In this article, we will show you how to know if your phone is hacked and learn how to secure it to protect your personal data.

In today’s digital age, our smartphones store a wealth of personal information, from banking details to private messages. Because of this, they’ve become a prime target for hackers.

If you notice your phone acting strangely, it’s crucial to act fast. This article will help you identify whether your phone has been hacked, and provide 10 essential tips to secure it.

See Also: 9 Signs You Need to Change Your Phone

How to Know if Your Phone is Hacked

1. Unusual Battery Drain

A sudden, noticeable drop in battery life is one of the most common signs that your phone may have been compromised. Hackers often install apps or malware that run silently in the background, draining your phone’s power without your knowledge.

What to do:

• Check your phone’s battery usage stats to identify any apps or processes using excessive power.

• Download a trusted security app to scan for malicious software.

2. Excessive Data Usage

Hackers use your phone’s data to transmit stolen information or to carry out attacks. If you notice an unusually high data consumption, this could be a sign that something is wrong.

What to do:

• Monitor your data usage through your phone’s settings. Look for any unfamiliar apps consuming large amounts of data.

• Set data usage limits or consider using a firewall app to prevent unauthorized data transfers.

3. Unknown Apps Installed

If you find apps on your phone that you don’t remember installing, they may be the work of a hacker. Malicious apps can be hidden or disguised, often running without your knowledge to collect personal data or spy on your activities.

What to do:

• Uninstall any unfamiliar apps immediately.

• Regularly review installed apps to ensure everything is legitimate.

4. Frequent Pop-Up Ads

While pop-up ads are common in some apps, excessive or unexpected ads—especially when you’re not using any apps—could indicate adware or spyware on your device.

What to do:

• Run an antivirus or security scan to check for malicious software.

• Clear your app and browser cache to remove any lingering adware.

See Also: 7 Signs You Need to Buy a New MacBook

5. Phone Overheats

If your phone is overheating, especially when you’re not using it, it could be a sign that malware is using your phone’s processing power to run unauthorized tasks.

What to do:

• Close apps and restart your phone to see if the overheating stops.

• If the issue persists, run a full security scan.

6. Strange Call and Message Activity

If your phone makes outgoing calls, sends texts, or uses your data without your consent, it’s a serious sign that someone may have gained unauthorized access to your device.

What to do:

• Check your call and message history for any unfamiliar activity.

• Contact your service provider to lock your account and report any suspicious activity.

7. Slow Performance

If your phone has become sluggish or unresponsive, even after closing unnecessary apps, it could indicate that malware is running in the background.

What to do:

• Restart your phone to clear any temporary issues.

• Update your phone’s software or run a security check to detect potential malware.

See Also: 5 Ways to Block No Caller ID on iPhone

8. Suspicious Account Activity

If you notice strange activities in your online accounts, such as unauthorized logins, emails you didn’t send, or transactions you didn’t make, your phone could be compromised. Hackers can use your device to steal login credentials or hijack your accounts.

What to do:

• Immediately change your passwords, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all important accounts.

• Monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity, such as unauthorized purchases or logins.

9. Unfamiliar Background Noises During Calls

If you hear strange beeping, clicking, or echoing sounds during phone calls, this might be a sign that someone is intercepting or listening in on your conversations.

What to do:

• Hang up and call back to see if the problem persists.

• If strange noises continue, run a spyware scan and consider using a more secure communication method.

10. Unusual Screen Behavior or Spontaneous Reboots

If your phone’s screen starts to act erratically—such as flickering, random restarts, or unresponsive touch inputs—this could be a sign of malware. Some viruses can cause these issues by interfering with your phone’s system.

What to do:

• Perform a restart to see if the issue resolves.

• If the problem persists, back up your data and perform a factory reset. Consider consulting with a tech expert if you’re unsure about the next steps.

See Also: 3 Steps to Turn OFF Read Receipts on iPhone

How to Protect Your Phone from Being Hacked

Once you’ve identified the signs of a compromised phone, it’s time to take action. Here are some prevention tips to help keep your device safe:

• Use Strong Passwords: Ensure your phone is locked with a secure password or biometric authentication (fingerprint, face recognition).

• Install Trusted Security Software: A good security app can help you detect and remove threats, block malware, and keep your device safe from hackers.

• Update Regularly: Keep your phone’s operating system and apps up to date. Many updates include important security patches to prevent hackers from exploiting vulnerabilities.

• Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Activities: Public Wi-Fi networks are often insecure, making it easier for hackers to intercept data. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when browsing or accessing sensitive accounts over Wi-Fi.

• Be Cautious with Downloads: Only download apps from official sources like Google Play or the Apple App Store, and avoid downloading APK files or apps from untrusted websites.

See Also: 15 Best Free Apps to Lock Apps on iPhone

Final Thoughts

Being aware of the signs that your phone has been hacked is crucial for safeguarding your personal data. From unusual battery drain to strange behavior during calls, these symptoms can help you identify a compromised device early. Act quickly by securing your accounts, running security scans, and following best practices for phone security.

By staying vigilant and practicing good security habits, you can significantly reduce the chances of your phone being hacked and protect your sensitive information from malicious actors.

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