// Victim Resource Guide
These are the most common ways an abuser maintains access to your location, calls, and messages through your phone's own built-in settings — without installing anything. Check these before assuming you need a new device.
Do this from a safe location, away from your home and vehicle. Use private browsing so this page does not appear in your history. 02 8551 8883
Check whether Share My Location is on and who can see you. Tap each person listed and select Stop Sharing My Location to remove them individually. Your abuser does not receive a notification when you stop sharing.
High risk — check firstIf your abuser set up Family Sharing and is listed as the organiser, they have access to your location and can see your App Store purchases. To leave the group, tap your name and select Remove [your name] from Family. Note: this may affect any shared subscriptions.
High risk — check firstIf your device is signed into an Apple ID your abuser knows the password for, they can view your iCloud backup, photos, messages (if iMessage is on), and location. You should sign out and create your own Apple ID if this applies. Signing out does not delete local content but will stop iCloud sync.
High riskScroll through every app listed. Any app set to Always has access to your location continuously — including apps your abuser may have installed. Remove Always access from any app you do not recognise or did not install yourself. Set unknown apps to Never.
Check carefullyAny app listed here has been granted microphone access. Remove access from any app you do not recognise or that has no reason to use a microphone. Tap the app and switch the toggle off.
Check carefullyReview every app with camera access. Remove it from any app you do not recognise. Legitimate apps rarely need camera access in the background — if something unknown is listed, note the name and contact Safe Sweep.
Check carefullyIf iCloud Backup is on and your abuser knows your Apple ID password, they can access your backed-up messages, photos, call history, and notes from any device. Change your Apple ID password immediately if there is any chance it has been shared or observed.
High riskIf Screen Time is enabled with a passcode you did not set, your abuser may have installed it to monitor your app usage, screen time, and website visits. They can also use it to restrict your access to certain features. If you did not set this passcode, contact Safe Sweep.
High riskCheck the list of paired devices. Any device you do not recognise that is paired to your phone could be used to intercept data when in range. Tap the i icon next to any unknown device and select Forget This Device.
Worth checkingIf you are running iOS 14.5 or later, your iPhone will automatically alert you if an unknown AirTag has been travelling with you. If you receive this alert, do not remove the AirTag — contact Safe Sweep first so we can document and remove it properly.
Act carefully if alertedAndroid settings vary by manufacturer (Samsung, Google Pixel, Oppo, etc). The paths below apply to standard Android — your device may show slightly different menu names.
If your device is signed into a Google account your abuser knows the password for, they can access your Gmail, Google Drive, Google Photos, location history, and call history. Change the password from a safe device immediately and enable two-factor authentication on a new email address they do not know.
High risk — check firstAny active location sharing sessions are listed here. Tap each one to stop sharing. This is separate from your Google account password — you must manually end each sharing session.
High risk — check firstGoogle Family Link allows an organiser to view a device's location in real time, see app activity, and remotely lock or restrict the device. If Family Link is installed and you did not set it up, your device may be supervised. Contact Safe Sweep before removing it as this can alert the organiser.
High riskReview every app with location access. Any app listed under Allowed all the time has continuous location access. Remove access from any app you do not recognise. On Samsung devices: Settings → Apps → [app name] → Permissions → Location.
Check carefullyReview every app with microphone access. Remove it from any app you do not recognise. An unknown app with microphone access is a serious warning sign — note the name and contact Safe Sweep.
Check carefullyApps listed here have elevated control over your device. Legitimate device admin apps include MDM software from employers — but stalkerware often requests device administrator access to prevent removal. Any unknown app listed here is a serious warning sign.
High risk if unknown app listedAccessibility permissions allow an app to read everything on your screen, including messages and passwords. This is the most common permission used by stalkerware. Any unknown app listed here should be treated as a serious threat — contact Safe Sweep before taking any action.
High risk — contact us firstScroll through every installed app. Stalkerware is often disguised with a generic name such as System Service, Phone Monitor, or a blank-name icon. If you see an app you do not recognise and cannot identify, screenshot it and contact Safe Sweep before attempting to remove it.
Screenshot first, then contact usAirGuard is a free app that passively scans for AirTags, Tiles, and other Bluetooth trackers that may be moving with you. It runs in the background and alerts you if an unknown tracker has been detected across multiple locations over time.
Download and runSee every device currently signed into your Google account. If you recognise a device that should not have access — your abuser's phone or computer — sign out of that device remotely from this page and change your Google account password immediately.
High risk — check from safe deviceThese checks cover the most accessible risks — settings your abuser may have changed through normal access to your device. They will not find commercially available stalkerware, which is designed to be invisible in your app list and does not appear under standard settings. If you have checked everything above and still believe your device is compromised, contact Safe Sweep for a professional device assessment.
Safe Sweep can assess your device for stalkerware and other covert software. Contact us confidentially — no name required.
If you have checked these settings and still have concerns, we can assess the device properly.