How to remove wiretapping from a mobile phone: methods

Today, perhaps, there is not a single person who does not use a mobile phone. Such a device is vital if you urgently need to contact another person. However, thanks to the functionality of modern gadgets, it becomes possible not only to visit various Internet services, but also to practically conduct a full-fledged business using just one mobile device. However, it’s no secret that almost all smartphones are tapped. It’s one thing if we are talking about government agencies, but criminals also use similar manipulations.

Unfortunately, modern gadgets in their standard firmware are not at all protected from outside interference. At the same time, the user may not even suspect that fraudsters are using his mobile device, tracking his location and using bank card data. Therefore, a completely logical question arises related to how to remove wiretapping from an iPhone mobile phone or a gadget from another manufacturer.

general information

Today, there are a huge number of methods for wiretapping citizens' phones. The connection can be made not only through malware, but also via satellite or through applications that users download. Before you figure out how to remove wiretapping from a mobile phone, it is worth paying attention to the fact that cellular providers themselves often use similar methods. The connection can be made via cable, via a SIM card or other methods.

How to tap your phone

The topic of wiretapping is perceived by many people as one of the conspiracy theories, but in practice everything is not so simple. Let us immediately note that this kind of surveillance and wiretapping is carried out on every person in Russia, and this is not a myth. According to the Yarovaya package, adopted by the State Duma of the Russian Federation in 2016, all cellular operators are required to store call recordings for 6 months.

Consequently, intelligence agencies may request appropriate audio recordings, regardless of whether you use Beeline, Beeline, or another operator.

Another thing is that a person who complies with the laws of the Russian Federation has no point in worrying about wiretapping. By default, audio recordings are not analyzed in any way and can only be requested by law enforcement agencies by court order. However, along with wiretapping by government agencies, there is another type of surveillance, the purpose of which is to obtain recordings of conversations for a different reason.

The oldest and, in a sense, anecdotal version of illegal wiretapping is installing a “bug” on your phone. Such situations are extremely rare, since the procedure for installing equipment on your Honor or Xiaomi is complex, and besides, each owner must be aware of who and when he gives his device to.

However, there is a more sophisticated version of illegal surveillance when recording software is installed on a smartphone. Usually this is software masquerading as a harmless application. After its accidental installation, all user conversations begin to be recorded, and then the attacker can dispose of them at his own discretion.

Methods that are used

If we consider the diversity of how attackers carry out wiretapping, it becomes obvious that it is almost impossible to predict and neutralize all the methods that fraudsters can use. Therefore, many advise not to guess how to remove wiretapping from a cell phone, but to stop storing serious commercial or secret data on your mobile device, which could become the property of people who dream of using this information.

But this is difficult to do, since everyone is used to taking photos or using mobile banking. Therefore, it is worth understanding the standard methods of how to get rid of wiretapping on your phone. Let's look at the most common of them. But first, you should figure out how to determine that third parties have access to a mobile device.

What does wiretapping look like today?

Strictly speaking, the bug is not a new invention at all. “Wiretapping” began to be used after the end of World War II. By the end of the second half of the 20th century, people forgot about it, but remembered again with the advent of social networks. This has become necessary to monitor any negative activity such as drug dealing.

Painting by Vasya Lozhkin. Open source image.

The advent of smartphones at the end of the 2000s made the task of intelligence agencies much easier.

For example, each of them has a built-in geolocation detector, which is used by applications and internal services of the operator. Only the latest phone models began asking for permission to determine the user's location (which, in fact, is of a formal nature). Often all tracking happens through it.

How to check your phone for wiretapping: methods

As a rule, it is almost impossible to notice that a phone is under the control of a third party. Mobile devices can receive hidden SMS messages that activate this function, completely unnoticed by the user. However, there are standard measures that can be used to identify such activity.

For example, if a person constantly hears many extraneous sounds during a conversation, then this is the first reason to be wary. If some gurgling, clicking and other sound effects are constantly occurring on the line, then these are clear signs that listening devices or software are embedded in the device. To make sure this is actually happening, you can use a sound sensor with bass settings. If you attach it to a phone that is under wiretapping, then in this case the device will literally begin to go off scale.

First of all, you need to pay attention to how correctly the smartphone works. If it periodically starts to glitch, the screen freezes, and the gadget has to be rebooted, then this is another confirmation that wiretapping is occurring. It is also worth paying attention to the battery. If a brand new phone discharges too quickly and constantly heats up, then this indicates that it is working in continuous mode. In addition, data is constantly downloaded from it.

It is noteworthy that almost any gadget can be subject to such manipulations. Therefore, owners of expensive smartphones should not relax either.

How to disable wiretapping on a smartphone

Today, unfortunately, it is almost impossible to completely disable wiretapping for mobile phones, since some applications gain access to device resources without the user’s knowledge. However, if desired, you can limit it as much as possible and prevent the transfer of personal information to advertising agencies or attackers.

Disabling Siri

The Siri Assistant is an open wiretapping of the phone by Apple. It analyzes the applications used, records search queries, uses the camera, microphone, and also studies SMS, calls and email, after which it sends all the information to the smartphone manufacturer’s server. If you want to avoid being tracked by Apple, follow these steps:

• go to the “Settings” section;
• select “Basic”;
• open the “Universal Access” subsection;
• opposite the “Home” item, set the parameters to “Off”.

This method is suitable for all iPhones and iPads using the iOS 12 operating system.

How to delete conversations with Alexa

The Alexa voice assistant works on approximately the same principle as Siri. However, unlike its smarter brother, it only transmits voice messages to Amazon's servers, which, fortunately, can be deleted. To do this you need:

1. open the application;
2. go to the “Main Menu” and select “Confidentiality”;
3. go to the “View voice history” subsection and select “All history”;
4. select all entries and click on the “Delete selected entries” button.

This is the most effective way to remove personal data from the server when the phone is tapped. For maximum security, it is recommended to carry out this procedure on all devices where the Alexa assistant is installed.

Disabling microphone access

If you have not installed third-party software and do not know whether your phone is being tapped, but want to protect yourself just in case, the best choice is to mute the microphone. For devices based on the iOS operating system, this procedure is as follows:

• go to the “Settings” section and select “Privacy”;
• click on the “Microphone” button;
• disable all applications that you do not intend to use for voice communication.

This way of muting the microphone on Android devices will look a little different:

1. go to “Settings” and select the “Permissions” section;
2. Select the desired applications and disable access to the microphone one by one.

In the Android OS, it is also possible to have a “Microphone” item, which will significantly simplify this process, since the user will immediately be provided with a list of programs that have access to this mobile phone resource.

Checking application access

For those who do not know what to do if their phone is being tapped, experts recommend additionally checking application access to such device resources as contacts, camera, microphone and SMS. On Android smartphones, you can find out the relevant information in the “Permissions” menu, and on iPhone and iPad, in the privacy settings.

To ensure your security and privacy, we recommend that you always use a VPN for PC

Telephone wiretapping: secret codes for smartphones

To understand that a smartphone is “under surveillance”, it is not necessary to perform any complex manipulations. You can also check the presence of wiretapping using a short key combination.

To do this you need to dial *33*55. The last two digits can be replaced with any number, as long as there are two threes at the beginning. After this, just look at the “behavior” of the phone. If all the code was typed without any problems and it has not changed, then there is no wiretapping. The presence of malicious software is indicated by the fact that after *33* the numbers do not appear. This means someone is watching.

How to get rid of wiretapping of a mobile phone using a telecom operator

If you are convinced that your conversations are being eavesdropped, but you couldn’t solve the problem yourself, you can visit the office of your mobile operator. Office staff have access to your call history and data usage statistics, and can help track where your conversations are going and who is connecting to your network. It is also within their competence to disable these transitions.

Unfortunately, such issues cannot be resolved remotely over a call or on the website. Only upon personal contact will the operator be able to work with you on this issue. It is advisable to provide evidence of wiretapping (application scanning results, response to a code request, or something else), then the process will go faster. You need to have a document with you proving that you are the owner of the number.

What to do in this situation

Another way to determine that a mobile device is under the scrutiny of third parties is to pay attention to how the connection occurs during calls. If it takes too long, and after the end of the conversation the device does not turn off for a few more seconds, then this is a strong sign that someone is eavesdropping on conversations. So it’s time to figure out how to remove wiretapping from a mobile phone.

It is also worth paying attention to the behavior of the phone itself. It's one thing when it installs a scheduled system update, but the situation is completely different if unfamiliar applications or software appear on it without the owner's knowledge. As a rule, after installing such malware, the gadget begins to reboot.

Therefore, let’s take a closer look at how to remove wiretapping from a mobile phone.

Android phone wiretapping: how to find it

First, you need to find the ill-fated icon among hundreds of others. If an application for wiretapping or recording conversations is installed on your phone, it is quite difficult to detect it. Programs are hidden deep in system files, and most likely renamed. You need to know the system files well in order to identify a spy “by eye.”

Antivirus does not often help in this case (although we recommend scanning the phone), because this type of application is not considered malicious. For example, the full Kaspersky package can help, but the light versions are powerless.

Go to the “Settings” menu item. Find the “Applications” sub-item there and the “currently active” or “Running” tab. This tab lists all currently active programs (also look at the “System Applications” item).

How to check for wiretapping?

If the call is listened to without programs, an extract from the mobile operator can help. Compare with the actual cost of calls, traffic consumption, number of group calls.

The easiest way

To ensure that you get rid of the hackers' wiretapping that was embedded in your phone, all you need to do is perform a hard reboot. This means that all recent information will be deleted from the mobile device, and its settings will be returned to factory settings. In order to do this, you need to start the process of rebooting the device, and as soon as it starts to turn on, simultaneously hold down the power and power keys, as well as the volume key. After a few seconds, a menu should appear on the mobile phone screen in which you need to select reset. After this, the device will return to factory settings, eventually all malware will be removed from it.

However, if we consider this method of how to remove wiretapping from an Android mobile phone, Windows or another system, you need to understand that this will only help get rid of malicious programs. If the smartphone is tapped by law enforcement agencies or the mobile operator itself, then this method is completely useless.

Characteristic symptoms

The signs that someone is writing to you from outside are quite specific. They can appear either individually or in combination. Most often, legal or not so legal wiretapping will be determined by external signs, as well as some failures and glitches of the device. The recommendations are suitable for both Android and iPhone.

Strange noises and gurgles when talking

The very first sign is strange sounds when talking to your interlocutor. They are not like the "drops" or "stutters" that occur due to low signal strength. Such sounds are more like extraneous noises and gurgles. At the same time, the interlocutor can be heard normally. The conversation is not interrupted. Some users note that it seems that the subscriber has turned on the speakerphone on the phone.

Strange sounds in standby mode

Extraneous sound can come from the depths of the device even in an inactive state. Most often this is recorded when the mobile phone is lying nearby in relative silence:

1. Presence of “white noise”. The sound that can be heard when the picture on a TV is shaky when there is no signal. The noise is negligible at very low volume levels.
2. Clicks. This sign may be combined with other noises.

The smartphone can also make other sounds, sometimes this happens even when it is turned off.

The connection takes a suspiciously long time to establish

This sign indicates that an additional line is connected to the channel or that spyware is running in the system. Testing the hypothesis is simple:

1. Call several subscribers who are located in different parts of the city. It is advisable that all people have different mobile operators. Count the number of seconds of delay before connecting to the subscriber.
2. Use another cell phone with your SIM card and repeat the operation. If the lag disappears, there is a high chance that your phone has spyware.
3. Call the same numbers, but from a different device and a different SIM card. Compare the delay on your own device and on the second phone.

In some cases, a phone number (SIM card) is wiretapped. Under such conditions, there will be no delay on an alternative smartphone with a different SIM card.

The case heats up and the battery drains quickly

Spyware often runs in the background. At the same time, it records calls, captures messages, transmitting voluminous data via LTE or Wi-Fi to a third-party server. All this eats up resources and traffic. The smartphone gets very hot, as if during a long conversation. The battery drains 2-3 times faster than usual.

Sudden shutdowns, braking, reboots

Any spyware is an interference in the operation of operating system processes. Naturally, third-party code may “work buggy”; wiretapping will lead to conflicts at the software level. Android or iOS will begin to freeze, become dull, and sometimes even reboot spontaneously. Of course, not all spy apps work this way. Others are quite skillfully disguised in the background and do not give themselves away.

Consumes a lot of traffic

As mentioned above, the malware records all calls and messages in the background. Then it sends them to the attackers’ server. At the same time, there is an increased consumption of traffic. In the same volume as if a user were downloading a movie or a collection of songs from the network.

Some spyware works not only to record, but also to remotely control the device, even controlling the screen. They are in constant communication with their server. In this case, data transfer occurs in “non-stop” mode, even when the smartphone is inactive.

Receiving SMS with a set of strange characters

Did you receive a text message with “abrockadabra” in your messages? Does it consist of numbers, numbers and symbols? Perhaps the device received a special technical message addressed to a “backdoor” in the system. It is sent to configure or run spyware. The message is somewhat similar to the SMS, MMS and Internet settings sent by the mobile operator (Beeline, Yota, Megafon, MTS, Tele2, Kyivstar and others) when the SIM card is activated. But in this case, the SMS comes “from the left number”, which does not belong to the communication provider.

Using an antivirus

If we consider how to remove wiretapping from a Samsung, Sony, Asus and other powerful devices, then in this case you can use this method. It will also help you stop criminals and protect your data.

As a rule, scammers install malware, so you need to get rid of it using standard tools. Since we are talking about a mobile device, it is more convenient and best to visit Google Play and download the necessary utility. It is best to choose a program that is most popular and is ready to provide the highest degree of protection. As a rule, preference is given to Kaspersky and Doctor Web programs.

After installing the utility, just launch it and schedule a scan of the operating system of your mobile device. Upon completion of the analysis, the program will display all viruses that can harm the gadget’s software.

How to protect Android from wiretapping

Only a service center specialist can fully protect your gadget from all viruses, wiretaps and bugs. Another option is to reset all settings to factory defaults. Downloaded files, media, contacts and other information will be deleted (make a backup copy).

You can manually track energy and memory consumption, remove strange programs and thoroughly clean your phone of dubious files, then run the entire phone through a good antivirus. Google and Yandex search will help distinguish “good” applications from “bad” ones.

Google Play offers you to download and use special applications for your device that detect and block attempts to listen to and monitor your gadget.

Which anti-wiretapping device is safe and effective:

Using additional programs

If we talk about how to remove wiretapping from an Asus mobile phone and other models, you can use plugins. You need to download them from the store that supports the smartphone system.

For example, SpyWarn is very popular. But you can only download such an application from the official website of the software manufacturer. If you want to use the Google Play store, then in this case the Darshak and EAGLE Security applications have good reviews. They allow you to distinguish a real station from a false one, making phone wiretapping impossible.

How to check an Android smartphone

Checking a smartphone for wiretapping is carried out in two ways, each of which must be tested by you. First, there are special USSD requests that identify call forwarding, which is a sign of surveillance. There are also many programs designed to detect wiretapping by analyzing the software used. Next, we will consider both options in detail.

Combinations and codes on smartphones

So, first, let's talk about the simplest method of identifying wiretapping through the use of USSD requests. Here are some commands that can help in this matter:

1. *#21#. Defines call forwarding.
2. *#43#. Identifies the operation of the wait function.
3. *#62#. If forwarding is available, it shows the number to which calls are forwarded.
4. *#33#. Shows a list of connected services that can be part of the wiretapping mechanism.

The description of these USSD requests should make it clearer as to what they are for. Thus, call forwarding serves to direct a call to a dedicated line, where the conversation is recorded, and the waiting function is one of the most striking signs of wiretapping.

To use one or more proposed codes, you need to follow the algorithm:

1. Open the dialer.
2. Enter USSD request.
3. Click on the call button.

After completing these steps, a pop-up window will appear on the smartphone screen that will tell you whether call forwarding, call waiting or other services that indicate surveillance are activated. Be that as it may, such a check also cannot be called a 100% guarantee of detecting wiretapping. Surveillance may be carried out differently, and additional services are often accidentally activated by the user himself.

Third party software

The surest way to detect surveillance is to seek the help of specialized software. The Play Market offers many programs that can identify wiretapping. Below we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the best examples.

EAGLE Security FREE

Perhaps this is the most powerful program capable of identifying eavesdropping. It analyzes the connection with the operator, and also allows you to detect false base stations to which the call is redirected. To check your smartphone you will need:

1. Launch EAGLE Security FREE.
2. Accept the user agreement and grant all necessary permissions.
3. Review the information provided based on the basic analysis. The program's start menu immediately shows the probability of wiretapping.
4. Open the “Spyware” section to detect unwanted software.

Of course, even applications like EAGLE Security FREE can make mistakes, but the likelihood of this is extremely low. Therefore, the results obtained can be regarded as a conclusion in order to take the necessary measures to eliminate surveillance in the future.

Incognito

A universal application that can detect any surveillance, be it recording conversations or monitoring user activity. When the program is launched, a video opens in front of the user demonstrating the capabilities of the software. Next, all you have to do is click on the “Start scanning” button, after which you can view the list of detected threats.

Anti Spy

Another program that allows you to recognize any “spy” on your phone. Like Incognito, it is downloaded through the Play Market, and the user does not need to pay money for the application. It is distributed free of charge.

The operating principle is similar, and the start screen looks identical. The user is greeted by a large “Scan” button, clicking on which activates the scan. It will take 1-10 minutes depending on the amount of data saved and the overall speed of the device. Based on the scan results, Anti Spy will show you what is threatening your phone.

Android IMSI-Catcher Detector

Unlike the two previous programs, this one is aimed exclusively at analyzing call activity. In addition, you will have to download Android IMSI-Catcher Detector yourself, since the application is not in the Play Market. However, there is both a developer’s website and a bunch of third-party resources where download links are located.

Dr.Web

An Anivirus that can detect any threat, not just signs of spyware. It is distributed free of charge and available for download through the Play Market. After installing the application, you need to run a comprehensive scan. At the end of the scan, all threats found will be shown. In addition, Dr.Web offers to immediately eliminate detected viruses without downloading additional software.

Eagle Security

This is a paid version of EAGLE Security FREE, which detects eavesdropping. It features advanced functionality that allows you to detect even the most sophisticated “spy”. Therefore, in a situation where you are very concerned about data confidentiality, you can try the paid version of Eagle Security. But do not forget that there are many free options that have a similar set of functions.

Darshak

The final application in our selection is one of the most advanced, but it also requires root access. Root access increases the chances of recognizing threats, but at the same time has a number of disadvantages. For example, a rooted smartphone is automatically removed from warranty, and financial transactions carried out through banking applications are blocked for the user.

If the difficulties that you may encounter when installing Darkshak do not stop you, then follow the instructions:

1. Install Darkshak by downloading the distribution from the official website of the developers. Don't forget to enable installation from unknown sources in your phone settings.
2. Run the program and destroy gaining root access.
3. Wait for the scan to finish and analyze the information received.

Darkshak presents the report in the form of a table, where the degree of threat is indicated next to each item. If the icon is green, then your smartphone is safe in this direction. But a red circle will indicate the presence of threats.

Contact your mobile operator

If the user is absolutely sure that his device is being tapped, then it is best to contact the mobile service provider directly. First of all, the company’s specialists will help you determine the presence of spyware and other listening gadgets on your phone. They also have access to the line, and accordingly they can analyze what connections were made to this phone. If the user’s fears are confirmed, then in this case it is best to contact the wizard or, as mentioned earlier, reboot.

How to remove wiretapping from a mobile phone by resetting the settings

Resetting your phone to factory settings clears the gadget and deletes all applications and files stored in the phone's memory. If you are sure that a spyware and malicious application is installed on your device, and you cannot remove it in any other way, you can try resetting your phone to its original settings. This can be done in the phone settings or by clicking on Recovery when starting the phone (different key combinations for different models).

Even more ways to disable wiretapping, as well as a visual demonstration of the methods described, are presented in the video

Expert advice

Speaking about phone wiretapping, how to detect it and how to protect yourself from it, it is worth paying attention to several useful recommendations.

First of all, experts do not recommend using a cell phone to exchange very serious or even classified information. Commercial or important personal negotiations should be conducted face-to-face without a telephone. You need to remember that the gadget can even be turned off and just be next to the interlocutor.

Such tools have quite powerful microphones, so scammers can take advantage of this. Also on the Internet you can find such a thing as “cryptophones”. These are modern gadgets that were specially created in order to decipher all the information received. However, you need to understand that the cost of such a unit is quite high, so it is recommended to think several times before purchasing it. You can also find a huge variety of encryptors on the Internet. They are devices that are installed on the mobile phone itself. However, they are not very convenient to use.

Types of wiretapping

It is known that using a smartphone you can track a person’s geolocation, listen to his number or view data from social networks.

Open source image.

The latter independently transmit data to government servers, since this is regulated by current legislation, and, as a rule, it is possible to connect to geolocation and the phone from the outside.

Some other signs of wiretapping can be seen in the picture above.

Basic wiretap reading codes

The command code is entered as if it were a regular telephone number, then the call button is pressed and a request to the system is made.

The first code used is “*#21#”. After completing the request, a window will open with fields such as “FAX”, “SMS”, “VOICE COMMUNICATION”, etc. Naturally, all items should have the value “Not forwarded”.

The second code used is “*#62#”. If the first combination allows you to find out whether there is a redirect at all, then this code answers the question: “Where is the redirect directed?” Most likely, the call forwarding number will be indicated here if the phone is turned off or is out of network coverage; if it is one number, it is voice mail. You can listen to the message by calling a short number; each operator has its own. If there are several numbers in the issuing window, then you should think about where exactly the call is sent.

The third code is “*#33#. This combination shows that the smartphone has been blocked. The blocking of part of the functionality was clearly removed, which means this is already a problem.

The fourth code *#06# shows the unique IMEI number of the phone, which makes it possible to remotely block it in case of theft or loss of the device. This number can also be provided to the police if the phone has clearly been stolen.

The fifth code *3001#12345#* will allow you to find out absolutely all the information about your own SIM card, including information about incoming calls and number identification. This command only works if the engineering menu is open.

Checking your smartphone using a code

When you have observed the operation of the smartphone, you need to check the device using special codes. This will help give a definitive answer, but not 100% accurate. Here is a list of codes you need to enter:

1. #21# - Helps you find out if your calls and messages are forwarded to other numbers. The code is valid for Apple and Android.
2. 2.#62# - Shows which number is being forwarded to. For Apples the code #67# is suitable. 3.#33# - Will show whether SMS and MMS are blocked, as well as adding numbers to the blacklist

Enter each code in order if the first one indicated that a redirect is in progress.

Codes and combinations for checking iPhone

iPhone secret codes - what they are and how to use them

All of the above points are only indirect signs that the device is being monitored. You can confirm or refute your suspicions using a set of specific codes.

Note! The check is carried out using the device’s regular keyboard.

How to check an iPhone for wiretapping by entering a combination of numbers:

• *#43# — checks for current call waiting;
• *#06# - will help you set the IMEI code of this device;
• *#21# is one of the most useful combinations. With its help, you can get information whether someone requested details of calls and SMS messages;
• *#33# - displays data about services that serve a specific iPhone;
• *#62# - if a redirection occurs, this command will show it. In addition, the number to which calls are transferred will be indicated;
• ##002# - if redirection is detected using this combination, you can disable it. Accordingly, calls will be made only from a specific device;
• *#30* — caller ID for incoming calls.

Despite their simplicity, the combinations presented above are working, and most importantly, convenient. With their help, you can easily protect your phone from other people's attacks.

Important! It is not recommended to use codes too often. The problem is that not all operators are familiar with these command sets. Frequent activation raises suspicions and can lead to blocking of the number.