How can you tell if your phone is tapped? Like it or not, most of us have grown used to our phones being spied upon—not at least by governments!

But other parties can tap into your smartphone. This includes hackers, your employer, an ex-partner, or even the press. They might be listening to your calls, reading and sending messages and emails, or altering information on your interface. But how do you know if your phone is tapped?

Here's how to tell if your cell phone is tapped.

1. Battery Problems

Before iOS and Android became popular, battery troubles were a sign of a phone tap. Hot batteries remain a concern when it comes to smartphones.

You're probably very familiar with an overheating battery anyway. You might have even visited a phone store and complained about the issue. In most cases, you'll simply be told it's standard for smartphones. Apple, for example, typically only worries if your device has got so hot, it's shut itself down.

Why does your smartphone get so hot? Using numerous apps and consuming media will make your handset warmer, though this shouldn't be enough to cause any damage.

However, a hot battery can also be a sign of cell phone tapping. Malicious software could be running in the background, allowing someone else to listen in.

And be suspicious if your phone simply isn't holding charge.

Monitor your phone: remember which apps you've used and how they affect your battery. If it consistently runs low on battery, despite you not using it that frequently, that's too strange to ignore. Older handsets don't hold charge as well as newer models, so you need to eliminate other possibilities before looking for nefarious purposes.