How to Detect and Remove Stalkerware from Your Android Phone

Consumer-grade spyware apps—often disguised as legitimate monitoring tools—pose a serious threat to Android users’ privacy. These malicious apps, commonly referred to as “stalkerware” or “spouseware,” can secretly track your messages, photos, calls, and real-time location without consent.

This guide will help you identify and remove invasive surveillance apps like TheTruthSpy, Cocospy, and Spyic, ensuring your device remains secure.

Understanding Stalkerware

Stalkerware apps are frequently marketed as parental control or family-tracking software but are weaponized to monitor partners or spouses covertly. These apps typically:

• Are downloaded from outside Google Play (via sideloading)
• Hide from the home screen to avoid detection
• Exploit Android’s built-in features, such as accessibility mode or device admin privileges

Warning signs of infection:

• Unusual battery drain or overheating
• Sluggish performance
• Unexpected spikes in data usage

Safety First: Before You Begin

Removing stalkerware may alert the perpetrator, potentially escalating risks. Consider these precautions:

• Develop a safety plan with trusted support
• Consult the Coalition Against Stalkerware for survivor resources
• Note: This guide removes active spyware but cannot delete data already collected

Step 1: Enable Google Play Protect

Google Play Protect is Android’s frontline defense against malicious apps. Ensure it’s active:

1. Open Google Play Store → Tap your profile icon → Play Protect
2. Enable “Scan apps with Play Protect” and run a manual scan
3. Verify all toggles are switched on for continuous protection

Why it matters: Play Protect scans both Play Store and sideloaded apps for suspicious behavior.

Step 2: Audit Accessibility Services

Stalkerware often hijacks Android’s accessibility features for deeper access:

1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Installed services
2. Disable any unrecognized apps (e.g., “Device Health,” “System Service”)
3. Uninstall suspicious apps afterward

Red flag: No legitimate accessibility apps should appear if you don’t use screen readers or similar tools.

Step 3: Review Notification Access

Apps with notification access can read your messages and alerts:

1. Navigate to Settings → Apps → Special app access → Notification access
2. Revoke permissions for unknown apps (keep trusted ones like Android Auto)

Step 4: Check Device Admin Apps

Corporate device management tools are repurposed by stalkerware:

1. Open Settings → Security → Device admin apps
2. Deactivate and uninstall any suspicious entries (e.g., “Security Settings”)

Note: Personal phones shouldn’t have active device admin apps.

Step 5: Uninstall Hidden Apps

Stalkerware often lacks a home screen icon but appears in:

1. Settings → Apps → See all apps
2. Look for generic names with excessive permissions (contacts, camera, location)
3. Force stop and uninstall immediately

Fortify Your Defenses

After removal, strengthen your phone’s security:

• Set a stronger lock screen password/PIN
• Enable two-factor authentication on critical accounts
• Regularly audit app permissions

Need Help?

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (²⁴⁄₇)
• Emergency: Dial 911
• Additional resources: Coalition Against Stalkerware

Stay vigilant—protecting your digital privacy is an ongoing process.

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