How to Check if Your Phone is Tapped iOS: A Full Guide

Our cell phone security is key. With the advancement of malware and hacking techniques, we need to know how to check if our iPhone is tapped. This guide will show you the ways to detect potential breaches and protect your personal data.

What is iPhone Tapping

Before we get into the detection methods, let’s first understand what phone tapping means in the context of iOS devices. Phone tapping or phone hacking means unauthorized access to your iPhone or mobile phone, which can lead to eavesdropping on phone calls, intercepting text messages, and stealing personal data.

Signs Your iPhone is Tapped

1. Unusual Sounds During Calls

One of the most common signs of phone tapping is hearing strange sounds during calls. This may include:

Clicking sounds
Static
Echoes
Other unusual noises

While these can be due to network issues or software glitches, if it happens consistently, it means your phone is tapped.

2. Increased Data Usage

If you notice a sudden surge in your data usage without changing your habits, it’s a red flag. Malicious software runs in the background and consumes data to send information to third parties. Monitoring mobile network activity can help identify unauthorized access and potential vulnerabilities.

To check your data usage:

Go to Settings
Tap on Cellular
Scroll down to see your data usage

3. Battery Drains Fast

Malicious software can drain your iPhone’s battery. If your battery drains fast even when your phone is idle, it might be due to software running in the background. Unauthorized access to the phone’s camera can also contribute to battery drainage, as apps may activate the camera without your consent, leading to increased power consumption.

4. Apps Behaving Weirdly

Watch how your apps behave. If apps open on their own, crashes or other weird behavior, it might be malware. Using the phone app to monitor call logs and settings can help detect unauthorized activities.

5. Weird Text Messages

Receiving text messages with random characters or codes can be a sign of hacking. These messages can be used to execute commands on your device.

How to Know if Your iPhone is Tapped

1. Check for Jailbreaking

Jailbreaking removes software restrictions imposed by Apple, making your device more vulnerable to attacks. To check if your iPhone is jailbroken:

Open App Library
Search for Cydia or Sileo (common jailbreak app stores)
If found, your device is jailbroken

2. Review Installed Apps

Regularly review your installed apps to see if there are apps you don’t recognize or don’t remember installing.

Go to Settings
Tap on General
Select iPhone Storage
Check the list of installed apps

Uninstall any apps you don’t recognize or don’t remember installing.

3. Check Device Management Profiles

Device management profiles can give third parties control over your iPhone. To check the device management profile:

Go to Settings
Tap on General
Select VPN & Device Management
Look for suspicious profiles

Uninstall any profiles you don’t recognize or didn’t install intentionally.

4. Use App Privacy Report

iOS 15 and later has an App Privacy Report feature:

Go to Settings
Tap on Privacy
Select App Privacy Report
Turn it on if not already enabled

This will show you which apps are accessing your data and how often.

5. Check Call Forwarding

Hackers can use call forwarding to intercept your calls. To check:

Open Phone
Tap keypad
Dial *#21#
If call forwarding is enabled, you’ll see details on the screen

6. Update iOS

Updating your iPhone’s software is important for security. To check for updates:

Go to Settings
Tap on General
Select Software Update

Install any available updates to get the latest security patches.

Extra Security

Lockdown Mode

For users who are targets of advanced attacks, Apple has Lockdown Mode:

Go to Settings
Tap on Privacy & Security
Scroll down and select Lockdown Mode
Follow the prompts to turn it on

This will limit your iPhone’s functionality to prevent advanced hacking.

Install Security Software

While iOS is secure, extra security software can give you extra protection. Look for security apps on the App Store.

Safe Mode

If you think your iPhone is hacked, you can boot it in Safe Mode:

Turn off your iPhone
Press and hold the power button until the Apple logo appears
Release the power button and immediately press and hold the volume down button
Release when the iPhone boots up

In Safe Mode, third-party apps are disabled so you can uninstall suspicious apps safely.

Use Find My App and Confirm Family Sharing

In addition to the methods mentioned above, using the Find My app and confirming Family Sharing settings can be crucial in detecting if your iPhone is being tapped or hacked. The Find My app allows you to track your device’s location and see if someone is tracking your location without your knowledge. Here’s how you can use it:

Open the Find My app on your iPhone.
Tap on “Devices” and select your iPhone.
Check if there are any unknown devices connected to your account.
If you see an unknown device, tap on it and select “Remove from Account.”

Confirming Family Sharing settings can also help you detect unauthorized access. Here’s how to check:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap on “Family Sharing.”
Check if there are any unknown family members connected to your account.
If you see an unknown family member, tap on their name and select “Remove from Family Sharing.”

By regularly checking these settings, you can ensure that no one is accessing your device without your permission.

What to do if your iPhone is tapped

If you’ve confirmed your iPhone is tapped or has malware, do:

Factory reset (make sure to back up your data first). Similar steps can be taken on an Android device, leveraging its open-source operating system to find and remove spyware.
Change all your passwords, especially your Apple ID password. Performing a factory reset on an Android phone can also eliminate malware.
Enable two-factor authentication for your Apple ID
Check your app permissions in Settings > Privacy
Be careful when connecting to public Wi-Fi
Don’t click on links in suspicious emails or text messages

Perform a Factory Reset

If you suspect that your iPhone is tapped or has malware, performing a factory reset can be an effective way to remove any malicious software. A factory reset will erase all data and settings on your device, so it’s crucial to back up your data before proceeding. Here’s how to perform a factory reset:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap on “General.”
Tap on “Reset.”
Tap on “Erase All Content and Settings.”
Enter your Apple ID and password to confirm.

Remember, a factory reset will restore your iPhone to its original factory settings, so make sure to back up your data using iCloud or iTunes before you begin. This step can help ensure that any malware or spyware is completely removed from your device.

FAQs

Can Someone Tap My Phone by Texting or Calling Me?

No, someone cannot tap your phone by simply texting or calling you. However, they can attempt to trick you into installing malware or spyware on your device by sending you a suspicious link or attachment. Always be cautious when receiving texts or calls from unknown numbers, and never install apps or software from untrusted sources.

Are Phone Taps Legal?

Phone taps can be legal under certain circumstances, such as when law enforcement agencies obtain a warrant to tap a phone as part of a criminal investigation. However, it is illegal for individuals to tap someone’s phone without their consent. If you suspect that your phone is being tapped, contact your local authorities or a cybersecurity expert for assistance.

Note: The information provided is for general knowledge purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice.

Done

While iOS is secure, it’s not unhackable. By being aware and following these steps, you can minimize the risk of your iPhone being tapped or compromised. If you’re not tech savvy or dealing with an advanced attack, don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple Support or a trusted IT guy.