Published: July 10, 2026 | Last updated: July 10, 2026
TL;DR
- To instantly disable all call forwarding on your phone, dial ##002# on your keypad and press the call button (WikiHow, 2024).
- Check for active call forwarding using USSD codes: #21# (unconditional), #62# (when unreachable), and #67# (when busy) (Avast, 2024).
- Common signs of a tapped phone include unusual battery drain, strange noises during calls, overheating, and unknown apps (McAfee, 2026).
- For spyware, scan your device with a reputable security app, review app permissions, and check for unknown device profiles (Malwarebytes, 2025).
- To protect your phone, regularly restart it, keep your OS updated, use strong passwords, and avoid clicking suspicious links (ExpressVPN, 2025).
What Does “Tapping” a Phone Actually Mean?
Phone tapping can take two primary forms: network-level call forwarding and device-level surveillance. Network-level tapping happens when someone sets up call forwarding on your account so that your calls are redirected to another number without your knowledge (WikiHow, 2024). This is often done by someone who has access to your carrier account or by using USSD codes.
Device-level surveillance involves installing spyware or stalkerware on your phone (Bitdefender, 2025). This type of software can record your calls, track your location, read your messages, and even access your camera or microphone without your consent (Malwarebytes, 2025). Unlike network forwarding, spyware runs silently in the background and is much harder to detect.
Signs That Your Phone Might Be Tapped
Recognizing the warning signs is the first step toward untapping your phone. While no single sign confirms you’re being monitored, a combination of these indicators should raise your suspicion (OneRep, 2026).
1. Unusual Sounds During Calls. If you hear clicking, pulsating static, high-pitched humming, or echoes during calls, it could be a sign that someone is recording or listening in (Yahoo Tech, 2026). These noises are often more noticeable when you’re not moving (PCMag, 2025).
2. Rapid Battery Drain. If your phone’s battery is draining much faster than usual, a hidden app may be running in the background, consuming power (McAfee, 2026). Check your battery usage settings to see which apps are using the most energy.
3. Overheating When Idle. If your phone gets hot even when you’re not using it, a background process (like spyware) could be the cause (ABP Live, 2026).
4. High Data Usage. Spyware often sends recorded data over the internet, which can cause a spike in your mobile data usage (Bitdefender, 2025).
5. Unknown Apps or Permissions. Look for apps you don’t recognize or apps that have unnecessary permissions, such as microphone or camera access (Malwarebytes, 2025). You can review these in your phone’s settings.
6. Phone Acting Sluggish. If your phone is running slower than usual, crashing, or restarting unexpectedly, it could be compromised (PC Magazine, 2025).
7. Strange Text Messages. Receiving random texts with links or strange characters can sometimes indicate that spyware is communicating with a remote server (Comparitech, 2025).
Dial Codes to Check if Your Phone Is Tapped
USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) codes allow you to check your phone’s network settings directly from the dialer. These codes do not definitively prove you are being tapped, but they can reveal if your calls are being forwarded to another number (Avast, 2024). To use them, open your phone’s dialer, enter the code, and press the call button. The results will appear on your screen.
| Code | What It Does | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| #21# | Checks unconditional call forwarding – all calls are redirected (Avast, 2024) | If a number is displayed, your calls are being forwarded. |
| #62# | Checks forwarding when your phone is unreachable (off or out of coverage) (ExpressVPN, 2025) | A number listed here means calls are diverted when you can’t answer. |
| #67# | Checks forwarding when your line is busy (WikiHow, 2024) | If a number shows, your calls are forwarded when you’re on another call. |
| #002# | Displays the status of all forwarding settings (FlashGet, 2026) | Shows all active forwarding numbers at once. |
If any of these codes return a number that isn’t yours, it means your calls are being forwarded without your knowledge. This is often the easiest way to “tap” a phone without installing any software (WikiHow, 2024).
How to Untap Your Phone (Disable Call Forwarding)
If you discover that call forwarding has been enabled on your phone, the quickest way to stop it is to dial ##002# and press the call button (FlashGet, 2026). This single code erases all forwarding settings on your phone, including conditional forwarding (when busy, unreachable, or no reply) (WikiHow, 2024).
Alternatively, you can use these individual codes to disable specific types of forwarding:
- ##21# – Disable unconditional call forwarding (Avast, 2024).
- ##62# – Disable forwarding when unreachable (ExpressVPN, 2025).
- ##67# – Disable forwarding when busy (WikiHow, 2024).
- ##004# – Disable all conditional forwarding (FlashGet, 2026).
If these codes don’t work, you can also disable forwarding through your phone’s call settings menu or by contacting your carrier directly (Inquirer, 2024). Additionally, set up a carrier account PIN to prevent unauthorized changes to your forwarding settings.
How to Untap Your Phone from Spyware
If you suspect that spyware or stalkerware is installed on your device, you need to take additional steps beyond just disabling call forwarding (Comparitech, 2025).
1. Restart Your Phone. The U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) recommends restarting your device weekly to disrupt certain types of malware (ExpressVPN, 2025). A simple restart can stop some spyware processes.
2. Check for Unknown Apps. Go through your app list and uninstall anything you don’t recognize or remember installing (Malwarebytes, 2025). Pay special attention to apps that have no icon or have generic names.
3. Review App Permissions. On Android, go to Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager. On iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy. Disable microphone, camera, and location access for any app that doesn’t genuinely need it (Bitdefender, 2025).
4. Look for Device Management Profiles (iPhone). Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. If you see a profile you didn’t install, remove it immediately (Malwarebytes, 2025). These profiles can give someone remote control over your device.
5. Run a Security Scan. Use a reputable mobile security app to scan your device for spyware and malware (McAfee, 2026). Many free and paid options are available on both Android and iOS.
6. Update Your Operating System. Ensure your phone is running the latest version of its OS. Security updates patch vulnerabilities that spyware exploits (Norton, 2026).
How to Untap Your Phone Without Them Knowing
If you suspect someone is monitoring you but don’t want them to know you’re onto them, you can take discreet steps:
- Use Airplane Mode: When you’re not actively using your phone, enable Airplane Mode to cut off the spyware’s internet connection. This prevents it from sending data to the person monitoring you (Silicon Africa, 2025).
- Check Quietly: Review your apps and permissions when you’re not connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data. This prevents the spyware from sending an alert that you’re investigating.
- Don’t Uninstall Suspicious Apps Immediately: If you find a suspicious app, uninstalling it might tip off the person monitoring you. Consider factory resetting your phone when you have a secure opportunity (Comparitech, 2025).
- Change Passwords on a Different Device: If you suspect your phone is compromised, change your important passwords (email, banking, social media) from a computer or a friend’s phone.
How to Check if Your Phone Is Tapped by Police
While it’s difficult to definitively know if law enforcement is monitoring your phone, there are some signs and steps you can take. According to some sources, a phone that frequently goes into “SOS” mode (indicating it’s not connected to your cellular network) could be a sign of surveillance (TechSpot, 2025).
- Use USSD Codes: Dialing *#21#, *#62#, and *#67# can help you see if your calls are being forwarded (Avast, 2024).
- Look for Unusual Behavior: If your phone behaves strangely, such as turning on by itself or showing unexpected activity, it could be a sign of monitoring (U.N.N., 2026).
- Be Cautious: In most countries, law enforcement requires a warrant to tap a phone. If you believe you are being targeted, consider consulting with a legal professional.
How to Protect Your Phone from Being Tapped
Prevention is the best defense against phone tapping. Here are some best practices to keep your device secure:
1. Use Strong Passwords and Biometrics. Secure your phone with a strong passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition (Norton, 2026).
2. Keep Your Software Updated. Always install the latest OS updates and security patches (ExpressVPN, 2025).
3. Be Cautious with Links and Downloads. Avoid clicking on suspicious links in texts or emails, and only download apps from official app stores (McAfee, 2026).
4. Regularly Check App Permissions. Periodically review which apps have access to your microphone, camera, and location (Bitdefender, 2025).
5. Use a VPN. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it harder for someone to intercept your data (ExpressVPN, 2025).
6. Restart Your Phone Weekly. As recommended by the NSA, a weekly restart can help disrupt certain types of malware (ExpressVPN, 2025).
7. Disable Unnecessary Features. Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning when you’re not using them to reduce your digital footprint.
Troubleshooting Table
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| You hear static or clicking during calls. | Calls may be forwarded or recorded. | Check forwarding with *#21#, *#62#, and *#67#. Disable forwarding with ##002# (WikiHow, 2024). |
| Your battery drains quickly. | Spyware or background apps are active. | Check battery usage, uninstall unknown apps, and run a security scan (McAfee, 2026). |
| You see unknown apps on your phone. | Malware or spyware may be installed. | Uninstall suspicious apps and review app permissions (Malwarebytes, 2025). |
| You can’t stop call forwarding. | Your carrier may have set up forwarding. | Contact your carrier and set up a PIN to prevent unauthorized changes (Inquirer, 2024). |
| Phone is overheating when idle. | A background process is overworking the CPU. | Check for unknown apps, restart your phone, or run a security scan (ABP Live, 2026). |
| USSD codes don’t work on your phone. | The codes are not supported by your carrier or device. | Use your phone’s call settings menu or contact your carrier (WikiHow, 2024). |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my phone is being tapped?
Common signs include strange noises during calls, rapid battery drain, unexpected overheating, high data usage, and the presence of unknown apps (OneRep, 2026). You can also dial *#21#, *#62#, or *#67# to check if your calls are being forwarded (Avast, 2024).
What number do I dial to untap my phone?
To disable all call forwarding, dial ##002# and press the call button (FlashGet, 2026). This instantly removes any forwarding settings on your phone. For specific forwarding types, use ##21#, ##62#, or ##67# (WikiHow, 2024).
How can I check if my phone is tapped for free?
You can use the free USSD codes listed above (e.g., *#21#). Additionally, you can manually check your phone’s settings for unknown apps, review app permissions, and look for device management profiles (Malwarebytes, 2025).
Can I untap my phone without the person knowing?
Yes. You can check your phone’s settings discreetly, use USSD codes, and review app permissions without notifying the person monitoring you (Silicon Africa, 2025). If you find spyware, consider factory resetting your phone at a time when it won’t raise suspicion (Comparitech, 2025).
How do I untap my Android phone?
On Android, dial ##002# to disable all forwarding. Then, go to Settings > Apps to review installed apps and uninstall anything suspicious. Review app permissions under Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager, and consider running a security scan (Bitdefender, 2025).
How do I untap my iPhone?
On iPhone, dial ##002# to disable call forwarding. Then, go to Settings > Privacy and review app permissions. Check Settings > General > VPN & Device Management for any unknown profiles and remove them (Malwarebytes, 2025). Keep your iOS updated to the latest version (Norton, 2026).
Is there a number to dial to see if my phone is tapped?
While there’s no single number that can definitively confirm tapping, you can dial *#21# to check for unconditional call forwarding, *#62# for forwarding when unreachable, and *#67# for forwarding when busy (Avast, 2024). These codes can reveal if your calls are being diverted (ExpressVPN, 2025).
How can I protect my phone from being tapped in the future?
Use strong passwords, keep your OS updated, avoid clicking suspicious links, regularly review app permissions, restart your phone weekly, and use a VPN for added security (Norton, 2026; ExpressVPN, 2025).
Key Takeaways
- To instantly disable all call forwarding on your phone, dial ##002# on your keypad and press the call button (WikiHow, 2024).
- Check for active call forwarding using USSD codes: #21# (unconditional), #62# (when unreachable), and #67# (when busy) (Avast, 2024).
- Common signs of a tapped phone include unusual battery drain, strange noises during calls, overheating, and unknown apps (McAfee, 2026).
- For spyware, scan your device with a reputable security app, review app permissions, and check for unknown device profiles (Malwarebytes, 2025).
- To protect your phone, regularly restart it, keep your OS updated, use strong passwords, and avoid clicking suspicious links (ExpressVPN, 2025).