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How to tell if your Samsung Galaxy tablet has been hacked

09 Aug 2025 By foxnews

Tablets aren't just for streaming and strolling anymore. For many people, they serve as a digital wallet, photo album, document hub and even a mobile office. That's especially true for Samsung Galaxy tablets, which offer powerful features and device sync capabilities that make them incredibly convenient and, unfortunately, a tempting target for criminals.

Unlike traditional computer hacks, compromising a tablet doesn't always require elite technical skills. Sometimes, all it takes is a convincing phishing message, a shady app download or a moment of distraction in public. Once someone has access, your stored passwords, banking apps and private files could be up for grabs.

If your Galaxy tablet is acting strange or showing signs of compromise, don't ignore it. Here's how to spot the warning signs and what to do next.

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Samsung Galaxy tablets are capable of storing everything from passwords and payment methods to sensitive documents. They can even act as authentication devices for logging into other accounts. That makes them valuable, not just to you, but to hackers looking for a way in.

Unlike Apple devices, Galaxy tablets run on Android, which is known for its flexibility and open-source ecosystem. While this gives users more freedom, it also opens the door to greater risk. Third-party apps, less strict app store screening and inconsistent update habits across devices can leave Galaxy tablets exposed to malware and data theft. In short, the more essential your tablet becomes in your daily life, the more attractive it becomes to cybercriminals.

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Hackers don't always need complex software or advanced skills to gain access to your tablet. In many cases, they rely on user behavior and weak security settings. Here are some of the most common entry points:

It's not always obvious when something's wrong. A hacked tablet won't flash a red alert, but it will start acting in ways that just don't feel normal. Small changes in performance or behavior can be early signs that something's off. If you notice one or more of the following issues, it's worth taking a closer look:

If your tablet is acting strange, or you've spotted signs of compromise, don't wait it out. Taking action quickly can help stop further damage and keep your personal data safe. Here's what to do:

Safe Mode is a helpful troubleshooting tool that disables all third-party apps, allowing you to determine if an issue is caused by a downloaded app. If problems disappear in Safe Mode, a third-party app is likely to be the cause.

Enable Safe Mode while your tablet is turned off:

Enable Safe Mode from the power menu (when the tablet is on):

Review your installed apps and remove anything unfamiliar or suspicious. Pay extra attention to apps without clear names or icons that resemble system tools but weren't preloaded.

Steps to uninstall unknown apps from a Samsung Galaxy Tablet:

If "uninstall" isn't an option:

Some system or preinstalled apps can't be fully removed but can be disabled:

Pop-ups and in-app ads can trick you into tapping fake links or downloading harmful files. Even if they look trustworthy, avoid clicking on them on your Samsung Galaxy tablet. Frequent pop-ups may signal hidden adware or an app behaving badly. To protect your device, install strong antivirus software with real-time protection. A trusted security app can scan for malware, block unsafe websites and detect suspicious apps running in the background. It also helps remove hidden threats like spyware and keeps your tablet secure and running smoothly. Taking these steps boosts your privacy and gives you peace of mind while browsing or using apps.

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Look through your messages and call logs for anything you didn't initiate. Also, check for unusual permission changes, especially for apps that access your location, contacts, camera or microphone.

Check for unusual battery or data consumption, which can indicate malicious or misbehaving apps.

Use Samsung's built-in tools for stronger protection. If your tablet runs One UI 6.0 (Android 14) or later:

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Start with your Samsung account, email and bank logins, especially if you used them on your tablet. Consider using a password manager to generate and store strong passwords.

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A VPN encrypts your connection and protects your data when you're on public Wi-Fi. A reliable VPN is essential for protecting your online privacy and ensuring a secure, high-speed connection.

For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com/VPN

Hackers often exploit outdated software. Go to Settings > Software update > Download and install to check for the latest updates. Also, open the Galaxy Store and Google Play Store, tap your profile, and update all apps. Updates often include security patches that close known vulnerabilities.

See if any unknown devices or sessions are logged into your account:

Make sure only trusted sources can install apps:

Even with a strong third-party antivirus, it's smart to run Google's native security check:

If you suspect your device was used to send scam messages, let your contacts know. This can prevent further phishing attacks from spreading from your hacked account.

Malware sometimes hides in accessibility settings:

If the problems persist, and you can't identify the source, back up your data and perform a factory reset.

Back up your data

Before resetting, make sure your important files are saved. A factory reset will erase everything.

You can also connect to a computer and copy files manually if you prefer.

Perform a factory reset

Your tablet will restart and begin the reset process. This may take several minutes. After the reset, you'll need to sign in with your Google account to complete the setup. This is part of Factory Reset Protection (FRP) to prevent unauthorized access.

Hackers often scrape personal details from public data broker sites. Even if you secure your tablet, your name, email, phone number and home address may still be circulating online, making you a target for future scams, identity theft or phishing attempts. A personal data removal service scans these broker sites and submits removal requests on your behalf. It's a helpful way to reduce your digital footprint and stop criminals from exploiting your exposed information.

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If your Samsung Galaxy tablet is running hot, glitching or showing apps you don't recognize, it might not be a fluke. These are often early signs of malware or a security breach. Hackers don't always need advanced tools to get in. A single bad link or outdated setting can expose your personal data. Take action right away by removing suspicious apps, checking your settings and running a trusted antivirus scan.

Using Safe Mode can help pinpoint the problem, and Samsung's built-in security tools offer extra protection moving forward. For even more security, consider adding a VPN and password manager to your daily routine. If nothing else works, back up your data and perform a factory reset to start fresh and protect your information.

Have you ever had your tablet hacked or noticed something suspicious on your device? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact