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How Apps Track You Without You Knowing

Recently, the Indian Government had asked the mobile phone producers to compulsorily  pre-install Sanchar Sathi App in every new phone. After its oppose, this rule was dismissed. But after this matter people became aware about the apps that can spy on us and what can be done to protect this. Many of us have experienced that even if we talk about any product Google, Instagram or Facebook show us advertisements related to that respective product. So let’s see if it is really possible? How do applications get the data? And what can be done to be safe?

 

MORE PERMISSION MORE THE RISK

One of the initial ways and considerable probability of tracking application is the number of permission needed. The majority of android mobile phones ask for permissions like location, model number of phone, network status, even calls, and messages more than required. According to a study in 2024 by Cybernews, 29 times on MyJio, 26 times on Whatsapp, 24 times on Truecaller, and 22 times on Facebook these kinds of permissions were asked. Whereas, only 12 and 13 times permissions were asked on X and YouTube respectively. 

Just on the basis of permission allegations cannot be put on the applications for spying or retrieving your data. But these permissions give the power to the developer to do so. Unfortunately many users do not understand that their applications’ permission can be misused. Still there are some signs, from which we can understand that our apps are tracing our moves.

BEWARE IF YOU SEE THESE SIGNS

A stitch on time saves nine, applies here too. If you feel that you have been tracked by someone, you can check for these signs and can save yourself if measures are taken on time.

• More Heating of Your Phone

If the phone gets heated more than required, this may be a sign that some spyware or hidden malware are working in the background. This causes your phone’s processor, RAM and battery to work even if you are not working on the phone. Resulting in heating of the phone, slow processing, and even phone hangs causing the battery to discharge soon even without working. Although these are just inference, there are other signs too. 

• Colourful Icons on the Edge of the Phone

It is very common in an Android phone or Apple mobile while using a camera or microphone, some colourful dots or icons appear in the side or edges of the screen. Even if using applications like Instagram, Whatsapp etc. these icons appear. But if these icons appear unnecessary the reason could be tracking you, or recording your voice, picture or video without your knowledge. 

• Automating Working of Touchscreen 

Many times it happens that if a phone is damaged the screen works automatically. But when this is not a condition and still your screen is working automatically, or if the screen command works slow, it can be a sign that there may be spyware in your mobile which is remotely controlling your mobile and this can be dangerous. 

• Unusual use of Data

In case your mobile is using data or Wi-Fi more than required, there is a possibility that the information from your phone is being transferred to some third party or to some other server. 

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE USUAL APPLICATION AND A SPYWARE

There are multi applications that reach to the data in your mobile, but there are applications that are specifically built to rob your data. These applications are called Spyware and are used for cyber fraud or for high profile tracking. The basic difference between the usual application and spyware are as under 

 

• Permission

Usual Application : A normal app asks for specific permissions, from which you know what the application is asking for and why, eg “allow maps to access your location?”. 

Spyware : These kinds of apps access the data without your concern. Often it does not take your permission or even generate a fake pop-up message to take permission. 

• Visibility

Usual Application : The icons of these applications are clearly visible in the drive. Because of which the users are aware of the presence of the app.

Spyware :  Whereas, these applications are hidden or change the name as “system update” or “Wi-Fi services”, due to which they appear as a system app.

 

• Uninstallation

Usual Application : Authentic and genuine applications can easily be uninstalled from the setting application.

Spyware :  Spy applications are not easy to uninstall. Usually they take permission from the “Device Administration” , so that user cannot delete it. Many times you need to format your smartphone to uninstall it.

• Intention 

Usual Application : The main moto of these application is to provide services like to weather forecast, social media, gaming, payment, etc

Spyware :  The main and only objective of these applications is to steal your data, to monitor your move and to do cyber fraud.

AWARENESS TO SAFE YOUR SMARTPHONE FROM CYBER THEFT

Awareness is the most important step towards safety. To any harm or damage if you’re aware in advance can save you or can cause less damage. Lets see a few measures that can be taken to protect our mobiles from monitoring.

• Unusual or rapid consumption of battery

If your phone is consuming a lot of battery, then go to the settings >> Battery and check which application is utilising a lot of energy source. If any of your applications seems to be suspicious , uninstall it. If the application is useful, reinstall it. Remember to take the backup of the important data.

• Stop using microphone and camera when in doubt

On condition that you find the camera or microphone of your mobile is being used very frequently or unusually, in that case go to setting or quick setting and can turn it off easily. This option is conveniently available both on android and iOS mobiles. 

• Download application only from trusted sources

Never download any app from a non-authentic source. AKP files may carry viruses or coding that may hack your phone. Always download applications from google play store or apple app store . The google play protect in android phones continuously scan your mobile. Do not close this application, especially when it asks you to stop some app.

 

• Avoid giving accessibility or admin permission

Applications that ask for permission for accessibility gains more control over your phone. As much as you’re able to do not grant the permission. Maximum applications don’t even need it to run. Check on the android mobile if any application has admin access. Following this you can remove admin access from any application Setting >>  Security & Privacy >> Device admin app .

• Refrain from using public Wi-Fi

When using a public Wi-Fi it is common that any malware gets installed on your mobile which can burglary your mobile’s data. The reason behind it is that the public Wi-Fi is generally less protective, and the hackers can easily authorise any device present on the same network. 

 

CONCLUSION

Our smartphones are meant to make life easier, not to make us feel watched. While not every app is spying on us, excessive permissions, lack of awareness, and careless usage can expose personal information to misuse and cyber theft. Understanding how apps track data, recognizing early warning signs, and adopting safe practices such as limiting permissions, downloading apps from trusted sources, and avoiding insecure networks can significantly reduce risks. Ultimately, staying informed and vigilant is the strongest defense against digital surveillance and spyware, helping users maintain control over their privacy in an increasingly connected world.