To check for iPhone spying, use built-in tools like Safety Check and App Privacy Report in Settings, look for red flags like unknown apps or high data/battery use, and use third-party apps like iMazing (spyware analyzer) or Avast Mobile Security, but focus primarily on manual checks for unknown apps (iPhone Storage), location access, and call forwarding settings.
Number to dial to see if your iPhone is tapped
If you think someone may be tapping your phone or intercepting your calls, there's a code to use to see if your calls are being diverted. Dial *#21# to check if a third party intercepts your calls, messages, or other data.
Call Forwarding: Type *#21# to view whether call forwarding is enabled or type ##002# to disable call forwarding.
To detect if your phone is being mirrored, check for active casting icons in the notification bar or quick settings. Review connected devices under Bluetooth and Wi-Fi settings for unknown connections. Sudden battery drain or overheating can also signal unauthorized mirroring.
Check Installed Apps
Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. This will list all installed applications on your device along with the storage they use, which can help you spot any unusual or unrecognised apps that could be spyware. You can also check hidden app from here.
In this circumstance, the risk of spyware being on your iPhone without your knowledge is more likely if (a) someone had physical access to your device, (b) that person was aware of your device passcode, as well as your Apple ID login and password.
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.
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.
Can someone mirror your phone without you knowing? Yes, resourceful cybercriminals have ways to mirror a victim's phone without their knowledge. Once the device is mirrored, the attacker can spy on the victim's screen, tracking their every action.
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.
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.
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.
3. Review connected devices in Google Account (Android)
If you previously received an unwanted tracking notification and want to review the information again, do one of the following:
Code to check if phone is tapped: *#21# Code to show unknown connections and tracking (for Android): *#*#4636#*#* or *#*#197328640#*#* Code to show unknown connections and if someone is tracing you (for iPhone): *3001#12345#*
Strange notifications: Hacked iPhones may receive emails and messages from unknown senders as well as unusual notifications, a result of the hacker taking control of the phone. Check for signed-in devices on your Apple account to see if there are any unrecognized devices that might be controlling the phone.
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Find My iPhone to check for any unknown devices. - Tap on Apple ID in Settings and then Devices to view all devices connected to your iCloud. If there's a device you don't recognize, select it and click Remove from Account.
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.
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.
Messages automatically uses the following screen effects for specific text strings:
If you know your Apple ID and password, you can sign into iCloud® on another device to unlock your iPhone without your passcode. Go to iCloud.com on another device and sign in with your Apple ID and password. Select Find My, and sign in if you're prompted.
To view your locked chats:
How to hide texts on your iPhone lock screen