Signs your phone is bugged - and how to fix it

Our smartphones are our lifelines. They hold our private conversations, financial details, photos, and personal secrets. But what if someone else is listening in?

In an age of sophisticated spyware and stalkerware, the threat of a 'bugged' phone is no longer just for spy movies.

It's a real-world concern that can affect anyone.

If your phone has been acting strangely, it might not just be getting old; it could be compromised.

Here are the key warning signs that your phone might have a hidden spy app, and the steps you can take to reclaim your privacy.

Is your phone's battery dying much faster than usual, even when you're not using it? Does it feel warm or hot to the touch for no reason?

Spyware constantly runs in the background, recording your activity, tracking your location via GPS, and transmitting that data, which consumes a huge amount of power and processor resources.

READ ALSO: How to find hidden cameras with your phone in hotels, Airbnbs, and at home

One of the biggest giveaways is a sudden, unexplained spike in your data usage.

Spy apps need to send the information they collect (call logs, messages, recordings) back to the person who installed them.

This uses mobile data.

Check your phone's data usage settings and see if any unfamiliar app is consuming large amounts of data.

READ ALSO: How to quick-launch your phone camera

If your phone screen lights up, opens apps, or reboots on its own, it’s a major red flag.

You might also receive weird, cryptic text messages containing random characters, symbols, or numbers.

These can be command messages sent by the spying software that appear as glitches.

READ ALSO: Never miss a call: Easy call forwarding on iPhone and Android in Kenya

Modern Android and iOS phones have indicators (a green or orange dot in the corner of your screen) that show when the camera or microphone is active.

If you see this indicator turn on when you haven't opened a relevant app, someone could be watching or listening.

READ ALSO: Phone habits that harm quality time with your partner

If your once-speedy smartphone now lags, freezes, or takes forever to shut down, it could be struggling under the weight of malicious software.

Spyware hogs your phone's memory (RAM) and processing power, slowing everything else down.

READ ALSO: 7 tips to master phone etiquette in public spaces

Scroll through your list of installed applications.

Stalkerware often disguises itself with generic names like 'Sync,' 'Backup,' or 'System Service.'

If you see an app you don't remember downloading, a quick Google search of the name can reveal if it’s malicious.

READ ALSO: 5 Clever tricks you can do with your android phone

While less common with modern digital networks, some rudimentary spyware can cause strange background noises like clicking, static, or distant echoing during your phone calls.

If multiple people complain about hearing odd sounds when they talk to you, it’s worth investigating.

READ ALSO: Would you let your mum go through your phone? Here are hilarious responses

Suspect your phone is bugged? Don't panic. Here are five steps to take back control.

Use your phone's dialer to check for unauthorized call forwarding. Dial #21# and #62#.

If you see any unfamiliar numbers listed, disable all forwarding by dialing ##002#.

Go to Settings > Apps.

Uninstall any app you don't recognize or trust.

While there, review app permissions.

Revoke access to your camera, microphone, and location from any app that doesn't absolutely need it.

READ ALSO: What AI-enabled ad campaigns mean for Kenya

Install a trusted security app from an official app store.

Run a full system scan to automatically detect and remove spyware.

After cleaning your phone, immediately change the passwords for your critical accounts (Google/Apple ID, email, banking, social media).

Crucially, enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on all of them for an essential layer of security.

READ ALSO: 7 everyday items inspired by plant designs

This is the ultimate fix. The most effective way to eliminate spyware is a factory reset.

This will wipe your phone clean.

First, back up your photos and contacts (do NOT back up apps).

Then, perform the reset from your phone's settings.

Afterward, only reinstall apps from official stores.

READ ALSO: How smartwatches track your pulse

• Lock Your Phone: Always use a strong passcode or biometric lock.

• Be Skeptical: Don't click suspicious links in texts or emails.

• Use Official App Stores: Avoid downloading apps from third-party websites.

• Update Everything: Keep your phone's OS and apps updated to get the latest security patches.