Privacy is not a given on smartphones, whether you’re using an Android or iPhone. If you’re worried that someone could be using your phone to spy on you, look for strange apps, odd camera activity, and the following indicators.

Additionally, you may use Certo, a spyware detecting app for Android and iPhone cellphones, to do a scan. Certo examines the integrity of your operating system, eliminates risks from your system, and looks for malware and other questionable behavior. Check it out by clicking here.

1. Questionable App Activity in the Background

Spyware programs often run in the background, remaining active at all times to keep an eye on your activities. Because the background activity consumes a large portion of your smartphone’s resources, this might lead to excessive battery drain and subpar device performance.

Depending on the malware, the specific kind of background activity varies. Some let others activate the microphone or camera so they can view and hear you. Others record the calls you make, messages you send, programs you use, and login information you input on your smartphone.

Look for unknown programs in your apps list if your smartphone is behaving slow or the battery is dying quickly. On an iPhone, the settings menu’s bottom section allows you to examine all of your apps. Additionally, you can verify which applications have access to your camera, microphone, and other device features by going to the settings menu’s “Privacy & Security” section.

On Android, you may examine each app separately by opening the Settings menu and selecting “Apps.” To find out which applications have access to your camera and microphone, you may alternatively go to Security & Privacy > Privacy > Permission manager.

2. Strange Camera Action

Another warning sign that someone is watching you with your phone’s camera is strange camera activity. For instance, it may be spyware if you try to use the camera and are notified that it is currently in use.

Instead of a little startup delay or a second or two, a camera that seems to switch on instantly when you access it might potentially mean that the camera was already being used by another program.

The symptoms listed above, however, might be caused by other problems with the device or program. Keep a watchful eye out for the other indicators listed in this article if you see odd camera activity.

3. Odd Behavior of Camera Lights

Unusual camera indication light activity might indicate that someone else is turning on the camera to observe you, even if the camera itself isn’t behaving oddly. Not every malware has the capacity to turn off the light, but certain types may, thus the camera can function without the indication light being turned on.

It may be a sign that someone else has tapped into your camera if you notice that the camera indication light is on even when you are not using it. You should keep an eye out for any more indications of malware on your device. You may also look at Certo, an anti-spyware app for Android and iPhone, if you want to be certain and get rid of the particular adware.

4. Surprising Screen Action

Even while your device is in sleep mode, several types of spyware continue to operate in the background. However, it may indicate that a spyware program was activated or accessed by someone else if your device is in standby mode and abruptly turns on without any apparent interaction or trigger.

This usually happens when a spyware program that has been inactive transitions to a more active condition. It may occur, for instance, if someone who is watching you with a spyware program switches on their camera to observe you. Typically, when the app is activated, the screen just briefly illuminates. But even when the screen goes blank, it may still function.

A screen might come on for a variety of reasons, including a valid notice from an app you use. If you are unable to link it to any particular device behavior, however, keep an eye out for the other malware indicators listed in this post.

5. Images, Audio, or Video Files You Didn’t Produce

Unauthorized picture, video, or audio recordings stored on your smartphone or in your cloud storage are another indication that someone may be observing or listening to you.

Be cautious while handling unusual files on your phone since they may contain viruses. Instead of dealing with them directly, you should scan the files using a program like Certo.

6. Increased Use of Data

Some spyware programs send the data to a different place that the person observing you can access, while others save audio, video, and picture files on your device. It has to utilize a data network to do that. Wi-Fi connections and cellular data services are examples of such. Either way, if that’s happening, your device could record greater than usual data use.

If you’re on a restricted data plan, this problem is more noticeable since exceeding your account limit may result in alerts or extra charges. Devices often monitor this data for both Wi-Fi and data network consumption, however. Furthermore, most unlimited cellular data plans continue to monitor your use.

This makes it rather easy to detect whether your data use has grown. It’s a warning sign if the levels are much more than you would anticipate given your level of activity.

7. Someone Is Accessing Your Location

Sometimes the person monitoring you wants to know where you are physically located in addition to being able to see or hear you via your device. Some spyware programs include the ability to monitor a user’s position, which enables the program to share that information with another individual. Furthermore, integrated services like as Find My Device or Find My iPhone may provide location-sharing capabilities, allowing someone to access your whereabouts via a legitimate app.

The best course of action if you’re worried about spyware is to go through the list of all programs with location rights. Investigate the app to see whether it is harmful if you are unfamiliar with it using that data.

You must check the settings for applications that are genuine to find out whether your location is being shared with other parties. You could get notices that the services were used to find you if someone is using your login information to access those services on a different device. If so, change your password to stop further access.

8. Poor Performance During Video Calls

While there are many factors that might affect video call speed, such as connection quality, available bandwidth, background operations on the device, and more, poor performance that doesn’t fit with typical problems could indicate that someone else is listening in on you. Video calls may be intercepted by hackers, who can either record them for later viewing or monitor them live. Performance may suffer since that increases activity throughout the call.

Determining if malware is to blame is much more difficult during the conversation. The main reason for this is because individuals are aware that a variety of situations might affect the call, and the majority of them are not malicious. It’s worthwhile to investigate further, however, if you were previously having minor issues with video calls and are now having persistent issues.

9. Odd Noises Made During Calls

Another indication that there could be spyware on your device is hearing strange sounds when making phone calls. Cell phones are generally regarded as having dependable call clarity. Strange noises might indicate that someone is recording or listening in on your calls. Likewise, it’s a warning sign if you believe you hear a voice on the line that isn’t that of the caller.

How to Proceed If You Believe Your Phone Is Infected with Spyware

It’s quite likely that someone is employing spyware on your phone to monitor you if you see one or more of these indicators. Remove any questionable apps, and think about resetting your smartphone to factory defaults. Additionally, I would advise locating and removing malware from your smartphone using a program like Certo.