Most "your phone is hacked" videos create fear without facts. A hacked phone (usually spyware or an adware app, not a movie-style hacker) gives clear signs. Here is how to check them honestly — and what to do for each.

The 9 signs to check

  1. Battery drains much faster than last month with the same usage — check Settings → Battery for an unknown app at the top.
  2. Mobile data finishes early — Settings → Data usage shows which app is sending data.
  3. Pop-up ads on the home screen or inside apps that never showed ads before.
  4. Apps you never installed appear in your app list.
  5. The phone gets hot while doing nothing.
  6. Friends receive messages from your WhatsApp/social accounts that you did not send.
  7. Your passwords stop working or you get login alerts from new locations.
  8. Strange SMS with codes arrive that you did not request.
  9. Settings change by themselves — e.g. unknown apps have "Accessibility" or "Device admin" permission.
Reality check: One sign alone usually means a buggy app, not a hack. Three or more together — especially signs 6, 7 and 9 — means act now, following the steps below.

The fix, in order

Step 1: Disconnect from the internet (airplane mode) if money or accounts are involved. Step 2: Uninstall any app you do not recognise, especially apps installed outside the Play Store. Step 3: Check Settings → Accessibility and Settings → Security → Device admin apps — remove anything unknown. Spyware needs these permissions to survive.

Step 4: Run a scan with Google Play Protect (Play Store → profile → Play Protect → Scan). Step 5: From a clean device, change passwords for email first, then banking, then social accounts — and turn on two-step verification everywhere. Step 6: If signs continue, back up photos only (not apps) and factory reset. Reinstall apps from the Play Store one by one.

How to stop it happening again

  • Never install APK files sent on WhatsApp or from "mod" websites — this is how most spyware arrives in Pakistan.
  • Never share an OTP / verification code with anyone, ever.
  • Keep the phone's software updated.
  • Review app permissions every few months.
Read also: Getting pop-up ads everywhere? Find and remove the ad app →

Frequently asked questions

Can someone hack my phone just by calling me?

No. A normal call cannot install anything. Danger comes from installing apps, tapping malicious links and granting permissions — all things you can control.

Is my phone hacked if it gets hot?

Heat alone is normal during charging, gaming or video calls, especially in summer. Heat plus fast battery drain while idle is the combination worth investigating.

Should I pay for an antivirus app?

For most people, Play Protect plus careful installing is enough. If you want an extra scanner, use a well-known free one (e.g. Bitdefender or Malwarebytes free scan) — avoid unknown 'antivirus' apps with heavy ads.