an antivirus scan

One of the best ways to fix your hacked iPhone is by using an antivirus tool like Certo AntiSpy. This app can do a full scan of your device to help you determine whether you’ve been the victim of a hack and help you safely remove any malware or spyware.

Here’s how to identify threats with Certo AntiSpy:

  1. Download Certo AntiSpy on your computer.
  2. Plug in your phone using a USB cable.
  3. Click Scan.
  4. Click Remove on any threats that are discovered.

Detecting spyware on iPhone

Fig 10. Detect spyware on an iPhone with Certo AntiSpy.

4. Change your Apple ID password

Sometimes hackers may steal data from an iPhone indirectly, by gaining unauthorized access to the victim’s iCloud account and downloading a copy of synced data. This can include things like photos, messages, calendar entries and private notes.

If you can access your account, immediately change your Apple password on your iOS device or browser. Here’s what you need to do:

Using a web browser:

  1. Go to the Apple Account page and log in to your account.
  2. In the Sign-In and Security section, click Password.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your password.

Using an Apple device:

  1. Go to the Settings app.
  2. Tap on your name at the top.
  3. Tap on Sign-In & Security.
  4. Tap Change Password. If you’re signed in to iCloud and have a passcode set up for your device, you’ll be prompted to enter it.
  5. Enter your new password and confirm it.

Fig 11. Changing Apple Account password on an iPhone.

It’s important to note that your Apple Account password should differ from those of your other online accounts. This is standard good practice to maximize your Apple Account security.

5. Check your device list

If your iPhone or Apple Account has been hacked, checking the devices connected to your account is essential.

Cybercriminals might add their devices to your account, which allows them to access your information and make changes without your knowledge.

Here’s how to see which devices are linked to your Apple Account:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap on your name at the top.
  3. Scroll down to see the list of devices signed-in with your Apple Account.
  4. Tap on any device name to see more details, like the device model, OS version, and serial number. If needed, you can then remove a device from this list.

Fig 12. Checking devices signed-in to an Apple Account.

6. Remove suspicious profiles

Configuration profiles on iPhone can allow apps to be installed outside of the official App Store. Hackers sometimes use malicious profiles to install spyware or other unwanted software on your device without your knowledge.

If you find any suspicious or unfamiliar profiles, you should remove them immediately.

Here’s how to check for and remove profiles:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Scroll down and tap VPN & Device Management.
  4. If you see any profiles you don’t recognize or didn’t install yourself, tap on them.
  5. Tap Delete Profile and enter your passcode to confirm.

Fig 13. Checking for suspicious profiles.

Pro Tip: Legitimate profiles are typically installed by your employer (for work devices) or by apps you trust. If you’re unsure about a profile, research it before deleting—but when in doubt, remove it.

7. Enable Lockdown Mode

Lockdown Mode is an optional protection measure that can be turned on to help combat targeted and sophisticated cyberattacks, like Pegasus and Predator spyware. 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. However, if you believe you’re a victim of advanced spyware, the trade-off is worth it.

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 14. Turning on Lockdown Mode.

Pro Tip: Lockdown Mode restricts features like message attachments, FaceTime calls from unknown contacts, and certain web technologies. It’s designed for users facing serious digital threats, so only enable it if you truly need this level of protection.

8. Do a factory reset

Restoring your device to its original state is another possible way to fix a hacked iPhone, but it is a last resort.

Choosing this option will wipe all of your data from your phone, so you’ll need to back it up first before you do it, either to iTunes, Finder, or iCloud.

Here’s how to do a factory reset:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Scroll down and tap on General.
  3. Scroll to the bottom and tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  4. Select Erase All Content and Settings.
  5. You may be asked to enter your passcode or Apple Account password to confirm.
  6. A warning will appear, informing you that this action will erase all data from your device.
  7. Confirm that you want to proceed by tapping Erase iPhone.

Fig 15. Performing a factory reset on iPhone.

How to Protect Your iPhone from Hacking

Once you’ve fixed your hacked iPhone, you should take steps to prevent it from being hacked again in the future:

  1. Run regular malware scans, with a tool such as Certo AntiSpy.
  2. Turn on automatic updates to ensure your iOS version is always up to date.
  3. Never jailbreak your device.
  4. Never download apps from outside the official App Store.
  5. Always use a strong passcode to unlock your phone.
  6. Keep your apps up to date.
  7. Use two-factor authentication with your Apple Account—some hackers may target your iCloud account if your device is set to sync to the cloud.

Think your phone is hacked?

Run a spyware check on your cell phone today with our easy-to-use apps for iPhone or Android.

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Wrapping Up

Discovering your phone has been hacked can feel overwhelming, but taking quick action makes all the difference. Whether you’re dealing with suspicious apps, unexpected battery drain, or unauthorized account access, the steps outlined here can help you regain control and secure your device.

The most important thing? Don’t wait. Run a scan with Certo AntiSpy to identify hidden threats quickly, update your passwords, and review your security settings. These simple actions can protect your personal data and give you peace of mind.

Remember, staying protected isn’t a one-time fix—it’s about building good habits.. Your phone holds your digital life, so it deserves your attention.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can a hacked phone be fixed?

Yes, a hacked phone can be fixed. Start by disconnecting from all networks, removing suspicious apps, and running a malware scan with Certo AntiSpy. Update your operating system and change all passwords from a secure device. If the problem persists, a factory reset may be necessary—just make sure to back up your important data first.

How do I know if my phone has been hacked?

Common signs include rapid battery drain, unusually high data usage, apps you don’t recognize, your phone overheating, strange text messages, and accounts being accessed without your permission. If you notice any of these warning signs, run a security scan immediately to check for spyware or malware.

Will a factory reset remove hackers from my phone?

A factory reset will remove most types of malware and spyware by wiping all data and restoring your phone to its original state. However, it’s important to back up your data first and change your passwords afterward.

What should I do first if my phone is hacked?

The very first step is to enable Airplane Mode to cut off all connections and prevent further data from being sent or received. Then restart your device, remove suspicious apps, change your passwords from a different device, and run a malware scan with Certo AntiSpy. Acting quickly limits the damage hackers can do.

Can someone hack my phone without me knowing?

Yes, modern spyware can operate in the background without showing obvious signs. Hackers may install malicious apps that hide themselves or gain access through phishing links, public Wi-Fi, or outdated software. Regularly checking your app list, monitoring battery and data usage, and running security scans can help you catch hidden threats before they cause serious harm.

Sophia Taylor

By Sophia Taylor

Sophia is a Senior Cybersecurity Writer at Certo, with over five years of experience writing about digital security, privacy, and emerging threats. Drawing on a background in IT and technology, she specializes in translating complex cybersecurity topics into clear, practical guidance that helps everyday users stay protected online.