It is highly unlikely that someone could log into your iCloud account without you knowing if you have modern security measures like two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled.
Accessing your iCloud device list. Any Apple devices logged into your iCloud account will always appear in a list Apple maintains. This includes any Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Watch, as well as any Apple TV, HomePod/HomePod mini, Windows system, or third-party smart TV with Apple TV software.
When two-factor authentication is turned on and a sign-in attempt occurs on a new device, you get a notification on your other trusted devices. The notification includes a map that shows the new device's location. This notification can appear on any trusted iPhone, iPad or Mac.
Keep an eye out for significant changes in device temperature and battery life, as these might indicate remote access. During calls, pay attention to any strange noises or voices, as they could indicate unauthorized call monitoring or recording. Be cautious of increased service messages and pop-up ads.
Limit access to your devices
Review devices signed in to your Apple Account by going to Settings > [your name] > Devices. To remove a device you don't recognize, tap the device name and select “Remove from Account.” For more information, see Keep your Apple Account secure.
Technically, no Apple ID has ever been “hacked” (as Apple's servers themselves haven't been compromised at the time of this writing). But there are several ways for scammers to take over your account, including: If your device was stolen or lost. Someone who knows your password used it without your permission.
Strange notifications: Hacked iPhones may receive emails and messages from unknown senders as well as unusual notifications, a result of the hacker taking control of the phone. Check for signed-in devices on your Apple account to see if there are any unrecognized devices that might be controlling the phone.
Three-finger gestures on iPhone primarily activate accessibility features like VoiceOver (for screen reading and navigation) and Zoom (magnification), allowing scrolling, zooming, and text manipulation (copy/paste/undo) with specific taps and drags, though some text actions work without VoiceOver enabled for quick editing. Common gestures include three-finger double-tap to toggle VoiceOver speech, triple-tap for the screen curtain, and pinching/spreading with three fingers for copy/paste actions, notes this YouTube video.
On an iPhone, dialing *#21# is a USSD code used to check the status of your unconditional call forwarding, revealing if your calls, SMS, or data are being redirected and to which number, without actually changing settings; it's a simple privacy check to see if someone has secretly set your phone to forward everything, though it doesn't detect advanced spyware. Dialing this code brings up a message from your carrier about your call forwarding status, often showing "Disabled" or a specific number if it's active.
Every time anybody logs into an Apple account using a new device you will get a notice. If your spouse uses the same device repeatedly you will only see a notice the first time.
Yes, you can see your iPhone's unlock history.
You won't find a timestamped list anywhere within iOS, but you can check your app usage, cellular data, and Screen Time statistics to identify any unauthorized unlock activity.
If someone else has access to your Apple Account, they can view information that is synced across devices, which may include such things as Messages and location. Learn here how to secure your Apple Account on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
If you haven't already, set up two-factor authentication for your Apple Account. This additional security feature is designed to prevent someone else from accessing your account, even if they know your password.
Check Your Apple ID Devices List: Go to Settings and tap on your name at the top. Scroll to find the "Devices" section. Here, you'll see a list of devices that are currently using or have access to your Apple ID and iCloud.
*3001#12345#* on an iPhone activates the hidden Field Test Mode, a diagnostic tool for network engineers and power users to see detailed cellular data like signal strength (dBm), cell tower info, and network quality, accessible by dialing the code in the Phone app and pressing call, often after turning off Wi-Fi for accurate cellular readings.
You can double-tap or triple-tap the back of iPhone to perform actions such as taking a screenshot, turning on an accessibility feature, running a shortcut, and more. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap. Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap, then choose an action.
Messages automatically uses the following screen effects for specific text strings:
Can someone mirror your phone without you knowing? Yes, resourceful cybercriminals have ways to mirror a victim's phone without their knowledge. Once the device is mirrored, the attacker can spy on the victim's screen, tracking their every action.
The short answer is no, it isn't possible for someone to unlock an iPhone through Face ID using a picture. Not even a close-up photo will unlock your device. This is because Apple devices include several security features to make it difficult for anyone to unlock iPhone devices without the user's physical face.
Yes, you can unlock an iPhone without its passcode, but it requires erasing the device, deleting all data, and then restoring from a backup, a process called a factory reset, which can be done via Find My, Finder/iTunes on a computer, or directly on the device if it's updated enough (iOS 17+) by entering incorrect passcodes until the "Security Lockout" option appears.
Cybercriminals don't make it obvious that they've gained access to your phone, so look out for such signs that might indicate your phone has been hacked and mirrored: Account activity — unusual logins and suspicious activity on your accounts (Google, Facebook, iCloud, etc.);
If someone wants to monitor your activities, it's surprisingly simple for them to load a cell phone tracker onto your device. There are also apps that can access a smartphone remotely with just a phone number.