Is Your Tablet Being Monitored? Here's How To Tell

Tablets are powerful devices that store a lot of personal information. From emails and text messages to photos and videos, these devices contain a wealth of data that could be accessed by someone monitoring your device. While it is difficult to remotely install surveillance software on a tablet without physical access, it is not impossible. There are several signs that may indicate the presence of spyware or monitoring software on your tablet, including increased data usage, unexpected reboots, odd sounds during calls, and deteriorating battery life. It is important to be vigilant and take steps to protect your privacy and security if you suspect monitoring or spying activity.

Odd sounds during calls

If you hear fragmentary voices, they may not be a figment of your imagination; it could be a sign that your device has been tapped. High-pitched humming is also a strong indication of a tapped device.

You can use a sound-bandwidth sensor on a low frequency to check for sounds that your ear might not be able to detect. If the indicator pops up several times per minute, it's likely that your tablet has been tapped.

Additionally, you can test for interference by using your tablet near other electronic devices. Even if there is no audible interference on your tablet, there may be interference when you stand next to another device, such as a radio or television, causing static or disruption with that device.

Increased data usage

If you suspect that someone is monitoring your tablet, one of the signs to look out for is an increase in data usage. Spy apps often use large amounts of data to export the information collected from your device. Therefore, any unexplained increase in your monthly data usage could be a sign of monitoring or tracking.

Here's how you can check your data usage on your tablet:

For Android Tablets:

• Open the Settings app.
• Tap "Network & Internet".
• Tap "App data usage" from the following menu.
• Check the set cycle, total data consumption in that period, and data usage by installed apps.

For Samsung Tablets:

• Swipe up from the home screen and open the app drawer.
• Open the Settings app.
• Tap "Mobile data usage".
• A data usage graph will display relevant details such as the billing cycle, data usage limit, data usage warning limit, and consumption by installed apps.

For iOS Tablets:

• Open Settings on your device.
• Select "Mobile Data" (or "Cellular Data").
• Check the data consumption for the current period. You can also check the data consumption for each app installed on your device.
• If you're unsure what the current period means, scroll to the bottom and check the date and time of the last reset.

By regularly reviewing your data usage, you can identify any abnormal increases, which may indicate potential monitoring or tracking activities on your tablet.

Battery life suddenly dropping

If you notice a sudden drop in your tablet's battery life, it could be an indication that someone is monitoring your device. Spyware running in the background of a tapped device will constantly monitor and transmit your activities, causing increased battery usage and faster drainage.

However, there are several other potential causes for a sudden drop in battery life, which are outlined below.

Apps Running in the Background

Apps can run in the background, checking for updates, refreshing content, and pushing notifications, even after you've closed them. This background activity can drain your tablet's battery. To mitigate this, you can enable your device's power-saving mode or battery saver, which lowers background activity. You can also put unused apps to sleep.

Push Notifications and Alerts

Push notifications and alerts can also drain your battery. Limit the number of notifications you receive by toggling them off for specific apps.

Location Services

Apps that use location services, such as navigation apps, can run in the background and drain your battery. If you're not using these apps, disable location services or turn them off for individual apps.

Screen Brightness and Timeout Settings

The screen of your device is one of the greatest sources of heat, and a brighter screen will use more power. Reducing the screen brightness and enabling dark mode or adaptive brightness can help extend your battery life. Additionally, adjusting the screen timeout settings to a shorter interval will cause the screen to turn off sooner when idle, conserving battery power.

Outdated Operating System

Running an outdated operating system can drain your battery. Regularly check for updates to boost efficiency and improve security.

Extreme Temperatures

Exposing your device to very hot or cold environments can drain the battery and even cause it to overheat and explode. Keep your device in a well-ventilated area and protect it from extreme temperatures.

Poor Service

If your device constantly searches for a signal, it can quickly drain the battery. Ensure that your tablet has a stable connection and good service.

End of Battery Life Cycle

If your device's battery is old and nearing the end of its life cycle, you may experience reduced battery performance and faster drainage. Consider replacing the battery if none of the above solutions work.

Unexpected reboots

There are several ways to troubleshoot and address unexpected reboots. Here are some steps you can take:

• Check your device's event logs to look for critical events or errors related to unexpected shutdowns. These logs can provide details about the issue and help identify potential causes.
• Disable automatic reboots to give yourself more time to review any error messages that may appear before the device restarts.
• Update your device's drivers to the latest versions, as outdated drivers can sometimes cause stability issues.
• Disconnect all non-essential devices to narrow down the potential sources of the problem. This can help determine if an external hardware component is causing the unexpected reboots.
• Check for heating issues with hardware monitoring tools. Unexpected reboots can be triggered by overheating components, such as the CPU or GPU.
• Run hardware diagnostic tools, such as Memtest86 or Memtest86+, to check for memory-related issues.
• Try using a different power source or power supply unit (PSU). Power supply issues can sometimes cause unexpected reboots.
• Boot your device in safe mode to determine if the issue is related to software or hardware. Safe mode allows you to run your device with only essential processes, which can help identify problematic applications or services.
• Perform a software update or a factory reset to resolve potential software conflicts or issues.
• Consult customer support or a technical specialist if the issue persists, as they can provide further guidance and solutions.

It is important to note that unexpected reboots can have various causes, and it may require multiple troubleshooting steps to identify and resolve the specific issue affecting your device.

Issues turning off

If you're having issues turning off your tablet, it could be due to several reasons. Here are some potential causes and solutions:

• Unusual phone activity: If your tablet is exhibiting unusual behaviour, such as turning on and off by itself, apps opening and closing on their own, or receiving notifications while in silent mode, it could indicate the presence of spyware or rogue software. Try booting into safe mode to identify and remove any problematic apps.
• Battery issues: A tablet that won't turn off could be related to battery problems. If your tablet's battery is draining faster than usual, it might indicate spyware running in the background. Check your battery usage data and compare it with other devices of the same model to identify any anomalies.
• Charging issues: A faulty charger or damaged cable could prevent your tablet from turning off properly. Try using a different compatible charger and cable to see if that resolves the issue. Also, ensure that the charging port on your tablet is clean and free of debris or liquid damage.
• Software bugs: Sometimes, a bug in the tablet's software can cause issues with turning it off. Try performing a power cycle by holding down the power button for up to one minute. If that doesn't work, look up specific instructions for your tablet's make and model to perform a power cycle.
• Hardware issues: If your tablet's screen is broken or the device is overheating, it might not respond as expected, including refusing to turn off. In such cases, it's best to take your tablet to a repair shop or contact the manufacturer for further assistance.
• Environmental factors: Extreme temperatures can affect the performance of your tablet. If your tablet has been exposed to very cold or hot temperatures, bring it to a moderate environment and allow it to normalize before attempting to turn it off.

Remember, if basic troubleshooting steps don't work, consider taking your tablet to a professional repair shop or contacting the manufacturer for further guidance.

Frequently asked questions