⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: If you are in an abusive relationship, removing stalkerware may alert your abuser and potentially escalate the situation. Before taking any action, consider consulting with a domestic violence organization. Do NOT use a potentially compromised device to research help resources. Use a trusted friend's phone or a public computer at a library.
Resources: National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 | Coalition Against Stalkerware: stopstalkerware.org
TL;DR: Stalkerware is spyware secretly installed to monitor everything on your phone: messages, calls, location, photos, even camera and microphone. Warning signs include unusual battery drain, increased data usage, unexplained overheating, and a partner who knows things they shouldn't. Detection involves checking for unfamiliar apps, reviewing permissions, and using anti-stalkerware tools. Removal options range from uninstalling suspicious apps to factory reset. Always consider your safety before taking action. Removal may alert the person monitoring you.
What Is Stalkerware?
Stalkerware (also called spouseware or creepware) is surveillance software that:[1]
- Runs hidden in the background without visible indicators
- Tracks GPS location in real-time
- Reads all text messages and chats (including "encrypted" apps)
- Records phone calls
- Accesses photos and videos
- Captures keystrokes (passwords, searches, messages)
- Activates camera and microphone remotely
- Monitors social media activity
The pcTattletale founder's recent guilty plea shows that authorities are beginning to prosecute stalkerware makers, but countless apps remain available.[2]
Warning Signs Your Phone May Have Stalkerware
Battery Drains Quickly
Stalkerware runs constantly in the background, consuming power even when you're not using your phone.
Unexplained Data Usage
Check your data consumption. Stalkerware transmits everything it captures to a remote server.
Phone Runs Hot
Device feels warm even when idle. Background monitoring processes generate heat.
Someone Knows Too Much
A partner mentions things from private conversations or knows where you've been without being told.
Strange Phone Behavior
Phone lights up randomly, makes sounds, or shows notifications that disappear before you can read them.
Apps You Don't Recognize
Unfamiliar app icons or apps with generic names like "System Service" or "Battery Manager."
Location Arrow Always On
On iPhone, the location services arrow stays lit even when you're not using maps or location apps.
Phone Was Out of Your Control
Someone had access to your unlocked phone. Stalkerware requires physical installation in most cases.
How to Detect Stalkerware: Android
1. Check Installed Apps
- Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps
- Look for apps you don't recognize or didn't install
- Be suspicious of generic names: "System Service," "Battery Optimizer," "Device Health"
- Search any unfamiliar app name online to see if it's stalkerware
2. Check Device Admin Apps
- Go to Settings > Security > Device admin apps
- These apps have elevated permissions and are harder to uninstall
- The only expected entries are usually "Find My Device" and your employer's MDM (if applicable)
3. Review App Permissions
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Permission manager
- Check which apps have access to: Location, Camera, Microphone, SMS, Call logs
- Any app with access to multiple sensitive permissions without good reason is suspect
4. Check for Unknown Sources
- Go to Settings > Security or Settings > Apps > Special access > Install unknown apps
- If "Unknown sources" is enabled or apps have permission to install APKs, stalkerware may have been installed outside Play Store
5. Use Anti-Stalkerware Tools
Recommended detection apps:
- Norton 360: Detects a wide range of stalkerware variants
- Bitdefender: Top-tier AV-Test/AV-Comparatives detection scores in 2026; see our full review (use the antivirus only, skip its bundled VPN)
- Malwarebytes: Free tier scans for monitoring apps
- Certo AntiSpy: Specifically designed for stalkerware detection
- Avast/AVG: Free scanning with stalkerware detection
How to Detect Stalkerware: iPhone
iPhones are harder to infect with stalkerware, but not impossible, especially if jailbroken.
1. Check for Jailbreak
- Look for the Cydia app (alternative app store used on jailbroken devices)
- Also look for: Sileo, Zebra, Installer, or similar
- If present, your phone is jailbroken and more vulnerable
2. Check Configuration Profiles
- Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management
- Look for any profiles you didn't install
- MDM profiles from employers are expected; unknown profiles are suspicious
3. Review Privacy Settings
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security
- Check each category: Location Services, Camera, Microphone, etc.
- Review which apps have "Always" location access. Should be minimal
4. Check iCloud Compromise
Even without stalkerware, someone with your iCloud credentials can monitor you:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Devices
- Check for devices you don't recognize
- Review Find My settings. Someone could be tracking your location
5. Use Security Apps
- Clario Anti Spy: Scans for spyware indicators
- Norton Mobile Security: Detects suspicious configurations
- iVerify: Security assessment tool
How to Remove Stalkerware
Option 1: Targeted Removal (Android)
- Boot into Safe Mode (prevents stalkerware from running)
- Go to Settings > Security > Device admin apps and disable the stalkerware
- Go to Settings > Apps and uninstall the suspicious app
- Run anti-malware scan to confirm removal
- Change all passwords from a clean device
Option 2: Remove Configuration Profile (iPhone)
- Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management
- Select the suspicious profile
- Tap "Remove Profile" and enter your passcode
- Restart your device
Option 3: Factory Reset (Both Platforms)
The nuclear option, guaranteed to remove stalkerware:
- Back up essential data (photos, contacts) to a computer or secure cloud
- Important: Do NOT restore from a backup that may contain stalkerware
- Perform factory reset (Settings > General > Reset on iPhone; Settings > System > Reset on Android)
- Set up as a new device, not from backup
- Manually reinstall only trusted apps from official app stores
- Change all passwords from the clean device
After Removal: Secure Your Device
Change All Passwords
Email, social media, banking, iCloud/Google: everything. The stalker may have captured your credentials.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Use an authenticator app (not SMS). This prevents account access even if passwords are known.
Review Account Access
Sign out of all sessions in each account. Check for recovery emails/phones you don't recognize.
Use a Strong Screen Lock
6+ digit PIN minimum, or biometrics. No patterns. They're too easy to observe.
Keep Phone With You
Stalkerware requires physical access. Never leave your phone unattended around the suspected installer.
Consider a New Device
In serious situations, a new phone with new accounts provides a clean break.
Safety Considerations
Removing stalkerware may alert the person who installed it. Consider:
- The stalker may confront you about "why their app stopped working"
- Abusers may escalate when they lose control/visibility
- You may want to preserve evidence for law enforcement before removal
- Consider consulting with a domestic violence advocate first
Resources for survivors:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Coalition Against Stalkerware: stopstalkerware.org
- NNEDV Safety Net: nnedv.org/content/technology-safety
Prevention
- Strong passcode: Never share it with anyone
- Don't leave phone unattended: Especially around untrusted individuals
- Don't jailbreak/root: Removes security protections
- Keep software updated: Updates patch vulnerabilities
- Install apps only from official stores: Avoid sideloading
- Review app permissions: Deny access apps don't need
- Be suspicious of "gifts": A partner who insists on giving you a pre-configured phone may have installed monitoring