To check if your iPhone is linked to another device, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Devices to see all devices signed into your Apple ID, or open the Find My app to view synced devices and locations, looking for unfamiliar items in either list to remove them for security. To check for synced data like messages, photos, or contacts on other devices you didn't set up, or if your screen acts strangely, check the device list and consider your Apple ID and Find My settings.
Tap Settings and tap [your name], then scroll down to see a list of devices.
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.
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.
Remove your associated iPhone or iPad
On your iPhone or iPad, go to the Settings app > Apps > Messages > Shared with You, then turn off Automatic Sharing or turn off Shared with You for a specific app.
Android phones can hold onto old Wi-Fi Direct pairings. When two devices come into close proximity, they may automatically reactivate previously established file-sharing links. This can make it seem like the phones are communicating with each other even when nothing unusual is happening.
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.
See devices with account access
Signs that your Apple Account has been compromised
You notice unusual activity, such as messages that you didn't send, deleted items that you didn't delete, account details that you didn't change or don't recognize, trusted devices that you didn't add or don't recognize, or purchase activity that you don't recognize.
View and revoke access to iPhone Mirroring on iPhone
On your iPhone, go to Settings > General. Tap AirPlay & Continuity, then tap iPhone Mirroring. A list of Mac computers that are set up for iPhone Mirroring appears.
Synchronization allows your iPhone to share and update information across other devices using the same Apple ID. This feature is designed to make your digital life more seamless, ensuring access to your contacts, emails, photos, and more, across all your devices.
Viewing and managing your connected devices
Open the Settings app and tap on your name at the top. Here, you'll see a list of devices connected to your account.
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.
Field Mode: *3001#12345#*
Type this code into your phone's dialer and then press the green call button to access "Field Mode," which gives you access to information about local networks and cell towers, as well as info about your phone's signal strength.
Dial *#62# to see if any call forwarding is active on your iPhone. Check for a call forwarding number. Dial *#67# to see where your calls are being forwarded or redirected without your knowledge.