Phone tracking · Android
How to check an Android phone for tracking
Updated September 2026
Stalkerware is more common on Android because apps can be installed from outside the Play Store. It can hide its icon, but it can't hide the special permissions it needs. Here's where to look.
Short answer
Stalkerware needs special permissions to work, so check the lists where they appear: accessibility, device admin apps, and install unknown apps. Then look at Google Maps location sharing and the devices signed in to your Google Account, and run a Play Protect scan. Menus vary by phone, so use the search bar in Settings.
If you might be in danger, read what to do first. Removing an app can alert the person who installed it.
1. Check accessibility access
Accessibility access lets an app read everything on your screen. Most stalkerware depends on it.
- Open Settings and search for Accessibility.
- Look under installed or downloaded apps. Anything you don’t recognize with access turned on is a red flag.
2. Check device admin apps
Device admin rights make an app hard to uninstall. Search Settings for device admin. Only apps you know, like Find My Device or a work app, should be listed.
3. Check “Install unknown apps”
Search Settings for install unknown apps. If a browser or file manager is allowed and you never turned that on, someone may have used it to install an app from outside the Play Store.
4. Look through all your apps
- Go to Settings > Apps and choose to show system apps.
- Look for names you don’t recognize, especially generic ones like “System Service,” “Sync,” or “Update Service.”
- Tap anything suspicious and check its permissions: location, microphone, SMS, and notifications are the ones that matter.
5. Check Google location sharing and devices
- In Google Maps, tap your profile picture, then Location sharing. Stop sharing with anyone who shouldn’t see you.
- Go to your Google Account’s Security page and review Your devices. Sign out any you don’t recognize.
- Change your Google password and turn on 2-Step Verification.
Family apps like Life360 share location too. Check every kind of location sharing.
6. Scan with Play Protect
Open the Play Store, tap your profile picture, then Play Protect, and run a scan. It catches some stalkerware. Keep Android updated too.
7. Change your screen lock
If someone knew your PIN or pattern, they could have installed anything. Change it, and don’t share it.
Check your car too
Android phones can scan for unknown Bluetooth trackers like AirTags. Our free guide shows how, and covers the GPS trackers phones can't detect.
Common questions
+How can I tell if there's a spy app on my Android phone?
Check which apps have accessibility access and device admin rights, since stalkerware needs them to read your screen and resist removal. Look for apps with generic names like System Service or Sync that you didn't install, and run a Play Protect scan.
+Can stalkerware hide its icon on Android?
Yes, many hide from the home screen. They still appear in Settings > Apps (show system apps too) and in the accessibility and device admin lists.
+Does Play Protect find stalkerware?
It catches some, and it's worth running. It won't catch everything. Checking permissions yourself is the more reliable test.
+Where are these settings on my Samsung (or other) phone?
Menus differ by manufacturer. Use the search bar at the top of Settings and search for accessibility, device admin, or install unknown apps.