Stalkerware and Spyware UK — How to Detect and Remove Spy Apps
Updated July 2026 · 7 min read · By Silent Erase | ICO Registered C1971457
Stalkerware is software secretly installed on someone's phone or computer to monitor their activity without their knowledge or consent. It is used in domestic abuse situations, by jealous partners and by controlling individuals to track victims' location, read messages and spy on communications.
Stalkerware is illegal in the UK:
Installing stalkerware on someone's device without their consent is a criminal offence under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 and may also constitute coercive control under the Serious Crime Act 2015. If you believe you are being monitored you have legal protections.
Signs Your Device May Have Stalkerware
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Battery draining faster than usual — spy apps run constantly in the background consuming battery
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Phone running unusually hot — background monitoring processes generate heat
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Unusual data usage — stalkerware sends data to a remote server consuming mobile data
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Phone is slow or crashes more than usual — monitoring software consumes processing power
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Someone knows things they should not know — if someone seems to know your location, messages or plans without you telling them
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Unfamiliar apps in your app list — stalkerware may appear as a system app or utility with an innocent name
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Screen lights up when on standby — may indicate remote access or data transmission
How to Check Your Phone for Stalkerware
1
Check installed apps (Android) Go to Settings → Apps → See all apps. Look for anything you do not recognise. Stalkerware often disguises itself as system utilities, phone cleaners or battery savers.
2
Check device admin apps (Android) Settings → Security → Device admin apps. Any unfamiliar app with device administrator privileges could be stalkerware. Remove admin rights then uninstall.
3
Check data usage (both iPhone and Android) Settings → Mobile Data (iPhone) or Settings → Network → Data Usage (Android). Look for apps using large amounts of data that you do not recognise.
4
Run a malware scan On Android install Malwarebytes (free) and run a full scan. On iPhone stalkerware is harder to install but check for unusual profiles under Settings → General → VPN and Device Management.
5
Factory reset as a last resort If you strongly suspect stalkerware and cannot find it a factory reset will remove all software. Back up your contacts and photos first — ideally to a device the potential abuser does not have access to.
Safety planning first:
If you are in a domestic abuse situation do not remove stalkerware without a safety plan in place first. The abuser may notice it has been removed and react dangerously. Contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 before taking action. They can help you plan safely.
What to Do If You Find Stalkerware
1. Do not confront the person immediately — make a safety plan first especially if you are in a domestic situation.
2. Contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline — 0808 2000 247 (free, 24/7). They have specialist advice for technology abuse.
3. Report to police — installing stalkerware is a criminal offence. Call 101 or in an emergency 999.
4. Contact Refuge — refuge.org.uk has a Tech Safety section with specific advice for victims of technology-facilitated abuse.
5. Document everything — screenshot evidence of the stalkerware before removing it if it is safe to do so.
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