How to Check for Spyware on Your Phone in 2026: 5 Warning Signs & Fixes

If a politician’s phone can get hacked, so can yours—here’s how to spot the signs and protect yourself

You’re scrolling through your phone when you notice something weird. The battery drains faster than usual, even when you’re not using it. Your data usage spikes for no reason. Or maybe your phone just feels… off, like it’s working harder than it should.

Sound familiar? These could be signs of spyware—malicious software that sneaks onto your phone to steal your data, record your calls, or even track your location. And no, you don’t need to be a celebrity or a politician to be a target. Earlier this year, reports surfaced of spyware attacks on everyday people, from journalists to activists to regular folks who just clicked the wrong link.

The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert to check for spyware. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the red flags to watch for, how to scan your phone for hidden threats, and what to do if you find something suspicious. (And if you want a deeper dive into phone security, check out our Complete Guide to Phone Security.)

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How to Tell If Your Phone Has Spyware (5 Red Flags)

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Think of spyware like a hidden camera in your home—it’s sneaky, but there are clues. Here’s what to look for:

1. Your battery drains way faster than usual

Spyware runs in the background, sapping your phone’s power like a device left on all night. If your battery suddenly drops from 80% to 20% in an hour, that’s a red flag.

What to do: Check your battery usage in settings. On iPhone, go to Settings > Battery and look for apps using an unusual amount of power. On Android, head to Settings > Battery > Battery Usage. If you see an app you don’t recognize, that’s a warning sign.

2. You get strange texts or calls you don’t recognize

Hackers sometimes send weird SMS messages—like random numbers, symbols, or even blank texts—to trigger spyware. If you get a message that looks like gibberish, don’t open it.

Real-world example: A few years ago, researchers found that victims of the Pegasus spyware often received suspicious texts before their phones were infected. These messages might look like a missed delivery notification or a password reset link.

3. Your data usage spikes for no reason

Spyware sends your data to hackers, like a leaky faucet running up your water bill. If you notice a sudden jump in data usage—even when you’re not streaming or downloading—it could be a sign.

What to do: Monitor your data usage. On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular and scroll down to see which apps are using the most data. On Android, try Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage.

4. Your phone acts "possessed" (apps crash, slow performance)

Spyware hogs your phone’s resources, like too many apps running at once. If your phone suddenly feels sluggish, apps crash randomly, or it overheats for no reason, that’s a clue.

What to do: Restart your phone. If the problems persist, it could be a sign of spyware.

5. You hear weird noises during calls or background activity

Some spyware records calls or activates your mic without your knowledge. If you hear clicks, echoes, or static during calls—or if your phone’s mic light turns on when you’re not using it—that’s a major red flag.

What to do: Listen closely during calls. If you notice anything unusual, it’s worth investigating further.

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How to Check for Spyware on Your Phone (Step-by-Step)

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Think of this like a home security check—you’re looking for unlocked doors. Here’s how to scan your phone for spyware, even if you’re not tech-savvy:

1. Run a quick security scan (no tech skills needed!)

Most phones have built-in tools to help you spot suspicious activity.

• For iPhone: Use Apple’s Privacy Report. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > App Privacy Report to see which apps have accessed your data recently. If you see something you don’t recognize, that’s a warning sign.
• For Android: Try Google Play Protect. Open the Play Store, tap your profile icon, and select Play Protect. This scans your apps for malware and spyware.
• Third-party tools: If you want extra protection, apps like Malwarebytes (free) can scan for spyware. We’ve tested it, and it’s easy to use—just download, run a scan, and follow the prompts.

2. Look for unknown apps or profiles

Spyware often hides as a "system app" or "device management" profile. Here’s how to find it:

• iPhone: Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. If you see any profiles you don’t recognize, delete them immediately.
• Android: Go to Settings > Apps > See All Apps. Look for unfamiliar apps, especially ones with generic names like "System Update" or "Device Manager."

Pro tip: If an app won’t let you uninstall it, that’s a red flag. Some spyware locks itself onto your phone to avoid removal.

3. Check if your phone is "jailbroken" (iPhone) or "rooted" (Android)

Jailbreaking (iPhone) or rooting (Android) removes your phone’s built-in security protections, making it easier for spyware to sneak in.

• iPhone: Look for the Cydia app. If you see it, your phone is jailbroken—and that’s a major security risk.
• Android: Use an app like Root Checker (free) to scan for root access. If it says your phone is rooted, you’ll need to take action.

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How to Remove Spyware from Your Phone (If You Find It)

Removing spyware is like disinfecting a wound—act fast to stop the damage. Here’s what to do:

1. Factory reset your phone (last resort, but effective)

A factory reset wipes everything, including spyware—like erasing a chalkboard. Warning: This deletes all your data, so back up your photos, contacts, and important files first.

• iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
• Android: Go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data.

2. Update your phone’s software ASAP

Software updates patch security holes that spyware exploits—like fixing a broken lock. Always install updates as soon as they’re available.

• iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
• Android: Go to Settings > System > System Update.

3. Change all your passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

Spyware can steal your passwords, so lock down your accounts like you would after a break-in.

• What to do: Use a password manager (like Bitwarden) to generate strong, unique passwords for each account. Then, turn on 2FA for your email, banking, and social media accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone or an app to log in.

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How to Protect Your Phone from Spyware (Like Pegasus)

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Preventing spyware is like wearing a seatbelt—it’s easier than fixing a crash. Here’s how to stay safe:

1. Avoid clicking suspicious links (even from "trusted" contacts)

Spyware often spreads via phishing—fake messages designed to trick you into clicking. If a link looks weird, even if it’s from a friend or family member, don’t open it.

Real-world example: A few years ago, Pegasus spyware was sent via WhatsApp calls—even if the victim didn’t answer. Hackers are getting sneakier, so always double-check before clicking.

2. Disable unnecessary permissions (mic, camera, location)

Spyware needs access to spy, so revoke permissions like you’d unplug a hidden camera.

• iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy and review which apps have access to your mic, camera, and location. If an app doesn’t need access, turn it off.
• Android: Go to Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager and do the same.

3. Use a reputable security app (but avoid shady "free" ones)

Some "antivirus" apps are actually spyware in disguise—like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Stick to trusted tools like Lookout or Norton Mobile Security.

4. Consider a "burner" phone for sensitive conversations

Politicians and journalists often use secondary phones to limit exposure—like a decoy safe. You don’t need a fancy gadget; a cheap prepaid phone works just fine.

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What to Do If You Think You’re Being Targeted

If you suspect spyware, treat it like a medical emergency—don’t wait! Here’s what to do:

1. Contact your carrier

Your phone carrier can help detect unusual activity, like a bank flagging fraud. Call them and ask if they’ve noticed any suspicious calls or texts from your number.

2. Report it to authorities (if needed)

If you’re a journalist, activist, or public figure, you might be at higher risk. Organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) can offer guidance.

3. Get a second opinion

If you’re not sure whether your phone is infected, take it to a professional. Apple Stores and authorized repair shops can run diagnostics to check for malware.

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Key Takeaways

• Watch for red flags: Battery drain, weird texts, data spikes, slow performance, and strange noises during calls.
• Scan your phone: Use built-in tools (like Apple’s Privacy Report or Google Play Protect) or third-party apps (like Malwarebytes) to check for spyware.
• Remove spyware: Factory reset your phone, update your software, and change all your passwords.
• Protect yourself: Avoid suspicious links, disable unnecessary permissions, and use a reputable security app.
• Act fast: If you think you’re being targeted, contact your carrier or a professional for help.

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How GhostShield VPN Can Help

If you’re worried about spyware—or just want extra protection for your online activity—using a VPN can add an extra layer of security. GhostShield VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it harder for hackers to spy on you, even on public Wi-Fi. It’s like sending your data through a secret tunnel instead of an open highway. If you’re ready to take your privacy to the next level, check out GhostShield’s plans and see which one fits your needs.

Stay safe out there!