How to Stop Someone from Accessing Your Phone Remotely (2024)

In an era where smartphones are not just communication tools but repositories of personal and sensitive information, securing them from unauthorized remote access has become imperative. The thought of someone accessing your phone remotely without your consent is unsettling. This comprehensive guide will walk you through effective strategies to prevent unauthorized remote access to your smartphone, ensuring your data remains private and secure. Hackers can gain remote access through malware, unsecured Wi-Fi networks, phishing scams, or even by exploiting security vulnerabilities in your phone’s operating system.

1How to Tell If Someone is Remotely Accessing to Your Phone

Can someone take control of your phone remotely? yes, it's possible. So, if you suspect that someone is accessing your phone or its information, then it's something you must confirm right away. And there are a few things that you can look out for.

Unrecognized Apps: If you find some random unfamiliar apps lurking around on your phone, then most likely, it's a hack app and it can be a sign of a security breach..

Battery Drains: Remote access apps or malware can consume a lot of battery power. If you notice that your phone's battery is draining faster than usual, it might be worth investigating further.

Overheating: If your phone frequently overheats without a clear reason, it might be due to malicious software running in the background.

Unexpected Behavior: If you notice your phone behaving strangely, such as apps opening or closing on their own, random pop-ups, increased service messages, emails, and pop-up ads or unusual error messages, it could indicate unauthorized access.

Increased data usage: Unusually high data usage can indicate that your phone is transmitting large amounts of data. This could be a sign that someone is remotely accessing your device.

Strange Web Addresses: If you are connected to a public Wi-Fi network and find the links at the top of your browser to be a bit weird, then it's highly likely that your connection to the network is being intercepted.

Slow Performance: If your phone suddenly becomes sluggish, freezes frequently, or takes longer to respond, it could be a sign of unauthorized access.

Unusual Sounds During Calls: Hearing odd noises or echoes during phone calls can indicate that your calls are being recorded or intercepted.

Security Notification: Sometimes, your service provider or security apps will send you an alert if they detect suspicious activity.

2How to Stop Someone from Accessing Your Phone Remotely

Even after taking all the necessary precautions, someone may have remotely accessed your phone. If you can successfully detect remote access on Android or iPhone, it is best to inform your family, friends, and colleagues not to open any suspicious messages from you. This precautionary measure will help them avoid potential issues or complications. Then here are some actions what you should do to stop it.

Update Your Phone's Operating System

Regularly update your phone's operating system (OS) to the latest version. OS updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities which hackers can exploit.

Secure Your Wi-Fi Connections

Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities. If necessary, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for added security. Ensure your home Wi-Fi network is secure with a strong password and up-to-date security protocols like WPA3.

Disable Bluetooth When Not in Use

Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in Bluetooth connections. Keep your Bluetooth off when you're not using it.

Use Strong Passwords and Authentication Methods

Set a strong, unique password or PIN for unlocking your phone. Enable biometric authentication features like fingerprint scanning or facial recognition, if available. Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords like "1234" or "0000".

Uninstall Suspicious Apps

If you've been noticing issues right after downloading an app, try uninstalling it. Sometimes we download third-party software from random websites without even considering the associated risks. And many people even download pirated apps to their phones.

These sometimes contain harmful viruses that create gateways for hackers to your phone. Here's how you can get rid of them:

Step 1: Open Settings.

Step 2: Go to Apps & Notifications > See All Apps > Manage Apps.

Step 3: Find the apps that seem suspicious to you or you don't remember downloading.

Step 4: Click on the app.

Step 5: Tap Uninstall.

Disable Call Forwarding

Someone can easily set your phone to forward your calls and text messages to their phone. It might not be a full-blown hack, but it is still spying. And considering the amount of important information we get through our texts and calls, especially bank-related information, you have to put a stop to this. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Open your Phone app.

Step 2: Find the 3-dot-button at the upper right corner and press it.

Step 3: Tap on Settings and then Calling Accounts.

Step 4: Press Call Forwarding.

Step 5: Disable all the call forwarding options by pressing Turn Off for each of them.

If you are still concerned about the security of your phone, it is advisable to contact your mobile service provider or a professional in cybersecurity for further assistance.

Install Trusted Apps

Many spyware works by sending out links and luring people to click on them. Be careful about what links you click, as these may install spyware apps on your phone. Try not to install apps from shady websites that aren't available on the Play Store or App Store. Shady apps can often have viruses that allow people to hack into your phone.

Use trusted sources and check the reviews before installing any apps. Look for good ratings and ones that are well-known and used by many people. If you must download an app manually, be sure it is from a trusted source, and try to uninstall it if you don't use it a lot.

Avoid Jailbreaking or Rooting Your Phone

Jailbreaking or rooting your phone can bypass security mechanisms put in place by the OS, making your phone more vulnerable to attacks.

Lock Your Phone When Not in Use

Leaving your phone unlocked even for a little while can give people the time to install spyware on your phone or hack into your accounts. For instance, if you are logged into your AirDroid account on your PC and have your phone connected, then if you leave your PC, anyone can come and remotely access your phone and control it.

So do not leave your phone unlocked or unattended with someone you don't trust, mainly if you use AirDroid Remote access regularly.

Regularly Back Up Your Data

Regular backups can help you recover your data if your phone is compromised.

Use an Antivirus

Anti-virus apps can act as an Android remote access blocker and stop you from clicking suspicious links. They can prevent viruses from entering your phone and prevent the background installation of suspicious third-party apps.

Having an anti on all your devices is a great practice, and it keeps your phone safe. Try to go for good brands, and don't hesitate to invest a little in anti-virus products, as they can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.

Be Aware of Social Engineering

Hackers often use social engineering tactics to trick you into giving them access. Be skeptical of unexpected requests for your personal information or urgent demands for action.

3Can Someone Access My Phone Remotely?

Yes, unfortunately, people can access and even control your phone remotely. There are plenty of spyware apps and bugs that let people hack into your phone without you even knowing about it. It's usually through certain links or credentials that hackers do this. People can even install spyware on your phone even if they have access to your phone for a only few minutes! If you connect to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, hackers may intercept your data and gain access to your device.

While remote access to your phone can be a handy feature, it is only safe if you are the one using it. AirDroid, for instance, therefore makes it a top priority to ensure the privacy and security when remotely accessing and controlling your Android devices. It requires you to log in to your account, and other people can't use your AirDroid account to access your phone remotely without your credentials. Besides, it provides end-to-end encypted remote access to ensure your data safety.

However, if someone can guess your password or find out your credentials somehow, it becomes possible for them to access any of your devices. So you'd better set up complex password and use dynamic 9-digit connection code in AirDroid Remote Support for remote access.

Conclusion

Now that you know what to do to prevent other people from remotely accessing your phone and also how to stop someone from accessing your phone remotely in case it does happen, you can rest assured. With just a little precaution, you shouldn't have to face this problem. Thanks for sticking around till the end!