Youtube Video

Summary published at 9/24/2024

📱 Is someone tracking your phone? Your privacy and personal safety may be at risk. They could be recording your screen, spying through the camera, or tracking you with a Bluetooth device.

🔍 Check your location sharing: Open settings, tap location, then location services, and check Google location sharing. Stop sharing with anyone you don't trust.

📊 Signs of tracking:

  • Increased data usage: Check mobile data usage for unusual activity.
  • Increased battery usage: Look for apps draining your battery.
  • Phone heating up: If it heats up without use, it could indicate tracking.
  • Unfamiliar screenshots or recordings: Check your gallery for anything suspicious.
  • Random phone behavior: Waking up or making sounds unexpectedly.
  • Camera/microphone in use: A green dot indicates active use without your knowledge.
  • Weird noises during calls: Could indicate someone is listening in.
  • Email forwarding: Check for unauthorized email forwarding settings.
  • Quick Share/Nearby Share: Disable these features to prevent tracking.
  • Text message forwarding: Ensure your messages aren't being forwarded to unknown devices.
  • Call forwarding: Check if your calls are being forwarded without your knowledge.

🔒 Prevent tracking:

  • Keep your Android updated: Regularly check for software updates.
  • Turn off install unknown apps: Prevent apps from installing other apps without permission.
  • Device admin access: Be cautious of apps with admin access.
  • Enable two-step authentication: Adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
  • Trust recovery contacts: Ensure your account recovery contacts are trustworthy.
  • Turn off read receipts: Prevent others from knowing when you've read their messages.
  • Use incognito mode: Browse privately to avoid tracking.

🔍 Check for Bluetooth tracking devices: Use the SmartThings app to detect unknown tags. For Apple AirTags, install the Tracker Detect app.

🛡️ Antivirus software: Generally not needed if downloading from Google Play Store. Enable device protection in settings.

⚠️ Rooting your Android: Avoid rooting as it removes built-in security measures.

📝 If you suspect tracking:

  • Check your apps for malicious software.
  • Take screenshots or recordings as evidence.
  • Reset app preferences to factory defaults.
  • Factory reset your device if necessary.

🔄 Backup your data: Ensure your data is backed up before performing a factory reset.

👀 Next steps: After securing your Android, watch our next video to find out if your phone is spying on you.

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