Stalkerware is commercial software designed to monitor someone's phone, computer, or location — secretly, without their knowledge or consent. It's used primarily in domestic abuse situations, but also by jealous partners, controlling parents monitoring adult children, and employers monitoring employees illegally. Here's what it is, how to detect it, and resources if you're affected.
What Stalkerware Does
Stalkerware apps (marketed with names like "parental control" or "employee monitoring" software) can: track your GPS location in real-time, read all your text messages and call logs, access your emails, photos, and browsing history, remotely activate your microphone or camera, log every keystroke, and send all of this to whoever installed the app — invisibly, with no notification to you.
How It Gets on Your Device
Stalkerware requires physical access to your device to install. It's typically installed by a partner, family member, or someone with brief access to your unlocked phone. On Android, it can be sideloaded (installed from outside the app store). On iPhone, it requires either physical access to an unlocked device or, in some versions, just your iCloud credentials.
Signs You May Have Stalkerware on Your Device
- Your battery drains significantly faster than usual
- Your phone runs hot even when you're not using it
- Unusual data usage — your plan is being used even when you're not actively online
- Your phone is slower than it used to be
- Someone seems to know things about your conversations, location, or activities that they shouldn't
How to Check for Stalkerware on Android
Go to Settings → Apps (or Application Manager). Look for any apps you don't recognize. Stalkerware apps often masquerade with generic names like "System Service" or "Phone Monitor." Also check Settings → Battery → Battery Usage to see which apps are consuming the most power in the background.
For a more thorough check, the Coalition Against Stalkerware (stopstalkerware.org) maintains a list of known stalkerware apps and offers guidance on detection tools.
How to Check for Stalkerware on iPhone
Go to Settings → Privacy & Security and review Location Services, Microphone, and Camera permissions for any apps you don't recognize. Check Settings → General → VPN & Device Management for any unauthorized configuration profiles.
Also review who knows your Apple ID credentials and whether Family Sharing has been set up without your knowledge — Family Sharing can reveal your location to other family members continuously.
Resources and Important Caution
If you suspect stalkerware and are in an unsafe situation, be careful about how you investigate or remove it. Removing stalkerware can alert an abuser. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) or the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (cybercivilrights.org) for guidance specific to your situation before taking action.