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How to check if someone is snooping on your Android
December 26, 2022 By Awanish Kumar
(Image Credit Google)
On an Android phone, privacy and security can be compromised in a matter of seconds. Even though breaches from outsiders like hackers and other cybercriminals are more frequently discussed, sometimes the most frightening snooping comes from people close to you. You may find it difficult to recognise when a snoop has accessed your private information on your phone, but I can assist you figure it out.
Places Your Android can get snooped on
In your own home
At your friend’s or neighbour’s homes
At work
Out and about
It doesn’t take so much time for any nosy person from attaining access to your phone or change settings that grant them access in the future or remotely.
Most people, especially those around friends, family, and familiar environments, wouldn't even consider protecting their Android devices, thus it's likely that you wouldn't notice if your phone had been bugged.
Simply take the actions listed below to strengthen the security of your phone and make it less vulnerable to hackers and snoopers.
Please be aware that settings may differ based on the manufacturer of your Android phone.
How to check if a snoop is spying on your Android
Entering your screen lock to access your Android takes no time at all. While you may believe that more complex techniques are required to access your Android, it can actually be as simple as looking over your shoulder when you least expect it to spy on the screen lock combination you've entered.
When you set your phone down to use the restroom or rush to get something from another room, the snoop can access it after getting a good look, or even multiple glimpses over time.
To make it more difficult for snoopers to access your phone, follow the simple steps below.
1. Restart your Android
For Most android phones:
Hold Power button then select Restart or Power off and restart from the Power Options menu.
For Newer Samsung devices:
Hold the Power/Side button and Volume Down
The Power Options menu appear
Select the desired option
For Google Pixel 6:
Hold the Power and Volume Up buttons
2. Change your Screen Lock
Go to ‘Settings’ on your phone
Tap ‘Security’
Select type of screen lock preferred by tapping ‘Screen Lock’
Already have a Screen Lock in place? You’ll need to input your pattern, pin or password to pick a different lock: Pattern: Use your finger to draw a simple pattern PIN: Enter a minimum of 4 numbers, but longer PINs (more than 4 numbers) tend to be more secure. Password: Enter 4 or more letters or numbers
Pattern: Use your finger to draw a simple pattern
PIN: Enter a minimum of 4 numbers, but longer PINs (more than 4 numbers) tend to be more secure.
Password: Enter 4 or more letters or numbers
Select Screen lock option by tapping the one you prefer then follow the on-screen instructions
3. Check for latest Android update
Maintaining an updated operating system on your phone is crucial for your security. Whenever vulnerabilities for hackers and snoopers are found, there is typically an update to close them.
To check which Android OS you’re running
Go to ‘Settings’ on your phone
Tap ‘About Phone’ then ‘Android version’
You can find your ‘Android Version," "Android security update," and "Build number"
Get the latest Android Updates available for you
If you get a notification, open it and select ‘update’
If you cleared the notification or your device is offline:
Go to ‘Settings’ on your phone
Tap ‘System’ then ‘System Update’
After you see your status, you can follow any steps presented on the screen (if necessary)
Get Google Play system and security updates
Go to ‘Settings’ on your phone
Tap ‘Security’
To check if security updates are available, tap ‘Google Security checkup’
To check if there is a Google Play system update available, tap ‘Google Play system update’
How to stop Android snoops from spying
[caption id="attachment_75343" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Image: jihosoft[/caption]
When entering your screen lock, be careful. Be mindful of your surroundings when entering your screen lock because even someone watching you from behind can jeopardise your security. You can get a privacy screen protector if you don't pay attention or don't want to. It is typically a piece of plastic or tempered glass that you can place to your phone's screen to protect it from cracks and scratches as well as to filter light from certain angles so that people nearby can see what you are typing.
Never share your password or passcode
If you've set up a Google profile on your Android smartphone, you can create additional or guest profiles to restrict access to your phone's settings and data.
Instead of giving someone your unlocked phone, send them videos and photographs.