How can I tell if my bf has installed a program/app on my phone?

[Android Central Question]

I have a Samung Galaxy S9+. My bf knows my passwords and screen lock, because I have nothing to hide.

That being said, he is very techhy and knows a lot about programs and codes etc, and I think he may of put something on my phone to spy on me, and made it so it doesn't show up in anyway.

As I said I have nothing to hide, although he thinks I do and must just delete stuff. I wouldn't put it past him to of done something like this.

I am asking if there's anyway at all I can possibly tell or find something that's been installed, even if it is invisible etc?

 

[Mooncatt]

Even though you have nothing to hide, him knowing your passwords and such are not a good idea and is part of the problem here. Normally it's rather hard to hack into an Android phone and spy on people, but him knowing your Google account info or having unfettered access to your phone would give him the opportunity. I'm not saying he did anything, but this fact does change my normal spiel about hacking.

What makes you think he's actually done so? There are a number of things in Android that people have mistaken for hacking, so it would help if you could give us some specifics.

For now, I'd suggest changing all of your passwords, including your screen lock, and do not tell him what they are. A password manager (I personally use Last Pass) will help you create and keep track of strong individualized passwords. Also turn on two factor authentication wherever possible. He may be your boyfriend, but you still have a right to privacy. If it looks like there's a good chance he did install something, it may be advisable to factory reset the phone. That's the nuclear option and should remove any spyware, but it also means setting up your phone all over again from scratch and I'd want more info about what's happened before suggesting it.

You'll need to create an account here to reply to this thread, but doing so will help us help you a lot more. Right now any help we give would be generalized like this and not really specific to you without more info.

 

[belodion]

You could install something that would cause jealousy and see whether he reacts.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Sorry to say, but if you're this worried and suspicious, perhaps he's not the right guy for you?