My mum reckons she has the right to look through my phone?

I'm 23 and I still live with my mum and younger sister. I have a full-time job and an above average wage for my age. Earlier this year, my iPhone 6 died and I saved p for a new phone ever since. I finally had enough money for a new phone - so I bought the new iPhone X. It cost loads, but it was worth it. I also installed a SIM card and my number is different to my old one.

Ever since I've been using it, my mum expects me to give my phone to her once every day to see "if I haven't got into trouble". I think this is ridiculous - but she thinks I still need protecting. I think I'm too old to be need a parent's protection.

Does she has the right to look through my phone? Am I too old to be need a parent's protection?

As a mother myself, of a 26 year old female, I don't think I ever looked through my daughter's phone. Regardless, no, your mother has no right at all to look through your phone, and I wonder why you allow it. You are definitely too old to need a parent's protection.

She has no right to pry into your private life. None. Stop handing over your phone, or lock it, or hide it. Or… Moving out would be helpful.

It always intrigues me when people mention the exact phone model and the fact it was expensive. What does this have to do with your question?!

Anyway, the problem here isn't how much the phone cost. The problem is you're still living at home. You may have valid reasons for this, but as long as you're at home, your mum is paying for the electricity to charge it and the Wi-Fi or whatever you use to get online. Heck, it's possible she's even paying for the phone plan.

Sure, it sucks, but this gives her certain rights she wouldn't have if you were on your own. In fact, if you are on her phone plan, even if you reimburse her, she's still legally responsible for anything "wrong" that happens with your phone.

Stop buying expensive phones and get yourself a place to live.

A person is never too old to benefit from the protection of a parent.

But this isn't protection, it's invasiveness.

At 23, your phone is your private business.

You're too old to be living at home.
And I'll wager she's paying for the phone plan.
Also food, rent, clothes, and everything else. If you're living off your Mom still then you're giving her the right.
Move out. Stand on your own.

If you give your mom your phone then she is reckoning right, because you are giving her the right to look through your phone. Don't know if you are too old to need a parent's protection, some might say you are too old to live at home and that is part of the price.

You are too old for her protection. So why are you still living with her? Get out of there.

If you feel your mother is being too strict, then you should be finding another place to live. You admit that you make a good wage, so you should be able to afford a decent apartment. By living at home, you agree to abide by her rules and handing over your phone for scrutinizing your call history and so on is one of her rules. Are you paying room and board? From what you wrote, I suspect that you do not or you would have said so in your post. Get your own apartment and own your life.