How do i know if someone is tracking my phone

There are a number of different ways to remove spyware from Android and iOS phones. These include using security software, removing the problem app manually, and updating the operating system.

Use the links below to find out exactly how you can remove spyware on your chosen device:

• Android (including Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, and Motorola devices)
• iPhone

Whatever phone you have, the most effective option is to do a factory reset. This will delete everything on the device and restore it to its factory settings, so it is the same as it was when it left the factory. You’ll lose all your data and apps on the device, but the spyware will be effectively removed.

A factory reset is the surest way to remove spyware from your cell phone, but many people prefer a less destructive approach.

If you do a factory reset, make a backup of your data (including photos) first. Don’t reinstall the same apps or software after the reset because you might reinstall the spyware too. If you have an older backup that predates the spyware, you might be able to restore your phone from that.

CAUTION: The perpetrator will probably become aware that you’ve removed the spyware because their information flow will dry up. In some situations, it may be safer for you not to remove the spyware. Instead, you could use a secret, second phone for any sensitive communications.

How to Remove Spyware Apps on Android

1Use a spyware removal tool

The simplest way to remove spyware from your Android phone is to use software designed for the job. It will scan your device for spyware (and other types of malware) and remove it.

Be sure to only use software from a reputable security brand. Unknown security apps may themselves carry malware.

Here are some safe options:

2Remove the app manually

You may be able to find the spyware app in the Application Manager and delete it manually. To do this:

1. Start the phone in Safe Mode: Hold down the power button, then long-press Power Off. Tap OK to Reboot to Safe Mode.
2. Enter the Application Manager: Go into Settings > Additional Settings > Application Management.
3. Search for potential spyware apps: Try searching for “spy,” “trojan,” “stealth,” and similar words. Surprisingly, this can sometimes reveal suspect apps on the device.
4. Review each app manually: There is a good chance the spyware is disguised, so you might need to review all the apps. FlexiSpy, for example, uses the innocent-sounding “SyncManager” for its name. mSpy uses the name “Update service” to go undetected. You’ll likely need to do some online research to work out what some of the apps on your phone are, and whether they are genuine.
5. Remove any suspicious apps: Uninstall any apps you’re concerned about. If you can’t delete the app, it might have device administrator permissions. Go to Settings > Security > Advanced > Device Administrators and uncheck the box beside the suspicious app to remove its device administrator permissions. Choose to deactivate the app. You should then be able to delete the app by repeating the steps above.
6. Restart your phone: Not in safe mode this time. The app you deleted should be gone.

3Update the operating system

If there’s an update available, applying it can sometimes break the spyware app.

It won’t necessarily remove it, though, and isn’t always guaranteed to work. We therefore recommend you use this approach alongside another.

4Carry out a factory reset

This will wipe everything from your phone, including your data, and restore it to its original settings. Make sure you have copied any data you need from the phone first.

To do a factory reset on an Android phone:

1. Go into Settings, select System, and then Reset Options.
2. The option you need has two names, depending on which phone you’re using. Select Factory Data Reset or Erase All Data (Factory Reset).
3. Tap Reset Device and enter your PIN or password to confirm.
   Your device will be restored to its original settings. This may take some time.
4. You can then choose to Keep Your Apps and Data if you want to restore from an old backup. If you do, make sure that this backup is not from a time when the spyware may have been on the system. The safest option is to Set Up As New.

NOTE: Remember that your login details might have been compromised, so be sure to set up new passwords for your email, social media, ecommerce, and any other accounts.

How to Remove Spyware Apps on iPhone

1Remove the spyware manually

In the wrong hands, some of the parental control apps from the App Store can be misused to spy on your location. It is worth manually checking your installed apps to see if there is anything suspicious. To do this:

1. View your installed apps: Go into Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
2. Search for any suspicious or unexpected apps: Look out for any unexpected parental control apps, such as mSpy, Find my Friends and Family, and Spy Phone Phone Tracker. You can also tap on an app to see how much space it occupies.
3. Delete any potential spyware apps: Tap ‘Delete App’ to remove it. Before deleting, it’s worth doing a quick bit of research to determine whether the app is actually important to you.

2Update the operating system

Updating the operating system on your iPhone will reverse any jailbreaking and remove any unauthorized apps that were installed outside of the App Store. This is a common way for spyware apps to be installed.

There are two ways to update the iOS:

1. Connect your phone to your computer and use the iTunes software on your computer to update your device. Click Check for Update.
2. On your iPhone, go into the Settings app, tap General, then Software Update. If an update is available, tap Download and Install. When the update has downloaded, select Install Now.

3Carry out a factory reset

Carrying out a factory reset will also reverse any jailbreaking and remove any unauthorized apps from your iPhone. It wipes everything from your phone, including your data, and restores it to its original settings. Be sure to copy any data you need (including photos) off the phone first.

To do a factory reset on an iPhone, you have two options:

1. Connect your phone to your computer and use the iTunes software on your computer to Restore Your iPhone. There is an option to restore from a backup, which will reinstall the iPhone software but will put your backed-up data onto the phone again. This should remove unauthorized apps and reverse jailbreaking, but any authorized apps (such as parental control apps) may remain.
2. On your iPhone, go into Settings > General > Reset. Choose Erase All Content and Settings.

NOTE: Don’t forget that your login details might have been compromised as well. Be sure to set up new passwords for your email, social media, ecommerce, and any other accounts.

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