Yes, a hacker can see your messages through methods like installing spyware, phishing for login details, exploiting app vulnerabilities (like linked devices), or using sophisticated attacks like SIM swapping to intercept texts and 2FA codes, even if apps use encryption because the compromise happens on the device. While high-profile targets are more likely, anyone's phone can be vulnerable, especially via malware or social engineering.
Once connected, hackers can eavesdrop on your calls, intercept text messages, and even track your location. Spyware: Spyware allows hackers to monitor your activities, access your personal information, and potentially record your conversations.
Dial *#21#: This code shows you the status of call forwarding. If calls, messages, or other data are being diverted without your knowledge, this is one of the key signs your phone is hacked. The results should all say “Not Forwarded.”
Here are three major signs that someone might be monitoring your messages—and what you can do about it.
Yes, if your phone is compromised, a hacker could gain access to everything — photos, texts, GPS location, microphone, camera, and even saved passwords. This typically requires powerful spyware, such as Pegasus, or a highly targeted phishing or other social engineering attack.
Start by deleting unknown apps, updating your software, and running a security scan. Change passwords to any affected accounts and turn on 2FA. If you believe your phone has been hacked, start by removing any suspicious apps, updating your phone, and getting access back to any hacked accounts.
5 signs your phone is possibly being tracked
Can I run a test to see if my phone is hacked? Yes, running an antivirus scan using a mobile security app like Norton 360 Deluxe can help you identify malware infections that could be granting hackers access to your device or data.
You can tell if someone read your text through read receipts in apps like iMessage, Google Messages (RCS), or WhatsApp, which show "Read" with a timestamp when the recipient opens it, if both you and the other person have the feature enabled in your settings. For regular SMS, you'll only see "Delivered," but some apps offer delivery confirmations or you can infer from a quick reply.
How to stop your phone from being tracked
Here are a few indications you've been hacked:
Why do Android phones turn up in breach headlines so often? Android powers most of the world's phones and many run outdated software, so attackers get more mileage for their effort. iPhones see fewer hits overall but attract highly skilled spyware crews.
Dial codes like *#21# or *#62# help check call forwarding settings, but they can't confirm if your phone is hacked. They're useful for spotting suspicious redirections, but use trusted antivirus apps for reliable threat detection.
Does Turning Your Phone Off Stop Hackers? For most people, yes. Everyday malware and common scams can't touch a device once the operating system shuts down. That's why rebooting often clears suspicious behavior; it kills anything living in memory.
Unfamiliar apps, losing access to your accounts, call and messaging features that suddenly stop working, and performance issues — such as apps crashing, a hot or loud device, and reduced battery life — are all common signs that your phone has been hacked.
The short answer is a resounding no. Just opening a text message, even a suspicious one, won't directly infect your device or compromise your data. However, the danger lies in what you do after you open the message.
Using a strong passcode is critical if you want to protect your device from prying eyes. Without a good passcode, anyone will be able to access your phone, see your personal information, and forward your SMS messages to your device.
You can tell if someone read your text through read receipts in apps like iMessage, Google Messages (RCS), or WhatsApp, which show "Read" with a timestamp when the recipient opens it, if both you and the other person have the feature enabled in your settings. For regular SMS, you'll only see "Delivered," but some apps offer delivery confirmations or you can infer from a quick reply.
Personal messages and calls on Messenger will be end-to-end encrypted by default. That means that messages and calls can only be seen or heard by you and the person you send them to, and no one else—not even Meta.
Secure Your Accounts: Upon learning you've been hacked, immediately change passwords for all your online accounts. Start with those associated with sensitive information such as banking, email, and investments. From there, move on to accounts that contain less sensitive information such as social media and e-commerce.
If your device has been compromised, it's possible for someone to hack into your phone camera, spy on you, listen to your communications, and trace you in real time. This can be done remotely over a Wi-Fi network, and it's just one of many reasons why you should use a VPN whenever you use unsecured public Wi-Fi.
Unusual sounds or echoes during calls
If you're noticing weird clicking sounds or high-pitched hums on multiple calls across different locations and with different people, it could be a sign that someone is eavesdropping or tracking your calls.
If you want to stop phone tracking, you can change your phone settings, switch to a private browser, configure your app permissions more carefully, or use a VPN. We'll dive into those methods below. For now, install AVG Secureline VPN to encrypt your connection and help stop your phone from being tracked.
How to check your Android Bluetooth connections:
Dialing *#21# on your phone checks the status of your unconditional call forwarding, revealing if your calls, texts, or data are being redirected to another number without you knowing, often without leaving traces on your phone bill; it's a standard network code to see your carrier's call forwarding settings, not a definitive "hacking" tool, but useful for detecting unauthorized forwarding.