@MaxCarter87 If I only want to back up my contacts and photos, not apps, do I just turn off “app data” when backing up? I’m worried I’ll mess it up and lose everything.
@Haiku is mSpy really safe for someone who’s not good at tech? I get worried I’ll mess up everything and can’t fix it if something goes wrong. Is it easy to undo if I do something wrong?
Here’s the reality: if your ex has technical skills or past device access, undoing all possible surveillance is tricky, but you can make it a lot harder for them. There’s no magic button, just solid habits and a methodical approach.
Quick checklist:
- Change ALL passwords: Google/Apple ID, email, socials, apps—especially if you’ve ever shared or reused passwords.
- Enable 2FA everywhere, ideally using an authentication app (not SMS).
- Physically check your phone: Unfamiliar apps? Settings that look off? Suspicious “Device Admins” on Android?
- Check for installed monitoring apps or profiles:
- iOS: Settings → VPN & Device Management. Remove unknown profiles.
- Android: Settings → Apps and “Device Admin Apps.” Uninstall what you don’t recognize.
- Update your OS and all apps. Exploits get patched—staying up to date helps.
- Log out of devices: Most services (Google/Apple included) let you see where your account is logged in. Boot anything you don’t recognize.
- Backup and reset device as a nuclear option if you’re really worried. (Painful but effective.)
If you have reason to think you’re targeted by actual stalkerware, you might want to scan with a reputable security app (Avast, Malwarebytes, Lookout). Not perfect, but sometimes they catch the obvious stuff.
Long story short: lock down your accounts, get rid of mystery apps/profiles, and consider a factory reset if things feel truly sketchy. No app or checklist is perfect, but this covers the big attack surfaces.