Tips to Fix a Hacked iPhone
Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2025 4:48 am
On the other hand, when a phone is hacked, you may encounter apps that you don't recognize at all, no matter how trustworthy they may seem. This includes software like antivirus apps and phone cleaning apps. Hackers install these apps on the victim's phone to spy on them and steal information.
If you find an app that you don't remember downloading or having on your phone, you should use a different device and check that it is safe on the Internet.
2. Strange Pop-Ups
If your phone is infected with malware, you will start seeing pop-ups or X-type or flashy ads. These pop-ups will ask you to perform certain actions through infected links. It is important not to click on such suspicious links to avoid data leaks and further damage.
3. Unknown Activity on Calls or Texts
Types of malware such as phishing can infect your Android or iPhone via SMS text messages. Hackers usually send an SMS with an infected link that allows them to access your phone.
If you notice that there are text messages or calls that you haven't made, or if any of your contacts are receiving calls or texts from you that you don't recognize, chances are your phone has been hacked.
4. Unknown Activity on Social Media
Even though social media platforms do their best to protect their users' accounts from hacking attempts, scores of accounts are compromised every year.
When a hacker infiltrates your phone, you may notice strange activities on your social media accounts, such as multiple login attempts and changes to your credentials (username and password).
5. The phone tries to access unsafe websites
Being connected to a secure network has its advantages. If the network is set to allow and block specific websites, you will receive notifications when your phone tries to access suspicious websites – a telltale sign that it has been compromised.
6. Camera Problems
While you are busy capturing your favorite moments with your phone camera, there is a hacker somewhere waiting to take the opportunity to hack your iPhone or Android through the camera.
There are a few signs that can indicate that your phone is being controlled remotely via the camera. For example, you may find photos or videos on your phone that you don't remember taking. You should always keep an eye on your camera's flash if it turns on for no reason and your phone starts to heat up.
7. Inability to Turn Off the Phone
Another sign that your phone has probably been hacked is difficulty turning it off. Some types of malware and spyware prevent your phone from turning off, allowing hackers to spy on you at all times.
How Your Phone Can Be Hacked
There are several ways to hack your phone and multiple vulnerabilities that cybercriminals use to gain access to your device. Some methods are more common than others, so you should always be on the alert as it can happen when you least expect it.
Being vigilant can reduce the risk of your phone being hacked.
Being vigilant can reduce the risk of your phone being hacked. (Image source: Nerds Magazine )
Let's talk about the most common ways your phone can be hacked.
1. Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks
Some hackers create a public network to lure vulnerable users into connecting to it and accessing their phones. It doesn't end there. Even your home network can be a gateway if you have a weak password or frequently change your network password.
2. Malicious Applications Downloaded
A malicious app will never appear malicious. Its spying capabilities are usually hidden inside a normal-looking app that appears to serve a typical purpose (e.g. games, camera filters, productivity apps , etc.). The hacker will convince you to install the app on your phone, and once you do, they will have full access to your phone.
The two most common types of malicious applications used by hackers are spyware and stalkerware.
Spyware is used to access information on your phone, such as online activities and personal information. On the other hand, stalkerware is used to track your location, movements, calls, and messages.
3. Clicking on Malicious Links
Malicious links are a much easier way to hack your phone than malicious apps, as all the hacker needs to do is send you a link, and once you click on that link, they will have full access to your phone and all of its content.
These links can be sent via regular texts or any other messaging app (or apps that have a messaging service) on your phone, such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, LinkedIn , Twitter, Instagram, etc.
Just like computers, malicious links can also be hidden within websites and appear as advertisements or links to websites of other services.
4. SIM Swap
This method has become quite popular recently. The hacker knows enough information about you to call your service provider, pretending to be you and convincing them that your number needs to be changed to a different SIM card.
With the recent introduction of two-factor authentication (2FA) , where a verification text must be sent to your phone to access services, all of these texts will now be sent to the hacker instead of to you.
How to Unlock Your Phone
If any of the above methods have hacked your phone, don't throw it away. You can still salvage it and regain control.
You can unlock your phone in just a few steps.
You can unlock your phone in just a few steps. (Image source: Flickr )
Here are a few simple methods you can use to unjam your phone without having to resort to an expert.
1. Remove Malware
Any malware on your phone can be easily removed by downloading a reliable anti-malware app. There are numerous apps available for that purpose, some of which cover several different types of security threats, and others are made specifically for malware.
Choose the right app for you and try to avoid unfamiliar names as they may end up being malicious apps. Once the app is installed, you can start using it to scan and remove all malware from your phone.
2. Remove Suspicious Applications
The moment you discover that your phone has been hacked, check all the newly installed apps on your phone. If you find any apps that you did not install, delete them immediately.
If any of the apps you installed yourself are not critical or come from suspicious sources (unknown company names), remove them completely from your phone.
3. Change Passwords
Start with your phone's own password and check all the major apps that require a password. The hacker may have accessed some of these apps, changed their passwords, and logged out.
Don't stop there. It's also preferable to change the password you use to access the phone's operating system (for example, Google/Apple account credentials) if the hacker found a way to access these accounts.
4. Reset the Phone
All smartphones have the option to reset the phone to its factory default state. In other words, with just one click, you can erase all the phone's memory, settings, applications installed after purchasing the phone, etc.
However, before you do so, make sure that the above steps you followed did not help to unlock your phone. Secondly, make sure that you have a backup of your phone saved on cloud storage to restore your phone after the reset and not lose any valuable data.
How to Protect Your Phone from Being Hacked
You know the saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”? It’s better to take all precautionary measures to secure your phone from unwanted intrusions than to try to fix the damage caused by them.
Protect your phone from hackers.
Protect your phone from hackers. (Image source: Piqsels )
These simple actions can save you from a lot of unwanted trouble if your phone gets hacked.
1. Keep Your Phone Password Protected
As phones become more and more technologically advanced, their security improves. Today, all smartphones can be protected by a password that you create and use to unlock the screen.
Many phones have taken this security a step further with the introduction of facial and fingerprint recognition. So it is always best to secure your phone using any of these methods to keep it protected from unwanted hackers if it is available on your phone.
However, if your phone relies solely on a password, try to create a password that is strong enough for any hacker to crack, but not too complex that you end up forgetting it and getting locked out of your phone.
2. Use Secure Apps to Store Sensitive Information
Sensitive information on your phone can be passwords, photos, documents, or any other private content that you prefer to keep to yourself. That's why secure apps like password manager , phone encryption app, and more can make your phone and all its content difficult to access.
3. Always enable Two-Factor Authentication
Many major online services, such as online banking, email, online shopping , and more, use two-factor authentication to protect you from unauthorized access to your accounts.
How it works is that, in order to access your account, a verification text is sent to your phone number registered on the account to confirm your identity. Some services offer this security measure as an option, but others make it mandatory. If you are asked to do so, do so to further secure your phone and all accounts associated with it.
4. Avoid Public Wi-Fi
As we've already said, public Wi-Fi networks can be a perfect gateway for hackers to access your phone. If you absolutely must connect to the Internet while you're out, use your mobile data. It may be a little more expensive, but it's much safer.
If this isn't possible, download a reliable VPN and connect to the public network. This will hide your online identity and make it harder for hackers nearby to see you.
5. Turn off Bluetooth when not in use
With the advancement of messaging apps, Bluetooth has become a rare method for sending malicious content. However, it is still used, and your phone may still be vulnerable.
So if you're not connected to any other Bluetooth device (AirPods, car phone, etc.), it's always best to keep Bluetooth off. Not only is it safer, it also prevents your battery from draining unnecessarily.
6. Keep Your Phone Software and Apps Updated
The older your phone's software version is (especially if it's older than 2 years), the higher the risk of being hacked.
Older software versions do not receive the latest security updates. That's why it's important to make sure you update your phone's software regularly to receive the latest security features and fixes.
Make sure you also update the apps installed on your phone frequently. Also, it is recommended to delete apps that you don't use at all. This will not only free up some space on your phone but will also help keep it safe.
7. Block Individual Apps
Blocking specific apps that contain personal information is a perfect way to keep your phone safe from prying eyes.
Some Android phones have a built-in app lock feature using a passcode or fingerprint. There are also third-party apps on Google Play, such as AppLock, that allow you to restrict access to certain apps without needing a password or fingerprint.
Unlike Android, the iPhone doesn't give users much leeway with third-party apps. So you might have a bit of trouble blocking individual apps.
However, some iPhone apps can be locked, such as the Notes app. If you want to keep a particular Note private, you can lock it with a passcode, fingerprint, or Face ID.
8. Regularly Monitor Your Phone for Signals
We're not suggesting you become paranoid about keeping your phone safe from hackers, but it's wise to keep an eye out from time to time for signs of hacking like the ones we've discussed above.
Just like with website monitoring , if you regularly monitor your phone's behavior, you can catch any malware or security flaws before they become difficult to fix.
9. Activate the Find My Phone Function
Almost everyone has the habit of losing things. How many times have you forgotten where you left your phone? While it's safer to lose your phone at home nestled between the couch cushions, it's a big problem if you lose it in public.
Both iPhones and Android phones have a great feature for finding your phone when you've lost it. It's called Find My iPhone on iPhones, and Google Find My Device on Androids. Each of these will help you locate your lost device, lock it, or even completely erase it if it's lost or stolen to prevent your stored data from being compromised.
Although the iPhone runs on a closed system (iOS) and offers more privacy than Android, it is still possible to hack it.
Heeding safety tips can reduce your risk.
Paying attention to safety tips can reduce your risk. (Image source: Pxfuel )
We've put together a few tweaks you can make to further protect your iPhone from hacking attempts.
Remove widgets and notification settings from the mexico whatsapp number data lock screen: Notifications, like texts and widgets, can display sensitive data that strangers shouldn't know about.
Choose “Sign in with Apple”: This is a useful feature if you want to create an online account instead of using your email address, which would allow third parties to associate your data with it.
Sign in with Apple generates a random email address that you can hide behind to prevent your data from being compromised.
Disable ad tracking: Companies use this feature to show you personalized ads based on your preferences, which allows them to collect data about you. You can disable this feature to prevent these apps from collecting or selling your data, or you can opt for a browser that prioritizes your anonymity .
Disable email tracking: This applies if you use Apple's Mail app. Because some emails can give the sender an idea of your location, Apple may block some of this information by disabling email tracking.
Tips to Fix a Hacked Android Phone
If you have an Android phone, there are a few things you should know to protect your phone from being hacked.
If you find an app that you don't remember downloading or having on your phone, you should use a different device and check that it is safe on the Internet.
2. Strange Pop-Ups
If your phone is infected with malware, you will start seeing pop-ups or X-type or flashy ads. These pop-ups will ask you to perform certain actions through infected links. It is important not to click on such suspicious links to avoid data leaks and further damage.
3. Unknown Activity on Calls or Texts
Types of malware such as phishing can infect your Android or iPhone via SMS text messages. Hackers usually send an SMS with an infected link that allows them to access your phone.
If you notice that there are text messages or calls that you haven't made, or if any of your contacts are receiving calls or texts from you that you don't recognize, chances are your phone has been hacked.
4. Unknown Activity on Social Media
Even though social media platforms do their best to protect their users' accounts from hacking attempts, scores of accounts are compromised every year.
When a hacker infiltrates your phone, you may notice strange activities on your social media accounts, such as multiple login attempts and changes to your credentials (username and password).
5. The phone tries to access unsafe websites
Being connected to a secure network has its advantages. If the network is set to allow and block specific websites, you will receive notifications when your phone tries to access suspicious websites – a telltale sign that it has been compromised.
6. Camera Problems
While you are busy capturing your favorite moments with your phone camera, there is a hacker somewhere waiting to take the opportunity to hack your iPhone or Android through the camera.
There are a few signs that can indicate that your phone is being controlled remotely via the camera. For example, you may find photos or videos on your phone that you don't remember taking. You should always keep an eye on your camera's flash if it turns on for no reason and your phone starts to heat up.
7. Inability to Turn Off the Phone
Another sign that your phone has probably been hacked is difficulty turning it off. Some types of malware and spyware prevent your phone from turning off, allowing hackers to spy on you at all times.
How Your Phone Can Be Hacked
There are several ways to hack your phone and multiple vulnerabilities that cybercriminals use to gain access to your device. Some methods are more common than others, so you should always be on the alert as it can happen when you least expect it.
Being vigilant can reduce the risk of your phone being hacked.
Being vigilant can reduce the risk of your phone being hacked. (Image source: Nerds Magazine )
Let's talk about the most common ways your phone can be hacked.
1. Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks
Some hackers create a public network to lure vulnerable users into connecting to it and accessing their phones. It doesn't end there. Even your home network can be a gateway if you have a weak password or frequently change your network password.
2. Malicious Applications Downloaded
A malicious app will never appear malicious. Its spying capabilities are usually hidden inside a normal-looking app that appears to serve a typical purpose (e.g. games, camera filters, productivity apps , etc.). The hacker will convince you to install the app on your phone, and once you do, they will have full access to your phone.
The two most common types of malicious applications used by hackers are spyware and stalkerware.
Spyware is used to access information on your phone, such as online activities and personal information. On the other hand, stalkerware is used to track your location, movements, calls, and messages.
3. Clicking on Malicious Links
Malicious links are a much easier way to hack your phone than malicious apps, as all the hacker needs to do is send you a link, and once you click on that link, they will have full access to your phone and all of its content.
These links can be sent via regular texts or any other messaging app (or apps that have a messaging service) on your phone, such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, LinkedIn , Twitter, Instagram, etc.
Just like computers, malicious links can also be hidden within websites and appear as advertisements or links to websites of other services.
4. SIM Swap
This method has become quite popular recently. The hacker knows enough information about you to call your service provider, pretending to be you and convincing them that your number needs to be changed to a different SIM card.
With the recent introduction of two-factor authentication (2FA) , where a verification text must be sent to your phone to access services, all of these texts will now be sent to the hacker instead of to you.
How to Unlock Your Phone
If any of the above methods have hacked your phone, don't throw it away. You can still salvage it and regain control.
You can unlock your phone in just a few steps.
You can unlock your phone in just a few steps. (Image source: Flickr )
Here are a few simple methods you can use to unjam your phone without having to resort to an expert.
1. Remove Malware
Any malware on your phone can be easily removed by downloading a reliable anti-malware app. There are numerous apps available for that purpose, some of which cover several different types of security threats, and others are made specifically for malware.
Choose the right app for you and try to avoid unfamiliar names as they may end up being malicious apps. Once the app is installed, you can start using it to scan and remove all malware from your phone.
2. Remove Suspicious Applications
The moment you discover that your phone has been hacked, check all the newly installed apps on your phone. If you find any apps that you did not install, delete them immediately.
If any of the apps you installed yourself are not critical or come from suspicious sources (unknown company names), remove them completely from your phone.
3. Change Passwords
Start with your phone's own password and check all the major apps that require a password. The hacker may have accessed some of these apps, changed their passwords, and logged out.
Don't stop there. It's also preferable to change the password you use to access the phone's operating system (for example, Google/Apple account credentials) if the hacker found a way to access these accounts.
4. Reset the Phone
All smartphones have the option to reset the phone to its factory default state. In other words, with just one click, you can erase all the phone's memory, settings, applications installed after purchasing the phone, etc.
However, before you do so, make sure that the above steps you followed did not help to unlock your phone. Secondly, make sure that you have a backup of your phone saved on cloud storage to restore your phone after the reset and not lose any valuable data.
How to Protect Your Phone from Being Hacked
You know the saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”? It’s better to take all precautionary measures to secure your phone from unwanted intrusions than to try to fix the damage caused by them.
Protect your phone from hackers.
Protect your phone from hackers. (Image source: Piqsels )
These simple actions can save you from a lot of unwanted trouble if your phone gets hacked.
1. Keep Your Phone Password Protected
As phones become more and more technologically advanced, their security improves. Today, all smartphones can be protected by a password that you create and use to unlock the screen.
Many phones have taken this security a step further with the introduction of facial and fingerprint recognition. So it is always best to secure your phone using any of these methods to keep it protected from unwanted hackers if it is available on your phone.
However, if your phone relies solely on a password, try to create a password that is strong enough for any hacker to crack, but not too complex that you end up forgetting it and getting locked out of your phone.
2. Use Secure Apps to Store Sensitive Information
Sensitive information on your phone can be passwords, photos, documents, or any other private content that you prefer to keep to yourself. That's why secure apps like password manager , phone encryption app, and more can make your phone and all its content difficult to access.
3. Always enable Two-Factor Authentication
Many major online services, such as online banking, email, online shopping , and more, use two-factor authentication to protect you from unauthorized access to your accounts.
How it works is that, in order to access your account, a verification text is sent to your phone number registered on the account to confirm your identity. Some services offer this security measure as an option, but others make it mandatory. If you are asked to do so, do so to further secure your phone and all accounts associated with it.
4. Avoid Public Wi-Fi
As we've already said, public Wi-Fi networks can be a perfect gateway for hackers to access your phone. If you absolutely must connect to the Internet while you're out, use your mobile data. It may be a little more expensive, but it's much safer.
If this isn't possible, download a reliable VPN and connect to the public network. This will hide your online identity and make it harder for hackers nearby to see you.
5. Turn off Bluetooth when not in use
With the advancement of messaging apps, Bluetooth has become a rare method for sending malicious content. However, it is still used, and your phone may still be vulnerable.
So if you're not connected to any other Bluetooth device (AirPods, car phone, etc.), it's always best to keep Bluetooth off. Not only is it safer, it also prevents your battery from draining unnecessarily.
6. Keep Your Phone Software and Apps Updated
The older your phone's software version is (especially if it's older than 2 years), the higher the risk of being hacked.
Older software versions do not receive the latest security updates. That's why it's important to make sure you update your phone's software regularly to receive the latest security features and fixes.
Make sure you also update the apps installed on your phone frequently. Also, it is recommended to delete apps that you don't use at all. This will not only free up some space on your phone but will also help keep it safe.
7. Block Individual Apps
Blocking specific apps that contain personal information is a perfect way to keep your phone safe from prying eyes.
Some Android phones have a built-in app lock feature using a passcode or fingerprint. There are also third-party apps on Google Play, such as AppLock, that allow you to restrict access to certain apps without needing a password or fingerprint.
Unlike Android, the iPhone doesn't give users much leeway with third-party apps. So you might have a bit of trouble blocking individual apps.
However, some iPhone apps can be locked, such as the Notes app. If you want to keep a particular Note private, you can lock it with a passcode, fingerprint, or Face ID.
8. Regularly Monitor Your Phone for Signals
We're not suggesting you become paranoid about keeping your phone safe from hackers, but it's wise to keep an eye out from time to time for signs of hacking like the ones we've discussed above.
Just like with website monitoring , if you regularly monitor your phone's behavior, you can catch any malware or security flaws before they become difficult to fix.
9. Activate the Find My Phone Function
Almost everyone has the habit of losing things. How many times have you forgotten where you left your phone? While it's safer to lose your phone at home nestled between the couch cushions, it's a big problem if you lose it in public.
Both iPhones and Android phones have a great feature for finding your phone when you've lost it. It's called Find My iPhone on iPhones, and Google Find My Device on Androids. Each of these will help you locate your lost device, lock it, or even completely erase it if it's lost or stolen to prevent your stored data from being compromised.
Although the iPhone runs on a closed system (iOS) and offers more privacy than Android, it is still possible to hack it.
Heeding safety tips can reduce your risk.
Paying attention to safety tips can reduce your risk. (Image source: Pxfuel )
We've put together a few tweaks you can make to further protect your iPhone from hacking attempts.
Remove widgets and notification settings from the mexico whatsapp number data lock screen: Notifications, like texts and widgets, can display sensitive data that strangers shouldn't know about.
Choose “Sign in with Apple”: This is a useful feature if you want to create an online account instead of using your email address, which would allow third parties to associate your data with it.
Sign in with Apple generates a random email address that you can hide behind to prevent your data from being compromised.
Disable ad tracking: Companies use this feature to show you personalized ads based on your preferences, which allows them to collect data about you. You can disable this feature to prevent these apps from collecting or selling your data, or you can opt for a browser that prioritizes your anonymity .
Disable email tracking: This applies if you use Apple's Mail app. Because some emails can give the sender an idea of your location, Apple may block some of this information by disabling email tracking.
Tips to Fix a Hacked Android Phone
If you have an Android phone, there are a few things you should know to protect your phone from being hacked.