If you suspect that someone may have linked or connected your phone to theirs without your knowledge or consent, there are several signs you can look out for to verify if this has happened. Here's what you can do:
Check Connected Devices: Go through your phone's settings and look for a section related to "Connected Devices" or "Bluetooth Devices." This will show you a list of devices currently paired with your phone. If there are devices you don't recognize or didn't intentionally connect, that could be a sign of unauthorized linking.
Check Bluetooth Settings: If the person linked your phone via Bluetooth, make sure Bluetooth is turned off when not in use. If it's on, unauthorized devices might connect to your phone without your knowledge.
Review App Permissions: Go through the permissions granted to apps on your phone. Some malicious apps might request permissions to access your device's data or control certain functions.
Battery Drain: If your phone's battery is draining unusually quickly, it could be a sign of unwanted background activity caused by a linked device.
Strange Behavior: Look for any unusual behavior on your phone, such as random restarts, unexplained pop-ups, or strange messages. These could be indicative of remote access.
Data Usage: Monitor your data usage. If there is a sudden spike in data consumption, it could be due to linked devices transmitting data.
Unfamiliar Accounts or Sign-ins: Check your accounts for any unauthorized sign-ins or unfamiliar devices accessing your accounts.
Run Security Software: Install reputable security and antivirus software on your phone and run a scan to detect any potential threats.
Change Passwords: As a precaution, change your phone's lock screen PIN, passwords, and any account passwords associated with your phone.
Contact Support: If you're still unsure or find suspicious activity, contact your phone manufacturer's support or your mobile carrier for assistance. They may be able to help you detect any unauthorized access.
Remember, it's essential to protect your phone and personal information. Regularly review your settings and permissions and stay cautious about the apps you download and the websites you visit. Additionally, keep your phone's software up to date to ensure you have the latest security patches.