Yes, someone can potentially watch you through your iPhone, usually via installed spyware or by tricking you into granting permissions, but Apple's built-in indicators (orange/green dots) and strong security make unauthorized access difficult for average users; keeping iOS updated, checking permissions, and being wary of suspicious links are key defenses. While direct hacking is rare, spyware can record your camera, mic, location, and messages by exploiting vulnerabilities or tricking you into installing it, often through phishing.
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.
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.
There is a way someone can monitor your mobile phone without ever touching the actual device. Spyware (a portmanteau of 'spying software) and stalkerware can be installed on a phone without the owner's knowledge, allowing an attacker to steal information, track activity, and more.
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.
Yes, it is possible for a phone to be tapped remotely. Hackers or surveillance programs can gain access through spyware or vulnerabilities in outdated software. Malicious apps disguised as legitimate software can also install tracking tools without physical contact.
Number to dial to see if your iPhone is tapped
Dial *#21# to check if a third party intercepts your calls, messages, or other data. This code will tell you if services like voice, data, fax, SMS, and others are being forwarded to another number.
You must also be signed in to Settings > [your name] on your iPhone. (To find the software version installed on your device, go to Settings > General, then tap About.) To access Safety Check, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check.
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.
How to Stop Someone from Spying On Your Mobile Device
Use a Protective Case
They not only keep your phone safe in general but they may help protect your camera lens. You want to look for a case with a raised bezel, which essentially means that the case has a sort of ridge that surrounds the camera lens.
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.);
Call barring allows you to block certain types of incoming or outgoing calls. Dialing *#33# displays your device's current call barring status. If you're receiving excessive spam calls, enabling call barring can help prevent unwanted calls, including those from potential hackers.
To check if your phone is hacked, look for signs like rapid battery drain, unexpected data spikes, new apps you didn't install, strange pop-ups, slow performance, or weird noises on calls, then use reputable antivirus software, check your account activity, and dial codes like *#21# to see if calls are being forwarded, taking steps like changing passwords and resetting to factory settings if needed.
*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.
Monitor the applications running in the background of your device and check whether there are any unknown applications. Notice significant increases in device temperature and decreases in battery life. These often indicate your Android device is being accessed remotely.
A hacking screen refers to the unauthorized access, monitoring, or control of your device's display. This can involve a cybercriminal remotely watching your screen in real-time by mirroring your display to another device or using malware to record screen activity.
Slow performance: Spyware clogs up your system resources, slowing down your iPhone or causing it to crash. Random pop-ups: Unexpected ads or prompts can signal adware or spyware. Unfamiliar apps: Some spyware hides inside fake, duplicate, or unfamiliar apps that pose as legitimate tools.
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.
If you know your Apple ID and password, you can sign into iCloud® on another device to unlock your iPhone without your passcode. Go to iCloud.com on another device and sign in with your Apple ID and password. Select Find My, and sign in if you're prompted.
Messages automatically uses the following screen effects for specific text strings: