Can the government see what you do on your phone?

Yes, the government can monitor your phone, but typically requires a legal warrant for targeted surveillance, though mass data collection (metadata, push notifications) happens, and apps/companies share data with agencies. While direct "listening" without cause is generally illegal without a warrant, metadata, online activity data, and data from service providers (like Apple/Google) can be accessed, especially with court orders, for investigations into illegal activities.

Does the government track what you do on your phone?

In the United States, the government pays phone companies directly to record and collect cellular communications from specified individuals. U.S. law enforcement agencies can also legally track the movements of people from their mobile phone signals upon obtaining a court order to do so.

Can government see your text messages?

Yes, the government can see your texts, especially non-encrypted ones, through subpoenas to carriers, physical access to your phone, metadata collection, or warranted surveillance, though end-to-end encryption (E2EE) offers significant protection for message content on apps like Signal. While E2EE secures messages in transit, agents can still get metadata (who, when, where) and may compel companies or use forensic tools to access content if they have physical access or a warrant, making phone security (strong passcodes) crucial. 

How to keep the government out of your phone?

For real protection you need full-disk encryption

If you'd rather that the police not be able to gain access to your device this way (and are comfortable with the risk of losing your data if you are locked out of your phone), I recommend not using a pattern-based screen lock, and instead using a PIN or password.

Can the police see what I'm doing on my phone?

Cops can potentially see a wide range of information on your phone, including your location history, internet browsing activity, call and text records, social media posts and messages, email communications, photos and videos, and app usage data.

The Stingray: How Law Enforcement Can Track Your Every Move

Can I tell if my phone is being monitored?

You can tell if your phone is being monitored by watching for signs like unusual sounds (clicks, echoes) during calls, rapid battery drain, unexplained data usage, strange texts with gibberish, apps running when not in use, and the camera/mic indicators activating unexpectedly, though it's hard to be certain as advanced spyware is subtle. Look for multiple signs together (e.g., overheating + slow performance + battery drain) as isolated incidents can have other causes, and take action like updating software or factory resetting if you suspect something is amiss. 

Should I cover my phone's camera?

You can cover your phone camera for extra privacy against hackers, but it's often seen as excessive paranoia, and you'll lose photo/video functionality unless you use a slider; however, standard phone lenses are durable, so lens protectors aren't needed for physical damage, and focusing on preventing malware (strong passwords, no suspicious links) offers better security than just covering the lens, as microphones and other sensors are also risks.
 

What does *82 do to your phone?

Dialing *82 before a phone number on a cell phone temporarily overrides your Caller ID blocking for that single call, making your number appear on the recipient's phone instead of "Blocked" or "Private," allowing calls to lines with Anonymous Call Rejection (*77) to go through. It's the opposite of *67, which hides your number, and it's useful for reaching people who block all private calls. 

Will *#21 tell me if my phone is tapped?

There's no specific code that can tell you if your phone is tapped. However, USSD codes like *#21# can show whether call forwarding is enabled. And if you find that call forwarding has been enabled, then you can use ##002# to disable it.

How many hours on a phone is an addiction?

There's no single magic number for phone addiction, but high usage (over 4-5 hours daily for non-work tasks) often signals dependency, with teens averaging 7-9 hours and adults 4-6+ hours, linked to negative mental health outcomes like anxiety or burnout, especially when usage interferes with life or causes withdrawal feelings, though moderate use (2-3 hours) might be neutral or positive. It's less about hours and more about compulsive behavior and negative impact, with experts suggesting under 2 hours for non-essential use. 

Can FBI pull up deleted text messages?

Yes, the FBI can often retrieve deleted text messages using specialized forensic tools to access the phone's storage and cloud backups, as "deleted" data usually remains recoverable until overwritten; however, the success depends on encryption, device age, and whether the data was securely wiped. They can get messages from device storage, cloud services (like iCloud, Google Drive), or carrier servers, often requiring warrants. 

Am I being monitored by the government?

Yes, the government collects vast amounts of data on citizens, monitoring digital activities like browsing, social media, and location via cell phones, primarily for national security and law enforcement, using legal frameworks like the FISA Act; while direct, targeted surveillance without cause is less common, your data is part of large datasets analyzed by AI, but you might notice signs like high data usage or unfamiliar device activity if you are being specifically monitored. 

Can deleted text messages be pulled up?

Check the Recycle Bin in Messages. Check the Archived section in Google Messages. Recover messages from Google backup. Check if Google Backup is turned on under Settings > System > Backup.

How private are cell phones?

Law enforcement agencies can often obtain this personal information without ever getting a warrant from a judge. The federal government also invokes powerful surveillance authorities to collect this information and more, including our call records, contact lists, and even the contents of our text messages and calls.

Can the FBI look at my browsing history?

Yes, the FBI can access your browsing history, typically by obtaining a warrant or court order to request data from your Internet Service Provider (ISP), search engines (like Google), or tech companies, but they can also use other legal tools like National Security Letters (NSLs) under certain conditions, especially in national security cases, and even without a warrant in some instances, though laws are evolving and debated. While "Incognito" mode prevents local saving, it doesn't hide your activity from your ISP or law enforcement with a warrant, as data can still be tracked and accessed through providers or digital forensics. 

Do our phones actually listen to us?

Yes, phones listen for voice commands (like "Hey Siri") to activate assistants, but the idea they constantly record everything to serve creepy ads is largely a myth, though data tracking is extensive through other means like sensors, location, and browsing history, with past incidents showing some apps did access audio for targeted ads. While companies deny always-on eavesdropping, some marketing software has claimed to use "active listening," but major tech firms distance themselves from these practices, focusing instead on data collected from user behavior and permissions.
 

What does *97 do on a phone?

*97 Pick up a call for another user in the same group. 1. Lift the telephone handset, press the speaker button, or the headset button.

How do I check if my phone is being monitored?

To check if your phone is monitored, look for signs like rapid battery drain, high data usage, unfamiliar apps, unexpected reboots, or camera/mic indicators (green/orange dot) when not in use; you should also review app permissions, check device admin settings (Android), and look for strange call noises or messages. If you suspect monitoring, install reputable security software and consider a factory reset after backing up data, and always use strong passwords with 2FA. 

What is the 4636 secret code?

Code ##4636## (Testing Menu)

On Android devices, dialing ##4636## opens a hidden Testing menu packed with useful diagnostic information. This menu offers insights into network, battery, and app usage stats, among other details that are especially helpful for troubleshooting connectivity or performance issues.

What is *77 on your phone?

Dialing *77 on your phone activates Anonymous Call Rejection, a feature that blocks incoming calls from callers who have intentionally hidden their number (Caller ID is blocked or private). When someone with a blocked number calls, they'll hear a message that you don't accept anonymous calls, and your phone won't ring; to turn it off, dial *87. 

What does *69 mean on your phone?

On a phone, dialing \*69 (star-69) activates the "Last Call Return" feature, automatically redialing the last number that called you, even if it was blocked or showed "No Caller ID" (though it won't work if the number was blocked with *67). This landline service was popular for returning calls from private numbers but is less relevant on smartphones with detailed call logs, and its availability depends on your carrier. 

What does *66 do on a cell phone?

On a landline, dialing \*66 activates Busy Call Return, which automatically redials a busy number for you until the line is free, but this feature is typically for home phones, not modern cell phones. On a cell phone, you'll usually use other codes like \*67 to hide your number for a single call, \*82 to unblock your number, or \*77 to block private calls, as *66 isn't a standard mobile function. 

Can someone watch you through your cell phone camera?

Yes, someone can see you through your phone camera, but it usually requires malicious software (spyware/malware) installed via phishing links or unauthorized access, though app bugs or over-permissioned apps can also be culprits. Signs of spying include the camera light activating unexpectedly, unfamiliar apps, strange battery drain, or unfamiliar files. You can prevent this by managing app permissions, using physical camera covers, keeping your OS updated, and being wary of suspicious links. 

How do I discreetly cover my camera?

Alternatively, you can get creative and start hiding your cameras inside everyday objects, including:

1. Tissue boxes.
2. Stuffed toys.
3. Storage boxes.
4. Plant pots and vases.
5. Picture frames.
6. Lampshades.
7. Wall-mounted air fresheners.
8. Smoke detectors.

Is it okay to put a camera protector on a phone?

Yes. If you've been searching for a solution to protect your phone camera lens, this is it! Phone camera lens protectors are necessary, especially if you're a photography or video enthusiast.