How to Know If Your Phone Is Hacked (Signs + Step-by-Step Fix Guide)

Why It’s Important to Check If Your Phone Has Been Hacked

If your phone suddenly starts acting strange, it’s normal to feel worried.

I’ve personally helped many people who thought their phone was “possessed,” but it was actually a simple security issue.
This fix even worked for me on my Infinix device when I noticed unusual pop-ups.

Let’s go through the real warning signs and what to do next.

Common Signs Your Phone May Be Hacked

Here are the biggest red flags to watch for:

• Your battery drains unusually fast
• Your phone heats up even when idle
• You see strange pop-ups or ads
• Apps install themselves without permission
• Your data usage suddenly increases
• Messages are being sent you didn’t write
• Your phone feels slower than normal

If you notice 2–3 of these together, take action immediately.

What to Do First (Do Not Panic)

Before jumping into complicated fixes:

1. Turn on Airplane Mode

• Swipe down from the top
• Tap Airplane Mode
• This stops possible remote access temporarily

1. Stop Using Banking Apps Until You Secure the Phone
2. Write Down Any Suspicious Apps You Notice

Step-by-Step Fix: How to Secure Your Phone Immediately

Fix 1: Check for Unknown Apps

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Apps or App Management
3. Scroll through the list carefully
4. Look for apps you don’t recognize
5. Tap the suspicious app
6. Select Uninstall

If you can’t uninstall it, move to Fix 2.

Fix 2: Run Google Play Protect Scan

1. Open the Google Play Store
2. Tap your profile icon (top right)
3. Select Play Protect
4. Tap Scan

This removes many harmful apps automatically.

Fix 3: Remove Admin Access From Malware Apps

Some hacked apps hide with admin control.

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Security
3. Select Device Admin Apps
4. Disable anything unfamiliar
5. Return and uninstall the app

Fix 4: Change Your Passwords Immediately

Start with your most important accounts:

• Gmail
• Facebook
• WhatsApp
• Banking apps

Use strong passwords and enable 2FA.

If you want a full beginner-friendly guide on staying safe online, you can also read our complete security pillar here inside Smsmobile24:

How to Stay Safe Online (Security & Privacy Tips for Beginners Step-by-Step)

Fix 5: Update Your Phone Software

1. Open Settings
2. Tap System
3. Select Software Update
4. Tap Download and Install

Updates patch security holes hackers use.

Fix 6: Factory Reset (Last Option)

Only do this if the problem continues.

1. Backup important photos and contacts
2. Go to Settings
3. Tap Reset Options
4. Choose Erase All Data (Factory Reset)

This removes most malware completely.

Final Checklist (Quick Recap)

Before you relax, confirm:

• Suspicious apps removed
• Play Protect scan completed
• Passwords changed
• Phone updated
• Two-factor authentication enabled

Final Thoughts (Encouraging + Trust)

Your phone being hacked is scary — but most cases are fixable quickly.

I’ve helped many beginners solve this exact issue using these steps, so take it one step at a time and you’ll be safe again.

Written with care to keep you protected online.