What To Do if Your Phone Has Been Hacked

Nowadays, phones hold highly sensitive and important information. They hold your banking apps, health records, passwords, private photos, and even your digital identity.

Which is why, when a phone is hacked, it feels like someone broke into your house and stole both your wallet and your diary.

The good news? You can take back control, limit the damage, and restore trust in your device. Let’s walk step by step through what to do.

Key Highlights

Stop the Damage, Lock the Attacker Out, Restore Trust

When security agencies and mobile platforms talk about incident response, they boil it down to three things: stop the bleeding, shut the intruder out, and rebuild your device in a safe state.

The faster you move, the less harm spreads. You don’t need to be a tech expert.

You just need a clear checklist.

According to Astra Security, globally, 560,000 new pieces of malware are detected every day, and over 1 billion malware variants currently exist.

The 10-Minute Triage

If you see clear red flags: sudden loss of phone service, strange account activity, financial fraud, or being locked out of your own accounts, you need to act fast.

Think of this as your emergency drill.

• Use another device. Do not use the hacked phone to change passwords or log into your bank. Borrow a friend’s phone, use a computer, or grab a tablet you trust.
• Disconnect the phone. Switch on Airplane Mode, then turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. If you suspect someone might be remotely controlling the device, shut it down completely and step away from your home Wi-Fi before you log into anything.
• Lock or erase if stolen.
  1. On iPhone: Log in to iCloud on a browser, use Find Devices to lock or erase remotely.
  2. On Android: Use Find My Device from Google to do the same.
• Protect your money. Call your bank and card issuers. Ask them to freeze or monitor accounts.
• Freeze your credit. In the U.S., credit freezes are free and prevent new accounts being opened in your name.
• Call your carrier. If you think your SIM card was swapped, request a port-out PIN or SIM lock right away.

Within those first ten minutes, your priority is to stop an attacker from moving laterally: stealing more, spreading further, or locking you out entirely.

Signs Your Phone Might Be Compromised

Both Apple and Google have systems that alert users when malware or unsafe apps are detected.

Android has Play Protect, which can automatically remove malicious apps. Apple may notify users if high-grade spyware is detected.

Decision Tree

Sometimes you can get away with lighter fixes. Other times, you need a full reset. Here’s a quick decision table:

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre has one of the clearest stances: if your device is definitely infected, the safest solution is a reset.

iPhone: Clean-up and Recovery

Step 1. Update and review devices

• Go to Settings > [your name] and review devices signed in. Remove anything you don’t recognize.
• If you received an Apple spyware warning, follow their steps immediately. Consider Lockdown Mode if you’re at high risk.

Step 2. Use Safety Check

Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check lets you reset sharing, revoke app permissions, and review security in one place.

Step 3. Remove control paths

Check Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. Delete any configuration profile or management entry you did not install.

Step 4. Reset if needed

• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
• For a deeper clean, connect to a computer and restore. Avoid restoring from a backup made during infection.

Step 5. Avoid risky states

Do not jailbreak. Apple emphasizes that it strips away critical defenses and makes the phone unstable.

Android: Clean-up and Recovery

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Step 1. Update and scan

• Update Android OS and apps via Google Play.
• Open Play Store > Profile > Play Protect. Run a scan and keep automatic scanning on.

Step 2. Diagnose suspicious apps

• Boot into Safe Mode to disable third-party apps temporarily. Uninstall anything suspicious.
• Review permissions under Settings > Apps & Permissions. Look closely at accessibility and device administrator privileges.

Step 3. Reset if needed

• If the problems remain, back up your photos and files safely.
• Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data.
• If stolen, erase remotely with Find My Device.

Step 4. Harden your phone

• Keep Play Protect enabled.
• Avoid installing apps from unknown APKs.
• If at higher risk, consider Google’s Advanced Protection program for stronger safeguards.

Protect Your Accounts While You Clean

Even if your phone is wiped clean, your accounts could still be exposed. Attackers often steal passwords before you notice. Use a safe device to:

• Change passwords starting with email, cloud accounts, banking, crypto, and social media.
• Sign out everywhere:
  1. On iPhone: Settings > [your name] > Devices.
  2. On Google: use Security Checkup and sign out of unknown devices.
• Turn on strong MFA. Security keys and passkeys are far safer than SMS codes.
• Review recovery info for accounts. Remove unknown phone numbers or emails.

SIM-Swap or Number Hijack

SIM swapping is a growing threat. Criminals trick your carrier into moving your number to their SIM card, letting them intercept texts and codes. Signs include:

• Sudden loss of mobile service
• New 2FA prompts you did not request
• Unexplained changes in your carrier account

What to Do

1. Call your carrier immediately from another phone. Reclaim the number, add a port-out PIN, and request stronger verification.
2. Change passwords for your most sensitive accounts right after.
3. File a complaint with the FCC if your carrier doesn’t resolve it.

Protect Your Money and Identity

Phones are wallets now, and hackers know it. Take these steps quickly:

• Call your bank, freeze accounts or cards if needed.
• Place a credit freeze with the three major bureaus, or at least a fraud alert.
• Report identity theft attempts or scams at IdentityTheft.gov.
• For significant financial losses, report to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). They recorded 16.6 billion dollars in losses in 2024.
• Keep records: times, call logs, suspicious texts, receipts. They matter if law enforcement gets involved.

How To Restore Safely After a Factory Reset

• Start fresh. Only install apps from official stores.
• Restore files from a clean cloud backup or offline copy. Avoid system backups made while the phone was compromised.
• Re-secure accounts. Enable MFA, review permissions, and reduce unnecessary app access.
• Keep defenses on. Automatic updates, Play Protect (Android), and periodic Safety Check (iPhone).

Everyday Habits That Prevent a Repeat

• Update regularly. Enable auto-updates for OS and apps.
• Stick to official app stores. Avoid shady configuration profiles or sideloaded APKs.
• Think before you tap. Phishing remains a leading entry point.
• Lock your device. Use a strong passcode, biometrics, and keep Find My features enabled.
• Set a carrier PIN. Ask about SIM-swap protections.

According to Control D, by 2025, mobile threats may represent a staggering 30 percent of all malware, driven by how common phones are in daily life.

Quick Reference Checklist

When To Seek Extra Help

• If your phone is work-issued or managed by an IT team, alert them. They may need to wipe and re-provision.
• If you’re in a domestic abuse or stalking situation, be cautious. Using Safety Check on iPhone or planning resets can be lifesaving, but sudden changes may alert an abuser. Seek help through trusted support networks if possible.

Everyday Habits That Prevent a Repeat

Recovery is one thing, but prevention is what keeps you from going through this again. Most hacks succeed not because attackers are brilliant, but because daily habits slip. A few changes can harden your defenses dramatically.

Keep Software Fresh

• Turn on automatic updates for both the operating system and apps.
• Don’t postpone updates for weeks. Many patches are plugging security holes already being exploited.

Be Careful With Apps

• Only download from the official App Store or Google Play.
• Avoid “free” versions of paid apps offered on shady sites; they often carry hidden malware.
• Before installing, skim through app reviews and check the developer’s credibility.

Rethink Permissions

• When an app asks for access, question it. Does a flashlight really need your location?
• On iPhone, review permissions under Settings > Privacy & Security.
• On Android, check Settings > Apps > Permissions Manager. Revoke anything that looks unnecessary.

Guard Against Phishing

• Be skeptical of texts or emails urging you to click quickly.
• Hover over links or long-press them to preview the actual URL before tapping.
• If your bank or a delivery service messages you, go directly into their app instead of following a link.

Secure Your SIM and Number

• Set up a port-out PIN with your carrier.
• Ask if your provider offers SIM-swap protections.
• Never share verification codes with anyone, no matter what excuse they give.

Use Stronger Authentication

• Enable two-factor authentication (preferably app-based or security key, not just SMS).
• Consider a password manager for unique, long passwords you don’t have to memorize.
• For accounts that offer passkeys or security keys, switch to them.

Lock Your Device Right

• Use a strong passcode, not 1234 or your birthday.
• Fingerprint or Face ID adds another layer.
• Keep auto-lock set to a short interval so your phone locks quickly when idle.

Limit What’s Stored

• Avoid keeping sensitive photos, IDs, or documents permanently on your phone.
• If you need them, use a secure cloud vault or encrypted storage.
• Regularly back up photos and files to a trusted service so you can wipe your phone without panic.

Stay Aware of Public Wi-Fi

• Avoid doing banking or shopping on public Wi-Fi unless you’re on a VPN.
• Disable auto-join for networks so your phone doesn’t connect without you noticing.

Periodic Security Check-Ups

Run a quick audit every few months:

• Review active sessions on the Apple ID or Google account.
• Scan with Play Protect on Android.
• Use iPhone’s Safety Check to reset sharing.
• Think of it like a digital health checkup.

Final Words

A hacked phone feels personal because it is personal. But you can act quickly, cut off access, protect your money, and bring your device back to a safe state.

For deep infections or persistent threats, a factory reset is your safest bet. Then, keep your guard up with updates, stronger account security, and safer everyday habits.