Can Someone Spy On My Phone Through Linked Contacts? How To Find Out & Stop Them

Do you suspect someone might be monitoring you through your linked contacts? Do you have an overbearing partner/spouse willing to invade your privacy at any cost? If you answered “yes” to these questions, your concerns are valid. 

However, it’s important to note that your partner/spouse might not be spying on you through the “Linked Contacts” feature because it wasn’t made for this. But I understand that this feature can be confusing if you don’t know what it does or what it’s for. 

I had a hard time understanding it myself until I combed the internet and made a few discoveries that I will share with you.

In this guide, I will clarify what “Linked Contact” actually is, dispel any misconceptions about its potential for spying, and explore alternative methods your partner or spouse might be using to discreetly monitor your phone. Let’s get started.

 Key Takeaways

• Your device can be linked to another device where your activities can be monitored and your information stolen.
• Linked contacts can’t be used to spy on you, but you can be spied on through many other different ways.
• Spyware can be installed on your device to get your information.

Understanding Linked Contacts

From my research, I discovered that Linked Contact is a feature on Android and iOS phones that basically allows you to link together multiple/separate contact entries of one specific person. 

For example, instead of saving Tom Jones’s WhatsApp number and Tom Jones’s call line separately, the Linked Contact feature allows you to link both numbers together to become one unified contact entry in your phonebook. 

In other words, the feature allows you to merge different numbers, emails, and other contact information of one person under just one contact for easy accessibility. My ex-girlfriend had multiple phone numbers for different purposes – WhatsApp, phone calls, and text messages. So, instead of having her different phone numbers scattered and saved all over the place in my phonebook, I had to link all her numbers to help me easily contact her when necessary.

Moreover, contrary to popular belief, you can’t use “Linked contacts” to link related but different contacts, such as those in your family or workplace. Before I knew what Linked Contacts meant, I accidentally linked three different contacts/people together under one contact. 

Unfortunately, I had a hard time identifying the owners of each number and who to contact at a given time. Then, it dawned on me that you can only link the same contacts to enjoy the full functionality of the feature. 

How To See Linked Contacts On iOS & Android Phones

To see contacts linked together on your iOS device, do the following:

1. Go to your phonebook or contact list and select a specific contact.

2. Scroll down to the last option.

There, you’ll see all contacts and iCloud accounts linked to that specific contact.

If you use an Android phone, here’s how to see linked contacts:

1. Go to your phonebook or contact list and select a specific contact.

2. Click on the three-dot vertical icon on the right side.

3. Select “View linked contacts.”

4. There, you’ll see the linked contacts belonging to that one specific user.

Can Someone Spy On My Phone Through Linked Contacts?

Someone cannot spy on your phone through linked contacts. Linked contacts make communication and mobile number organization better, but it isn’t considered an avenue for unauthorized access or spying on your phone. 

However, your phone activities can still be monitored by your partner/spouse, irrespective of their intentions, through other ways. I’ll explore them below; keep reading!

3 Ways Your Partner/Spouse Can Spy On Your Phone 

Since it is impossible to spy on your phone via LinkedIn Contacts, below are some other ways your partner could spy on you and invade your privacy.

Through Spy Apps

Spy apps like mSpy, uMobix, etc., can be installed on your device to monitor your activities and access your information. I always wondered how my ex-girlfriend always knew my whereabouts, even without me telling her, especially once I found out that “Linked Contacts” is not for spying. 

I got suspicious and thoroughly scanned my device to find out who or what was spilling the tea. Upon scanning my phone, I discovered an unusual app that I didn’t download. So, I asked her about it because she was the only one who ever had physical access to my phone. 

She denied it at first, but after probing further, she revealed how she cunningly found a way to install a spy app on my Android smartphone and was able to track my location stealthily. 

That was when it all made sense! Even the issues I noticed about my phone before questioning her were all signs that there was a spy app on my phone. They included:

• A sudden increase in mobile data and battery usage. 
• Frequent phone lagging and heating. 
• Constant mobile app crashes. 
• The presence of unknown apps I didn’t download myself.

If you notice any of the above signs, it could mean there’s a spy app on your mobile phone. But don’t worry, I got you. Below are a few steps you can take to rid your device of any spy apps and keep your phone safe:

• Run a scan for spyware using spyware detectors and uninstall any spy apps you find on your device.
• Regularly perform software updates on your device’s operating system and other installed apps. Such updates come with security patches that improve your device’s security framework.
• Install anti-spyware apps or antivirus software on your device to help detect and remove spyware/spy apps.
• Only download legitimate apps from trusted sources. The best practice is to download from the App Store or Google Play Store.
• Do not click on any links from unknown sources, whether via email or social media apps.
• Monitor your mobile data usage so you can identify any unusual decline that suggests there is a mobile spyware app on your cell phone.
• Do a factory reset on your device, but remember to back up important files before doing so. 

By Cloning Your SIM Card 

Sim card cloning may sound new to you, but believe me, it is a thing in the telecommunication industry! It is the process of creating an exact duplicate of an existing SIM card using the same information, verbatim. 

Cloning a SIM card may not be an easy task, but it is feasible. Your possessive partner/spouse can use any SIM clone software on the market to monitor all calls, texts, and even mobile banking services linked to your phone number. 

I once caught my ex-girlfriend trying to clone my SIM card using MOBILedit, a SIM card cloning toolkit with a SIM card reader, software application, and a rewritable card. To say I was shocked is an understatement. It was one of the redefining moments of our relationship, and I’m glad I got to know her intentions before the deed. 

In your case, you may not catch your partner in the act, but here are some signs to look for to know if your SIM card has been cloned:

• You are unable to make or receive phone calls or SMS messages.
• Your service provider instructs you to restart your phone.
• Your phone shows a different location when you use Find My iPhone or Google Find My Device.
• You’re unable to access your SIM card after switching off/on your phone because the SIM card pin has been changed.
• You discover calls are being made to unrecognized numbers from your cell phone when you check your call history and bill statement.

If your SIM card has unfortunately been cloned, here are some steps you can take to alleviate the situation:

• Contact your mobile service provider to report the cloning and request that they deactivate the SIM to prevent further unauthorized use of your number.
• You can un-clone your SIM card by requesting a new SIM and migrating your cloned number to the new SIM. This will render the cloned SIM useless.
• Reset the passwords and PINs of all your online accounts, including your financial and social media accounts.
• Check your financial accounts for any activities and promptly report any unrecognized transactions to respective authorities.

If you’re luckily not yet a victim of SIM card cloning, here are a few things to do to prevent your SIM from being cloned and used to spy on you:

• Do not make your mobile number the sole authentication method for your identity verification.
• Register for email alerts for your banking transactions to notice if there’s any suspicious activity going on.
• Use a strong PIN for your SIM lock.

Through WhatsApp’s “Linked Devices”

Another way my ex spied on me was to link my WhatsApp account to her WhatsApp desktop app. This way, she was able to read all my messages and listen to voice notes without my consent. 

Although this method is just for spying on your WhatsApp account alone and not your entire phone, it is important you take note of it and take necessary precautionary measures.

Here’s how to check if any device is linked to your WhatsApp account:

Using An Android Device

1. Open your WhatsApp app.

2. Click the three vertical dots icon at the top right section of the app.

3. Select “Linked Devices.”

4. There, you’ll see all devices linked to your account.

On An iOS Device

1. Open your WhatsApp app.

2. Click “Settings” at the bottom-right corner of the app.

3. Select “Linked Devices.”

There, you’ll see all devices linked to your account.

Note: You can always tap on the Linked device to disconnect it from your account to prevent your partner/spouse from spying on you any further.

What I Do Not Recommend: Do Not Install Spyware On Your Partner’s Device

Finding out my ex-girlfriend was spying on my phone while we were dating made me feel betrayed. It showed she never trusted me or my ability to remain committed to the relationship.

I don’t know if she suspected I was cheating, which I wasn’t, or if she was insecure or overprotective. Whatever the case, I didn’t dwell on the hurt or try to spy on her too as revenge. 

Instead, I focused on healing and finding ways to rid my device of the tools she used to spy on me. I also had to unlink her linked contacts, delete them from my contact list, and move on. 

Likewise, I don’t recommend that you install spyware on their device or use any other means to spy back on your partner. It is wrong and unethical. Instead, use the tips I shared in this guide to keep your device safe and stay positive.

FAQs

Spying Through Linked Contacts: Myth Or Fact? 

As I have explained above, spying through linked contacts is impossible and is only a myth. Despite the fact that it’s a myth, it is undeniable that your spouse/partner can spy on you in other ways. I was a victim, so you don’t have to be. To protect yourself from getting spied on:

• Don’t click on any unrecognized link or download a suspicious app.
• Avoid sharing personal information about yourself sparingly.
• Report any suspicious activities you notice on your device or SIM card to the appropriate authorities.

Let me know your thoughts and questions in the comment section, and share this guide with others who might find it useful.