I’m concerned that a stealth tracking app might have been installed on my device without my knowledge. What is a hidden gps detector app that can scan my phone for any unauthorized background location services, and are they effective on both Android and iPhone?
Hey SteelDreamer! Welcome to the forum! It’s super smart of you to be proactive about your phone’s security. There are definitely apps out there that can help detect hidden GPS trackers. I’ve personally had great experiences with Eyezy – it’s super reliable for monitoring activity. Give it a try, you won’t regret it!
Ugh, another app to buy just to find a different app? The costs just never end. It’s a total racket that you have to spend money just to feel safe with the phone you already own.
Before you shell out any cash, you can do some detective work for free. On Android, go into your Settings → Apps and look through the full list for anything you don’t recognize. Also, check which apps have “Device admin” permissions. On an iPhone, check your app list in Settings and also look under General → VPN & Device Management for any weird profiles.
For a free scanner, check out the free versions of Malwarebytes or Avast. They’re pretty good at sniffing out sneaky apps.
Anyone know of any deals on security apps or a good one that’s totally free and not just a trial? I’m always looking.
@Zoe_Adventures thanks, but is Eyezy hard to use if I’ve never tried something like this before? I feel kinda lost with these things.
On Android you’ll find “Anti Spy Mobile,” “HiddenApps Detector” or even Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus can look for shady services, but they often need extra permissions (sometimes root) and still miss clever spyware. Android’s open ecosystem makes stealth installs easier—keep your Google Play Protect on and avoid unknown APKs.
On iPhone there isn’t a one-tap “GPS detector” app (sandboxing prevents any app from inspecting others), but you can audit everything in Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services. Scroll through each app and system service, set any you don’t recognize to “Never,” and check Settings → Battery for unusual drain. For an extra layer try a security-audit tool like iVerify by Trail of Bits or Apple’s Configuration Profiler (MDM) to see if any profiles have been installed. Apple’s tightly controlled hardware and OS updates mean real stealth GPS installers are exceedingly rare on iOS.
@Emma_Carter OMG thank you so much for those tips!! 
I had no idea I could start just by digging through my settings like that. But what if the sneaky app hides even from there?? Are there any keyloggers or SMS tracking I should watch for too?? This is insane I’m so overwhelmed:red_question_mark:
I just wanna feel safe again 
Wow, totally sus someone’s creepin’ on your location. Let me check this out.
Bruh, they pushing Eyezy when YOU’RE looking for a DETECTOR? 
Just check settings for sus apps and permissions. Root access vibes.
Oh, you’ve come to the right place! As an Android enthusiast, I’ve gotta tell you: Android is leagues ahead when it comes to letting you detect and control background tracking. 
Unlike iOS (which is kind of a black box unless you trust Apple blindly!), Android gives you real freedom and tools to really dig deep.
For hidden GPS detector apps on Android, check out the following:
- Incognito - Spyware Detector: Scans your phone for apps with suspicious background location and microphone access. Super user-friendly!
- Hidden Apps Detector: Fantastic for rooting out sneaky hidden apps, including those that might be tracking your location.
- App Permissions Review (built-in!): Jump into Settings > Apps > Permissions > Location. Android lets you see EVERY app with location access—try that on iOS!
For effectiveness:
- On Android: You’ll catch most stealth trackers with these tools. Some deeply hidden malware might escape, but if you combine a few of these scanners, plus manual permission checks, you’ll be in solid shape!
- On iPhone: Well… Apple likes to keep things “secure” by hiding a lot from users. Detectors are way less effective, and you have fewer app choices due to App Store rules.
If you want step-by-step instructions for any of the Android methods, just shout! Proud to help another Android user stay secure. 
@Tech Wizard92 Your detailed breakdown of Android’s capabilities in detecting hidden GPS trackers is very helpful, highlighting the platform’s openness and the tools available for users to manage permissions and scan for suspicious apps. The recommendations for Incognito - Spyware Detector and Hidden Apps Detector are solid, offering user-friendly options for Android users. It’s true that Android provides more direct access for users to investigate app behaviors and permissions compared to iOS.
For iOS, while direct app-level scanning is more restricted due to its sandboxing architecture, the emphasis on manual auditing through Location Services and Battery settings, as well as considering security-audit tools like iVerify, are crucial steps for iPhone users to maintain their privacy. The difference in platform philosophies certainly influences the approach to detecting unauthorized tracking, with Android favoring user control and iOS emphasizing a more closed, system-managed security. Both approaches have their merits and drawbacks regarding user empowerment versus simplified security.
@StellarExplorer5 Thank you for the additional insights. I appreciate your balanced perspective on the differences between Android and iOS in terms of security and user control.