Is your phone being tracked? 5 Tell-tale signs

Can someone track you using your phone? It’s a scary thought, but unfortunately, if a scammer or bad actor gains unauthorized access to your device, they could track your online activity and location. Don’t worry. We’ll share how to know whether your phone is being tracked.  

At Asurion, we care about the security of your devices, whether you want to block “scam likely” calls or safely use AirTags™. Here’s our guide on how to tell if your phone is being tracked. 

Why should I worry about my phone being tracked?

Although it happens infrequently when you’re diligent about online security, it’s important to take action right away if you suspect your mobile device is being tracked. If someone gets access to your device, they can tap into your personal information which could lead to things like invasion of privacy and identity theft.

5 signs your phone is possibly being tracked 

If you’re wondering, how do I know if my phone is being tracked? Here are five common signs to look for:

1. Unusual battery drain

When your phone battery drains quickly, there could be a simple explanation like you need to update your Android™ or iOS® software or your device is overheating. But if your battery is losing juice even when you’re not using your device, a suspicious app may be running in the background. It’s possible you’re being tracked.  You can check which apps are using the most battery power—and delete any problematic apps—on both iPhone® and Android phones. 

For more battery tips, check out our guide on how to extend the battery life of your phone.

2. Unexplained Apps

Check the apps installed on your phone. If you see an app you didn’t download, your device may have been hacked. You should uninstall the app immediately. Contact an expert if you need help. 

3. Increased data usage

If you notice a sudden spike in your data usage when you haven’t changed your phone habits, it may be a sign that your device is using a lot of data to transmit information to someone who is trying to track you. See our guide on how to check and reduce data usage. 

4. Strange phone activity

If your phone suddenly starts freezing or apps crash every time you open them, it’s possible that malware or spyware may have infected your device. Try clearing the cache on your iPhone or Android device and delete any unnecessary files.

If you’re still having trouble, check out our guide on what to do if your phone has been hacked.

5. Unusual background noise

If you hear unfamiliar sounds or background noises like echoes, clicking, or distortion during phone calls, it could be a sign your phone is being tracked. If it only happens once, you probably just have a poor connection. If it happens again, contact your service provider for help right away. 

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How to prevent your phone from being tracked

Here are a few things you can do to prevent your mobile device from being tracked: 

Turn off Location Services

If you’re sharing location updates, you may want to stop doing so to maintain your privacy. Here’s how: 

On iPhone: 

Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services and slide the switch to the left to turn it off. 

With the Google Maps app:

Open the app, tap your account icon, then tap Location Sharing. If contacts are listed, you can delete them or turn off Location Sharing entirely.

Use a VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and a remote server. It’s a great safeguard against tracking and other types of cybercrime, and much safer than using public Wi-Fi. To learn more, check out our VPN guide. 

Turn on Airplane Mode

If you’re worried about your phone being tracked in a public place, put your phone in Airplane Mode. 

Factory reset your phone

You can try a factory reset to ensure your phone is free of bad apps or malware. This should be a last resort, as you will lose settings and other data, so make sure you back up your data before you begin the reset. How to factory reset your Android. How to factory reset your iPhone.