Is my phone being watched by police?

Asked by: Mrs. Arlie Cartwright DVM  |  Last update: February 12, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (35 votes)

You generally can't know for sure if police legally monitor your phone, as it's done secretly via the carrier network; however, signs of spyware (random reboots, high data/battery use, strange sounds during calls, apps opening/closing) might indicate unauthorized surveillance, while USSD codes like *#21# can check for call forwarding but not police monitoring. True police wiretaps are transparent to you but require court orders and happen on the carrier's end, not by installing apps on your device.

How do I know if my phone is being monitored by police?

You can't definitively know if police are legally tracking your phone, but you can look for signs of general surveillance like rapid battery drain, high data usage, strange sounds on calls (static, clicks), unexplained app activity (camera/mic indicator lights), and apps opening/closing on their own; use codes like *#21# to check for call forwarding, update your OS, run security software, and factory reset as potential fixes, but remember these signs can also indicate general malware. 

Can police monitor your phone without you knowing?

This may sound worrying, but it's important to know that there are many restrictions in place that police must follow if they want access to your phone data. Under U.S. law, the police must typically obtain a search warrant from a judge, which specifically permits them to track your phone.

How do you know if you are being watched by police?

Direct Contact from Law Enforcement

  • Police Visits: If officers show up at your home or workplace without a prior appointment, it's a strong indicator. ...
  • Phone Calls: Receiving unsolicited calls from the police asking for your whereabouts or activities, or inviting you for an interview, are red flags.

Does *#21 tell you if your phone is tapped?

No, dialing *#21# doesn't directly tell you if your phone is "tapped" by hackers or the government, but it does reveal if your calls and messages are being unconditionally forwarded to another number, a common tactic for surveillance or interception. This popular internet trend, especially on TikTok, is a myth that it's a secret FBI code; it's just a standard carrier code for checking call forwarding status, not security breaches. 

10 Ways To Know If The FBI Is Spying On You

41 related questions found

What does *#62 do to your phone?

Dialing *#62# on your phone checks the status of your call forwarding settings for when your phone is unreachable (like if it's off or has no signal). It shows the number your calls are being diverted to (often your voicemail or operator's service number), helping you see if someone has secretly set up forwarding to intercept your calls, though it's usually just a standard service. 

Can I run a test to see if my phone is hacked?

You can check if your phone is hacked by looking for signs like rapid battery drain, high data usage, unfamiliar apps, pop-ups, performance slowdowns, or unexpected charges and messages, then confirm by running a mobile antivirus scan or using built-in tools like Google Play Protect (Android) or Apple's Safety Check (iOS) to find and remove malicious software. 

What is the trick question police ask?

Police ask trick questions like "Do you know why I pulled you over?" or "Can I search your car?" to get you to accidentally confess or consent to searches, using your answers against you; the best defense is often to calmly state, "I do not consent to a search," and, "Am I free to go?," while remaining silent on incriminating details. They use leading questions and tactics to build a case, so know your rights, especially the right to remain silent and refuse searches without a warrant, say 'Lawyer Kevin Kennedy (@kennedylawfirm) and 'YouTube.
 

How to tell if you're being privately investigated?

To find out if you're being investigated by a private investigator, watch for signs like repeated sightings of the same people/vehicles, odd cars parked near you, unusual phone static, or strangers asking questions about your routine; you can also test surveillance by changing routes or habits, but the best approach if suspicious is to stay calm, document everything, and consult a lawyer, as PIs are trained to be discreet. 

Can I check if I have been reported to the police?

In most cases, you should make your request to your local police force which would hold records on local systems. However, if you would like access to information held on national police systems, such as the Police National Computer (PNC), you would need to contact ACRO.

Can police pull up deleted text messages?

Yes, police can often recover deleted text messages using forensic tools to access the phone's storage or cloud backups, even if you've tried to erase them, but success depends on factors like device type, encryption, and how long ago they were deleted. They typically need a court order (warrant) to seize the device and use specialized software like Cellebrite to pull data from the phone's memory or connected services like iCloud or Google Drive. 

How can I stop my phone from being monitored?

How to stop someone from tracking your phone. You can stop someone from tracking your phone by turning on airplane mode, configuring settings like location services, clearing cookies, using a private browser, and using a VPN.

Can police access your phone remotely?

Police may try to access your phone if they are trying to compile evidence against you for a pending criminal matter. Both state and local law enforcement entities often use devices called stingrays that act like a cell phone tower and are able to remotely extract data from mobile devices.

Can I check to see if my phone is tapped?

You can tell if your phone is tapped by watching for signs like rapid battery drain, high data usage, strange background noises (static, clicks, echoes) during calls, the phone heating up when idle, slow performance, unexplained reboots, or unfamiliar apps/text messages; checking call forwarding settings (dial *#21#) and looking for suspicious device pairings can also reveal spyware. A combination of these symptoms, rather than just one, often points to malicious software or monitoring. 

What does ##002 do to your phone?

What Does ##002# Really Do? 🔐📞 ##002# instantly cancels all call forwarding on your phone — busy, unreachable, or no-answer. It's a simple way to reset settings and protect your privacy.

What triggers a police investigation?

Investigators are required to show reasonable suspicion for criminal charges to occur and for an arrest to take place. If a suspect is not apprehended during a crime, an investigation must be conducted to gather sufficient evidence to justify an arrest warrant.

How do I know I am under surveillance?

To check if you're under surveillance, look for repeated sightings of the same people or cars, unusual electronic behavior (like fast battery drain or pop-ups), people knowing private details, or physical signs like misplaced items or new wiring in your home; you can also try breaking your routine or contacting a lawyer if you have strong suspicions.
 

How long do private investigators watch you?

A private investigator isn't limited to a strict number of hours they can follow someone. Instead, the time they spend is shaped by legal standards and the nature of the assignment. Investigators must avoid behavior that crosses into harassment or stalking, which are prohibited by law.

How to tell if you're being set up by police?

Signs you might be set up by police include unusual surveillance (same cars, strangers watching), friends/family being questioned, digital monitoring (social media, ISP alerts), police contacting you with vague questions, or being pressured by new acquaintances into illegal activity, indicating potential informants or sting operations; if you notice these, invoke your right to remain silent and contact a lawyer immediately. 

What are some clever questions asked by cops to get you in trouble?

If you don't think that's true, keep reading to find out how answers to seemingly innocent questions will be used against you.

  • “Do You Know Why I Pulled You Over?” ...
  • “Where Are You Coming From?” ...
  • “Can I Search Your Car” ...
  • Need Representation for Your Case?

What is 3 stars in police?

Three stars (pips) in police insignia usually signify a senior management or command role, but the exact rank varies by country and department; it often indicates ranks like Inspector, Deputy Chief, or Assistant Superintendent, overseeing significant areas or operations, while in India, it can mean a top officer like a Director General of Police (DGP) or Deputy Inspector General (DIG).
 

What type of phone gets hacked the most?

It's hard to name a single "most hacked" phone, but Android devices, especially older models or those from less-regulated brands, are generally more vulnerable due to their open nature and fragmentation, making them larger targets for malware, while iPhones (iOS) are often seen as safer due to Apple's tight control but aren't immune, with vulnerabilities sometimes found in popular models like recent Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel phones. The most hacked phones aren't specific models but rather those with outdated software, unpatched vulnerabilities, or users who fall for phishing, making any phone with security gaps a prime target. 

What are the two possible signs that you have been hacked?

Here are a few indications you've been hacked: Your email has been sending messages you didn't create. Your passwords have changed without you knowing. Your device is installing the software you didn't authorize.

How do I know if my phone is linked to another device?

To check if your phone is linked to another device, look for unfamiliar entries in your Google Account (myaccount.google.com/devices) or Apple ID (iCloud settings), check your Bluetooth settings for unknown paired devices, review installed apps, and monitor for unusual behavior like fast battery drain or high data usage, as these can signal unauthorized connections.