How to tell if someone is snooping on your Android
It takes seconds for someone to compromise privacy and security on your Android phone. Though compromise from strangers such as hackers and other cybercriminals are more commonly discussed, sometimes it is the snooping by those near you that can be the most shocking. Detecting that your phone has been tampered with is also hard for you to detect when a snoop has infiltrated your private life – and I’ve got help with finding out.
Places Your Android can get snooped on
- In your own home
- At your friend’s or neighbor’s homes
- At work
- Out and about
It doesn’t take very long for any nosy person from gaining access to your phone or change settings that grant them access in the future or remotely.
Most people wouldn’t even think to guard their Androids, especially around friends, family or familiar settings so chances are that you wouldn’t notice if your phone has been creeped on.
As a safeguard, simply follow the steps below to bolster your phone’s security, so it isn’t susceptible to hackers or snoops.
Please note settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.
HOW TO CHANGE YOUR PRIVACY SETTINGS ON YOUR ANDROID DEVICES
How to check if a snoop is spying on your Android
Photo of a woman holding a Samsung phone.
(Fox News)
It takes no time at all to input your screen lock to access your Android. While you may think more sophisticated methods are needed to gain access to your Android, it can be as easy as peering over your shoulder while you least expect it to spy on what screen lock you’ve inputted.
Once this snoop gets a good glance or even several looks over time, they can get into your phone when you set it down to use the bathroom or run to get something from another room.
Follow the quick steps below to make sure it is more difficult for snoopers to gain access to your phone.
1. Restart your Android
Photo of a woman restarting her Android smartphone.
(Fox News)
For Most android phones:
- Hold Power button then select Restart or Power off and restart from the Power Options menu.
- 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
Photo of a tutorial on how to change the lock screen on an Android.
(Fox News)
- 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
Read More: How to tell if someone is snooping on your Android