How do I check if someone is going through my phone?

How to Tell If Someone’s Been Using Your Phone

It’s a familiar feeling—something’s just off with your phone. The battery drained faster than usual, an app is open you don’t remember using, or a notification disappeared. If you're wondering how to check if someone is going through your phone, both iPhones and Android devices have built-in tools that can help you spot unusual activity.

On an iPhone, head to Settings, then tap on Screen Time. If you’ve already set it up, select See All Activity to view detailed usage stats. Here, you’ll see exactly which apps were used and when—even how many times you unlocked your phone. If you notice app usage during times you definitely weren’t using it, that could be a red flag.

Android users can go to Settings and select Digital Wellbeing (or Device Care on some models). This feature breaks down your daily usage by app, showing how long each was open and how many times you interacted with it. The timeline view can reveal unexpected spikes in activity when your phone should have been idle.

Of course, these tools are designed for self-tracking, but they double as a quiet way to monitor for unauthorized access. For extra peace of mind, make sure your phone is locked with a strong passcode, Face ID, or fingerprint protection. Also, avoid leaving it unattended in shared spaces.

While no method is foolproof, staying aware of your device’s behavior goes a long way. If you spot inconsistencies you can’t explain, it might be time for a deeper look at your digital privacy habits.