How to know if your mobile phone is really protected from tracking

Want to ensure protection?

We're glued to our mobile phones. We use them for everything: talking, shopping, working, getting around. But have you ever stopped to think… How to know if your mobile phone is truly protected against tracking? Spoiler alert: having antivirus software installed isn't always a guarantee of complete privacy.

Many apps, services, and even operating system functions themselves may be tracking your movements, even without clearly notifying you. And if you've never paid close attention to this, you may be leaving a trail wherever you go—online and offline.

In this post, we'll show you how to identify tracking signs, how to protect your device, and what you can do today to strengthen your digital privacy.

What does it mean to "track" a mobile phone?

Phone tracking means collecting information about a device's location, activity or user. It may involve consented services or unauthorised surveillance.

We're not just talking about location. Tracking also includes:

• App usage monitoring
• Search and navigation tracking
• Access to messages and calls
• Capturing passwords or bank details

That's why knowing whether your mobile phone is truly protected against tracking is essential for your safety and privacy.

Signs that your mobile phone may be being tracked.

1# Battery draining too quicklyIf your battery starts draining faster than usual, without any change in usage, it could be that an app is running in the background collecting data.

2# Mobile phone overheating for no reason.Even without heavy use, is the device hot? This could be a sign that something is operating "in secret".

3# High mobile data consumptionTrackers need to send the collected information. A spike in internet usage could be a sign of a data leak.

4# Strange behavioursMessages sent on their own, notifications disappearing, apps opening unexpectedly… all of these can be indicative of external access.

5# Difficulty turning off the mobile phone.If the device takes a long time to turn off or restarts on its own, it's worth investigating.

If any of these signs occur frequently, it's time to take action.

How can you tell if there's a spy app on your phone?

Some apps disguise themselves as calculators, torches, or even file managers, but behind the scenes they are… tracking everything you do. Here's how to identify it:

• Access the settings and go to “Apps” or “Installed applications”.
• Look for strange names, duplicates, or names you don't remember downloading.
• Review permissions that seem unrelated to an app's purpose, and revoke access you do not need.
• On Android, security tools such as Malwarebytes, Avast Mobile Security and Bitdefender can help detect malware. Features differ on iOS; check each app's current description.

Official store page for Malwarebytes: Google Play.

Official store pages for Avast Mobile Security: Google Play · App Store.

Official store pages for Bitdefender: Google Play · App Store.

Another important tip: Check if the phone is rooted or jailbroken., This is especially true if you bought it from a third party. Modified devices are more vulnerable to tracking.

How can we strengthen protection against tracking?

Now that you understand the risks, let's talk about solutions. Here's what to do today to protect your device:

1# Check app permissions

Many people install the app and allow everything without thinking. Go to the settings and review each app individually:

• Allow location access only when it supports a feature you intend to use.
• Microphone: be careful with photo and torch apps that have audio access.
• Allow camera access only when it is needed for a feature you intend to use.
• Storage: only allow this if the app really needs to save files.

2# Review Google Maps Timeline

Timeline is off by default. If you have enabled it, you can review or turn it off in your Google Account's Timeline settings.

• Open your Google Account's activity settings.
• Select Timeline.
• Turn it off if you do not want to save visits and routes.

It's also worth doing the same with your activity and search history.

3# Use a privacy-focused browser

DuckDuckGo, Brave and Tor offer different privacy protections. Browser tracker blocking does not by itself hide your IP address; check how each option handles network privacy.

Official store pages for DuckDuckGo: Google Play · App Store.

Official store pages for Brave: Google Play · App Store.

Official store page for Tor Browser: Google Play.

4# Use a reliable VPN

A VPN encrypts traffic between your device and its server and replaces your public IP address. It does not prevent every form of tracking. Compare NordVPN, ProtonVPN and Surfshark, including the limits of their free or paid plans.

Official store pages for NordVPN: Google Play · App Store.

Official store pages for ProtonVPN: Google Play · App Store.

Official store pages for Surfshark: Google Play · App Store.

5# Review the privacy guidance

See the browser and VPN guidance above when reviewing your browsing privacy.

6# Avoid unprotected public Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is tempting, but it's an open door for tracking and hacking. If you need to use it, activate a VPN and… Never access banking apps or enter important passwords..

What if the tracking is personal (by someone close)?

This is a sensitive but real issue. Many cases of invasion of privacy stem from… close people, with spy apps manually installed on the victim's mobile phone.

If someone close to you may be monitoring your phone, use a trusted, non-monitored device to seek specialist support before scanning, removing apps or resetting the phone. These actions may alert the person monitoring it.

And if you feel that your personal safety is at risk, Seek professional or legal assistance..

See also: 6 best free dating apps for young people

May 26, 2025