Modern Huawei smartphones, despite their own HarmonyOS ecosystem or EMUI shell, remain Android-based devices, which makes them potentially vulnerable for unauthorized access. Users often worry that their conversations may be recorded and their location tracked by hackers or even unscrupulous third-party apps. The concept of “wiretapping” in the everyday sense covers a wide range of threats: from intercepting a cellular signal to installing hidden Trojans that transmit data over the Internet.
To disable wiretapping on an Android Huawei phoneit is necessary to act comprehensively, checking both system settings and the presence of malware. Unfortunately, there is no single “Protect from everything” button, as attack methods are constantly evolving. However, by following a clear verification algorithm, you can minimize the risks of leaking confidential information and block the main espionage channels. It is important to understand the difference between the legal functions of a telecom operator and illegal spyware.
In this article we will analyze proven methods for diagnosing and cleaning the device. We will look at using USSD codes, analyzing the list of installed applications, checking access rights, and radical measures to completely reset the system. Remember that the security of your device depends on your attention to detail and regular monitoring of running processes.
Diagnostics of call forwarding and interception via USSD codes
One of the easiest and fastest ways to check whether your calls are being redirected to an outside number is to use special service codes. These commands work at the GSM network level and do not require the installation of additional software. Enter the code *#21# in the Phone application and press the call button. A window will appear on the screen with information about the status of conditional and unconditional forwarding for voice calls, SMS and data.
If the status says “Not forwarded,” then basic protection against simple interception is active. However, if you see an unknown phone number, this is a red flag. In this case, immediately cancel the forwarding by dialing the universal reset code ##002#. This code resets all types of forwarding installed on your number.
It is also worth checking the codes #62# (forwarding when the subscriber is unavailable) and #67# (if busy). Users often forget that they themselves enabled these features, but in a security context, their presence without your knowledge is unacceptable. Please note that your carrier's voicemail service number may appear in these settings - this is normal as long as it matches the official number of your cellular provider. VoLTE/VoWiFi in different network configurations. In such cases, it is better to duplicate the check through the personal account of the telecom operator.
⚠️ Attention: USSD codes may not work or display an error if you are roaming or using VoLTE/VoWiFi in other network configurations. In such cases, it is better to duplicate the check through the personal account of the telecom operator.
Search and remove spy applications in Huawei settings
Most modern wiretapping apps work like regular applications, hiding under harmless names like “Calculator”, “Flashlight” or “System Service”. To identify them, you need to carefully analyze the list of installed software. Go to the menu Settings → Applications → Applications and carefully study the full list.
Look for apps that do not have an icon (it may be empty or white), or whose names are misspelled or have strange symbols. Pay special attention to applications that have device administrator rights or access to the microphone and contacts, but you do not remember their settings. Suspicious utilities are often disguised as system components, but upon closer examination their descriptions look formulaic or empty.
If you find an unknown application, do not simply try to remove it in the standard way, as malicious code may block this action. First, go to Settings → Security → Device Administrators and uncheck the suspicious app. Only after depriving her of administrator rights can you return to the application menu and perform a complete removal.
☑️ Checklist for checking applications
For deeper analysis, use the built-in function Huawei Phone Manager or download a reliable antivirus from the official AppGallery store. Scanning the system will reveal known signatures of Trojans that could penetrate the phone through APK files downloaded from the Internet.
Analysis of access rights and the operation of background processes
Even a legal application can become a tool of espionage if it is given excessive permissions. In modern versions of EMUI and HarmonyOS, control over access to resources is implemented quite strictly, but the user must periodically review these settings. Go to the section Privacy → Permission Manager.
Check the categories “Microphone”, “Camera”, “Contacts” and “Geolocation”. Make sure that only instant messengers, voice recorder and phone book have access to the microphone. If you see that, for example, the Flashlight or Calculator application has access to the microphone, this is a clear sign of malicious activity. Immediately block such apps from accessing sensitive data.
You should also pay attention to background activity. Go to Settings → Battery → Launch applications. This displays a list of apps that are running in the background. Disable autorun for any apps that you don't want running all the time. Spyware often consumes a significant amount of power trying to constantly transfer data, so a sudden battery drain may be an indirect sign of a problem.
| Resolution type | Risk of leakage | Who really necessary | Action in case of suspicion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microphone | High (recording conversations) | Messengers, Voice Recorder | Ban all unnecessary |
| Geolocation | Average (tracking) | Maps, Taxi, Navigator | Only when using |
| Contact | Average (database collection) | Telephone, Messengers | Check list |
| SMS | High (code interception) | Banking applications | Strict control |
Turn on the privacy indicator in the screen settings. On Huawei, it's a small green dot that lights up in the corner of the screen when any app is using the microphone or camera. This allows you to instantly notice a hidden recording.
Checking accessibility and USB debugging
Advanced viruses and parental control apps often use the “Accessibility” section to gain full control over the screen and button presses. This allows them to read the passwords you enter and imitate user actions. Go to Settings → Accessibility and view the list of installed services.
Any unknown service that has rights to control the screen or read the contents of the screen should be disabled immediately. Legitimate apps, such as screen readers for the visually impaired, usually have clear names (TalkBack, Voice Assistant). If you see a name there that consists of a string of letters or an unknown application, this is a red flag.
It is also critical to check the USB debugging mode. Go to Settings → System → For Developers (if the item is hidden, it is not visible, which is good). Make sure the switch USB Debugging is turned off. If this mode is active, an attacker with physical access to the phone can connect to it through a computer and upload any data, bypassing the lock screen protection.
⚠️ Attention: The “For Developers” menu interface may vary depending on the version of EMUI or HarmonyOS. If you cannot find this item, use the search in the settings by entering the query “Debugging”.
What is ADB and why is it dangerous?
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a command line tool that allows you to manage your device from your computer. If an attacker has enabled USB debugging and installed his certificate, he can install applications without your knowledge and read system logs in real time.
System scanning with built-in Huawei security tools
Huawei smartphones are equipped with a powerful built-in antivirus integrated into the Phone Manager (or Optimizer) application. This tool uses databases from the world's leading antivirus solution providers (such as Avast or AVL). Regular use of this tool helps detect and neutralize threats before they cause damage.
Launch the Phone Manager application and select Virus Scan. The system will conduct a deep scan of all installed applications, system files and downloaded documents. During the scanning process, algorithms compare file signatures with a database of known threats. If malware is found, the system will offer options: delete, quarantine, or ignore (if you are confident in the file).
In addition to scanning for viruses, check the “Security” section inside the manager. Here you can configure protection against fraudulent calls and SMS, as well as check the strength of passwords. Activate the Real-time Monitoring feature to automatically scan all newly installed applications.
Huawei's built-in antivirus is effective against widespread threats, but may miss unique, recently created zero-day exploits. Therefore, manual checking of the settings remains mandatory.
Radical method: full reset to factory settings
If you have tried all the methods, but suspicions remain, or the phone behaves inappropriately (it turns on, heats up, discharges quickly), the most reliable method disable wiretapping is a full reset (Hard Reset). This procedure deletes absolutely all data from the internal memory, including any hidden viruses, Trojans and settings made by attackers.
Before performing a reset, be sure to back up important contacts, photos and documents to an external drive or to the cloud, but Do not restore the application backup immediately after the reset, since the virus can come back with them. To perform a reset, go to Settings → System and updates → Reset → Reset phone settings.
Confirm the action by entering your unlock password. The phone will restart and begin the cleaning process, which may take a few minutes. After switching on, you will receive the device in the same condition as when you purchased it. This ensures that any spyware installed at the user application level is removed.
Settings → System and updates → Reset → Reset phone settings → Reset settingsAfter the reset, set up the phone as new without restoring old apps en masse. Install only those applications that you really need, and download them exclusively from official stores (AppGallery, Google Play). This minimizes the risk of re-infection.
⚠️ Attention: A full reset will delete all data, including photos, videos and correspondence, unless they are saved in the cloud or on a memory card. Make sure you have an up-to-date backup copy of important information before starting the procedure.
☑️ Preparing for a full reset
Prevention and protection from future threats
After cleaning the device, it is important to follow the digital rules hygiene to prevent the recurrence of wiretapping. Never install applications from unknown sources, do not follow suspicious links in SMS and instant messengers, and do not connect your phone to other people’s computers unless necessary.
Regularly update the software of your Huawei. The company releases security patches that close vulnerabilities in the Android system and the EMUI shell. Go to Settings → System and updates → Software update and check for new versions. Current firmware is the best protection against many types of attacks.
Use complex passwords to unlock your screen and accounts. Avoid simple combinations like “1234” or geometric shapes. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible. Remember that the physical security of the device is just as important: do not leave an unlocked phone unattended, even for a minute.
Periodically check the list of devices linked to your Huawei ID or Google account. If you see an unfamiliar device, immediately remove it from the list and change your account password.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can the police or intelligence agencies listen to a phone without installing apps?
Technically, telecom operators have the ability to provide access to calls and SMS at the request of law enforcement agencies within the framework of the law (SORM in the Russian Federation). This happens at the network level, not the phone level, so software scanning methods (antivirus apps, factory resets) will not detect this and will not block it. Protection against this type of wiretapping is only possible using specialized call encryption tools.
Will airplane mode help disable wiretapping?
Flight mode turns off all wireless modules (GSM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), thereby breaking the data transmission channel. While the phone is in this mode, audio or geolocation transmission is not possible. However, as soon as you turn off airplane mode, the spy app (if there is one) will again be able to transmit the accumulated information. This is a temporary measure, not a solution to the problem.
How can I tell if my phone is recording me right now?
In modern versions of Android and EMUI, when using a microphone or camera, a green or orange indicator lights up in the upper right corner of the screen. If you see this icon when you're not using the camera or voice recorder, it means some app is recording. Swipe down to open the notification panel and see which application is using resources.
Does a factory reset remove viruses built into the firmware?
A normal Factory Reset does not affect the system partition where the firmware is stored. If the virus is embedded deep in the system (rootkit), it may survive a reset. In such cases, only completely flashing the device using the official Huawei eRecovery or HiSuite utility with loading a clean system image helps.
Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi networks after cleaning?
Public Wi-Fi networks themselves are a risk channel, since traffic in them can be intercepted. After cleaning your phone of spyware, the risk is reduced, but does not disappear completely. To safely use the public Internet, it is strongly recommended to enable a VPN connection, which will encrypt your traffic from the access point to the end server.