How can I tell if someone put stalkerware on my phone?
The strongest sign is that someone knows too much about your messages, plans or whereabouts with no other explanation. Other signs include apps you don't recognize with powerful access. Before removing anything, make a safety plan, because removal can alert the person watching.
Stalkerware lets another person, often a partner, ex or family member, secretly see things like your location and messages. It's usually installed by someone who had your phone in their hands for a few minutes. Battery drain or extra data use can be a sign, but many products show neither.
Removing it can increase abuse if the person notices the reports stop, and it deletes evidence you might need. Plan first with a trained advocate, using a device the other person has never touched. In the US, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233, and stopstalkerware.org lists help in other countries. If you're in immediate danger, contact emergency services.
- Look for unknown apps, especially with generic names like Sync or Services
- Check accessibility, notification access and device admin for apps you didn't choose
- Check your Google account too: someone with your password can see location and photos without any app
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Stalkerware
From the Spotting Bad Apps course. Spy apps installed by someone you know, and why removing them takes care.
Try it on the simulated phone Read the full lesson
The reading is free. The hands-on lab is part of Pro.