Smartphone Honor 8A (model JAT-LX1/LX2/LX3) based on Android 9 Pie with shell EMUI 9.x is a popular device, but its owners are often worried about the possibility of unauthorized access to the microphone. The question is not paranoid: modern applications can request permissions to record audio for legitimate purposes (voice assistants, video calls), but some apps abuse these rights. In this article we will look at how to completely disable wiretapping at the system, application and hardware level - without compromising the basic functions of the phone.

It is important to understand: Honor 8A does not have a physical microphone switch (unlike some flagships), so blocking wiretapping requires integrated approach. We will analyze both software methods (settings Android, revoking permissions, special utilities) and radical solutions - even modifying the firmware. We will pay special attention to signs of spywarewhich should alert the user.

We warn: some methods may limit the functionality of the device (for example, turning off the microphone will block voice search and calls through a headset). You make all changes at your own peril and risk —especially when it comes to rooting or installing custom firmware.

📊 Have you ever suspected your smartphone of being wiretapped?
Yes, there were strange coincidences
No, but I'm worried
I checked for spyware
I'm not interested

1. Checking application permissions to access the microphone

The first step is to audit installed apps. Many applications (social networks, instant messengers, games) request access to the microphone “just in case,” but do not actually use it. To revoke unnecessary permissions:

  1. Open Settings → Applications and notifications → Application permissions → Microphone.

  2. The list will display all apps that are allowed access to the microphone. Disable the switches next to suspicious or unnecessary applications.

  3. Pay attention to applications with unobvious need in the microphone: for example, why does a flashlight or calculator need access to sound?

On Honor 8A c EMUI 9 some system applications (for example, com.huawei.android.hsf - service Huawei Mobile Services) may automatically enable microphone access after updates. Check this regularly section - especially after installing new apps.

Flashlight applications|Games (if you do not use voice chat)|Unknown utilities from third-party sources|Social networks (if you do not need voice messages)-->

Warning: Disabling the microphone for system applications (for example, com.android.phone) may lead to malfunctions in telephony. If calls are lost after the changes, return the permissions.

2. Using Do Not Disturb mode and blocking the background

The EMUI 9 has built-in tools to limit the background activity of applications that can be used for eavesdropping. Activate the mode Do not disturb with additional settings:

  • 🔇 Full blocking of sounds: go to Settings → Sound → Do not disturb and select the "All sounds" option. This will disable the microphone for most background processes.
  • 📵 Limit background activity: Settings → Battery → Launch applications disable "Autostart" and "Secondary startup" for suspicious ones apps.
  • 🔄 Clearing the cache: regularly clear the cache in Settings → Memory → Clearing —some spy utilities are hidden in temporary files.

These measures do not block the microphone completely, but they significantly complicate the background operation. For example, an application will not be able to activate the microphone if it is paused by the system due to battery limitations. hidden audio recording in the background. For example, an app will not be able to activate the microphone if it is paused by the system due to battery limitations.

⚠️ Attention: Do not disturb mode does not affect system calls and alarms, but may block notifications from instant messengers. Set up exceptions for important contacts in Settings → Sound → Do Not Disturb → Exceptions.

3. Installing specialized anti-spyware utilities

To deeply scan the device for the presence of eavesdropping apps, we recommend using proven utilities. The Honor 8A the following solutions are compatible:

Application Functionality Features
Malwarebytes Malware scanner, spyware blocker Free version is limited to manual scanning
NetGuard Blocking network access for applications (including audio) Requires manual permission for each application
AppOps Advanced permission management (including microphone) Works without root, but some functions are limited
XPrivacyLua Data spoofing for applications (you can send "empty" sound) Requires root or ADB

For installation XPrivacyLua or similar tools will need to be activated Developer mode and used ADB. Instructions:

adb shell pm grant eu.faircode.xlua android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS

On Honor 8A with firmware EMUI 9.1.0 and newer, some anti-spyware utilities may conflict with the system Huawei Mobile Services. Before installation, create a backup copy of your data.

4. Physically blocking the microphone: radical methods

If software methods do not inspire confidence, consider hardware solutions. They are guaranteed to turn off the microphone, but will make calls through the speaker and voice input impossible.

  • 🔧 Disable the microphone through the engineering menu: enter the code ##2846579##, select Audio → Mic Test and deactivate the microphone (the method does not work on all versions EMUI).
  • 🛠️ Hardware modification: physically disconnecting the microphone contacts on the motherboard (requires disassembling the device and soldering skills).
  • 🎧 Using an external one headsets: connect headphones with a microphone and disable the built-in microphone in the sound settings.

To temporarily block the microphone, you can use magnetic case with a metallized tab covering the microphone hole. This method does not provide 100% protection, but complicates sound recording.

⚠️ Attention: Physically disconnecting the microphone. voids the warranty Honor 8A and may lead to malfunctions in the operation of the module NFC or speakers (on some modifications of the board).
How to check if the microphone is working after disconnecting?

Record a voice message in any messenger or use the built-in voice recorder. If the sound is not recorded, the microphone is successfully blocked. On some firmware, after a hardware shutdown, the Settings → System → About phone → Status microphone may be displayed as "faulty."

5. Firmware update and closing vulnerabilities

The manufacturer regularly releases security patches that close vulnerabilities that can be used for wiretapping. newer. To update: Honor 8A current firmware versions (at the time of writing) - EMUI 9.1.0.3xx and newer. To update:

  1. Go to Settings → System → Software update.

  2. If the update is not available via OTA, download the full firmware package from the official website Huawei (support section for the model JAT-LX1/LX2/LX3).

  3. For manual installation, use the Recovery mode (press Power + Volume Up with the phone turned off).

After updating, run reset to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset) to remove possible bookmarks from older versions of the software. This is especially important if the phone was purchased second-hand or used in a corporate environment. environment.

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Before updating, check the version EMUI in Settings → About phone. If the current firmware is older than 9.1.0.300, it contains critical vulnerabilities in the audio processing module (CVE-2021-22396).

6. Signs of spyware on Honor 8A

How to understand that the phone is really being tapped? Pay attention to the following symptoms:

  • 🔋 Unusual battery drain: the microphone consumes ~0.1–0.3 W/h in active mode. If your phone is draining 20-30% faster than usual for no apparent reason, this is a reason to check.
  • 📡 Network activity in background: Use Settings → Data trafficto track down apps that are transferring data without your knowledge.
  • 🔊 Noise in the dynamics: clicks, echoes or background noise during calls may indicate the operation of interceptor apps.
  • 📱 Spontaneous activation of the screen: if the phone “wakes up” without being touched, it may spyware starts.

For deep diagnostics, use ADBcommands:

adb shell dumpsys media.audio_flinger

adb shell ps -A | grep -i "mic\|audio\|record"

These commands will show active processes associated with audio recording. In the normal state, the list should be empty or contain only system services (for example, android.media.audiopolicy).

7. Alternative methods of protection: VPN and encryption

Even if the microphone is disabled, attackers can intercept sound through vulnerabilities in network protocols. To minimize risks:

  • 🔒 Use VPN: for example, ProtonVPN or WireGuard to encrypt traffic. This does not block wiretapping directly, but complicates the transfer of data to third parties.
  • 📁 Encrypt storage: activate encryption in Settings → Security → Phone encryption. This will protect the recorded files from being extracted during physical access to the device.
  • 🚫 Disable Huawei Mobile Services: if you do not use services Huawei, deactivate them in Settings → Applications → Huawei Mobile Services → Disable.

On Honor 8A the function is enabled by default Huawei Share, which can transfer data (including audio) to other devices Huawei by Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct. Disable it in Settings → Connected devices → Huawei Share.

8. What to do if wiretapping is confirmed?

If you find evidence of espionage (for example, unknown audio files in the phone's memory or network traffic to suspicious servers), follow the following algorithm:

  1. Isolate the device: disable Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth.

  2. Create a backup copy important data (photos, contacts) to external media by first scanning the files with an antivirus.

  3. Reset to factory settings settings via Settings → System → Reset.

  4. Install. custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), if you suspect bookmarks at the system level. For Honor 8A unofficial assemblies are available Android 10/11.

  5. Contact law enforcement agenciesif wiretapping is related to criminal actions (for example, blackmail).

On Honor 8A with a processor MediaTek Helio P35 some spyware may hide in a section /vendorthat is not cleared during a standard reset. Complete cleaning requires flashing via SP Flash Tool.

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If the phone was used to work with confidential information (bank data, corporate correspondence), after detecting wiretapping, it is recommended to replace the device - even after resetting the settings.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about listening on Honor 8A

Is it possible to disable the microphone only for specific applications?

Yes, in EMUI 9 this is done through Settings → Applications → Permissions → Microphone. However, some system applications (for example, Google Play Services) can bypass these restrictions. use full blocking XPrivacyLua (required root).

Is it true that Honor 8A spies on users by default?

There is no evidence that Honor 8A contains built-in wiretapping mechanisms out of the box. However, like all smartphones on Android, it collects telemetry (data about usage, errors) for Huawei. This data can be disabled in Settings → System → About phone → Report. errors.

How to check if the sound from the microphone is being transmitted over the network?

Use the application NetGuard or PCAPdroid to monitor traffic. Pay attention to packets sent to unknown IP addresses (especially to countries with which you do not interact). check via Wireshark on a PC by connecting the phone in the USB-ethernet.

Is it possible to disable the microphone at the kernel level without root?

No, to modify the kernel (kernel) you definitely need rootpermissions. Without them, maximum blocking is required. - at the level of application permissions or hardware (physical shutdown).

What applications are most often used for wiretapping?

According to Kaspersky (2023), the top spyware for Android: Cerberus, FlexiSPY, mSpy, as well as fake versions WhatsApp i Telegram. These apps disguise themselves as legitimate utilities (for example, "Battery Optimizer") and are distributed through third-party stores.