Is My Phone Hacked? How to Check, What the Codes Mean, What to Do

Phone hacked check codes: what they really do

Forwards claiming "dial this code to see if your phone is hacked" have been doing the rounds for years.

Signs your phone may be hacked

• OTPs you didn't ask for, especially several in a row.
• Battery draining much faster.
• Money moving from your bank or UPI without your approval.

How to check an Android phone

• Run Play Protect.
• Look through installed apps.
• Check special permissions.
• Check "Install unknown apps".

How to check an iPhone

• Go to Settings, tap your name and scroll to the device list.
• Go to Settings, General, VPN & Device Management.
• Keep iOS updated.

Check your WhatsApp too

• Open WhatsApp, Settings, Linked devices.
• Turn on Two-step verification in Settings, Account.
• Never share the 6-digit WhatsApp code with anyone.

Phone hacked? What to do right away

• Turn on two-step verification everywhere it's offered.
• Remove suspicious apps, then update your phone's software.
• Factory reset as a last resort.

How to stop it happening again

• Install apps only from the Play Store or App Store.
• Don't share OTPs or dial codes a caller asks you to dial.
• Keep the screen lock on.