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One of our biggest fears is that our phone gets hacked or that someone is spying on us. The moment it gets stuck or starts acting independently, that little voice in your head goes, Is there a spy app on my phone? Most of the time, it is just a glitch. But sometimes? Yes, it can be spyware.
Spy apps are hidden applications that monitor and track smartphone activity without the user’s knowledge. These apps can secretly log various activities on the phone depending on the app installed and its settings. These activities can include calls, reading messages, tracking locations, and accessing the phone’s microphone and camera.
While there are legal phone monitoring apps ethically used by parents or employers, many spy apps are installed maliciously by hackers, jealous partners, or cybercriminals. It’s essential to recognize the difference and take protective measures. Below, we explore how to detect and remove them from your Android phone.
Is There a Hidden Spy App on Your Android?
Spy apps usually work in the background and collect data discreetly; however, they often leave traces that can alert you to their presence. As mentioned, these signs don’t always mean that you are being spied on; however, if any signs appear, it is wise to identify them and then take action accordingly.
Here are the most common indicators that you have an Android spy app on your phone:
Increased Data Consumption
Spy apps continuously transmit collected data to remote servers. The data can be screenshots, voice recordings, video recordings, or messages and logs. These files are usually heavy. As they are continuously being shared in the background and no alerts are sent on the target device, they are challenging to detect. However, they require a constant internet connection.
So if your phone is connected to data, check your phone’s data usage settings if your data plan is depleting faster than usual. Look for unknown apps consuming excessive data, which may indicate spyware operating covertly on your device.
Unexplained Phone Overheating
Overheating usually happens when you are playing a game or video streaming, which is normal. However, if your phone starts heating up even when you are not using it, and it happens frequently, it might be due to a hidden spy app running in the background. Since these apps continuously operate to gather and upload data, they put additional strain on your processor, resulting in overheating. If you notice this issue, investigate running applications and battery usage to detect any suspicious software.
Sudden Battery Drainage
Spy apps constantly run. For example, if someone has installed a location tracking app on the phone, it will keep tracking even if the phone is in your bag or pocket, and you haven’t used it in hours.
This continuous running causes your battery to drain faster than usual. If your Android phone’s battery life suddenly worsens without changing your usage habits, it may have spyware. You can check battery usage in your settings to see if any unknown apps consume excessive power. If a mysterious app uses more battery than expected, it could be a hidden monitoring tool.
Unknown Installed Apps
Spyware often disguises itself under generic or system-like names to avoid detection. Usually, the apps that disguise themselves as system apps are difficult to find. If you witness any other problems with your phone, check for unfamiliar applications in your installed apps list.
To check the complete list of your apps, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications and review the complete list of applications on your phone. Look for anything that seems suspicious or that you don’t recall installing. Be especially wary of apps with generic names such as “System Services” or “Update Manager.”
Slowed Performance
Spy apps collect data from various apps, consuming many system resources and leading to lagging, freezing, or delayed responses. So if your phone suddenly becomes sluggish without an apparent reason, it could be due to an undetected spy app running in the background. Random crashes or unresponsive apps may also accompany performance slowdowns. Check your phone’s resource usage and identify any apps secretly running and using excessive RAM.
Are There Ways to Remove Hidden Spy Apps From Your Android?
If you have identified signs of spyware on your Android phone, you should remove it to protect your privacy and personal data. These apps are usually installed through links and require specific settings to access app data, so removing them from your phone requires a thorough approach.
Here are some valuable methods to remove an Android spy app from your phone:
Enable Safe Mode
Safe Mode is an effective way to identify and remove unauthorized applications that may not appear in normal mode. When a device is in Safe Mode, only system apps that are pre-installed by the manufacturer run. If you find an app not working in safe mode, it may be spyware. Here is how you can enable safe mode and detect the spy app.
To enable Safe Mode:
- Press and hold the power button.
- Tap and hold “Power off” until the Reboot to Safe Mode option appears.
- Select OK to enter Safe Mode.
- Once in Safe Mode, go to Settings > Apps and look for suspicious apps. Uninstall them immediately.
Use Antivirus
Antivirus scans phones in various ways to ensure no dangerous apps are installed. A few apps can also check permission by multiple apps, meaning they scan for excessive or unnecessary permissions.
For example, if an app designed for wallpapers requests access to the microphone, camera, contacts, etc. Security apps like Avast, Bitdefender, or Malwarebytes can scan your device for hidden spy apps and malicious software. Once you have decided on the app that meets your requirements, you must install spy apps on the phone.
- Download and install a trusted antivirus app from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app and run a full device scan.
- If spyware is detected, follow the antivirus tool’s instructions to remove it.
- Regularly update your security software to stay protected against new threats.
Antivirus software provides real-time protection and can prevent future spyware infections.
Perform a Factory Reset
A factory reset becomes essential if spyware persists despite other removal methods. This action restores your phone to its original state, wiping all installed apps and data, including videos, pictures, and installed apps, including the hidden ones, which means installed spy apps are also deleted. To reset your Android phone:
- Back up important data to cloud storage or an external device.
- Go to Settings > System > Reset options.
- Select Erase all data (factory reset) and confirm your choice.
- Your phone will restart and return to its default settings.
After resetting, avoid restoring backups that may contain the spyware. Instead, reinstall only essential apps from trusted sources.
Check Administrator Settings
Some spyware apps gain special device administration privileges, making them difficult to uninstall. Checking and disabling these permissions can help remove stubborn spy apps.
To check administrator settings:
- Go to Settings > Security > Device Admin Apps.
- Review the list of apps with administrator access.
- If you find an unknown or suspicious app, disable its admin rights.
- Uninstall the app from your device.
These methods should do the trick in most cases, but if you are dealing with something extra persistent, you can find more ways of removing spy apps here.
The Difference Between Spy Apps and Legitimate Monitoring Apps
While spy apps feel intrusive and can threaten privacy, not all monitoring apps are designed for malicious spying. Some apps are created for parents and employers to monitor ethically and legally.
For example, Xnspy is a legal phone monitoring app that tracks kids’ phone usage to keep them safe in the digital world. The app promotes consent and legal use of the app at all times. It mentions all the legal implications and states that parents must obtain consent from children over 18.
Legitimate monitoring apps usually don’t define why the features are included, clearly show all the hidden credentials, and focus on digging the dirt on the targeted user. On the other hand, each feature of Xnspy prioritizes the protection of children from the dangers of the internet, like scammers, predators, data breaches, adult content, etc.
For instance, Xnspy allows individuals to monitor their child’s call logs and text messages, ensuring they are not communicating with strangers or online predators. This feature helps parents protect kids from scams, cyberbullying, and inappropriate conversations.
You can also ensure your child’s safety by knowing their exact location with Xnspy’s real-time GPS tracking. This feature is crucial in emergencies and prevents children from wandering into unsafe areas or being lured by predators.
Also, Xnspy monitors chats and activity on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat to protect children from cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online threats. Parents can intervene before harmful interactions escalate.
Then there is Xnspy’s remote control feature that helps you manage screen time and restrict harmful content on your child’s device. The wipe data feature provides ultimate data protection while the remote app blocking ensures a safer digital environment, preventing exposure to adult content or malicious apps.
Final Thoughts
Detecting and removing spy apps is crucial for protecting your privacy and security. Take immediate action if your Android phone shows unusual signs like overheating, excessive data usage, or unknown apps. It is essential to remove such apps. However, a legal phone monitoring app can help provide cybersecurity to the concert party. Such apps focus on consent and promote the legal and ethical use of the app. Stay vigilant and take steps to secure your device from unauthorized tracking.