Ever felt like your Samsung phone is acting weird lately battery draining faster, strange pop-ups, or apps you don’t remember installing? You’re not alone. Many Android users, especially Samsung owners, have faced similar issues. The truth is, spyware can sneak into your phone silently, monitor your data, track your location, or even record your conversations.
Here’s the good news: you can remove spyware from your Samsung phone without losing your data if you act smartly and follow the right steps.
Let’s break it all down in simple terms.
How Do I Know If There’s Spyware on My Samsung Phone?
The easiest way to spot spyware is to trust your instincts. If your phone feels slower or “different,” it probably is.
Here are common signs your Samsung Galaxy might be infected:
- Battery drains unusually fast, even when you’re not using it much.
- You hear background noises during calls.
- The phone heats up when idle.
- You see strange icons or unfamiliar apps installed.
- Mobile data usage spikes without reason.
- Your phone takes longer to shut down or restart.
If you notice two or more of these signs, there’s a real chance your phone has spyware or tracking software running in the background.
How to Check If Your Samsung Phone Is Being Monitored
You don’t need to be a tech expert for this. Samsung makes it simple to check what’s happening on your device.
1. Check for Unknown Apps
Go to Settings → Apps → See all apps.
Scroll carefully. Do you spot anything odd like “System Service,” “Spy Agent,” or “Device Admin”? Tap on them and check their permissions.
If an app has access to your camera, mic, or location without you enabling it that’s suspicious.
2. Check Device Admin Permissions
Spyware often hides under “Device admin apps.”
Head to:
Settings → Security and privacy → Other security settings → Device admin apps.
If an unknown app has admin privileges, disable it immediately.
3. Review Google Play Protect
Samsung phones come with Play Protect that automatically scans apps.
Open Play Store → Profile icon → Play Protect → Scan.
If any harmful app appears, uninstall it right away.
How to Find Hidden Spyware on Android (Samsung Devices)
Hidden spyware apps don’t show up on your home screen or app drawer. But there are ways to reveal them.
1. Boot Into Safe Mode
Safe Mode disables all third-party apps.
How to do it:
- Hold the Power button until the menu appears.
- Tap and hold Power off until you see Safe Mode.
- Tap it to restart your phone.
Once you’re in Safe Mode, only system apps remain. If your phone runs normally, a third-party app is the culprit.
Go back to Settings → Apps and uninstall any suspicious app you find.
2. Use a Spyware Scanner
Free tools like Malwarebytes, Bitdefender Mobile Security, or Avast can catch most spyware hidden deep inside the system.
Download one from the Play Store, run a full scan, and remove threats.
3. Check App Usage Access
Spyware often asks for “Usage access” to monitor your actions.
Go to Settings → Security & privacy → Privacy → Permission manager → Usage access.
Revoke access for apps you don’t recognize or trust.
How Do I Remove Spyware from My Samsung Galaxy Permanently?
Let’s get straight to the point here’s a step-by-step guide to clean your phone fully.
Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Apps
Go to:
Settings → Apps → [Select App] → Uninstall.
If the “Uninstall” button is greyed out, it means the spyware has device admin privileges. Disable those first using the earlier method, then try again.
Step 2: Clear Cache and Data
Sometimes traces of spyware remain in cached files.
- Open Settings → Battery and device care → Storage → Clean now.
- You can also use Smart Manager to perform a deep clean.
Step 3: Run a Full Antivirus Scan
Use Samsung Device Care or install Bitdefender, Norton Mobile Security, or Kaspersky Mobile. These apps are reliable for detecting hidden threats.
Step 4: Update Your System
Spyware often exploits old Android versions.
Go to Settings → Software update → Download and install.
Make sure you’re running the latest One UI version.
Step 5: Change All Passwords
If spyware had access to your phone, it might have stolen your passwords.
Change passwords for:
- Google account
- Samsung account
- Banking apps
- Social media (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp)
Use 2-step verification wherever possible.
What If the Spyware Doesn’t Go Away?
If you still notice strange behavior after cleaning, don’t panic. You still have strong options.
Option 1: Factory Reset
This is the ultimate fix. It wipes everything including the spyware.
Before you start:
Backup your contacts, photos, and files to Samsung Cloud or Google Drive.
Then follow these steps:
- Go to Settings → General management → Reset.
- Tap Factory data reset.
- Confirm and wait until your phone restarts.
Your phone will be fresh, just like when you first bought it.
Option 2: Visit Samsung Service Center
If the spyware is linked to firmware-level hacking, a technician can reinstall the clean software version safely.
How to Prevent Spyware from Returning
After removing spyware, you’ll want to keep your Samsung Galaxy safe from future attacks.
Here’s how:
- Avoid downloading apps outside the Play Store.
Spyware often hides in APKs from random websites. - Don’t click unknown links or attachments in messages or emails.
- Enable Google Play Protect for automatic app scanning.
- Review app permissions regularly.
Many fake apps request camera or mic access unnecessarily. - Use Secure Folder on Samsung phones to isolate sensitive data.
- Update your device monthly.
New patches fix the vulnerabilities spyware exploits.
Quick Comparison: Spyware Removal Methods
| Method | Difficulty | Works Without Data Loss | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Mode Uninstall | Easy | ✅ Yes | Removing visible suspicious apps |
| Antivirus Scan | Easy | ✅ Yes | Detecting hidden or system-level spyware |
| Factory Reset | Moderate | ❌ No | Removing advanced or rooted spyware |
| Samsung Service Center | Hard | ✅ Yes | Reinstalling clean firmware |
How Do I Check If Someone Installed Spyware on My Phone?
You can do a quick self-check using built-in Android features:
- Go to Settings → Battery and device care → Diagnostics.
If battery usage or performance seems off, spyware might be active. - Check Location History in Google Maps. If you see unknown locations, your phone might be tracked.
- Review Recent App Activity from Settings → Privacy → Permission manager.
If you see apps accessing the mic or camera unexpectedly, remove them.
When Should You Worry About Spyware?
Not every glitch means you’re being spied on. Sometimes, background sync or updates can mimic spyware symptoms.
But if you find apps installed without your permission, or your phone’s data usage suddenly spikes, it’s time to act fast.
Think of it like this:
Spyware is like a houseguest who sneaks in and eats your food quietly you only notice when your fridge is empty.
So, trust your instincts. If something feels off, don’t ignore it.
Expert Tip: Use Samsung’s Built-In Security Tools
Samsung’s latest One UI (2025 update) includes advanced tools for privacy and security.
- Security and privacy dashboard shows all permissions and risks in one place.
- Auto Blocker prevents unknown apps and malicious installs.
- SmartThings Find alerts you if your phone is being remotely accessed.
Keep these on, and you’ll make life tough for any spyware.
What to Do If Your Partner or Employer Installed Spyware
Sadly, not all spyware comes from hackers sometimes it’s from someone you know.
If you suspect someone close installed tracking software on your phone:
- Take screenshots of suspicious apps or settings.
- Remove the apps using the Safe Mode steps above.
- Change all your passwords immediately.
- Seek help from local cybercrime authorities if harassment or stalking is involved.
Your privacy is your right don’t let anyone invade it.
So, How Can You Keep Your Samsung Phone Spy-Free?
Here’s your quick recap checklist:
✅ Use Play Protect and update your phone monthly.
✅ Avoid APK files from outside the Play Store.
✅ Regularly review app permissions and background usage.
✅ Run antivirus scans once a week.
✅ Keep sensitive apps in Samsung Secure Folder.
It takes only a few minutes a week to stay safe and that’s worth the peace of mind.
Alexandra Smith: All things tech, News, Social Media Guide, and gaming expert. Bringing you the latest insights and updates on Mobiledady.com