This post is going to show you how to know if your Android phone has been hacked and how to fix a hacked Android phone if you have fallen victim.
When your phone is hacked, it has compromised your data security. You no longer own your phone, and you are susceptible to attacks on your data and you.
How To Know If Your Android Phone Has Been Hacked
Unusual Battery Drain
If you suddenly notice that your battery starts draining unusually compared to how it was before, you might need to run some checks. Ascertain that your phone and the battery are not faulty. Once that is confirmed, compare the battery life of your phone with that of a similar phone around. If your phone has a removable battery, remove it and insert another phone to check how fast it drains.
If your phone and battery do not have any of the above faults, your phone has likely been hacked. The hidden activities in the background are usually what drains the battery, making your battery go flat in no time.
Unsolicited Pop-up Ads
You may notice that your phone begins to display pop-up ads that you are sure you did not enable. Some of those ads might be X-rated or offensive in a way.
If, after applying settings to stop them, it persists, your phone might be hacked
High Data Consumption
Your activities on your phone might not be consuming a high amount of data. But you notice that the total amount of data you consume at the end of the day is high relative to your usage. Your phone might be hacked.
This happens when information is transferred from one device to another secretly, and this can be data-consuming.
Suspicious Text Messages And Calls
When you are sure you are the only one handling your phone, but you see calls and messages that you did not make or send, your phone might have been compromised.
The messages might be a meaningless combination of symbols, numbers, and alphabets. Once this happens constantly, it might be a way for hackers to encode messages on your phone to gain access to your phone and more information.
How To Fix A Hacked Android Phone
Method 1: Delete Suspicious Apps
Once it is apparent that your phone has been hacked, one of the first things to check on your phone is the apps you have installed on it. Start by checking and deleting all suspicious apps that you did not install on your phone.
To do this:
- Go to Settings on your mobile phone and tap on it
- Tap on Apps from the options
- Look through and locate suspicious-looking apps, including the ones you did not install or without an icon.
- Delete them and restart your device.
Alternatively, you can delete the apps from Android safe mode. Deleting this way is easier because all third-party apps are disabled and will not be running in the background. Run Android safe mode on your phone; while it is running, you can delete all newly uninstalled third-party apps on your phone.
Method 2: Reset Your Phone Lock Screen And Accounts Passwords
Depending on the way or mode of the hacking, changing your phone lock screen and PIN code might just put a stop to it. Also, when you notice your phone has been hacked, you must change the passwords of all essential accounts you have registered on your mobile phone.
This might be a bit stressful to do, but it locks the hacker out of your account and prevents them from gathering sensitive information from your mobile phones.
Method 3: Clear Your Cache
Doing this will clear all the sites that have been logged on your phone and, by extension, anyone malicious. It clears up junk and, at the same time, frees up space on your Android device.
To do this:
- Turn off your mobile phone.
- Hold the power button and volume up simultaneously to enter recovery mode.
- Wait till it displays the No Command message and press the power button and volume up button simultaneously again.
- Use the volume buttons to navigate the recovery mode, locate the clear cache partition option, and press the power button to enter.
- Restart your phone once done.
Method 4: Install Antivirus Software
Installing antivirus software on your phone helps to scan and remove malicious apps and files. Hackers can gain access to your phone when you download some third-party applications, or you click some suspicious links sent to you through email or any of your social media accounts.
This antivirus software scans and can locate apps or files that can compromise your security.
Method 5: Reset Your Phone
These should always be the last resort and should be done when adequate backups have been done. Backups can be done to the cloud or any other external device.
When you reset your phone, it erases everything on your device, including whatever has been installed on your phone to enable the hacking.
How To Prevent Your Android Phone From Being Hacked
1. Strengthening Your Phone’s Security
Ensuring your Android phone is fortified against potential threats is the first line of defense. Start by setting up a strong PIN or pattern lock on your device, and consider using biometric authentication methods like fingerprint or facial recognition if available.
Also, enable encryption on your phone to safeguard your data. Regularly review and adjust your security settings to stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities.
2. Regularly Update Your Apps and Operating System
Outdated software can be a prime target for hackers. Android devices periodically receive updates that patch security vulnerabilities and enhance overall performance. Make it a habit to check for updates and install them promptly.
Additionally, regularly update the apps on your phone, as app developers often release new versions with bug fixes and security improvements.
3. Be Cautious with App Downloads and Links
Exercise caution when downloading apps from third-party sources. Please stick to the official Google Play Store whenever possible, as it offers a safer environment for app downloads.
Be wary of suspicious links, especially those received through emails or social media. Avoid clicking on links from unverified sources, and double-check the legitimacy of websites before entering personal information.
4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an extra layer of security for your accounts. It requires you to enter a one-time code sent to your device or generated by a mobile app when logging into an account.
Even if someone gains access to your password, they won’t be able to log in without the second factor, enhancing the security of your accounts significantly. Enable 2FA for your email, social media, and other important accounts.
5. Regularly Backup Your Data
Backing up your data is a crucial safeguard against data loss in case of a security breach or hardware failure. Android devices provide options to back up your data to Google Drive. Ensure that your photos, contacts, messages, and other essential information are regularly backed up.
This way, you can restore your data if needed without losing precious information during a security incident. Make sure that the backup process is automatic and that you have enough storage space in your Google Drive account.
By proactively implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to hacking and enhance the security of your Android device, ensuring your data and privacy remain protected.
How To Fix A Hacked Android Phone: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Android phone is hacked?
Here are some common signs your phone might be compromised:
- Unusual activity: Unexpected data usage, app installations, or messages.
- Performance issues: Slower phone performance, battery drain, or overheating.
- Pop-ups and ads: Excessive ads or unexpected pop-ups appear on your screen.
- Suspicious apps:Â Unfamiliar apps you didn’t install or unknown icons.
- Financial irregularities:Â Unauthorized charges or unusual activity on your linked accounts.
What should I do if I suspect my phone is hacked?
Act quickly! Here are the immediate steps:
- Change passwords: Update your Google password and passwords for any other accounts accessed on your phone (email, banking, etc.).
- Scan for malware:Â Use a reputable antivirus or anti-malware app to scan your phone.
- Remove suspicious apps:Â Uninstall any apps you don’t recognize or haven’t used recently.
- Factory reset (last resort): If other options fail, consider a factory reset, but remember this erases all your data. Back up important information beforehand.
Are there additional measures I can take to protect my phone?
Absolutely! Prevention is key:
- Download apps only from trusted sources:Â Play Store or official app websites.
- Keep your software updated:Â Install system and app updates promptly to patch security vulnerabilities.
- Be cautious with links and attachments:Â Don’t click suspicious links or open unknown attachments.
- Enable two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security for your accounts.
- Use strong passwords:Â Avoid using easily guessable passwords or the same password for multiple accounts.
What if I’m unsure about fixing the hack myself?
Seek professional help! Consider:
- Contacting your mobile carrier:Â They might offer technical support or guidance.
- Visiting a phone repair shop:Â Reputable shops can offer malware removal and security checks.
- Reaching out to Google support:Â Google provides resources and support for Android security issues.
Remember, taking swift action and prioritizing security measures can help mitigate the damage from a hacked phone. Choose the methods that best suit your comfort level and technical expertise, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
Wrapping Up…
Once you notice your phone has been hacked, the methods above are sure ways of fixing your phone. It is also very important that you put better preventive measures in place subsequently to prevent a recurrence.
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