How to know if someone is tracking your iPhone?

In the digital age, being tracked is no longer just a thing in the movies. With a seemingly safe iPhone, you can still become the target of curious eyes, even privacy violations from relatives, colleagues, or bad guys.

The first thing to understand is that there is no way to be 100% sure that you are being tracked, especially if the person doing it is tech-savvy. Sophisticated stalkers will often wipe their tracks after they have compromised a device. However, there are some signs and checks that can help you spot suspicious behavior.

While Apple is known for its security, no system is foolproof. If you notice something unusual on your iPhone, don't ignore the warning signs below.

1. Check recently used apps

A simple but effective way is to check the list of recently opened apps on your iPhone. On iPhones with Face ID, swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold in the middle; if you have an iPhone with a Home button, double-tap it. The interface will display the apps that are currently active or have been used recently, in chronological order.

Compare this information to your memory. For example, if you clearly remember playing a game, but the last app that appeared was Facebook, Safari, or Zalo, it’s possible someone opened your phone while you weren’t looking. However, be aware that sophisticated trackers may try to “restore the status quo” so you don’t notice.

2. Check usage time

Another reliable sign is located in the iPhone settings.Time of use(Screen Time). You enterSetting>Time of use>View all activity, then switch to the day view. Here you'll see detailed statistics about which apps were opened during the day and at what times.

If you find your device showing Facebook activity at 10am, while you're in a meeting and haven't touched your phone, that's a clear sign that your device has been accessed.

3. Check your browser history and messaging apps

In addition to applications and usage time, you should also check your web browser history, messages or chat applications such as Facebook, Messenger, Zalo... For example: messages show as read even though you haven't opened them, or your search history has websites you don't remember visiting.

However, these data can be deleted easily, so you should check regularly to detect unusual changes promptly.

4. Remember device status

One useful skill to have when you suspect someone has accessed your iPhone is to practice taking note of the device's state before you leave it alone. For example, if you leave your phone on airplane mode and then come back and find that Wi-Fi is on, that could be a sign that someone else has been using it.

How to enhance personal security

Here are some ways to help you protect your device from prying eyes:

Set strong password:Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords like 123456, your birth date, or a four-digit code that repeats itself. Use a password that is at least six characters long, and incorporates numbers and special characters if possible.

Biometric activation:Enabling security with Face ID or Touch ID helps you prevent others from unlocking your device without your permission.

Lock down sensitive apps:For sensitive apps that contain important personal information such as financial apps, email, or Facebook, you should set up a separate passcode for each app in the settings.

Delete sensitive conversations:If you have shared personal information such as home address, bank card number, account information, etc., consider deleting them immediately after use.

In short, being tracked on your iPhone is not common for most users, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. Recognizing the signs early and taking simple but effective protection measures will help you maintain your privacy, even in today's risky digital world.

Be proactive in protecting yourself, rather than waiting until you lose your data to patch the vulnerability. In the digital age, technology security is an essential part of modern life.