Tech how-to: Check your phone for signs someone is watching
I get so many calls during my national radio show and DMs from folks who think they’re being stalked. Sometimes, the person is seeing signs that aren’t there. Other times, it’s clear there’s something going on. It’s not surprising, given how easy it is for tech to watch someone’s movements.
The good news is you have me, and I know the exact settings creeps use to spy on you. Grab your phone and let’s dive in.
Start here, Apple folks
First, check Share My Location. You’ll see a list of the people who can follow your every move.
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Share My Location.
Pro tip: If you remove access, they’ll be notified. Take a screenshot of that list if you need to show it to the cops or someone else. Press and hold the right-side power button and the top volume button until you see a flash.
Now, if someone’s signed into your Apple ID, they could track you across everything that uses it. Let’s make sure no one’s in your account.
- Tap Settings > [your name], then scroll to the bottom to see a list of anything signed into your account. Hit the arrow on the right, then press Remove from Account to delete the ones you don’t recognize.
Pro tip: Want a quick fix? Apple’s Safety Check shows you what info you’re sharing and lets you cut off access from people or apps you don’t trust.
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check. At the bottom, hit Manage Sharing & Access to see who still has the keys to your account. Press Start Emergency Reset to yank access from everyone with your Apple ID.
On to you, Android crew
The easiest way for someone to spy is by logging into your Google account. This shows them your Maps history, location, searches and everything else. Yeesh.
- In your Google account, head to Security (left side). Scroll to Your devices and select Manage all devices. Click on one to see its info. You can Sign out at the bottom or press the three-dot icon.
Don’t recognize something? Sign out and change your password. Do this just in case.
One more check for everyone
It’s worth checking Google Maps, too, to see if your location was shared that way.
- Open Maps, tap your profile pic (top right) and hit Location sharing.
- If someone who shouldn’t be following you shows up, just tap their icon and press Stop.
- On that card, hit those three dots on the top right and select Remove from list.
Beep-beep! Hear a tracker?
Almost 10% of Americans have been stalked via GPS, like an Apple AirTag or another small gadget. If that’s not you, it’s someone you know. Here’s my checklist to protect yourself from carjackers.
🧑🔬 Phew, that was heavy. Let’s end with a smile, shall we? In the Old West, cowboys traveling in the dark used to tie a lantern to their horse’s saddle to help them find their way. It was the first saddle-light navigation.
Don’t get left tech-behind – Stay tech-ahead
Award-winning host Kim Komando is your secret weapon for navigating tech.
- National radio show: Find your local station or listen to the podcast.
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Tags: Android, Apple, Apple iPhone, applications (apps), Google, phones/smartphones, security
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