In a world where privacy and security seem to be getting ever more important, it’s not surprising that many people are concerned about whether their cell phones can be tracked. It’s even more worrisome thinking that phones can likely be tracked even when off.
The short answer is, it’s more difficult but Yes, your phone can be tracked even if turned off.
Apple iPhones can be located by using the Find My iPhone Feature even when turned off, Same with Android phones using the Find My Device app. This is great if your phone goes missing, but what does that say about being tracked by stalkerware or by nosey police or other authorities overstepping their bounds?
Next I’ll highlight a few ways you can be tracked
Stalkerware
There are apps out there designed to spy on everything you do. They log voice recordings, capture text from messaging apps, record your screen, track location and SO MUCH more. These are typically installed by someone you know. Often times when a spouse is trying to catch their husband or wife cheating. At least that’s the way they’re marketed. One of the main ones out there is mspy. Check it out, you’ll be shocked this kind of thing is even out there.
Suspect someone is tracking you with stalkerware? Go here for advice on how to remove stalkerware
Your Phone Is Broadcasting your whereabouts all day long
Read this exerpt from The Electronic Frontier Foundation
The deepest privacy threat from mobile phones—yet one that is often completely invisible—is the way that they announce your whereabouts all day (and all night) long through the signals they broadcast. There are at least four ways that an individual phone’s location can be tracked by others.
https://ssd.eff.org/module/mobile-phones-location-tracking
- Mobile Signal Tracking from Towers
- Mobile Signal Tracking from Cell Site Simulators
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Tracking
- Location Information Leaks from Apps and Web Browsing
Conclusion
Yes, even though unlikely, your phone can be tracked whether it’s on or off. Mostly depending on who’s doing the tracking.
If it’s directly from Apple or Google, it’s built into the system. If it’s a government agency, well, yes they can track you. If it’s just every day tracking or stalkerware you’re trying to prevent, turning off your phone should work.