To stop trackers, manage app permissions (especially location/Bluetooth), use a VPN, turn off Wi-Fi/Bluetooth when not in use, keep your phone updated, clear data/cookies, use private browsers, reset your advertising ID, and remove suspicious apps; for serious threats, consider spyware removal or a factory reset.
How to stop someone from tracking your phone. You can stop someone from tracking your phone by turning on airplane mode, configuring settings like location services, clearing cookies, using a private browser, and using a VPN.
Turn off location services and update your permissions to prevent apps from sharing your whereabouts. And use a VPN for an extra layer of protection. Combined, these measures make it much harder for anyone to monitor your phone without your knowledge.
Things we can do
Key signs that your phone is under tracking or monitoring
Press *#*#4636#*#* or *#*#197328640#*#* to see if anyone is watching your movements. These are Utility Net Monitor Codes. Dialing these codes can tell you if you're being tracked or monitored through your mobile phone.
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.
Use an anti-tracking extension in your preferred browser
An anti-tracking browser extension like the Ghostery Tracker & Ad Blocker can be installed on your preferred browser to block ads and trackers. Our browser extension is free to use and is rated as one of the best anti-tracking extensions on the market today.
What is the 3-digit number to see if your phone is tapped? If your phone is on a CDMA network like Verizon or US Cellular, dialing the code *72 will tell you whether any of your calls or data are being forwarded to another number. Dial *#002# to uncover this kind of phone tapping on GSM networks.
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.
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.
Turn "Do Not Track" on or off
Dial codes to check if your phone is hacked
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.
The signal from a GPS tracking device can also be blocked by a jamming device. GPS Jammers work by producing a white noise radio signal that is transmitted around the same frequency as the GPS satellites. This can block out the signals to GPS tracking devices and navigation systems.
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.
The * * 4636 * * Code in phone is a secret code that helps unlock the hidden menu in an Android phone. It technically acts as a diagnostic tool that helps you to check various details on your phone like IMEI number, data consumption on cellular mode and 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.
*97 Pick up a call for another user in the same group.
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.
Turn "Do Not Track" on or off
This Vertical Service Code, *82, enables calling line identification regardless of subscriber preference, dialed to unblock withheld numbers (private callers) in the U.S. on a per-call basis.
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.
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.