🔎 Introduction
Is Your Phone Hacked? 10 Warning Signs & Fixes You Must Know, We live in a world where our phones are more than just gadgets—they are mini-computers holding our most private information. From chatting with friends and managing bank accounts to storing personal photos and even work files, everything is inside our phones.
But here’s the scary truth: your phone might not be as private as you think.
Recently, I noticed strange background noises during calls, my battery draining like crazy, and even weird text messages popping up. At first, I brushed it off as a software bug—but after some research, I realized these could be warning signs of a hacked or tapped phone.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through:
- 10 warning signs of phone hacking.
- How to check call forwarding in India & globally.
- Simple fixes & prevention tips you must use.
- A Do’s & Don’ts checklist to avoid falling into hacker traps.
🚨 10 Clear Signs Your Phone is Hacked or Tapped
1. Unusual Noises During Calls
If you hear clicking, static, or echoes, it might not just be bad reception. Spyware or tapping software often leaves audio glitches behind.
2. Rapid Battery Drain & Overheating
Spyware runs silently in the background, draining your battery and heating up your phone. If your phone feels like a heater even when idle, that’s a red flag.
3. Strange-Looking Websites
If familiar websites look broken, distorted, or redirect you to odd pages, your browser might be hijacked by malware for phishing attacks.
4. Trouble Shutting Down Your Phone
If your screen backlight stays on, or your phone refuses to shut down completely, malicious software may be preventing it from turning off.
5. Odd Text Messages
Receiving texts with random codes, symbols, or suspicious links? These could be hidden commands used by spyware.
6. Camera & Microphone Acting Alone
If your mic activates or your camera light flickers without your permission, someone could be remotely spying on you.
7. High Data Usage
A sudden spike in mobile data with no explanation could mean spyware is secretly sending your data to hackers.
8. Unknown Device Management Profiles
On iPhones, check under Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. If you see a profile you didn’t install, remove it immediately. Android users should check under Settings > Security > Device Admin Apps.
9. Apps You Didn’t Install
If you notice unknown apps suddenly appearing, it could be malware. Hackers often disguise spyware as harmless-looking apps.
10. Laggy Performance & Crashes
If your once-fast phone suddenly lags, freezes, or apps crash frequently, it may be overloaded by malicious background tasks.
📞 How to Check Call Forwarding (India & Global)
Hackers sometimes forward your calls and texts to their own numbers. Use these MMI codes to check:
✅ Global Codes (Work on Most Networks)
- Check call forwarding: *#61#
- Disable call forwarding: ##61#
- Check all forwarding: *#62#
- Disable all forwarding: ##62#
- Check busy line forwarding: *#67#
- Cancel busy line forwarding: ##67#
- Check unconditional forwarding: *#21#
- Cancel unconditional forwarding: ##21#
✅ Indian Telecom Operators
Airtel
- Check: *#21#
- Forward all calls: *21<number>#
- Cancel: ##21#
Reliance Jio
- Check: *#21#
- Forward calls: *21<number>#
- Cancel: ##21#
Vodafone Idea (Vi)
- Check: *#21#
- Activate: *21<number>#
- Disable: ##21#
BSNL
- Check: *#21#
- Forward when unreachable: *62<number>#
- Cancel: ##62#
🔐 How to Protect Your Phone from Hackers
- Turn on Airplane Mode – Stops all signals instantly if you suspect hacking.
- Uninstall Suspicious Apps – Check which apps drain your battery and remove shady ones.
- Install Antivirus Software – Use trusted options like Bitdefender, Norton, or Avast.
- Keep Your Device Updated – Updates patch security loopholes.
- Use a VPN – Encrypts your online activity.
- Enable Lockdown Mode (iPhone) / Advanced Protection (Android).
- Reboot in Safe Mode – Helps detect and delete malware.
- Factory Reset (Last Resort) – Wipes spyware completely.
👉 Recommended VPN / Antivirus Tool
✅ Do’s & Don’ts to Avoid Phone Hacking
👍 Do’s
- Use strong passwords & enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Download apps only from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Regularly check call forwarding & device management profiles.
- Use a VPN when browsing on public Wi-Fi.
- Back up important data frequently.
👎 Don’ts
- Don’t click suspicious links in texts or emails.
- Don’t connect to unknown Wi-Fi networks without protection.
- Don’t download apps from third-party stores.
- Don’t ignore sudden spikes in data, battery drain, or weird texts.
- Don’t delay security updates.
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can my phone be hacked without me knowing?
Yes. Many spyware tools run silently in the background.
Q2: Does a factory reset remove all spyware?
In most cases, yes. Just remember to back up your data first.
Q3: What should I do if I suspect my SIM is cloned?
Contact your carrier immediately—they can reissue a new SIM.
Q4: Is using a VPN enough?
A VPN protects your browsing but doesn’t remove spyware. Pair it with antivirus.
Q5: Should I inform my telecom provider if I suspect hacking?
Yes, they can detect unusual call forwarding and replace your SIM if necessary.
📝 Final Thoughts
Your smartphone is your digital life. If it gets hacked, your privacy, money, and even identity are at risk. The good news? By staying alert to these warning signs and following simple security steps, you can stay safe.
👉 Take action today—run the call forwarding check, delete shady apps, and secure your device with a VPN + antivirus.
Because when it comes to your phone, prevention is always better than cure.
