How to Stop Someone from Accessing Your Phone Remotely?

Think your phone is safe just because it’s locked? Think again. Cybercriminals can remotely access your phone without even touching it. 

It sounds scary, but the good news is that there are actionable ways to secure your device and protect your personal information. 

Now that you know how vulnerable your phone can be, let’s look at the warning signs and practical steps for “How to Stop Someone from Accessing Your Phone Remotely.”

Understanding Remote Access

Remote access is the ability to access a device from a remote location. Someone can access your personal files, applications, and resources from different locations with or without your permission. Many businesses use remote access for remote work, IT support, and secure data access for remote workers. 

Various tools, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) or remote desktop software, help employees work from anywhere while maintaining security.

This flexibility can greatly improve agents’ productivity, reduce operating costs, and promote work-life balance. Remote access is becoming important for businesses to have a better working culture, offering convenient and secure solutions for a dynamic workforce.

However, sometimes, your data or information can be at potential risk. Some hackers and spammers might use your personal data remotely without your permission or knowledge.

How to stop someone from accessing your phone remotely?

Protecting your phone from suspicious or unknown people is essential to safeguard your personal data and information. 

Remote access requires awareness, effective measures, and practice. Here are the 10 top tips to safeguard your device or phone from accessing remotely:

1. Run Google Security Checkup

You can easily run the Google Security Checkup to know or review your account’s activities, which can be used by the stranger remotely. There is easy access to look at your phone access activities at any devices and locations you do not recognize that have accessed your account recently. If there is suspicious access on your account, then you should be alert about your information and take action quickly to protect yourself from unknown persons. 

If you notice or find any unfamiliar or suspected devices, you can easily remove them from your Google account. You should also cancel access for all applications that you do not identify or trust; this will add an extra layer of security to your personal data and sensitive details.

2. Change Your Google Password

It is very important to change your Google account password as soon as possible. When creating a new password, make it strong and secure, using upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. This complexity makes it much harder for others to guess or crack your password.

Moreover, one should not use the same password on different platforms; such practice may expose your account to risks. Spending a few minutes creating a strong and unique password will go a long way in safeguarding your personal information.

3. Keep your operating system and apps updated

Keep your device’s operating system and applications updated to their latest versions. Manufacturers often release updates to fix vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Ignoring these updates may leave your phone exposed.

Keep your operating system updated regularly. This will make your phone smooth and protect you from unauthorized access. Updates fix vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.

4. Disable developer options

Disable developer options if you are not actively using them. Developer tools can allow remote debugging and other advanced functions that attackers might exploit if enabled. Ensure this feature is off unless necessary.

Developer options can sometimes expose your phone to security risks. They can also allow a connected computer to access your phone’s data, so to stop malicious apps or attackers, you have to disable developer options to stop someone from accessing your phone remotely.

5. Restrict app permissions 

For security purposes, limit the permissions granted to the app to only those necessary for its functions. Personally, delete permissions given to different applications that do not require them to function, including the permission to access your microphone, camera, or contacts. Some even have fake permissions to gain more permissions that they use to intrude on your privacy.

Having far too many permissions can allow attackers to access potentially nefarious elements of a device, like a mic, a camera, or location information. It’s crucial to be cautious about the permissions granted to apps to protect personal information and devices from such risks.

6. Clear cache and browsing history regularly 

It is a good practice to clean the phone’s cache and browsing history from time to time. The accumulated data from websites visited and applications used may contain your login details, personal information, and browsing history.

Regular cache and history cleaning is mainly for security reasons; besides, this action definitely gives your device some extra space and tidiness. Set a routine that keeps all your information safe–probably once a week—and your device running swiftly.

7. Enable device encryption

Enable encryption on your device. Full-disk encryption scrambles your data, making it nearly impossible for unauthorized users to read it, even if they gain access to your phone.

Encryption is a critical security measure that makes your data unreadable, protecting it from unauthorized access. Once encrypted, the data will be secure and inaccessible to any form of unauthorized access, ensuring that sensitive information is well protected from any potential breach.

8. Avoid public Wi-Fi networks and USB ports

Avoid using public Wi-Fi connections and Wi-Fi calling. When connecting to a public network, such as an open connection or even a connection through a public spot, ensure you use a VPN because you have no idea who among the people connected to the same network is a hacker.

The other type of access point is public USB ports, which are risky to use since they allow data theft through juice jacking. This technique involves hacking the USB port to steal data from connected hardware while recharging devices. You have to be very careful when charging your device using a charging station found in the public domain in order to avoid revealing personal details.

9. Review and disable unused management apps

It is important to periodically review the unnecessary apps on your phone device. To maintain remote access to your phone device, disable those that are no longer useful and that are costly to maintain. If you get rid of unused management apps, you release resources, pull security, and promote efficient tool use.

Such remote management applications, for example, can sometimes compromise the system’s security by allowing strangers to access it. Such gaps require certain security measures to be put in place.

10. Monitor for unusual activity

Removing or switching off any other remote management programs or applications you may have been using and were not aware of can also reduce the risk of unknown remote access. Many applications, such as Splunk, Crowdstrike Falcon, and many more, can help monitor unusual activity. 

Activities that might be surprising or unexpected on your phone device or computer could be the wake of the hacker. Some results of unauthorized access to confidential information or personal data you have to be a witness are data breaches, identity theft, loss of trust, and financial loss.

By following these less conventional yet effective practices, you can add extra layers of security to your Android device and significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access

How to Keep Your Smartphone Safe from Remote Access?

Your phone becomes available to someone for remote control through different ways, including phishing, the use of weak passwords, installing spyware on your phone, and unlimited others. 

Here are some ways to keep your smartphone safe from remote access:

A. Use Strong Passwords

Choose an alky and complicated password for your phone. Do not use any strongly recognizable and simple or obvious sequences for passwords. A password also increases security by reducing the rate of chance that other people get to access your device or computer remotely.

B. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

As an additional measure of security, 2FA requires you to enter a code received on a phone or an authentication application in addition to your password. This cuts down the probability of intrusion, though your password is already with the offenders.

C. Regular Software Updates

Make sure that your phone’s operating system and all apps are up to date. This will help you update your device frequently, gaining new security features and protection from the latest cyber threats.

D. Avoid Pubilc Wi-Fi

If you wish to prevent hackers and others from gaining complete access to your phone, do not connect it to public Wi-Fi. If this is not possible, ensure that you employ a VPN when using public Wi-Fi. Moreover, disable the Wi-Fi connection from connecting to any available network to reduce the connection to untrusted or unknown networks.

How to Stop Someone From Mirroring Your Phone?

Here is how to stop someone from mirroring your phone:

I. Check for Unknown Apps

You can take some time and glance at the list of apps installed on your phone critically. Amongst them, there are applications you were never aware of or recognized you had installed in the first place. 

Uninstall any apps that look PNG or are completely unimportant, and your device will be devoid of such risks. Plus, space will be created for storage.

II. Turn Off the Screen Sharing

You can switch off screen sharing when you are not using it. Frustration features like screen mirroring not only prevent others from accessing your phone but also save on your phone’s battery.

Your Device settings provide these, and it is wise to frequent them and disable the programs when not in use to enable a good and secure realistic experience.

III. Change Passwords

Remember that password renewal from time to time is a good procedure for increasing the protective profile of your online activity. As for password length and complexity, you should use a password manager that creates strong and unique passwords that can then be easily accessed and changed for every account. 

This means that by routinely checking your passwords and changing them as often as possible, you will increase your online security. This practice assists in safeguarding your smartphone against adverse disruptions, blocking spam calls, and preserving your individuality.

IV. Allow Two Factor Authentication (2FA)

If you want to be secure, make sure to allow two-factor authentication. This will add another layer of protection for your accounts so that someone cannot be accessed or mirrored without your permission. 

Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) can provide an extra layer of protection for your personal data and device. This is the best way to protect your phone from unauthorized access remotely without your knowledge. It also enhances your phone security and minimizes the risk of various attacks. 

V. Review App Permissions

Sometimes, you may have unknowingly enabled an unknown app permission, which can be dangerous for you from hackers. So, make sure to review app permissions. Reviewing app permissions is a good way to ensure you are secure from spying and malicious applications. 

You should go through all the app permissions that can block anyone from gaining access to your phone.  

VI. Update Your Phone

If you want to stop someone mirroring your phone, you must update its software regularly. This ensures your device remains secure and works efficiently, helping you avoid potential breaches. 

Keeping your phone current enhances security and optimizes performance by providing access to the latest features and improvements. It will also keep your phone secure and prevent remote access. 

VII. Run a Security Scan

To scan your device you can run a security application for potentially harmful software or malware. It can also help you keep your phone secure to prevent access from an unauthorized person.

Running the security scan may help you prevent someone from mirroring your phone. To safeguard your phone, you must install trusted security software. 

How do I find out if someone is remotely accessing my phone?

Here are some tips to find out if someone is remotely accessing your phone: 

• Unusual battery drain can indicate that someone is remotely accessing your phone or running background processes. Look for apps you don’t recognize using significant battery.
• Look for apps you didn’t install or changes to your phone’s settings that you didn’t make, such as new permissions or configurations for remote control.
• If your phone is acting strangely–such as apps opening without your input or the screen moving on its own–you have to be careful, as someone may be remotely controlling it.
• Look at your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth settings for unknown devices connected to your phone. This can signal unauthorized access.
• Some phones have security logs that show unusual activity or unauthorized access. You can check these in your device settings.
• Review your call logs and messages for any you didn’t send. This can indicate remote access or monitoring.
• You may also run a security app to scan for unfamiliar software or apps that may be used to monitor or control your phone remotely.
• If you find someone remotely accessing your phone, you can reset your device. This will help you prevent the third party from accessing your mobile phone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, protecting your smartphone from remote access requires vigilance and proactive security measures. 

By staying informed about potential threats and adopting best practices for mobile security, you can help ensure that your personal information remains safe from prying eyes. 

Regularly reviewing your device’s security settings and being mindful of the apps and networks you use will help safeguard your digital life.

FAQs

Can someone control my phone without my knowledge?

Yes, unauthorized individuals can control your phone remotely through malware or spyware if your device is compromised.

What are the common methods hackers use to access my phone?

Hackers often gain access by using phishing links, unsecured public Wi-Fi, malicious apps, and software vulnerabilities.

What should I do if I suspect my phone has been hacked?

Change your passwords immediately, uninstall suspicious apps, and consider performing a factory reset after backing up important data.

Are there specific settings I should disable to enhance my phone’s security?

Disable features like Bluetooth and location services when not in use, and review app permissions regularly to limit data access.

How can I secure my phone against remote access?

Implement strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, keep your software updated, and use reputable antivirus software.