What to Do If You Think Your Phone’s Been Hacked

If you’re reading this, chances are something feels off with your current phone—and your instincts might be right. Our smartphones hold access to nearly every part of our lives: banking apps, personal messages, location data, work emails, and more. When that device is compromised, so is your privacy.

Whether you’ve seen suspicious behavior or just have a gut feeling, this guide will walk you through what to look for, how to respond, and—critically—how to prevent future intrusions. If your phone has been compromised, it may be time to consider a hardened device built for maximum security.

Signs Your Phone Might Be Hacked

Hacks don’t always announce themselves. In fact, the most dangerous ones are designed to avoid detection. Still, there are warning signs that your device may have been breached:

• Your battery drains unusually fast
• You notice apps you didn’t install
• You’re seeing pop-ups or strange browser behavior
• Your phone lags or crashes regularly
• Your data usage has spiked unexpectedly
• You receive login alerts from unfamiliar locations
• Friends or colleagues report suspicious texts or calls from your number
• Your phone is warm or active even when idle

Individually, these signs can have benign explanations. Together, they may indicate your phone has been compromised.

What to Do Right Away

If you suspect your phone has been hacked, take these steps as soon as possible:

1. Disconnect Your Phone

Turn off Wi-Fi and mobile data, or power the device down entirely. This cuts off potential remote access while you investigate.

2. Remove Suspicious Apps

Manually check for and uninstall any unfamiliar or untrusted applications, especially those with elevated permissions.

3. Run a Security Scan

Use a reputable mobile security app, like iVerify, to detect malware or spyware. While not infallible, it can catch many common threats.

4. Change Your Passwords (From Another Device)

Use a separate, trusted device to update login credentials for your most sensitive accounts. Start with email, banking, and cloud storage.

5. Back Up Your Data

If your phone is still functional, back up important files and contacts in case a factory reset is necessary.

6. Factory Reset (If Needed)

If problems persist, wipe the device to remove any malicious code. Be sure to back up data first and follow manufacturer instructions.

The Problem: Most Phones Aren’t Built for Security

Even after cleaning a compromised phone, many users are left vulnerable. Traditional smartphones are built for convenience, not protection. A single misclick on a phishing link, a malicious app download, or a zero-click exploit can reopen the door to hackers.

If your phone has already been compromised or you handle sensitive information, you need more than just antivirus software. You need a secure device.

Introducing the Sotera SecurePhone: Built for Privacy-First Communication

The SecurePhone from Sotera Digital Security is a hardened mobile device designed from the ground up for secure, private communication. By offering only voice and messaging functionality, along with end-to-end encryption, it effectively mitigates the common vulnerabilities that are typically exploited to compromise traditional smartphones.

If you suspect that your phone has been hacked, contact us about getting a SecurePhone. While most people don’t use the SecurePhone as their only phone due to the limited smartphone functionality, it’s undeniably the simplest way to protect your most important conversations, whether they’re personal, professional, or mission-critical.

Talk to our team today →

How to Prevent Future Attacks

Once you’ve regained control of your device, here are some ways to reduce your risk moving forward:

• Keep your OS and apps up to date
• Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication
• Avoid public Wi-Fi or use a trusted VPN
• Be cautious with app permissions and unknown links
• Don’t sideload apps from outside the official app store
• Enable remote tracking and device wipe features

When to Call in Experts

If your phone continues to show signs of compromise—or you’re worried that your activity is being tracked—it’s time to bring in professionals. Some threats are sophisticated enough to evade basic detection tools, especially if you're a high-value target or handle sensitive information.

Sotera Digital Security provides secure communication solutions trusted by government agencies, corporate executives, and privacy-focused individuals. Our SecurePhones are designed to protect you where other devices can’t.

Don’t wait for another breach. If your phone has been hacked once, it can happen again. Contact us today to protect what matters most.