In this article on Naijaknowhow, I’ll be showing you how to know if your Android phone is hacked. Your Android phone stores more information than you may realize, including sensitive data such as phone numbers, emails, important files, and banking details.
Therefore, it is important to be able to tell if your Android is hacked. Unfortunately, many Android users remain unaware of a hacking incident until they start receiving spam emails or notice suspicious bank transactions. This is particularly concerning since Android devices are generally considered to be more vulnerable to hacking than iPhones.
To protect yourself, it is crucial to know how to recognize the signs of a hacked Android phone so you can take action right away. There are various signs and warnings that you can use to know if your android is hacked. However, these signs can often go unnoticed by users who are not aware of them.
How to Know Your Android Phone is Hacked
As a responsible Android user, it is essential to learn and understand the following signs of a hacked phone so you can take appropriate action if necessary. So you can use any of these signs to tell if your Android is hacked.
1. Slow Operation
Numerous factors can lead to sluggish performance in Android phones, and one of these is hacking. If you notice that your phone is frequently freezing or crashing without having installed any new apps, your device may have been hacked.
A malware app might be utilizing the phone’s resources to scan it, causing an overload. This overload can result in longer processing times for other apps, including those that are small. Additionally, you might encounter repeated restarts, crashes, and difficulty closing apps.
2. Device Misbehavior
If your device starts to exhibit unusual behavior, it could indicate that it has been hacked. Typically, malicious software, such as spyware or malware, causes erratic behavior. For example, you might notice strange activity, like receiving text messages with scrambled words. If you receive such messages, your phone is likely connecting to an unknown device.
Also, it’s not uncommon for your device to display suspicious activity on connected accounts, such as email or social media. You might receive a password reset notification for an account you didn’t reset. Or, your unread emails may suddenly appear as read without your knowledge.
3. Unwanted Pop-up Ads
Have you been experiencing an influx of unwelcome ads that persistently appear on your screen? If this is an occurrence that has never happened before, it may indicate that there is an issue with your device that has been caused by hackers.
In numerous instances, hackers will install new applications on your device to perform certain functions, such as rooting. These newly installed applications may contain ads, which is why you continue to see them on your screen.
However, before concluding that your device has been hacked, it is crucial to ensure that you have not installed any new applications yourself. To do this, thoroughly examine the list of applications on your Android device, and if you discover a new addition to the list that you did not install, take immediate measures to combat the hacking.
4. High Data Usage
If you think your Android phone is hacked, check how much data it’s using. If it’s using a lot of data, that could mean someone is messing with your phone. There might be an app that’s spying on you or has a virus that’s using up your data without you knowing it.
But sometimes, high data usage is not because of hacking. It could be because an app like Instagram or a podcast app is updating. You should check your phone’s settings to see if it’s because of an update or a virus.
5. Quick Battery Drain
If your Android device’s battery is draining significantly faster than expected, it could be an indication that your device is being hacked. This is due to the presence of spyware or malware applications that utilize your phone’s resources to gather information and send it back to the hacker’s server.
These processes typically operate in the background, making it less likely for users to detect them. Also, in certain instances, the phone may experience increased heat generation.
6. Unknown Outgoing Calls and Texts
Another way to tell if your Android is hacked is by checking the call logs and outbox. You might see calls or texts that you didn’t make or send. These could be to premium-rate numbers that a malware app is forcing you to contact.
You should also check your phone bill for any charges that you don’t recognize. If you see any unknown charges, it’s a sign that your device has been hacked.
7. Call Background Noise
If you suspect that your Android device has been hacked, you can also detect it by checking for background noise during a call. Several users have reported encountering malware on their devices and noticed electronic interference or background noise during phone calls.
This interference is typically noticeable while on a call and indicates that communication is being disrupted. Examples of electronic interference include static, echoes, or clicking sounds that occur during a call.
8. Disabled Google Play Protect
Google Play Protect is a default feature on every Android phone. Its main function is to scan for viruses and malware on the device. If a hacker wants to perform any malicious activity on the device, they would need to disable this app. Hence, if you find that Google Play Protect has been disabled, it could be a strong indication that your Android device has been hacked.
To check the status of Google Play Protect, follow these steps:
- Open the Google Play Store app on your device.
- Tap on the Menu icon and select Play Protect.
- Tap on the Settings icon.
- Check if the Scan device for security threats option is toggled on. If not, toggle it on to enable the feature.
9. Scan Device with Antivirus App
If you’re still concerned about Android hacking but haven’t noticed any signs, reassure yourself by using an antivirus app to scan your phone. This application allows you to scan your device and identify any spyware or malware present on the system.
How to Fix Your Hacked Android Phone
There are several ways that you can fix a hacked Android device. These methods are very easy to carry out and are also reliable. Below, you’ll find the best ways to go about it, but you’ll have to run them according to your smartphone system UI.
- Install a good antivirus application.
- Uninstall unwanted or suspicious apps.
- Reset device to Factory Settings
These are some simple ways that you could use to fix your hacked Android device. But if you want a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to do so, read this article.
Conclusion
To know if your Android is hacked, look for the signs as explained above, such as device misbehavior. If you notice any of those signs, you can try different ways to fix them. Remember, only do a factory reset when none of the other ways work. But if you don’t mind setting up your phone again, it can be the best option.
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