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Security

What to do if your device may be hacked

Unknown apps, strange pop-ups, fast battery drain or unusual account activity can be warning signs.

3 min read
Customer problem My phone or laptop is acting strangely and I am worried it may be hacked or compromised. High if money, email or work accounts are involved
Do now
  • Change important passwords from a trusted device.
  • Check linked devices and remove unknown ones.
  • Update the phone/laptop.
  • Contact your bank if payment details may be involved.
Do not do
  • Do not install more apps from pop-ups.
  • Do not share verification codes.
  • Do not ignore unknown device-login alerts.
TECHHELP can help with
  • Check suspicious apps, profiles and settings.
  • Help choose backup/reset options.
  • Guide device security basics after suspicious activity.
TECHHELP cannot do
  • We cannot access bank/provider investigation systems.
  • We cannot guarantee a device was or was not hacked without reviewing symptoms and settings.
Last reviewed: 2026-08-28

If your phone or laptop behaves strangely, treat it as a security warning until you understand the cause. Some symptoms are normal software faults, but account alerts, unknown apps, pop-ups and payment concerns need quick action.

  1. Secure accounts from another trusted device.Change email, Apple ID, Google and banking passwords from a safe device if you suspect compromise.
  2. Check linked devices and sessions.Remove anything you do not recognise from WhatsApp, Google, Apple, email and social accounts.
  3. Update and remove suspicious items.Update software, remove unknown apps/profiles/extensions and do not install anything from pop-ups.
  4. Contact your bank if money is involved.TECHHELP can check the device, but banks handle payment fraud and chargeback investigation.
TECHHELP can help with

Suspicious app checks, linked-device reviews, safe backup/reset options and basic device security guidance.

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