Your phone probably contains sensitive personal data you don’t want anyone else accessing. Unfortunately, some people may try to bypass your phone’s security and install hidden spy apps to monitor your activities without your knowledge.
Although your device might not alert you to these invasive apps, there are some telltale signs to watch out for. Even better, I’ll walk you through 5 straightforward methods to detect and remove spy apps from your Android.
What Are Spy Apps and How Do They Work?
Spy apps, also called stalkerware or spouseware, are apps designed to secretly collect personal data like locations, messages, calls, photos, and more from a device without the owner’s consent.
Security firms estimate tens of thousands of these stealthy spy apps are in circulation, accessed by everything from cybercriminals to suspicious spouses. Once installed, the apps run quietly in the background, harvesting information and transmitting it back to whoever installed the software.
Spy apps pose serious risks – they can track your real-time location, read confidential messages and emails, activate cameras and microphones without notification, steal logins and financial information, and more.
It’s critical to safeguard your device against these invasive apps. While your phone may not alert you to their presence, there are 5 straightforward methods you can use to detect and remove spy apps.
Method #1: Look for Signs of a Hidden App
Although proof is hard to come by, your Android may demonstrate some unusual behaviors when a spy app is installed. While not definitive evidence, be on the lookout for these common warning signs.
Sign #1: You Frequently See the Location Icon
Whenever an app accesses your location data, a small map marker icon appears in your notification shade. If the icon persists even when you haven’t recently used maps or other location-enabled apps, a spy app could be running covertly in the background.
Sign #2: Increase in Data Usage
Spy apps need to transmit all the data they collect off your device. This can lead to mysteriously high data usage and monthly phone bills. Watch for spikes in your data consumption that happen without explanation.
Sign #3: Battery Drain
Similarly, spy apps can drain higher battery as they continually run in the background accessing data and sensors. If your battery life takes a significant hit without any changes on your part, it could indicate a rogue app is active.
Sign #4: Unusual Behavior
Erratic operational issues like random reboots/shutdowns, notifications from unknown sources, unexpected noises when the phone should be idle, or mysteriously deleted files/apps can also betray a spy app’s presence.
While on their own these signs aren‘t definitive evidence of a spy app, together they strongly suggest further investigation is warranted.
Method #2: Scan Your Device
If you suspect a spy app based on the above symptoms, it‘s time to directly scan your device for threats. You have two options – use the integrated Google Play Protect, or install a dedicated third-party security app.
Method 2.1: Using Google Play Protect
Google Play Protect is Android‘s built-in malware scanner. Here are the steps to run a scan:
Step 1: Open the Google Play Store App
Tap on the Play Store icon to launch the app.
Step 2: Open the Google Play Store Menu
Tap on your profile icon in the top right corner, then select "Play Protect" from the menu.
Step 3: Scan the Device
On the Play Protect screen, press "Scan device" to initiate a full scan of all apps. If any spyware is detected, Play Protect will alert you with removal instructions.
While handy for basic protection, Play Protect has limited capabilities compared to third-party apps – it only scans apps downloaded from the Play Store itself. Any sideloaded apps or deeper system infections can be missed.
For better protection, install a dedicated mobile security app. Here’s how to scan for threats using AVG Antivirus:
Method 2.2: Using Third-Party Apps
Step 1: Download the App
Search for “AVG Antivirus” on the Play Store, then install it.
Step 2: Open the App
Open AVG Antivirus and complete any account registration or subscriptions required.
Step 3: Scan Apps
Press "Scan Now" to initiate a full malware scan. AVG Antivirus will automatically detect and remove any spyware.
Specialty antimalware apps like AVG, Norton, and Lookout offer more advanced threat detection including sideloaded apps and sophisticated spyware tools.
Method #3: Check Your Apps
Another easy way to reveal spy apps is to manually look through your full list of installed applications. Since spy apps often hide themselves from your home screen, access your app list via Settings instead of your launcher.
Step 1: Open Settings
Tap the gear icon to open Settings.
Step 2: Go to Apps
Select "Apps" then "See all [#] apps" to view your full app list.
Step 3: Look for Unknown Apps
Carefully review all apps, removing any look suspicious or that you don‘t remember installing.
Watch for generically-named apps, apps with generic icons, or multiple apps from unfamiliar developers – common strategies spyware uses to better hide in plain sight.
Uninstalling anything suspicious helps purge potential spyware from your system.
Method #4: Reboot in Safe Mode
Rebooting your Android in “Safe Mode” is an excellent way to isolate and remove stubborn spyware. Safe Mode blocks all third-party apps from running temporarily.
Step 1: Enable Safe Mode
Power off your phone fully. Turn it back on, then immediately hold down the Volume Down button during boot up until “Safe mode” appears on screen.
Step 2: Go to Settings
With only Android‘s core system apps active, open Settings and navigate to Apps > Advanced > Special app access > Device admin apps.
Step 3: Check Device Admin Apps
This list shows all apps with elevated Device Admin privileges – which spy apps love attempting to acquire. Remove privileges and uninstall anything suspicious.
Step 4: Exit Safe Mode
Finally, long press Power > Reboot to exit Safe Mode and restart normally.
Repeating this process helps systematically eliminate any potential spy or malware apps.
Method #5: Review App Permissions
Spyware often tries gaining access to phone sensors and data by requesting unnecessary permissions. Review all your app permissions for anything suspicious:
Step 1: Go to Settings
Open Settings > Apps & notifications > App permissions.
Step 2: Check Permissions
Scan through the various permissions, looking for apps granted access unnecessarily or that don’t need it for their designed purpose.
Step 3: Revoke Permissions
Tap any suspicious permission, then select the app and turn the permission off using the slider. Remove shady apps entirely.
Scrutinizing permissions helps limit spyware access to sensitive phone resources like location, contacts, microphone, etc.
Wrapping Up
Spyware represents a concerning threat – allowing others to silently monitor your activities through your own phone or tablet. Safeguard yourself by watching for telltale warning signs of spy apps, running periodic scans with security apps, manually checking apps lists, using Safe Mode, and reviewing permissions settings.
Stay vigilant and take action quickly at the first sign of trouble. In a worst case, back up your data securely then perform a full factory reset to wipe all content and apps from your device.
Up Next:
- How to Find Hidden Apps on Android in 3 Easy Steps
- How to Set an Alarm on Android in 10 Easy Steps
- How to Find IMEI on Android in 2 Easy Steps
Frequently Asked Questions
How do spy apps access my device?
Spy apps typically access devices when a user installs something that contains spyware, clicks a malicious link, or if someone physically installs spy software without their knowledge.
What can a spy app do?
Spy apps can secretly record text messages, phone calls, locations, photos/videos, passwords, financial information, and other private data. They run silently in the background without notification.
How can I prevent spy apps?
Avoid opening links from unknown sources. Only install apps from reputable app stores. Review app permissions and don‘t grant unnecessary access. Install security apps that detect spyware.
How do I know if my Android has a spy app?
Unexplained high battery drain, increase in data/bandwidth usage, strange background activity, newly granted app permissions, and other unusual behaviors may indicate spy app infection.
How do I get rid of spy apps?
Delete suspicious apps immediately. Run security scans with Play Protect or antivirus apps. Revoke unnecessary permissions across all apps. For stubborn infections, reboot into Safe Mode or reset your device to factory defaults.
