According to Statista, there were 2.2 million mobile cyber attacks worldwide as of December 2022. Such alarming numbers have raised countless questions among users, with the query “Can someone hack my phone from my number?” ranking among the top Google search results.
We’ve done some research to see if it’s possible to collect private phone data using just phone numbers and what hackers can access. Read on to discover our key findings.
True Facts: Can Someone Hack a Phone With Just a Phone Number?
Many users are skeptical about the question, “Can someone hack a phone with just a phone number?” This misconception stems from the common belief that our SIM cards store minimal data available only to smartphone owners and network operators.
However, the reality is different. Apart from your mobile number, a phone’s SIM card can store:
- Current geolocation. Your cell phone carrier uses the signal strengths from cell towers to calculate your exact location
- Your ID (full name). Network operators link your name to a SIM card once you have registered it
- Your contacts. You can save up to 250 numbers on the SIM card.
- Message History. Older devices can save a limited number of messages on the SIM card.
While it’s true that your communication history is relatively private (with the caveat that governmental agencies can request ALL of your records if needed), anyone can access GPS locations and caller ID.
Yes, you read that right. With online-based tracking applications, anyone can locate your phone and determine your full name within minutes. No technical skills are required – such applications work as a regular search engine. The user simply types a phone number in a specific field, hits enter, and waits for the app to display a location pin on a map.
Our search for such apps took less time than you might think. We’ve tested many options, but only a few delivered accurate results. Here they are.
| Name | Compatible Devices | Features | Provides Accurate Data | Hidden Mode | Requires physical access |
| Localize.mobi | Android phones iPhones Old push-button phones | GPS Tracking Name Identification | Yes | Yes | No |
| Scannero.io | Android phones iPhones Old push-button phones | GPS tracking Name Identification | Yes | Yes | No |
| Detectico | Android phones iPhones | GPS Tracking | Yes | Yes | No |
Other Ways to Hack You With Your Phone Number
Web-based applications provide direct access to your location data and ID. However, they are not the only techniques to hack you with a phone number. Let’s explore some other methods.
- Phishing. If you ever received a suspicious SMS from an unknown number asking you to verify your banking account or something similar, it would almost certainly be a phishing attack. Hackers send you an SMS containing a phishing link to a fake login page. Once you input your credentials, the fake website records and forwards them to a third party.
- Social engineering. Hackers can deceive your acquaintances into sending them money by impersonating you. Some online messaging services allow users to enter any phone number as the sender’s ID and text an unlimited number of contacts.
- 2-FA cracking. Skilled hackers can bypass two-factor authentication and hack you with a phone number on social media. This method involves installing spyware that retrieves your text messages and emails. The trick lies in accessing the 2FA code before you do and logging into your account.
- Malware installation. Mobile malware attacks work like phishing, but there is a crucial difference. Instead of requesting login credentials, hackers send you a download link for an app that might catch your interest. If you install this app, giving it all the necessary permissions, you open a door for hackers to access your data remotely.
- SIM swapping. Hackers contact your cell phone provider and impersonate you to transfer your phone number to a new SIM card. Once they succeed, they can intercept any messages sent to your device.
- Forwarding scams. Hackers can trick you into activating call forwarding to their number, often through a deceptive text message or automated call. Once activated, they can receive all your incoming calls.
Can Someone Hack My Phone Without My Phone Number?
Methods of remote access to smartphone data don’t stop at number tracking or scams. Indeed, such attacks have been losing effectiveness over the years as users become more aware of them.
However, hackers have developed new fraudulent schemes where your phone isn’t required at all.
To answer your question, “Can someone hack my phone Without My Phone Number?”, we’ve compiled a list of the most common remote hacking techniques along with ways to protect your data.
3 Ways to Access Phone Data Remotely
Spy Apps
Target devices: Android, iOS
Visible: No
Would you use multi-layered coding methods or risky scam schemes if more straightforward tools were available? Hackers think the same way.
Spy apps can be quickly installed on any smartphone regardless of the operating system – no technical skills are required. Users simply choose software that offers the necessary toolset, create an online account and connect it to the target phone remotely. The app then sends the recorded data to a cloud database, accessible from any Internet-connected device.
With a spy app, malicious actors won’t need to hack you with a phone number because it retrievers much more information than any other tool can. This includes:
- Call logs and contacts
- Live GPS location
- Chats on social media and IMs
- Browsing history
- Photos & videos
- Passwords
- And more
On top of that, most spy apps run in Stealth mode, meaning you won’t find them on a main screen or settings. Only a malware scan of a factory reset may help in removing it.
Wi-Fi Spyware
Target devices: Android, iOS
Visible: No
Methods on how can your phone number get hacked often exploit mobile networks to distribute malicious links. However, open Wi-Fi networks pose an even greater threat because you can’t tell who’s accessing your data.
Once you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, hackers can detect your smartphone and install monitoring software without you knowing. Moreover, even iPhones, considered more secure than other devices, aren’t immune to Wi-Fi spy apps.
iCloud hacking
Target devices: iOS
Visible: Yes
If you’re wondering how can someone hack a phone with just a phone number or Apple ID, the answer is simple: iCloud. It stores messages, contacts, browsing history, notes, and even current location – almost all the data synced from your iPhone. If you haven’t secured your iCloud with two-factor authentication, hackers can easily break into your account and access your private information remotely.
However, this method is not foolproof (for hackers, thankfully). For starters, you might notice an unfamiliar device listed in your Apple ID settings. Additionally, an iOS system will send you a notification about unauthorized access.
How to Prevent Phone Hacking
Unfortunately, you can’t predict when someone might attempt to hack you with your phone number. Thus, it’s a good idea to take precautionary measures to safeguard your data from malicious attacks:
- Install a robust antimalware app. We recommend opting for Norton 360, Avast, or Bitdefender. These solutions can eradicate viruses and malware in real time, notifying you of potential threats.
- Set up a strong password and two-factor authentication for your iCloud account. Change it every three months.
- Avoid connecting to open Wi-Fi networks.
- Do not click on links shared by unknown contacts.
- Keep your phone private on social media platforms.
- Do not use reverse lookup services that may request your phone number, such as GetContact.
Conclusion
Many users are skeptical about the question, “Can someone hack my phone number? ” However, it’s possible. Web-based applications track your GPS location, phishing links steal banking credentials, and spy apps track online activities. To prevent security breaches, opt for reputable antivirus software and be vigilant about the data you’re downloading.
