Your phone holds your bank apps, WhatsApp chats, photos and passwords. That makes it a prime target for scammers and hackers. The good news is that a few habits block most attacks. Here is how to protect your phone from hackers, with 12 practical phone security tips for Android and iPhone.
Key takeaways
- Most phone hacks rely on tricks such as fake links, malicious apps and stolen one-time codes.
- Strong screen locks, updates and two-step verification block the majority of attacks.
- Never share an OTP or PIN, whoever asks.
Contents
- How phones get hacked
- How to protect your phone from hackers: 12 phone security tips
- 1. Use a strong screen lock
- 2. Keep your software updated
- 3. Install apps only from official stores
- 4. Check app permissions
- 5. Turn on two-step verification everywhere
- 6. Never share OTPs or PINs
- 7. Watch out for phishing links
- 8. Protect against SIM swap fraud
- 9. Be careful on public Wi-Fi
- 10. Turn on Find My Device
- 11. Use a password manager
- 12. Back up your data
- Signs your phone may be hacked
- What to do if your phone is hacked
- Protect your children’s phones
- Phone security checklist
- Buying a used phone safely
- Frequently asked questions
- Can someone hack my phone through WhatsApp?
- Does a factory reset remove hackers?
- Are iPhones safer than Android phones?
- Related on Froshvibes
How phones get hacked
Most attacks don’t need advanced skills. Criminals usually rely on tricks such as fake links, malicious apps, stolen passwords and SIM swap fraud. Once they have your codes or access, they can empty bank accounts or take over WhatsApp. So prevention is mostly about habits.
How to protect your phone from hackers: 12 phone security tips
1. Use a strong screen lock
Use a six-digit PIN, a password or biometrics. Avoid simple patterns and codes such as 123456 or your birth year.
2. Keep your software updated
Updates fix security holes that hackers exploit. Turn on automatic updates. Samsung owners can follow our guide on how to update a Samsung phone.
3. Install apps only from official stores
Download apps from Google Play or the App Store only. Never install APK files sent through WhatsApp, Telegram or email. They are a common way to spread malware.
4. Check app permissions
A torch app doesn’t need your contacts or SMS. Review permissions in Settings › Privacy and remove anything unnecessary.
5. Turn on two-step verification everywhere
Enable two-step verification on WhatsApp (Settings › Account › Two-step verification), your email and your social media. This blocks most account takeovers.
6. Never share OTPs or PINs
Banks, networks and WhatsApp will never ask for your one-time code. Anyone who asks is a scammer, even if they know your name.
7. Watch out for phishing links
Be careful with messages about prizes, blocked accounts, BVN updates or urgent payments. Don’t tap links you didn’t expect. Instead, open the official app directly.
8. Protect against SIM swap fraud
Ask your network about extra security on your line. If your phone suddenly loses signal for a long time, contact your network and bank immediately.
9. Be careful on public Wi-Fi
Avoid banking on open public Wi-Fi. Use mobile data or a trusted VPN for sensitive tasks.
10. Turn on Find My Device
Enable Google Find My Device or Apple Find My. If your phone is stolen, you can locate, lock or erase it remotely.
11. Use a password manager
Reusing passwords is risky. A password manager creates and stores strong, unique passwords for every account.
12. Back up your data
Regular backups protect you from ransomware, theft and damage. Use Google backup, iCloud or a computer.
Signs your phone may be hacked
- The battery drains much faster than usual.
- Unknown apps appear, or ads pop up everywhere.
- Your data use suddenly rises.
- Friends receive messages you didn’t send.
- You get login alerts or OTPs you didn’t request.
Some of these signs can also come from normal battery wear. Read how to make your phone battery last longer to rule that out.
What to do if your phone is hacked
- Disconnect from the internet.
- Uninstall suspicious apps and run Google Play Protect.
- Change your passwords from a safe device, starting with email and banking.
- Call your bank to block cards and accounts if needed.
- As a last resort, back up your photos and factory reset the phone.
Google explains more security features on its Android security help page.
Protect your children’s phones
Children are easy targets for scams and harmful content. Use Google Family Link on Android or Screen Time on iPhone. These tools let you approve app downloads, set time limits and filter content. Teach children never to share codes, photos or their location with strangers online.
Phone security checklist
- Screen lock with a strong PIN or biometrics.
- Automatic software updates turned on.
- Apps installed only from official stores.
- Two-step verification on WhatsApp, email and banking.
- Find My Device or Find My turned on.
- Regular backups to the cloud or a computer.
Review this checklist every few months. Good phone security is a habit, not a one-time task.
Buying a used phone safely
A used phone can carry hidden malware. Always factory reset it before use. Also read how to check if a phone is original before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone hack my phone through WhatsApp?
Most WhatsApp hacks happen when people share their six-digit code. Never share it, and turn on two-step verification.
Does a factory reset remove hackers?
It removes most malware. Change your passwords too, because stolen passwords stay valid.
Are iPhones safer than Android phones?
Both are secure when updated and used carefully. Your habits matter more than the brand.
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