Detection of apps and devices
Who's Spying On Me has two components to detect stalking: Stalkerware Detection and Device Scanner.
Stalkerware Detection
Stalkerware Detection is a component that's always on: it automatically identifies stalkerware during full and quick device scans for threats. For it to work as intended, all you need to do is promptly update anti-virus databases (you can set up automatic database updates). Or, if you'd like to scan your device on your own, you can perform full or quick scans manually. If the app detects stalkerware, you'll be notified and will be able to take action.
We don't recommend deleting stalkerware from your device before you can assess the situation: doing this may provoke the person who installed it. You can use another device (for instance, a computer at the library) to look for help.
Device Scanner
Device Scanner automatically and regularly scans your surroundings for wireless Bluetooth devices that can be used to track your movements. Device Scanner detects devices around you, identifies their location and signal strength, and then compares it to your location.
If Device Scanner locates the same device near you for a certain period of time, it marks this device as suspicious and creates a corresponding card for it.
What if the app finds a suspicious device?
If a suspicious device is found, the created card lets you:
- See details about the device: its name and type (smart tag, headphones, etc.), as well as the first and last time it was detected.
- See on map where it was first detected. This might help you remember the circumstances when the device was planted or who was near you at that time.
- If the app detects a device that belongs to you, you can mark it as a trusted device. The app will not alert you about trusted devices.
- Read instructions on how to turn off the suspicious device.
We strongly advise you to not turn off the device before you assess the situation and seek help, if needed. Hastily turning off the device may escalate the situation.
- Learn what to do in case you're being stalked and where to seek help. The link will take you to the Coalition Against Stalkerware website, where you can not only learn more about stalking and stalkerware, but also find a list of organizations that you can contact for help.
- Delete all information about the device if you don't need it anymore.
Any information will be lost forever. We recommend you don't delete information about devices that don't belong to you, as it may be useful in the future.
If the settings are correct, the Scanner will detect devices automatically. That said, if something worries you, you can always start a manual scan.
To run a manual scan for planted devices:
- Tap Who's Spying On Me either on the Home screen or the All features screen.
- Tap the Check for stalking button to run a scan for devices around you.