To ensure you're not being tracked, you need to manage your phone's settings (location, app permissions, ad tracking), use privacy tools like VPNs and private browsers, be cautious with public Wi-Fi and apps, and regularly scan for malware; for physical tracking, turning off the device or using Airplane Mode helps, but constant vigilance with app permissions and settings is key to stopping digital tracking.
Turn "Do Not Track" on or off
Increased data usage
If you notice a sudden spike in your data usage when you haven't changed your phone habits, it may be a sign that your device is using a lot of data to transmit information to someone who is trying to track you.
If you have an Android and you want to protect your location using GPS, go to settings > location, go to app permissions, choose the desired app and toggle off precise location.
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.
Whether you have an iOS or Android phone, there are ways it can be tracked even if the location services are turned off. You may have used some of these yourself to find a lost or stolen phone. For example, the Find My iPhone app uses Bluetooth to help you find a smartphone even if it's offline.
How do I block trackers? Anti-tracking browser extensions can block ads and trackers and keep your personal data hidden when using the internet. You can also block tracking cookies by updating your privacy settings, using a private browser, or downloading a VPN.
What Does ##002# Really Do? 🔐📞 ##002# instantly cancels all call forwarding on your phone — busy, unreachable, or no-answer. It's a simple way to reset settings and protect your privacy.
Can people track your phone number? Generally, people can't use your phone number alone to track you. Your network provider can triangulate your location based on the signals sent between your phone and cell towers, which can be useful in an emergency.
Turning off your phone can prevent your location from being tracked because the device no longer sends signals to WiFi or cell towers. However, your service provider or internet provider will be able to see your last location before the phone was turned off and your device's current location once it's turned back on.
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.
Hackers (or any creep with physical access to your phone) can install spyware or tracking apps that run in the background, monitoring your calls, messages, location, and online activity. These apps are often disguised as harmless programs, making them difficult to detect.
Turn your phone off
The most effective way to stop your phone from being traced is probably the simplest: turn it off when you're not using it. Simply hold down the power button for a few seconds and then use the “slide to power off” slider on iPhone or tap the “Power off” button on Android.
3 Ways to Disable Tracking on Your GPS Device:
Good anti-tracking software, like Avast AntiTrack, helps to disguise your online identity. It stops advertisers and data collectors from tracking you. And it gives you essential privacy protection when you're browsing or working online.
This makes us wonder—"How can someone read your text messages without your phone?" Believe it or not, it's possible. Hackers, stalkers, and even people close to you may find ways to bypass modern security measures. Here are three major signs that someone might be monitoring your messages—and what you can do about it.
13 Ways to Make Make Your Smartphone Impossible to Track
Google Maps or Apple Find My
Your spouse gets hold of your device and turns on the location sharing option within either of these apps. Once activated, they can then track your location remotely, using their own device. To check if you're affected, simply open the app and check if location sharing is turned on.
Can someone track your location from a text? The short answer is yes, but there are ways to detect and prevent it. We are living in modern times when both iOS and Android devices require a cellular connection to chat via text messages, access the internet, or call anyone.
To turn off Call Forwarding from your mobile phone, call *73. You should hear a confirmation tone or message that may sound like a busy signal to let you know Call Forwarding has been turned off. Get step-by-step instructions on our Turn Call Forwarding off from device page.
One of the more clever ways to check for certain (but not all) spyware is to dial a USSD code on your phone. Call *#21# or *#62# and listen for information on whether or not your phone is being tapped. If calling the code does not return any information, that is a sign that your device is not being tracked.
Access the personal IMEI number by keying *#06# the 15 digit serial number will appear on the screen. Make a note of the number and register the details with your operator, in the event that your phone is stolen you report it to you operator who should then be able to bar the SIM card.
It is possible to be anonymous on the internet. However, you have to use a secure browser, search engine, email account, and cloud storage. You'll also need to connect to a VPN, disable cookies, and change other settings, so while online anonymity is possible, it's a bit labor-intensive to set up initially.
[1] Internet users are now looking for web browsers that prioritize security and anonymity. A few names leading the pack are Opera and Mullvad. Opera offers a built-in VPN combined with ad-blocking capabilities and cookie management tools.
Incognito or private mode will keep your local browsing private, but it won't stop your ISP, school, or employer from seeing where you've been online. In fact, your ISP has access to all your browsing activity pretty much no matter what you do.