Digital safety on a monitored device
Low-visibility choices when a partner, family member or abuser may see the device, accounts, location, calls or payments you use.
In this guide
Assume monitoring is broader than browser history
Look for account-level access
A person may see synced searches, cloud photographs, email, app installs, shared calendars, family accounts, call records or password-reset messages from another device. Private browsing does not hide activity from an account owner, network administrator or monitoring software.
Consider location and physical trackers
Phones, watches, vehicles, photo metadata, ride accounts, payment receipts and small Bluetooth tags can reveal movement. Do not remove an unfamiliar tracker immediately if discovery could alert the person; use a safer device to seek specialist or police guidance.
Notice behavioural signs without needing proof
An abuser knowing private messages, exact locations or new passwords may indicate access, but device glitches alone prove nothing. You can take precautions without confronting the person or running unknown ‘spyware removal’ apps.
Use the lowest-risk route to help
Move sensitive planning to a safer device
When possible, use a trusted person’s phone or a device at a support service that the suspected person has never controlled. Avoid logging a compromised email or cloud account into the safer device.
Create new access from a safe place
Use a new email and unique passphrase, review recovery phone numbers and signed-in sessions, and enable multi-factor authentication that the other person cannot receive. Make changes gradually if a sudden lockout could trigger danger.
Do not rely on deleting traces
Clearing calls, messages or history may itself be visible and may remove useful evidence. Instead, agree on safe contact times, neutral names and whether a supporter should leave voicemail or notifications.
Keep emergency access simple
Memorise one safe number and know how to call 112 from the device available to you. If using a quick-exit feature, remember it changes only the visible page and cannot erase records held elsewhere.
Preserve choice while improving security
Document before resetting, if safe
A factory reset or account closure can destroy evidence and may alert the abusive person. A trusted specialist can help record suspicious sessions, forwarding rules, device-admin access or tracker alerts before changes are made.
Separate safety from technical perfection
You do not need to secure every account before seeking help. Prioritise immediate physical safety, one reliable communication route and access to essential money or documents.
Report through an official route when you choose
The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and police can receive reports about cybercrime; 112 is for immediate danger. Ask a legal aid or survivor-support service how digital evidence, safety and other remedies may fit your circumstances.
Words you can use
Setting a safe contact method
Speaking to a service from a phone that may be checked
“This device may be monitored. Do not leave voicemail or send a message. I can safely receive a call only from this neutral number between 2 and 3 pm.”
Related issue guides
Sources and publication record
Reviewed and approved by the project team · Sources checked .
- Information Technology Act, 2000India Code, Legislative Department
- National Cyber Crime Reporting PortalIndian Cybercrime Coordination Centre, Ministry of Home Affairs
- Emergency Response Support System 112Ministry of Home Affairs
- Women Helpline 181Ministry of Women and Child Development