Your phone isn't constantly recording everything, but voice assistants listen for wake words, and apps can access your microphone (and camera) with permission, sometimes leading to targeted ads or unwanted data collection, especially if you grant broad permissions or have malware; modern iOS/Android show orange/green dots when the mic/camera is active, but you should check permissions and limit access for apps that don't need it.
Spot screen recording signs: Look for recording icons if someone shares their screen. A visible recording toolbar or icon can indicate that not just the screen but the entire call might be getting recorded. 8. Note hardware lights: Some devices have lights that activate when in use.
Yes, it can. As voice assistants and some other apps need access to your microphone, they may record your conversations and phone calls. In the process, they often collect private information you didn't intend to share.
Tell-tale signs your camera has been hacked
But the truth may be worse. Voice assistants, AI chatbots, your car and many websites and apps do log your activity, your location, your voice and videos from inside your home — sometimes without your true consent — and use that information for advertising or other purposes you don't expect.
Android: To disable microphone access on Android devices, navigate to Settings > [select the app] > Permissions > Microphone > Select Don't allow.
If your phone is being monitored remotely, you might notice your battery draining quickly, spot unfamiliar apps, or your camera, microphone, or location turning on when you're not using them.
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.
Disable voice assistants
Disabling them prevents background audio from accidentally activating the microphone. This is the most effective way to stop unintentional voice capture and ensure that your phone isn't always ready to listen.
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.
Just as you might cover your webcam to avoid secret monitoring, you can also cover your microphone with a piece of tape or purchase a special phone case to stop your phone from listening to you—just remember to remove it before recording or making a call to avoid muffled audio.
Unfamiliar apps, losing access to your accounts, call and messaging features that suddenly stop working, and performance issues — such as apps crashing, a hot or loud device, and reduced battery life — are all common signs that your phone has been hacked.
13 Ways to Make Make Your Smartphone Impossible to Track
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.
Wiretapping under federal law: The federal Wiretap Act (18 U.S.C. § 2511) — part of the ECPA — sets a baseline one-party consent rule, meaning a recording is legal if at least one participant consents. However, secretly recording a conversation you're not part of (e.g., eavesdropping) is still illegal.
Google does not record your phone calls by default. If you're seeing a message suggesting that "calls are not confidential" or "calls are being recorded," it's likely coming from: A call recording app installed on your device. A warning from Google Assistant when you're using voice features during a call.
Now, pay close attention to the ads you see on your phone and online, including banner ads on websites, on your social media feed, ads within apps and even advertisements on your Smart TV. If you start seeing ads tied to your topic, it's safe to say your phone is listening, even when you don't use the wake word.
On Android 12+, you may see a small green dot when the camera is being used (and some devices also show a camera icon). If you see this indicator when you're not using any camera-based apps, someone else might be accessing it. However, skilled hackers can use your camera without triggering the light.
The primary threat associated with an uncovered webcam is a type of cyberattack known as "camfecting." This occurs when a malicious actor gains unauthorized remote access to your device and activates its camera without your permission.
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.
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.