You can tell if someone's listening to your iPhone by watching for the orange or green dots at the top of the screen (indicating mic/camera use), noticing rapid battery drain, phone slowing down, or strange noises during calls, and checking for unfamiliar devices or suspicious settings in Settings > Privacy & Security and iCloud settings. These indicators, especially the dots when no app should be using them, suggest unauthorized access or malware.
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.
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.
To access Safety Check, use your iPhone to go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check. IMPORTANT: Before making changes or deleting information, consider potential impacts to your safety and privacy.
If you want to look for spyware on iPhone through profiles, navigate to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management (VPN & Device Management in newer iOS versions). If you find an unfamiliar profile, delete it immediately.
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.
*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.
Messages automatically uses the following screen effects for specific text strings:
##002# cancels all forwarding on many GSM networks worldwide. Dial ##002# and press call. You'll usually hear a confirmation message.
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.
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.
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.
If you previously received an unwanted tracking notification and want to review the information again, do one of the following:
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.
Hidden Battery Power / Boost Signal Strength
By pressing *3370# or #3370#, you'll activate your phone's “reserve battery power”. Battery life will increase by 50%. The reserve will automatically charge up the next time you change your device. Other claims state dialing the same sequence will boost cellular reception.
To access the dBm data on your iPhone:Open the “Phone” application on your iPhone and enter *3001#12345#*Note that this number must be entered exactly as shown to properly activate Field Test Mode. Press Call. Once dialed, this will immediately open to the Main Menu of the Field Test mode application on your iPhone.
If you're concerned about potential phone tapping, there are several warning signs to watch for. From unusual battery drain to unexpected background noises during calls, these subtle clues can indicate someone is monitoring your device using techniques like automatic call forwarding or spyware.
If you're wondering how to scan documents on your iPhone, you may be excited to learn that your iPhone has a native scanner automatically on your phone in the Notes app. Learn how to scan with an iPhone using the native Notes app: Open a note in the app. Tap Camera > Scan Documents.