Your Android smartphone is a highly versatile device capable of doing various tasks. But did you know it can also be used to spy on you?
Spying apps are software programs used to monitor someone’s mobile phone activities. If you suspect that your Android device may be compromised, we’ll show you how to find hidden spyware on Android so you can keep your device and yourself safe.
How Can I Tell If A Spy App Has Been Installed On My Phone?
Finding spy apps on your phone is not an easy task since they usually operate in hidden mode or are disguised as native apps. However, some telltale signs can help determine if a spy app has been installed on your Android phone. In particular, you should be careful about the following:
● Is Your Android Device Rooted?
Rooting an Android phone is a gateway that allows one to bypass the official app stores and install spyware apps. If your device is rooted and hasn’t been done by you, you are certainly being spied on.
● Battery Draining Rapidly
A sudden drop in your phone’s battery percentage is one of the most common signs that your Android device has a spying app installed. If you notice that your battery is draining faster than usual, it could be because spying software is continuously running in the background and depleting the battery.
● Your Phone is Heating Up
If your device is heating up after only a few minutes of casual use, it may be because spyware is running in the background. Thus, heating the phone’s processor.
With a spy app installed, your phone can also heat up even if you are not using it. Moreover, there can also be a lack of processing speed on your phone. If your phone starts to run slower, it may have a spyware app running on it.
● Unusual Increase in Data Usage
A hidden spy app running in the background can cause an unusual increase in data usage. Spy apps transfer the recorded information to their online portal and use the phone’s data for it.
● Random Reboots and Shutdown
If your Android phone is suddenly rebooting or shutting down, you may have a spy app installed. The spy app does this to refresh itself, bypass a security feature, or better ingrain itself onto your device.
how to detect spyware on android phone
To detect potential spyware on an Android phone, you can try these steps:
Check for unfamiliar apps:
- Go through your app list and remove any suspicious or unfamiliar apps.
Monitor battery usage:
- Spyware often drains battery. Check Settings > Battery to see if any unfamiliar apps are using significant power.
Look for increased data usage:
- Spyware may send data in the background. Check your data usage in Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage.
Install a reputable antivirus app:
- Use trusted antivirus software from the Google Play Store to scan for malware.
Check for unusual behavior:
- Slow performance, random reboots, or strange noises during calls could indicate spyware.
Review app permissions:
- Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > Advanced > Permission manager to check which apps have sensitive permissions.
Look for rooting:
- If your phone is rooted without your knowledge, it may be compromised.
Factory reset as a last resort:
- If you suspect deep infection, back up your data and perform a factory reset.
Keep your phone updated:
- Regular system updates often include security patches.
Enable Google Play Protect:
This built-in Android feature scans apps for malware.
Remember, these steps help detect common issues, but sophisticated spyware can be hard to find. If you’re seriously concerned about your privacy or security, consider consulting with a cybersecurity professional.
Always download apps only from trusted sources like the Google Play Store, and be cautious about granting permissions to apps.
Not All Spy Apps Can Be Found
Most people keep their private and personal information on their phones, from their pictures and videos to their bank account details. Therefore, if you detect any of the signs discussed above – it is highly likely that someone has installed a spy app on your phone – take immediate action before the damage is done.
Make sure you employ the techniques mentioned to find hidden spy apps on your phone and uninstall them to keep yourself and your devices safe.
However, some spying apps do not mess up your phone’s hardware and software. Xnspy is a prime example!
Unlike the other spying apps, with the Xnspy spy app installed, your phone won’t be heating up, draining the battery rapidly, or rebooting. It makes it more difficult to determine whether or not this app is installed on an Android phone. Xnspy’s stealth mode is very effective and remains undetectable even if you check the installed apps in the settings on your phone.
Xnspy doesn’t make any icons. So checking hidden apps in your phone’s app drawer also proves ineffective for finding this app on your phone.
