Five Signs Someone’s Spying on You Through Your Phone

In an era where our phones know more about us than some of our closest friends, it’s not as far-fetched as it sounds to wonder if someone else is snooping through them too. Whether it’s an unhinged ex, an overbearing partner, or even a stranger with tech skills, spyware can quietly turn your device into a surveillance tool.

A cybersecurity expert recently shared five subtle signs that might mean your phone is compromised. If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to take action:

1. Your Battery Is Draining Faster Than Usual

If your phone battery seems to vanish before your lunch break—especially when you’re not actively using it—it could be more than age or app overload. Spyware often runs GPS and other background processes that quietly siphon energy, so if you notice sudden or unexplained battery loss, that’s worth investigating.

2. Your Phone Gets Hot for No Reason

Sure, phones heat up during gaming or summer car rides. But if yours feels like it’s cooking even when idle, something could be running behind the scenes. Malware and location trackers are known to overwork your phone’s processor, leading to persistent warmth.

3. Your Data Usage Has Spiked

One common giveaway of spyware is a noticeable bump in your monthly data use. Some users only realize something’s wrong when they hit their data cap unexpectedly. Check your device settings to monitor what apps are consuming the most data. Suspicious spikes could indicate that something (or someone) is feeding off your network.

4. You’re Getting Weird Texts or Notifications

If your phone receives messages filled with random symbols, numbers, or codes—and they vanish shortly after—don’t brush it off. Some low-end spyware tools are controlled via SMS, and these texts may be commands. Creepy? Definitely. But it’s a clue worth noting.

5. Your Screen Lights Up When No One’s Touching It

A screen that lights up randomly or notifications you never saw coming could point to spyware operating in the background. It may mean your location is being pinged—or worse, your microphone is being activated.

If these signs sound familiar, experts suggest running a reputable mobile security app to scan for suspicious programs. And while a factory reset is a last resort (and a pain), it’s sometimes the cleanest way to reclaim your digital privacy.

Because in the digital age, the person watching you might not be peeking through the window—they might be hiding in your pocket.