If you suspect that your phone has been hacked, it can be a scary and overwhelming experience. However, with the proper steps, you can quickly fix it without having to pay for expensive professional services. In this article, we will guide you through the 5 simple steps you can take to fix your hacked phone and regain control of your device.
The Dangers of a Hacked Phone
If you think that having a hacked phone is just a minor inconvenience, think again. In this digital age, smartphones are a treasure trove of personal information, and when a hacker gains access to it, the consequences can be devastating. Here are just a few of the dangers that a hacked phone can pose:
Data theft
When a hacker gains access to your smartphone, they can steal sensitive information like credit card details, contact numbers, and passwords. This information can then be used to commit identity theft, steal money from your bank accounts or even harass your contacts.
Privacy concerns
One of the primary concerns of having a hacked phone is the loss of privacy. A hacker can gain access to your personal photos, videos, messages, emails, and other sensitive data, and they can use it to blackmail you or post it online without your consent. This can have devastating repercussions for your personal and professional life.
Financial loss
If a hacker manages to gain access to your bank details or other sensitive financial information, they can withdraw money from your bank accounts, make unauthorized transactions, and push you into financial hardship. Recovering from this kind of financial loss can take years and can significantly impact your credit score.
Malware installation
A hacked phone can also be used to spread malware to other devices, infecting them and causing them to malfunction. Malware can also steal sensitive data, slow down your phone’s performance, and cause it to malfunction.
How to Tell if Your Phone Has Been Hacked
If you believe that your smartphone has been compromised, it can be a challenging task to figure out what is happening. A hacked smartphone could end up leading to a breach of personal data and severe violations. So, how can you tell if your phone has been hacked? Here are some signs you may notice:
Weird Noises
If you hear strange, unusual noises on your phone during a call or while using an app, there’s a high probability that your device has been hacked. These sounds could include static, clicking, or echoes.
Sudden Battery Drain
If your phone’s battery seems to be draining quickly than it used to, it could be an indication that your phone has been hacked. Some apps used by the hacker could be running in the background or your phone’s battery could be used to send unauthorized data.
Suspicious Apps
If you find unknown apps on your phone that you didn’t download, this is a potential sign that your device is compromised. These apps may have malware that could send your private data to a hacker. Make sure to delete these apps immediately.
Unusual Data Usage
If you notice significant increases in your phone’s data usage, it could be an indication that your data is being stolen by a hacker. This especially applies if you haven’t installed any new apps or updated them recently.
Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet
If you suspect your phone has been hacked, the first and most important step is to disconnect from the internet. This will help prevent further damage and potential unauthorized access to your personal data.
How to Disconnect Your Phone from The Internet
The process of disconnecting your phone from the internet will vary depending on the make and model of your phone. Here are a few general steps you can follow:
- Turn off the Wi-Fi on your phone
- Disable mobile data by going to your settings and selecting “Network & internet” or “Wireless & Networks”
- For extra security, turn on airplane mode
Step 2: Back up Your Data
Before attempting to fix a hacked phone, it’s crucial to back up your data. This ensures that you don’t lose any important information during the repair process. In addition, backing up your data also allows you to restore the information to a different device if needed.
Why It’s Important to Back Up Your Phone’s Data?
A hacked phone is vulnerable to data loss, which may occur during the repair process. Without a backup, you may lose important files such as contacts, messages, photos, and other important data. Losing such information can be frustrating, and may lead to permanent loss of that data.
Furthermore, a backup ensures that you don’t have to start over from scratch in case the repair process goes wrong. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Backing up is the best way to avoid losing data that cannot be replaced.
How to Back Up Your Data Properly?
There are several ways to back up your phone’s data. Below are some recommended options that you can choose from:
- Cloud Services – These services store your data online, making it accessible from any device as long as you have login details. Examples include Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCloud.
- Local Backup – You can use specific software or tools to back up your data onto a computer. This is the best method if you have large data and limited internet connection or you don’t want to use cloud services. Examples of software include iTunes for iPhone, Samsung Smart Switch for Samsung devices, and Xperia Companion for Sony devices.
You can also back up your data manually. Here’s how:
- Go to your phone’s settings and find the backup options.
- Select the data types you wish to back up, such as contacts, messages, call logs, photos, and more.
- Choose the backup location, either a cloud service or local backup storage.
- Start the backup process and wait for it to complete. The time taken to complete the process depends on the amount of data you are backing up and your internet speed (in case of cloud services).
Once the backup process is complete, you can now proceed to fix your hacked phone without worrying about losing important data.
Step 3: Run a Malware Scan
If your phone has been hacked, the chances are that it is infected with malware. Malware can cause havoc on your phone, from slowing it down to stealing your sensitive information. Therefore, it is essential to run a malware scan on your phone to detect and remove any malicious software that might be causing the problems.
How to Run a Malware Scan on Your Phone
Running a malware scan on your phone is a straightforward process. The following are the steps to follow when running a malware scan:
- Download a reputable antivirus/anti-malware app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Some of the notable antivirus/anti-malware apps include Avast, Kaspersky, McAfee, and Norton Security.
- Install the app and launch it.
- Follow the app’s instructions to scan your phone for malware. Typically, you’ll need to click on the “Scan” button and let the app do its work. The duration of the scan will depend on the size of your phone’s storage and the number of files it contains.
- If the app finds any malware on your phone, it will prompt you to take the necessary actions to remove them. In most cases, you’ll need to click on the “Remove” or “Clean” button.
- Restart your phone to ensure that the malware has been completely removed.
Note that running a malware scan is not a one-time event. You should make it a habit to run regular malware scans on your phone to ensure that it remains clean and free of any malicious software.
Step 4: Update Your Software
Updating your phone’s software is a crucial step in fixing a hacked phone. It helps in fixing vulnerabilities and loopholes that hackers could have exploited. Additionally, updating your phone’s software to the latest version ensures that it has the latest security protocols to prevent future hacking attempts.
How to Update Your Phone’s Software
The process of updating your phone’s software varies depending on the phone’s operating system. However, usually, you’ll receive a notification when an update is available. You can access the notification by pulling down the notification bar on your phone’s screen. Once you find the notification, follow these simple steps:
- Ensure your phone is fully charged or connected to a charger to avoid interruptions during the update.
- Click on the notification for the system update or go to your phone’s settings menu.
- Click on the ‘system updates’ option and wait for the phone to check for updates.
- If updates are available, click the download button and wait for the download to complete.
- After the download is completed, click the install option and wait for the phone to update.
- Your phone will restart once the update is complete, and you should have the latest patched version of your phone’s operating system.
Step 5: Factory Reset Your Phone
After taking all the necessary steps to remove the hacking from your phone, it’s essential to do a factory reset. This step erases all data and apps from your phone, essentially taking it back to its original state and ensuring that the hacking is completely removed.
How to do a factory reset
The process for doing a factory reset will vary depending on your phone model and operating system. However, most phones have similar basic steps:
- Back up your data: Before doing a factory reset, it’s crucial to back up all your data, including contacts, photos, and videos.
- Open settings: Go to your phone’s settings and look for an option called “System,” “General management,” or “Backup and reset.”
- Factory reset: Select the “Factory reset” option, and your phone will begin the process. It may take several minutes to complete.
- Set up your phone: Once the factory reset is complete, your phone will be like it was when you first purchased it. Set up your phone with a new Google account and restore your saved data.
Remember that doing a factory reset will delete all the data and apps on your phone. Therefore, make sure to back up all your data before doing this step.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Can I prevent my phone from being hacked? | Yes, you can prevent your phone from being hacked by installing antivirus software, avoiding suspicious links, and regularly updating your operating system. |
| How do I know if my phone has been hacked? | There are some signs that will indicate whether your phone has been hacked or not, such as reduced battery life, slow performance, strange pop-ups, and unusual activities. |
| Can I fix my hacked phone by myself? | Yes, you can easily fix your hacked phone by following the five simple steps mentioned in this article. However, if the damage is severe, it is recommended to seek professional help. |
| How long does it take to fix a hacked phone? | It mostly depends on the severity of the damage. If you follow the steps mentioned in this article, you can fix your hacked phone in less than an hour. |
| Can I retrieve my lost data after fixing my hacked phone? | It depends on the extent of the damage done by the hacker. However, most of the times, you can recover your lost data by using various data recovery softwares or contacting a professional. |
Thanks for Reading, Visit Again Later!
We hope that this article has provided you with the necessary information to fix your hacked phone. Remember to maintain your phone’s security by adopting preventive measures. If you have any queries or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to us. Stay safe, and we’ll see you soon!
