iPhones are renowned for their strong security features, but they are not completely immune to hacking. If someone accesses your iPhone remotely, they can steal your personal data, including messages, photos, and sensitive information like passwords.
If someone has access to your iPhone, then you might have already noticed unusual behavior, such as being unexpectedly logged out of your Apple ID, finding unfamiliar apps you didn’t install, and other odd activities.
This guide will show you how to tell if someone is accessing your iPhone remotely, how to spot the signs, and how to stop them from getting in.
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What Are the Signs That Someone Is Accessing My iPhone?
Knowing the signs helps you take action fast. Here are a few things to look out for:
Strange Apps You Didn’t Download
A big red flag is finding unfamiliar apps on your iPhone that you don’t remember downloading. However, if you share your phone with someone, check with them first before assuming anything.
If you have multiple Apple devices, apps installed on one device can show up on others, like your iPhone. This often happens with Apple TVs or iPads using the same iCloud account. So, if you spot a new app on your iPhone that you didn’t install, check if it was added on your Apple TV or iPad first.
Battery Draining Fast
If you notice your iPhone’s battery draining unusually fast, it could be a sign that someone is accessing your device remotely. Other things could be causing the problem too, though. For example, if your iPhone is old or you have a lot of apps, fast battery drain is pretty common.
Older iPhone models tend to drain the battery faster than newer ones and apps that are resource-intensive, like heavy games, can quickly eat up battery life.
Locked Out of Your Apple ID
One of the biggest signs is if you suddenly get locked out of your Apple ID. You’ll also get a ‘password changed’ notification from iCloud if someone has accessed your account.
Unknown Messages Sent
Another major red flag is finding strange messages on your iPhone sent to random people in your contact list. Sometimes, you might even see messages sent to numbers you don’t have saved.
Unauthorized Purchases
If you receive messages about unauthorized purchases, your iPhone might be hacked, but make sure you check with your family first to see if they made any purchases using your Apple ID.
How Can Someone Remotely Access My Phone?
Here are a few ways hackers might gain access to your iPhone:
Using Family Sharing to Track You
Hackers can add themselves to the Family Sharing on your Apple ID to track your location. If you suspect anyone accessing your iPhone, make sure to check the member list in Family Sharing. Here is how to do it:
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone and tap your name.
- Then select Family Sharing.
- Check the list of users sharing the plan.
- If there is any unrecognized user, tap their name.
- Tap Remove [their name] From Family.
Adding a Linked Device to Your WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a common target for hackers and can be an easy entry point for cybercriminals looking to access your iPhone. Even though WhatsApp conversations are end-to-end encrypted, a hacker can still access your chats if they manage to add themselves as a Linked Device.
Here are some signs that indicate if someone might have hacked your WhatsApp:
- Notifications about attempts to link a new device to your account.
- Unrecognized devices appearing in your Linked Devices list.
- Unexpected messages being sent or received.
- Messages marked as read that you haven’t viewed.
- Your contacts receiving strange messages or calls from you.
You can prevent this by regularly reviewing the devices linked to your WhatsApp:
- Open the WhatsApp app on your iPhone.
- Go to the Settings menu.
- Tap Linked Devices.
- Look for any devices you don’t recognize.
- Tap the unfamiliar device and select Log Out.
Hacking Your iCloud Account
Another way hackers can get into your iPhone is by breaking into your iCloud account. This way, cybercriminals can see your location, messages, call logs, photos, and videos from anywhere in the world. However, keep in mind that they can only access the data you have synced to iCloud.
Finding an iCloud breach can be tricky, and if you miss it, hackers could have access to your data for years.
Watch for these signs that your iPhone could be at risk:
- Your Apple ID password isn’t working.
- Your iPhone is locked or in Lost Mode.
- Unrecognized devices appear in your iCloud account.
- You receive unexpected login notifications.
In case of any of the aforementioned signs, make sure you check your iCloud ID and remove any unrecognized devices. To do this, follow these steps:
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap your name at the top.
- Select the unrecognized device you want to remove.
- Tap Remove from Account.
Installing Spyware on Your iPhone
Spyware is a type of malware that lets someone illegally capture your personal details. With this malware, they can access your call logs, texts, and track your location. Even worse, they might be able to listen to your calls.
Here are two common ways hackers can install spyware on your iPhone:
- Physically installing it on your phone.
- Sending you a deceptive email with a link that, when clicked, secretly installs spyware on your phone without your knowledge.
Look for the following signs to determine if spyware is downloaded on your iPhone:
- The battery drains quickly.
- Your phone gets hot.
- There’s a spike in data usage.
- Your phone takes longer than usual to shut down.
- You find an app called Cydia on your phone that you didn’t install.
- There are unfamiliar apps on your phone that you didn’t download.
If you notice such activities on your iPhone, here is how you can get rid of the spyware:
- Restart your phone to cut off the spyware’s connection and stop it from working.
- Update your iOS version to close any security gaps that the spyware might exploit.
- Check your apps and delete any that look suspicious.
- Use an anti-spyware app like Certo AntiSpy to scan for and remove any malicious software.
Is Someone Controlling My Phone? Here Is How to Prevent It
Here are a few steps you can take to prevent unauthorized access to your iPhone:
Do a Factory Reset
If you notice unusual activity on your iPhone, perform a factory reset. Keep in mind that this will erase all data on your device, and it won’t be recoverable. Here is how to do it:
- Open Settings.
- Go to General.
- Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset.
Use a Good Antivirus App
A reliable antivirus app can remove malware from your iPhone and help prevent future hacks. Options like Norton and McAfee are popular choices. Regularly run scans and enable alerts for suspicious activities to keep your device secure.
Change Your Passwords Regularly
Since cybercriminals mostly get into your iPhone by hacking your Apple ID, you have to keep changing your password frequently. This is a great way to prevent anyone from accessing your iPhone.
Turn on Two-Factor Authentication for Apple ID
Add an extra layer of security by enabling two-factor authentication for your Apple ID. This way, you’ll need to verify your identity from your iPhone whenever someone tries to access your Apple ID on a different device.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap your name at the top.
- Go to Sign-In & Security.
- Tap Turn On Two-Factor Authentication.
- Tap Continue.
- Enter a phone number where you can receive verification codes.
- Tap Next.
- A verification code will be sent to your phone.
Watch Out for Strange Links
One of the most common ways hackers can gain access to your device is through suspicious links. If you receive a link that looks odd, don’t click on it—even if it’s from someone you know. These links can contain malware that might compromise your device and give hackers access to your data.
Don’t Sign in on Unknown Devices
Avoid signing in to your iCloud account from devices that aren’t your own. If it’s necessary, use incognito mode for extra privacy and be sure to log out when you’re finished.
Only Download Apps from Safe Sources
The App Store on iOS typically maintains strict control over developers, so you’re less likely to encounter malicious apps there. However, if you’re downloading apps through a browser or external links, ensure they come from a trusted source to avoid the risk of hacking.
Keep Your iPhone Safe
By recognizing the signs of unauthorized access and taking timely measures to protect your device, you can keep your personal information secure. Stay alert for unusual activity, use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and only download apps from trusted sources. Remain vigilant and act quickly if you suspect someone is accessing your iPhone remotely.
Frequently Asked Questions
iPhones are usually considered safer than Android phones because Apple has strict app reviews, regular updates, and strong privacy controls. iOS is more closed off, which makes it harder for malicious apps to get through. This does not mean, however, that iPhones are completely immune to security threats. They can still be vulnerable to issues like phishing attacks and other threats.
To see if someone has remote access to your iPhone, watch out for signs like unusual behavior, unfamiliar apps, or unexpected changes to your settings. Check your Linked Devices for anything you don’t recognize. If you’re worried, run a security scan, change your passwords, and turn on two-factor authentication.
