Your Android phone might be secretly tracked without your knowledge. Stalkerware apps, designed to monitor messages, photos, calls, and even your real-time location, are a growing concern. These apps often look like family tracking or child monitoring tools but are used for spying on partners or spouses without consent.
Unlike regular apps, stalkerware is usually downloaded from outside Google Play and can hide from the home screen. They often misuse Android features meant for businesses to manage work phones or accessibility settings that help users with disabilities. If your phone runs slow, heats up for no reason, or uses too much data, it might be compromised.
Here are some ways to protect your phone:
Stay Safe Before Removing Stalkerware
Before taking any action, ensure you have a safety plan. Removing spyware can alert the person who installed it, potentially putting you in danger. The Coalition Against Stalkerware provides support and advice for such situations.
Turn on Google Play Protect
One of the simplest ways to protect your phone is by switching on Google Play Protect. This built-in tool scans apps for harmful behavior, even those installed from outside the Play Store. You can activate Play Protect through your Play Store settings and run a quick scan for suspicious apps.
Check Accessibility Settings
Another place to check is the Accessibility settings. Stalkerware often abuses this feature to gain deep access to your device. If you don’t use accessibility apps, there shouldn’t be any listed. Look out for unfamiliar services with generic names like “Accessibility” or “System Service.” Disable and remove them if you find any.
Review Notification Access
Next, review which apps can access your notifications. This feature allows apps to read messages and alerts. Stalkerware uses this to spy on conversations. Check your notification access settings and revoke permissions for unknown apps.
Inspect Device Admin Apps
Also, check if any device admin apps are installed. These apps can control your phone remotely. They are typically used by companies for managing work devices. If you see an unfamiliar app with names like “Device Health” or “Device Admin,” it could be stalkerware. Remove them carefully.
Uninstall Suspicious Apps
Even if stalkerware hides its icon, it will appear in the list of installed apps. Browse through your app list and uninstall anything suspicious. Keep in mind that removing such apps might inform the person who installed them.
Strengthen Your Device Security
Finally, secure your device with a strong lock screen password. Enable two-factor authentication for your online accounts. This extra layer of protection can keep your data safe from intruders.
