How to completely remove surveillance on an Android phone: 7 working methods

Your smartphone Android knows more about you than you think. Even if you haven't installed any suspicious apps, the system by default collects data about your location, online activity, contacts, and even usage habits. Device manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel), search engines and social networks actively monetize this information through targeted advertising. But the real problem begins when third parties gain access to this data - through hidden services, vulnerabilities or spyware.

In this article we will look at all possible sources of surveillance devices and show how to disable them without losing functionality. You will learn what settings are hidden in the developer menu, how to detect Android-devices and show you how to disable them without losing functionality. You will learn what settings are hidden in the developer menu, how to detect spyware (including Pegasus, Cerberus or mSpy), and why even a factory reset does not always solve the problem. All methods have been tested on current versions Android 14/15 and do not require superuser rights (root).

We warn you right away: some functions (for example, Google Play Services or Find My Device) are critical to the operation of the device. Disabling them can lead to failures in updates, notifications or access to services. We will indicate what can be safely deactivated and what is better to replace with analogues. Google. We will indicate what can be safely deactivated and what is better replaced with analogues.

1. by default

Smartphone manufacturers integrate dozens of tools for collecting data. Some of them are necessary for the operation of services (for example, Google integrate into Android dozens of data collection tools. Some of them are necessary for the operation of services (for example, Google Play Protect scans applications for viruses), but most are used for analytics and advertising. These are the key “components” of the system. surveillance:

• 📍 Geolocation: even with GPS turned off, the device determines location using Wi-Fi networks and cell towers. This data is used by Google Maps, Yandex.Maps messengers.
• 📊 Usage Analytics: records which apps you open, how long you use them and at what time. This data is sold to advertising networks.
• 🔍 Activity log: Google saves the history of searches, voice commands (Google Assistant), views on YouTube and even text messages (if enabled). synchronization).
• 📱 Device identifiers: Android ID, Advertising ID and IMEI link you to a profile in advertising systems. They cannot be completely deleted, but can be reset.

The easiest way to see what data collects Google, - go to the page "My activity" (authorization required). There you will find a chronology of all actions, including deleted messages in Gmail or voice requests. Be surprised how much information there is!

⚠️ Attention: Disable analytics collection in settings Android does not guarantee complete anonymity. Manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi or Huawei) often ignore these restrictions and send data to their servers. Complete blocking will require manual configuration. data-i="74">Attention:

2. Disable data collection in Android settings

Start with basic privacy settings. Most options are hidden in the depths of the menu, but disabling them will take no more than 10 minutes. The instructions are suitable for all devices on Android 10 and newer (including Samsung One UI, MIUI, ColorOS).

2.1. privacy

1. Go to Settings → Privacy (on some devices the section is called Security and privacy).
2. Disable options:
   • 🔄 Advertising personalization (or Advertising ID) - this does not block advertising, but makes it less targeted.
   • 📱 Sending diagnostic data (can be called Android improvements or Error reports).
   • 🗺️ Location history —even if GPS is turned off, Google saves approximate coordinates.

In the Application permissions section, check which apps have access to camera, microphone and contacts. Revoke rights from unnecessary applications.

2.2. Resetting advertising and device identifiers

Advertising ID is a unique code that advertising networks use to track your activity between applications. It can be reset, but it will be restored after a reboot. data-i="110">Open

1. Open Settings → Google → Advertising (or search through settings).
2. Click Reset advertising identifier and confirm the action.
3. Activate the option Disable ad personalization.

To reset Android ID (deeper identifier) you will need Reset to factory settings or use ADB commands (we'll talk about this below).

2.3. Blocking background activity of applications

Many applications (for example, Facebook, TikTok or AliExpress) continue to collect data even when you are not using it. To limit it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Select a suspicious application → Battery → Limited mode (or Optimization).
3. Disable Background activity and Autostart.

⚠️ Attention: Limiting background activity for instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) will lead to delays in receiving notifications. For them, it is better to use separate settings in the application itself.

3 How to detect and. remove spyware

If your phone suddenly begins to discharge faster, heats up for no reason, or shows suspicious activity on the network, it may have the following apps installed: spyware. Such apps can:

• 🕵️‍♂️ Intercept SMS and calls (for example, FlexiSPY or mSpy).
• 📸 Take hidden photos/videos through the camera.
• 🎤 Record conversations through the microphone.
• 📍 Track location in real time.

It is difficult to detect them, since they are disguised as system processes (for example, com.android.system or google.play.updateHere's how to find them:

3.1 Checking installed ones. applications

1. Open Settings → Applications → Show all applications.
2. Sort the list by installation date - spyware is often installed in the background.
3. Check applications with suspicious names:
   • Device Test, System Update, Android Service —popular “covers” for spies.
   • com.sec.android.app.launcher (if you do not have Samsung).
   • Any applications with rights device administrator (see Settings → Security → Device administrators).

3.2. Scanning for viruses and hidden processes

Standard antiviruses (Avast, Kaspersky) often miss spyware, since it is not classified as a virus:

Application	What is looking for	Link (Play Market)	Features
Malwarebytes	Spies, keyloggers, advertising Trojans	Download	Free version scans but does not remove threats
CertiK OS	Hidden processes, data leaks	Download	Requires root for deep scanning
Hidden Device Admin Detector	Applications with administrator rights	Download	Even system administrators show it

If the antivirus did not find anything, but suspicions remain, check network activity via NetGuard or PCAPdroid. These applications show which apps are transferring data in the background.

What does spyware look like in the list of processes?

It often disguises itself as system services, for example:

- com.android.backup (if you did not make a backup)

- google.process.location (if GPS is turned off)

- system.update.service (if there are no updates)

If you see such processes with high traffic consumption, this is a cause for concern.

4. ADB commands for deep cleaning (without root)

If standard methods do not help, use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) a debugging tool that allows you to manage system settings without superuser rights. It is safe if you follow the instructions.

For work you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 📱 Turned on USB debugging on the phone (Settings → About phone → Build number - press 7 times, then go back to Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging).
• 🔌 Cable USB-Type C (preferably original).

4.1. Removing unnecessary system applications

Many manufacturers install built-in spies under the guise of “useful” services. For example, Xiaomi collects data through com.miui.analytics, A Samsung - via com.sec.android.app.launcher. You can delete them with the command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 package name

List of potentially dangerous packages (check their presence with the command adb shell pm list packages | grep "name"):

• com.google.android.gms — Google Play Services (cannot be deleted, but can be limited).
• com.miui.analytics — analytics Xiaomi.
• com.huawei.android.hsf — services Huawei.
• com.sec.android.app.launcher —launcher Samsung (may contain trackers).

⚠️ Attention: Removing system packages may lead to failures! Before executing commands, make a backup via adb backup or Titanium Backup (requires root). Do not delete packages with names android, media or settings.

4.2. Resetting device identifiers

To reset Android ID and other unique labels without resetting the phone, use commands:

adb shell settings put global advertising_id [new_ID]
adb shell settings put secure android_id [new_ID]

Where [new_ID] — any random string of 16 characters (for example, 1234567890abcdef).After completion, reboot the device.

adb shell settings get global advertising_id
adb shell settings get secure android_id

This will help ensure that you are changing the correct parameters.-->

5. Alternative firmware and custom ROMs

If you are ready to go further, than standard settings, consider installing custom firmware without built-in trackers. This is a radical method, but it gives complete control over the device.

Popular firmware without surveillance:

• 🛡️ GrapheneOS - the most secure firmware, recommended by Edward Snowden. Blocks all trackers Google, but requires a compatible device (Google Pixel).
• 🔒 CalyxOS - similar GrapheneOS, but with pre-installed privacy applications (Signal, Tor).
• 📱 LineageOS - “pure” Android without blockware, but without built-in tools protection against surveillance.

For installation you will need:

1. Unlock bootloader (will lead to data reset!).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP).
3. Flash the selected firmware and GApps (if services are needed Google).

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware will void the warranty and may lead to the device being bricked. On some models (Samsung with Knox, Xiaomi with a locked bootloader) the process is complicated. Before you begin, read the instructions for your model on forum XDA Developers.

6. Additional measures: VPN, DNS and firewall. data-i="262">Even after disabling all trackers, your traffic can be intercepted via

Even after disabling all trackers, your traffic may be intercepted through Internet provider or public Wi-Fi networks. To close this loophole:

6.1. data-i="266">VPN encrypts your traffic and hides your real IP address. But not all services are equally useful:

A VPN encrypts your traffic and hides your real IP address. But not all services are equally useful:

VPN	Blocking trackers	Logging	Free plan
ProtonVPN	Yes (NetShield)	No	Yes (limited to 3 countries)
Mullvad	Yes	No	No
Windscribe	Yes (ROBERT)	Partially	Yes (10 GB/month)

Set up VPN on permanent connection (in the application settings) and enable the ad/tracker blocking option.

6.2. Changing DNS to secure servers

Default DNS servers (usually provided by your provider) can log your requests. Replace them with:

• 🔒 Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 (blocks malicious sites).
• 🛡️ Quad9: 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112 (filters phishing).
• 🌍 AdGuard DNS: 94.140.14.14 and 94.140.15.15 (blocks ads and trackers).

To change DNS:

1. Go to Settings → Network and Internet → Private DNS.
2. Select Private DNS hostname and enter dns.adguard.com (for AdGuard DNS).

6.3. Local firewall for blocking connections

Applications NetGuard or AFWall+ (requires root) allow you to block network access for individual apps. For example, you can prohibit Facebook from using the Internet in the background or completely. disable Google Play Services from data transfer.

Settings NetGuard:

1. Install from F-Droid (version from Play Market is less functional).
2. Enable Traffic Filtering and Logging.
3. Block Internet access for suspicious applications (for example, com.android.providers.partnerbookmarks).

7. What to do if nothing helps

If after all the manipulations you still suspect surveillance, perhaps the problem is deeper:

• 🕵️‍♂️ Hardware bookmarks: some devices (especially budget Chinese smartphones) contain chips for remote access. They can only be detected by physically opening them.
• 📡 IMEI tracking: cellular operators track devices by IMEI. You can only replace it programmatically (requires root) or by purchasing a new phone.
• 🔄 Firmware updates: manufacturers can return trackers via OTA updates. data-i="320">Firmware updates Settings → System → System update.

In extreme cases:

1. Run full reset to factory settings formatting the internal memory (Settings → System → Reset).
2. After reset do not restore data from backup —it may contain spyware.
3. Install only necessary applications from F-Droid or Aurora Store (alternative Play Market without trackers).

⚠️ Attention: If you suspect targeted surveillance (for example, by intelligence agencies or professional hackers), none of the described methods do not provide 100% protection. In this case, it is recommended to purchase a new device, use GrapheneOS and completely abandon the services Google.

1) Hardware bookmark in the phone.

2) Remote access through a vulnerability in firmware.

3) Surveillance by the telecom operator (SIM card replacement required).-->

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about surveillance on Android

❓ Is it possible to completely remove surveillance without root access?

Yes, but with limitations. You can disable most trackers through settings, ADB commands and alternative services (for example, replace Google Maps to OsmAnd). However, some system processes (for example Google Play Services) cannot be completely removed without root. There also remains the risk of surveillance through IMEI or hardware bookmarks.

❓ How to check whether the phone is transmitting data in the background?

Use applications NetGuard or PCAPdroid to monitor traffic. They show which apps connect to servers Google, Facebook or unknown IP addresses. Pay attention to:

• 📡 Unexpected connections to googleapis.com or facebook.com.
• 🔄 Regular requests to servers in China or the USA (if you do not use the corresponding services).
• 📤 Large volume of outgoing traffic (more than 100 MB/hour) without actively using the phone.

❓ Which applications most often spy on users?

According to research Exodus Privacy and Top10VPN, the leaders in the number of trackers are:

1. Facebook and Instagram —up to 14 trackers in one application.
2. TikTok —collects data on location, contacts, and even screen taps.
3. AliExpress, Shein —track purchases and views for targeted advertising.
4. UC Browser, APUS Launcher —Chinese applications with hidden analytics.
5. Truecaller —uploads your phone book to its servers.

Even popular games (PUBG Mobile, Free Fire) contain trackers to collect data about the device.

❓ Can surveillance be done through a SIM card?

Yes, operators cellular communications are tracked:

• 📍 Location via communication towers (even if GPS is turned off).
• 📞 Methods calls and SMS (numbers, time, duration).
• 🌐 Traffic (when using mobile data).

To minimize risks:

• Use virtual SIM (for example, Google Voice or eSIM from Airalo).
• Disable location services from the operator (call support).
• Use second SIM card for important calls (for example, Tele2 or Yota without reference to a passport).

❓ How to protect yourself from surveillance via Wi-Fi?

Public Wi-Fi networks (in cafes, airports) are often used for MITM attacks (traffic interception). data-i="396">or

• 🔒 Always use VPN (For example, ProtonVPN or Mullvad).
• 🚫 Disable auto-connect to open networks (Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Auto-connect).
• 🛡️ Use DNS-over-HTTPS (in Firefox or Bromite).
• 📵 Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetoothwhen they are not needed.

Avoid entering passwords or opening important sites (banks, social networks) on public networks.