How To Remove Spyware From A Cell Phone In 2022

Cell phones have become more than just a means of communication. These devices have evolved into highly sophisticated smartphones containing personal, sensitive, and even powerful information about you that hackers and cybercriminals are after. They have continued to develop various types of malware to access and compromise such information.

Spy software or spyware is malicious software that has become a great threat for smartphone owners. Spyware infections, from particularly sophisticated and cutting-edge spyware programs, can access virtually anything on a cell phone once they obtain control over the phone’s system. This is why it is crucial to learn about spyware removal. Read on to learn more about how to remove spyware from iPhones and Android phones alike.

How To Get Rid of Spyware On An iPhone

The quality of iPhone security is one of the reasons why people who prioritize their data and phone security choose to get an iPhone every time. In connection to this, iPhone viruses are almost non-existent. It is quite difficult for malware to break into any iOS device. But as smart as iOS developers and engineers are, hackers have, unfortunately, also developed ways around iPhones’ stringent security.

Hackers typically utilize software developer kits or SDKs to create apps that can infect iPhones. The easiest way for such infected apps to enter the iPhone’s system when it is jailbroken or third-party apps are downloaded. There will always be a chance that an app outside of the App Store is malware-infected.

If you download a third-party app and notice negative changes on your iPhone, opt to uninstall the app. Here are some tell-tale signs your iPhone has been invaded by malware like spyware.

• Overheating of your iPhone.
• Quick draining battery.
• Getting random pop-ups when browsing online.
• Excessive data usage.
• Presence of unknown apps.

As previously mentioned, even though the iPhone is one of the most secure smartphones, hackers still find a way to inject it with malware. Here are some ways on how to get rid of spyware on your iPhone.

• Always Update Your Software

Spy software and other malicious software often infiltrate an iPhone by exploiting an iOS flaw. Now, we know one of the reasons phone software developers constantly roll out updates is to address such issues. Therefore, it is important to opt for software updates whenever they are available. This is the first step in establishing effective spyware protection for your iPhone.

To get the latest iOS version for your iPhone, simply:

• Go to settings.
• Scroll down and tap General.
• Select Software Update.
• Follow the prompts: Download & Install, Agree to Terms, Enter Password.

• Remove Any Suspicious Apps

If you notice the presence of unknown apps or those you don’t remember downloading, immediately uninstall them. Delete such suspicious apps by pressing and holding the App icon, tap Remove app/Delete app, and confirm the action. Keep in mind that jailbroken iPhones have an increased risk of getting invaded by such apps.

• Do A Factory Reset

This is the last resort since this will erase data from your device, which hopefully will include spyware. The removal of the spyware will depend on your backup. You’ll need to restore from a backup created before the spyware was installed; if not, then you’ll end up reinstalling the spyware along with everything else.

To perform a factory reset, just go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings, and confirm.

• Get An Anti-Spyware Software

Now, there are other easier methods with more guaranteed results. You can try antivirus software or an anti-spyware tool. Such software will provide real-time protection against potential threats like spyware and other malicious software.

How To Get Rid of Spyware On An Android Phone

All Android phones and devices are vulnerable to spyware infections. A spyware infection can infiltrate your device and could unwittingly be sending personal information and sensitive data like usernames, passwords, credit card, and bank details to hackers and/or cybercriminals. It is crucial to know the tell-tale signs your device has a spyware infection. If you suspect you do have a spyware infection, it’s best to act immediately.

Here are some ways to remove spyware from your Android device.

• Remove Spyware Manually

One way to resolve the issue is to remove the software manually. You don’t need to have great knowledge of technology to do this, but if you are uncomfortable doing so on your own, ask someone else to remove spyware manually for you. The first step for this option is to reboot the android device into safe mode. Once in safe mode, third-party apps will stop running enabling you to determine whether your phone’s malfunctioning due to spyware or other issues.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Hold down the device’s power button (in some devices, you’ll need to hold down the power button until the Reboot to Safe Mode option appears. Tap OK. (There will be an indication on the bottom of the screen that it’s in safe mode).
2. Proceed with seeking suspiciously malicious apps. Start by opening Settings then selecting Apps or Apps & Notifications.
3. Browse your apps and look for anything unusual or those you don’t remember installing. Once you identify such apps, tap Uninstall to remove them from your device. You can also try doing some research about the apps you’re unsure of.
4. Take note that some malicious apps may have administration permissions that won’t let you uninstall them. If this is the case, you have to remove the permissions. Now, this would depend on your device but in general, you’ll need to navigate to Settings, Advanced Security, and then Device Administrators.
5. From the list that would appear, uncheck the box next to the suspicious and/or malicious apps. Tap Deactivate this Device Admin App.
6. Once complete, go back to the Apps list to uninstall the apps.
7. Restart the device to boot it to normal mode.
8. Test whether the issues have stopped.

If your device continues to malfunction, you may need to repeat the process. You can also opt to do an antivirus scan.

• Remove Using a Spyware Removal Tool

If you are not a malware expert or tech-savvy for that matter, another excellent option is to utilize a spy removal tool. Make sure you get a legitimate spyware removal tool from a reputable developer. You can initiate the purchase and download the app or tool on their legitimate website.

Such apps typically act as a scan and remove tool; they detect and remove all types of malware, including spyware and viruses. They also prevent future malware infections. Again, you don’t have to be tech-savvy to download and utilize such apps since they come with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions.

• Do A Factory Reset

This is a last resort option since conducting a factory reset will remove the spyware and everything on your phone. To return your Android device to default factory settings, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings, then System, then on to Reset Options.
2. Tap Factory Data Reset or Erase All Data (Factory Reset) – this will depend on your Android device.
3. Tap Reset Device to confirm. You will then be asked to enter your password or PIN.
4. This may take some time and will reboot your phone as though it’s a new device.
5. You will have an option to start fresh or restore from a backup. If you opt to utilize a backup and the issues continue, you may have unwittingly reinstalled the spyware. You may then want to repeat the process and opt to start fresh this time.
6. After finishing the process, it’s best to install an antivirus app as an additional layer of malware protection.

How To Prevent Spyware From Getting On Your Phone

It’s important to know how to get rid of spyware, but like with most things, prevention is essential. Here are some ways to prevent spyware from invading your phone and compromising your data:

• Avoid downloading apps from sources other than the App Store or the Play Store. Third-party apps are not vetted, hence they could be vehicles for spyware and other malware.
• Keep your software up-to-date. Automatic updates are even possible on most devices. 
• Be cautious and selective of the links you click on and the websites visitedt.
• Secure your phone with a strong password and/or PIN. Also, don’t leave your phone unattended. Keep in mind spyware can also be downloaded directly to your device.
• Check your apps list regularly. Remove any suspicious app immediately.
• Utilize an antivirus or anti-spyware software tool to scan, remove and prevent malware infections.

Hackers certainly find ways to circumvent your device’s security. They will surely do anything to trick victims into divulging sensitive data. That said, you play a crucial role in preventing spyware from infecting your device. Observe all precautionary measures and act immediately at the first sign of a spyware infection.