Red flags your partner is about to cheat, or is already having an affair – based on their cellphone habits

With the iOS 18 update coming this fall, it appears Apple had cheating types in mind.

Face ID lets you lock and even hide apps, a feature many call a “cheater’s paradise.”

I’m sure many couples “hide” dating apps or their favorite secret communication methods.

Scammers always find a way to be sneaky, but not everyone is smart enough to be aware of all the technical clues their quirky behavior leaves behind.

But before we get to the clues… Snooping on someone’s phone, computer, or other technology never ends well.

The best thing you can do is have an honest conversation with your partner.

It is also wise to consult with an attorney before you begin your search to ensure you are not violating any federal or state laws.

With that in mind, here are the signs that your partner may be cheating:

Red Flag: They Never Put the Phone Down

Is your partner or spouse always glued to their phone or computer? Maybe they are busy at work or are busy chatting with someone.

Pay attention to how they interact with their devices. Many people keep their phones away from others to protect their privacy, but most don’t hide their phones from their partners. The same goes for shuffling browser tabs or turning off a tablet.

These subtle gestures can suggest that your partner is doing something they don’t want you to see. Is their phone always in their pocket? Do they change their passcode regularly and “forget” to tell you what it is? Maybe they tell you not to pick up or use their phone, period.

Notifications can also reveal cheaters, so it’s common to turn them off or hide them if you’re doing something you don’t want your partner to see.

Red Flag: Fake Apps

Unless your partner is being cheeky, you won’t see a chat app on his or her home screen or racy messages in his or her text message folder.

There are countless apps that let you share messages, photos, videos, and more that aren’t what they seem.

Calculator Pro+ is an example. It looks like a calculator, but it stores text and call logs of secret contacts.

Red flag: their history is always erased

It must be very stupid of scammers not to clear their browser search history.

If they regularly visit dating sites, secret email accounts or the like, they will probably think about covering their tracks.

The same goes for empty text message folders.

Red Flag: They’re Always ‘Working’

Scammers have been known to create online Google Docs or Microsoft 365 files that look innocent until they are opened.

For example, the file name might be “Third Quarter Goals.” When you open the file, the first page appears to be nothing but corporate jargon.

But scrolling down reveals the file’s real purpose. Online documents are a secret way to share notes, photos, and videos with someone else.

Red Flag: They Always Visit That One Place

Location history is particularly revealing. Most scammers know how to erase it, but not everyone. For Google users, the “previous destinations” menu option on the navigation system can record your spouse’s movements.

If your partner uses an iPhone, there’s one place you should definitely look. Many people don’t even know this treasure trove of tracking exists.

● You can find the locations an iPhone user frequents in Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services > Significant Locations. (It’s at the very bottom.)

It takes a lot of effort to disable or consistently remove these types of settings, so if they are malicious, you’ll probably find something. FYI: If this habit creeps you out, it’s best to disable this feature on your phone.

Red flag: their trash is full to the brim

Deleted digital items are usually never gone forever. A computer’s recycle bin or trash can retains items until the bin is emptied. Some cloud services let you recover items from the trash.

Deleted emails remain in the trash until they are emptied. Voicemails on an iPhone are deleted, but can be recovered. Apps that have been deleted from a phone can also be recovered. If you use carrier services, voicemails may be available on their site.

A word of caution: finding evidence of a cheater can be overwhelming. Take care of yourself during the process.