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    Partner spying on your phone: how to check safely

    You suspect someone close to you is tracking your phone, messages or location. Your safety comes first: removing the app can alert them. Make a safety plan, use a safe device, and get support before changing anything.

    Do right now

    · Within minutes

    1. Do NOT remove the app yet. Removing it tells the person who installed it that you know — that can escalate things.

      More detail

      Plan first, remove later. Continue using the phone normally and don't search for stalkerware terms on it.

    2. From a device the other person has never had access to (a friend's phone, a library computer, a new burner), make a safety plan.

      NNEDV Safety Net (techsafety.org)
      More detail

      Trained tech-safety advocates at the National Network to End Domestic Violence specialise in this. Their help does not replace this page; it makes the steps safer.

    3. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Reach out to a domestic-violence hotline before changing anything technical.

      ShelterSafe (Canada)National DV Hotline (US) · 1-800-799-7233988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

    Do today

    · Within hours

    1. Cover the three pieces of any safety plan: where you'll be physically safe, what other accounts the person may have access to (email, iCloud, Google, bank, social), and what evidence you may want preserved.

    2. Audit accounts the person may also share or have recovery access to — reset email recovery options, iCloud / Google family sharing, Find My, AirTags, vehicle apps, smart-home devices.

    Do this week

    · Within days

    1. Only when your safety plan is in place: on iOS, remove any unfamiliar Configuration Profile in Settings → General → VPN & Device Management; revoke unfamiliar Tracking / Location / Mic / Camera permissions; update iOS.

    2. On Android: remove unfamiliar Device Admin apps; check 'show system apps' for generic names like 'System Service' you didn't install; consider booting into safe mode to uninstall.

    3. The cleanest fix is a factory reset and setting up the phone as a new device — do not restore from backup, which can carry the surveillance back.

    4. If you suspect the cloud account was also compromised, set up a brand-new Apple ID or Google account on the reset device.

    Ongoing protection

    · Build the habit

    1. Stalkerware rarely travels alone — keep checking AirTags / Tile trackers ('Items that can find me'), Google Maps Timeline sharing, and shared subscriptions.

    2. You did nothing wrong. Stalkerware is sold through marketing aimed at the installer. Stay connected to a domestic-violence advocate for ongoing planning.

    Related situations

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    Device Infected (Virus / Malware / Ransomware)

    Virus, malware or ransomware on your phone or computer? Isolate it, protect your accounts and recover your files.

    Cloud Storage Compromised

    Cloud account accessed by a stranger? Sign them out, secure your photos and files, and check what was shared.

    Is this happening at work?

    If a business account, company device or customer data is involved, the steps change. Get help built for organizations.

    Go to business help →
    · Printed October 7, 2026