In an era where smartphones hold our most personal information—from banking details to private conversations—being hacked can feel like a complete invasion of privacy. If you suspect your phone has been compromised, you're not alone. Every year, millions of users face security breaches. Fortunately, there are proven strategies to identify, address, and prevent future hacks. Here's how to get hackers out of your phone and take back control.

Signs Your Phone May Be Hacked

Before you can fight back, you need to know what you're dealing with. Here are common signs that your phone may be compromised:

  • Unusually high data usage

  • Battery drains faster than normal

  • Apps you don't recognize suddenly appear

  • Pop-ups or strange ads, especially outside browsers

  • Your phone slows down drastically

  • Contacts report receiving strange texts or calls from your number

If you notice any of these signs, it's time to take action.

Step 1: Disconnect From the Internet

The first thing you should do if you suspect a hack is to disconnect from all networks—Wi-Fi and mobile data. This prevents the hacker from continuing to access your device remotely and helps contain further data leaks.

To do this, enable airplane mode. Then proceed to the next steps while disconnected.

Step 2: Uninstall Suspicious Apps

Go through your list of apps and uninstall anything you don't recognize or remember downloading. Many hackers use spyware or malicious apps to access your phone's data silently.

On Android:

Settings > Apps > See all apps

On iPhone:

Settings > General > iPhone Storage

Delete any suspicious apps immediately. If you're unsure, look up the app name online.

Step 3: Run a Mobile Security Scan

Many antivirus companies offer mobile apps specifically designed to scan and remove malware. Apps like Norton, Bitdefender, or Malwarebytes can detect and quarantine threats effectively.

Install one from a trusted source like the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, and run a full device scan. These tools are crucial in helping you understand how to get hackers out of your phone through automated detection.

Step 4: Update Your Operating System

Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software. Ensure your device is running the latest version of its operating system.

Go to Settings > System (Android) or Settings > General > Software Update (iPhone) and install any available updates. These often include critical security patches.

Step 5: Change All Passwords

Even if you remove the threat from your phone, your login credentials may have been stolen. Change the passwords to your email, social media, banking, and cloud accounts from a different, secure device.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of protection that hackers can't bypass with just your password.

Step 6: Perform a Factory Reset

If the problem persists, a factory reset might be necessary. This will erase everything from your device, including malware, and return your phone to its original state.

Back up important files first—preferably to a cloud service, not your local drive.

To reset:

Android: Settings > System > Reset > Erase all data

iPhone: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings

After the reset, reinstall only the apps you trust and restore your data from your clean backup.

Step 7: Stay Protected Going Forward

Now that you've learned how to get hackers out of your phone, it's equally important to prevent future breaches:

  • Don't click on unknown links in emails or texts

  • Only install apps from official app stores

  • Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions

  • Use a VPN when browsing on public networks

  • Regularly review app permissions

Cybersecurity is not a one-time fix—it's an ongoing process. Stay alert, update often, and think before you tap.