The Best Android Spy Apps are mobile applications that are capable of helping parents, spouses, or employers track and monitor Android cell phones and tablets. A mobile spying app (mobile phone tracker) spies on Android smartphone activities such as text messages, social media account activity and messages, contacts, emails, calendar activities, keystrokes, and phone calls. Mobile phone trackers offer free and premium versions of spying apps such as mSpy, uMobix, and SpyBubble.
The best spy apps for Android below are chosen according to the monitoring features, price, free trial duration, user’s overall spying experience and reviews, money-back guarantee policy, and the availability of stealth mode operation. Android monitoring apps are categorized based on their use purposes such as parental monitoring, employee monitoring, and spying on spouses or loved ones.
The most important criteria in choosing the best Android spying apps are the spying features, stealth mode operation, price, and ease of installation. Choosing a cell phone spying application requires knowing what you need to monitor and what you can afford. The Android spying apps below are easy to install and offer comprehensive surveillance features. Simple installation is imperative because spy apps for Android phones require installing spy app directly on the targeted phone.
The top 5 Android spy apps below include powerful tracking features, competitive pricing, and stealth operation. The best 5 spying apps with the most powerful features are listed below.
- mSpy (Best Value)
- uMobix (Best Overall)
- SpyBubble (Great Features)
- Geofinder (location tracking only)
- Eyezy (Simple Installation)
AdjustYourPrivacy has tested 37 different mobile spy apps. We have found a handful that offer powerful tracking features, solid support, and at least a 7-day money-back guarantee.
My Top 3
| Product | Why We Like It | Price |
|---|---|---|
|
|
My Rating: 4.9/5.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Click for Best Price |
|
|
Click for Best Price |
|
|
My Rating: 4.9/5.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Click for Best Price |
If you’re just starting your search for an Android phone spy app, here’s what you will learn.
- which hidden spy apps offer the most features on Android cell phones and tablets
- specific features for monitoring a child, employee, or spouse’s phone
- how to unlock advanced surveillance features like call recording
The best cell phone spy apps track things like phone calls, SMS text messages, social media activity, chat apps, emails, and GPS location on iOS and Android devices. These apps are designed to monitor a child, an employee, or a loved one.
All the cell phone spyware apps in this guide offer a free trial or money back guarantee, so you can try them out risk-free.
Contents of this Guide
- 1. mSpy
- 2. uMobix
- 3. EyeZy
- 4. Geofinder
- 5. SpyBubble
- 6. SPYIC
- 7. Cocospy
- 8. iKeyMonitor
- 9. Kidsguard Pro
- 10. WebWatcher
- 11. Spyera
- Best Spy Apps for Android With Call Recording
- Should You Root the Target Android?
- Why Do People Use Android Spyware Apps?
- Are Android Phone Spyware Apps Legal?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Do Android Spyware Apps Really Work?
- How Do Android Cell Phone Spying Apps Work?
- Can Android Surveillance Apps Be Installed Remotely?
- Do you need physical access to the Android phone?
- Do They Require Rooting the Phone?
- Will spy software work after a factory reset?
- Can I Track an iPhone from an Android?
- Can Android Spy Software Monitor Social Media Accounts?
- Can You Turn an Android Phone into a Listening Device?
- Are They Safe?
- Are Free Spy Applications Any Good?
- Conclusion
Below is a detailed review of each Android spy app product including unique features, pricing, refund policy, and ease of installation.
1. mSpy
Best Features and Value
What it Does
- gives you access to nearly all social media chat apps.
- takes screenshots in apps like Youtube, Snapchat, others.
- allows you to monitor “Screen Time”
- gives you up-to-the-minute GPS location
What it Won’t Do
- no remote installation
- can’t record calls
- can’t listen to live calls
mSpy is a phone spy app that tracks Android devices. It has a simple interface and is perfect for parents who need to track their kid’s phone activities.
Why is the mSpy mobile app the best overall?
mSpy offers the best balance of features and pricing. It’s $1 cheaper per month than its’ closest competitor and offers the same features and reliability.
Features include advanced GPS tracking, call monitoring, social media account monitoring — including Facebook Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Snapchat.
The installation of the mSpy app requires physical access to the device, but it does not require rooting.
mSpy Pricing Plans:
- $11.67/month for 12 months
- $28.00/month for 3 months
- $48.00/month for 1 month
mSpy is not available in the Google Play store or the app store. It must be downloaded from their website.
For more information about features and installation, read my mSpy review.
Read More About mSpy
The Android spying systems of mSpy work by tracking, monitoring, and storing the incoming and outgoing SMS text messages, emails, phone calls, and social media platform messages such as Facebook Messenger. The mSpy Android spying software captures the message sender, receiver names, phone numbers, contact information, profile pictures, and identities. The mSpy GPS and geofencing spy functions are accurate to within 10 meters on Android devices. mSpy provides GPS and Geo-fencing capabilities for detecting the GPS location of targeted phones and sending notifications when the phone enters or leaves a specific area.
The mSpy Android spying system is available in two configurations on devices running the Android operating system. These configurations are non-root and rooted. The non-root configuration of mSpy spies on text messages, contacts, phone call logs, calendar entries, and all social media apps such as Snapchat, Tik Tok, kik, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, WeChat, Line, and Viber. The non-root configuration of mSpy uses captures screenshots to monitor apps like YouTube, Chrome, and Tinder.
The root configuration of mSpy requires rooting the target Android device. The root version of mSpy has the same spying features as the non-root version. The root version includes additional spy features like listening to live phone calls, call recordings, and ambient recording. Ambient recording spies on the current surroundings of the targeted phone by activating the microphone and allowing the spy app user to listen.
mSpy’s Android web browser tracking sub-system provides bookmarked URLs, web browser history, web browser type, web browser usage time, frequency, search engine usage and searched queries, social media websites, forum websites, and internet usage data. The keyword alerts of mSpy helps alert mSpy users when the targeted phone performs a web search, message search, contact search, or writing of the specific keywords on different types of apps. On Android devices the alerts for tracked keywords on mSpy is under 30 seconds.
The mSpy Android Keylogger records every keystroke on targeted Android phones. The numbers, letters, special characters, combination of keys on the keyboard of the phone are recorded, encrypted and stored by the mSpy data centers. mSpy uses keyloggers to help spying app users to see the typed messages, usernames, passwords, and any other information for targeted Android phones.
The mSpy Android screen recorder captures full resolution screenshots of user activity from Snapchat, Youtube, web browsing, and other chat apps. mSpy automatically records the phone’s screen when these apps are opened. Screenshots are taken every 3 to 5 seconds. There are no storage limits per user for screenshots. Screen shots do impact the target Android phone’s battery life and data usage. Cellular data usage usage can be reduced by only using the screenshot functionality while the target phone is connected to WiFi.
The Android control systems of mSpy have two main purposes and sub-systems. These are blocking, and activating certain functionalities or hardware. The blocking functionality involves games, applications, and websites. The hardware activation features include the target mobile phone’s camera and microphone. The blocking control system of mSpy works remotely to prevent targeted Android phone owners from communicating with certain contacts, visiting certain websites, or using certain apps. The activating control system of mSpy involves activating controls for mobile camera, or microphone of the targeted phone for a deeper and more comprehensive surveillance of the targeted cell phone’s owner.
The use-purposes of mSpy involve spying on kids, or spouses, and employees, and device tracking. Thus, the app-blocking, and contact-blocking features of mSpy helps mSpy users to adapt different use possibilities. For example, blocking a harmful website to protect the kids’ psychology is an example of blocking the website with mSpy.
Storing systems of mSpy spying apps helps it to be the best spying app overall because mSpy cell phone surveillance app provides multi-layered spying systems such as controlling, blocking, activating, storing, and encrypting. The storing system of mSpy provides access to the viewed and stored videos, and photos from the spied cell phone. To view photos and videos on mSpy, there is no limit for size of the media. To store a video, or photo from the cell phone by spying via mSpy, use the save menu option. mSpy has a simple, user-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing menu system for easing the spying process for surveilled mobile phones.
Calendar activity tracking with mSpy provides detailed information about the schedule of the surveilled phone. Tracking GPS, text messages, and phone calls in coordination with calendar activity helps spying app users to build a complete picture of user activity with mSpy. The calendar activities for mSpy involve business events, special days, holidays, meetings, family events, or custom events. mSpy provides a calendar activity analyzing dashboard to see how the targeted phone’s owner spends his time according to the spied calendar.
Wi-fi Location and connection tracking with mSpy provides the location information, along with the surveilled phone owners’ visited stores, restaurants, or other types of locales. The Wi-fi names, Wi-fi connection type are helpful to see where the targeted phone goes. mSpy is used to track students, teenagers, kids, husbands, wives, mothers and fathers, along with friends, and employees. Thus, Wi-fi connection and location information helps the mSpy user to track behavior or the phone’s owner. This can be used to catch a cheater, or even monitor a child who is suspected of having addiction.
Remote updates and commands for mSpy helps to perform changes on the targeted phone. Remote systems of mSpy work and function together with blocking, activating, storing systems. mSpy is a helpful tool for spying on passwords, or taking screenshots when it is needed..
The working modes of mSpy include offline and online functionality. The working modes of mSpy boosts the usability of the mobile surveillance tool’s efficiency beyond internet connection need. mSpy is an excellent choice for surveilling the targeted phones even if there is no internet connection. The mSpy stores the information on the spied phone while there is no internet connectivity to protect the continuous surveillance and spying systems’ integrity.
Stealth mode operation of mSpy ensures the target phone’s owner is unaware that their device is being monitored. This is done by hiding the mSpy app icon and cleverly naming all mSpy related services. This is done through the Android security app.
Android battery life usage by mSpy is highly efficient. mSpy consumes only 15% of battery life on Android phones under heavy usage. More frequent reporting times will increase battery consumption of the target phone. mSpy energy consumption increases if the target phone uses streaming services such as Youtube or Snapchat because mSpy takes screenshots of Youtube and Snapchat activity.
Data storing, and protecting systems of mSpy provides faster data access with high-level of security and advanced encryption technologies such as SSL. mSpy data centers are bolstered via cloud storage, and 256-bit encryption protocols. The data storing limitations of mSpy are determined by the mSpy users’ overall demand and data centers’ capacity. The mSpy data storing and protecting systems are completed systems for each other with the help of data serving systems. The surveilled and spied data such as accessed photos, videos, text messages, emails, social media messages from different platforms such as facebook, or snapchat are stored, processed, classified and served only for the specific mSpy spying application user.
The dashboard and graphical user interface system of mSpy is designed to quickly see the most important information from the target phone. The mSpy design department has created an intuitive user interface that allows users to check key phone data from their own phone or PC. The dashboard lists all tracking categories on the left-hand side. Once clicked each category displays relevant information that is uploaded from the target phone.
The setup process of mSpy on Androids has 5 steps. These are creating an account at mspy.com,, disabling specific Android security settings, downloading the app from the official website, and activating the app with an activation code. The mSpy setup process doesn’t involve the iOS app store, and Android Play Store, because mSpy is not allowed by the policies of these app downloading and reviewing platforms. The mSpy has a perfectly easy setup process for the spying beginners, and it is rated 5/5 by AdjustYourPrivacy for ease of installation.
mSpy hardware requirements vary depending on the operating system of the phone. Android phones require at least Android 4.0. mSpy also requires 520MB of free disk space for installation and caching. The mSpy app requires 20MB of disk space for installation. 500MB of free disk space is required for optimal app caching and performance.
The free-trial of mSpy is 7 days. The freemium version of mSpy has the same features as the premium version of the mSpy. The freemium version of mSpy allows spying app users to fully experience the quality of the mSpy spying app, including controlling, remote updates, and commands, data storing, and protecting, tracking and monitoring. To start the free-trial of mSpy, follow contact mSpy customer support via chat on the mspy.com website.
The necessary information to create a free mSpy account is your name and email address. The demo request for mSpy is done by using the chat menu on the official website. The demo presentation of mSpy involves the full capabilities of the spying app including tech support so you can ask related questions for spying apps’ uses.
The fees of mSpy for Androids ranges between $48.99 per month for a one month plan to $11.67 per month for a 12 month plan. The cost factors for mSpy are the plan type and duration. The mSpy prices are 6.5% lower than competitive spying apps such as uMobix. mSpy provides the same free-trial duration compared to the other spying apps even with the lower price. There are 3 different fees and terms for mSpy. These are $48.99 for 1 month, $28.00 per month for 3 months and $11.67 per month for a 12 month subscription. The best value for mSpy usage is the 12 month plan according to AdjustYourPrivacy.
The refund policy of mSpy involves a refund option for 100% of the total payment within 14 days of purchase. To apply for the refund policy, customers must contact customer support within 14 days of purchase. Customer support is live and offered in multiple languages. Refunds are not offered in cases where the customer wishes to downgrade their subscription plan.
mSpy is compatible with all Android devices. mSpy works with tablets and mobile phones with no additional modifications needed. The first version of the mSpy is 1.8 that came out in 2010. The latest version of mSpy is 6.6. There are between 1 and 2 updates for mSpy per year. The latest update of mSpy was released in November of 2022.
Legality and legitimacy of mSpy and digital communication products is regulated and authorized by the FCC of the U.S. Government, and the chairwoman of the FCC, Jessica Rosenworcel. mSpy has the legal licenses to operate as a parental monitoring solution. mSpy is a mobile spying company located in Prague, Czech Republic.
In the U.S, mSpy is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Altercon Group S.R.O is the parent company of mSpy . Altercon Group is based in Prague, Czech Republic. The CEO of Altercon Group is Artjom Jastrebov. The corporate value of Altercon Group S.R.O. is unknown, but the total user count of mSpy exceeded 1 million as of 2014. mSpy bases its surveillance systems on the consent of users, and the surveillance needs for a healthier environment, social life, and security.
Encryption of mSpy data provides security against hacking and data theft. mSpy utilizes 256 bit encryption to protect user data such as usernames, passwords, text messages, and more. This protects all private user information from unwanted access providing for a safer user experience.
Multilingual Support of mSpy includes the languages of English, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, and Turkish. The multilingual support for English, German, and French languages are faster than the Italian and Turkish language customer support line. The English language customer relations of mSpy involves native speakers that helps for faster communication.
mSpy’s spying capabilities do not include the ability to listen to or record voice commands. This applies to Siri on Apple iOS devices and Google Voice on Android devices.
| Pros of mSpy | Cons of mSpy |
| Provides great spying features for Android devices | Requires access to the target phone for installation |
| Offers powerful monitoring features on Android | Increased battery usagef |
| Does not require rooting the target Android phone | Increased data usage |
2. uMobix
Best for Snapchat
PROS
- Simple and quick installation
- Most social media monitoring capabilities
- Stealth mode so it’s completely hidden
- powerful keylogger feature
- LIVE chat Support
- Real-time GPS tracking feature
CONS
- Requires access to target Android device
- no phone call recording
uMobix is an undetectable phone spy app for Android phones and tablets. It monitors social media accounts like Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Snapchat, LINE, Viber, Tinder, TikTok, Kik, WeChat, Skype, Signal, Telegram, Reddit, and more.
Why is uMobix the Best Spy App for Androids without Root?
There are three key features that separate uMobix from other Android spy apps we’ve tested.
- a simple one-click-installation takes 2 minutes on any Android device.
- it tracks nearly ALL social media and chat apps, even deleted messages.
- screenshots track activity on Snapchat, Tinder, YouTube, and more.
- view installed apps
uMobix is compatible with all devices using Android version 4.0 and newer. This includes the Google Pixel, Motorola, Samsung Galaxy, Kyocera, and Nokia.
uMobix requires access to the target cell phone for a few minutes to complete the installation. The uMobix app is hidden after installation is complete. The app is not available in the Google Play Store. You must download the app from the company website.
uMobix offers LIVE, US-based customer service and support. It is compatible with any iPhone or Android device.
Price:
- $12.59/month for 12 months
- $29.99/month for 3 months
- $49.99/month for 1 month
Check out my full uMobix review for more information.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. EyeZy
Solid Runner Up
eyeZy is a powerful mobile spy app. It is compatible with all Android devices. eyeZy monitors mobile phones anywhere in the world without the owner ever knowing.
The app allows you to spy on everything from text to browser history and all activities performed on your target device.
EyeZy uses artificial intelligence to update you with notifications when specific activities occur on the target device. These “Magic Alerts” will keep you informed about location, keystrokes, and chats.
EyeZy takes data security very seriously. The app uses military-grade encryption to protect all customer data.
Key Features
- Track keystrokes on the target device.
- Social media chat and text message monitoring
- Track the device’s GPS location
- Magic Alerts keep you informed when you’re busy
- No root required for installation
Verdict: eyeZy is a feature-rich phone monitoring app. The AI features make it ideal for parental control. And it is simple to install on Android phones. For more features and information see our Eyezy app review.
Eyezy Pricing Plans:
- $9.99 for 12 months
- $27.99 for 3 months
- $47.99 for 1 month
4. Geofinder
Best Without Access to Target Phone
PROS
- works without access to target Android
- all you need is the target device phone number
- works within minutes
- shows exact GPS location of target device
CONS
- limited functionality – all you can see is the phone’s physical location
- No FREE Trial – $1 for 1 Day trial
Geofinder is a cell phone tracking app that works without access to the target Android. It is the only app on the list that can track a target phone remotely.
It is compatible with Android and iOS devices. The only information needed to track the target phone’s location is the number.
After entering the phone number, Geofinder performs a test to ensure it can track the device. Upon a successful test, the next step is to create an account. Then the location of the phone user is displayed on a map.
This spy app uses GPS triangulation to locate the exact location of the Android device. You can find more detailed information about this tracking app in our Geofinder review.
5. SpyBubble
Best for Businesses
PROS
- Monitor calls, sms messaging
- track browser history & bookmarks
- Call log with phone number and name
- see SIM card information
- view phone location
CONS
- tech support via email only
- Requires physical access to target
- No FREE Trial
SpyBubble is a cell phone spy app for Androids. This app offers just as features as uMobix. It records keystrokes, social media activity on Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Snapchat, LINE, Viber, Tinder, TikTok, Kik, WeChat, Skype, Signal, Telegram, Reddit, and it includes a GPS location tracking feature.
The SpyBubble spy phone app is completely hidden after installation and will NOT show up in the app drawer of the target Android. The app works with all versions of the Android operating system.
SpyBubble works well as a parental monitoring app, but it can also function as a GPS tracking system for employees.
The installation of SpyBubble is very simple. You will need access to the target device for a couple minutes. It does NOT require rooting the device. The app must be downloaded from the SpyBubble website.
SpyBubble offers free demo and chat support.
SpyBubble costs $11.66 per month with an annual subscription. They offer FREE trial and a 14 day money back guarantee. For more information check out my SpyBubble review.
6. SPYIC
PROS
- Reliable and Stable
- Works with multiple devices
- Call log with phone number and name
- Camera remote control
- log incoming and outgoing phone calls, track GPS location, call data
CONS
- tech support via email only
- Requires physical access to target
- No FREE Trial
SPYIC is a phone tracker app designed for Android phones. The SPYIC app tons of social media platforms including dating apps like Tinder. They do NOT offer live chat support. If you have a problem during installation you’ll have to submit an email and wait.
The SPYIC app has a GPS tracker, web browser history, phone call logs, contact list, media files, and more.
SpyIC’s Android smartphone spy app includes a keylogging feature, but it also allows you to monitor many of these apps natively, so you can see both sides of the conversation.
Installation of the app requires you to have physical access to monitor the Android device.
This powerful mobile spy phone app allows you to see just about everything that happens on the target device. It’s a great option for monitoring employees, your kids, or whoever. For more details check out my SpyIC review.
7. Cocospy
Cocospy is a phone spyware app for Android devices. Cocospy offers VERY similar features to SPYIC.
The web control panel has an easy to use menu that allows you to quickly see all the phone’s information.
Cocospy is a solid phone monitoring solution that offers very similar features to SPYIC. It’s great for monitoring kids, employees, or loved ones.
PROS
- Stealth mode so it’s hidden and undetectable
- Powerful keylogging feature
- Simple user interface
- Easy installation, no root or jailbreak needed.
- log phone calls, GPS location history, call data
CONS
- Tracks fewer social media messages
- tech support via email only
- Doesn’t offer more advanced capabilities like live call listening
For a full list of features check out my Cocospy review.
8. iKeyMonitor
iKeyMonitor is a spy app that offers a free version for Android phones. Free spy apps don’t offer as many features as paid apps, but they come at no cost.
The iKeyMonitor free Android spy app has the following features:
- View incoming and outgoing calls
- SMS Messages
- GPS Locations
- Geo-fencing
- Contacts
- Calendars, Notes
- Reminders, Voice Memos
- Wifi history
It has a user-friendly online dashboard for viewing data from the target devices.
You will be required to root the device to get the access to the most spying features. If you are uncomfortable with the jailbreaking process you should use an iCloud option.
The keylogging feature is quite powerful but requires either rooting or jailbreaking the target device.
iKeyMonitor is another solid smartphone monitoring app. However, it does require you to root or jailbreak (iOS) the device for maximum access. Bottom line, it offers many of the same great features as the others, but at a cheaper price.
For more information on this mobile spying app, go to https://ikeymonitor.com/ or check out my iKeyMonitor review.
PROS
- Basic but powerful spy app
- FREE Trial 3 Days
- Monitor Internet connection, chat messages, & More
- Monitor chat apps
- Screenshot capture
- Limit screen-time
CONS
- Powerful features require jailbreak or rooting
9. Kidsguard Pro
Best for Parents with Teens
KidsGuard is an Android parental monitoring app that tracks your child’s smartphone usage. It includes several features designed specifically for parents.
Key Features:
- block apps, games and websites
- track app usage
- capture screenshots
- lock the phone
- GPS location tracking feature with geofencing
- detailed activity reports
If you need parental control features like app blocking and geofencing, KidsGuard is the best solution on the market.
10. WebWatcher
PROS
- monitor a wide range cell phone activity
- simple installation instructions
- works with Android and iOS
CONS
- requires wi-fi for data sync
WebWatcher is a monitoring app for Android devices. The features of this app include monitoring of emails, GPS location information, instant messages and chats, social media activity, websites history data, Google searches, screenshots and more.
The WebWatcher app is installed directly on the mobile phone you want to track. There is no way to remotely install the app. Installation takes just a few minutes. The app is completely safe to use on Mac, Windows-base PCs, iPhones, and any Android phone.
The WebWatcher app records phone data in real-time, so information is available in your online dashboard interface almost immediately.
WebWatcher is perfect for parents who need to track the phone activities of a child.
The app will alert you when your children visit specific websites or when they type certain keywords. You can also sign up for email notifications that will alert you to all activity on a schedule that you specify.
If you need to monitor multiple devices you will need one license per device. The installation instructions are very detailed and easy to follow.
11. Spyera
PROS
- Works with Android or iOS
- Easy to use, simple app installation Process
- Monitor iMessages and text messages
- App Is Undetectable
- View web history, instant messaging apps, texts & more
CONS
- Mediocre support
- Lacks a few more advanced spying features
The Spyera spying app is another great solution.
Spyera has many of the same features as other phone monitoring apps. Because Spyera is easy to use, install and configure, it is a good choice for those who aren’t as technically savvy.
The online dashboard is very similar to the other cell phone monitoring software we’re covering, but this app doesn’t have some of their advanced capabilities.
Spyera is one of the better budget spy phone apps on the market. This spying software lacks some of the more advanced capabilities.
Spyera offers a ONE-TIME annual payment. Yes, it is missing some features like recording calls, ambient recording, and turning on the camera, but it is still a robust package to spy on someone’s online activities.
Best Spy Apps for Android With Call Recording
The products below offer advanced features like call recording. This features requires rooting the Android device prior to installation.
1. FlexiSPY Extreme: Best for Call Recording
PROS
- Listen LIVE or Record Calls
- screen recorder feature
- Ambient listening of device surroundings
- Remotely control camera and apps
- See phone call records, text messages, location & more.
CONS
- iOS installation requires jailbreak
- Rooting required on Android
- Higher cost than other options
FlexiSPY is a powerful monitoring app for recording cell phone calls. FlexiSPY monitoring software works on both Android and iOS smartphones. It is also compatible with any Windows or Mac computer.
The FlexiSPY Extreme package offers more advanced features than any cell phone monitoring app on the market. These advanced features include:
- intercept and monitor phone calls
- record phone calls from apps
- monitor video calls
- send remote SMS commands
- track Google Hangouts
To record phone calls on Android requires rooting the phone. Recording iPhone conversations requires jailbreaking the phone
Their technology allows you to listen to live phone calls in real-time. You can also monitor FaceTime calls.
The easiest way to install FlexiSPY is to buy the phone from them with the app pre-installed. This is a great solution for business owners as it makes employee monitoring very easy.
FlexiSPY does NOT offer live phone support. One software license is needed for each phone.
Read more about it in my full FlexiSPY review.
2. XNSPY
XNSPY is a cell phone spying app designed to work on any Android phone. The app is compatible with any version of the Android operating system.
XNSPY monitoring features include social accounts like Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp, Snapchat, call logs, sms tracking, photos and videos, and has a GPS location tracking feature.
This software is designed for parents and employers, but can be used to track anyone and everything on their mobile device. The online interface allows you monitor multiple devices and switch between users.
XNSPY costs $7.49 per month for the Premium Edition. The Basic Edition costs $4.99 per month.
XNSPY’s free customer support is via email. You can also access app information on their website.
PROS
- Live web portal
- GPS locations tracking feature
- Solid features
- Easy install and setup
- Easily track multiple devices
CONS
- Powerful features require jailbreak or rooting on Android
- Expensive compared to Spyfone or mSpy
Should You Root the Target Android?
Rooting is the process of unlocking the Android operating system. There are many benefits to rooting a phone. It facilitates the installation of unapproved apps, unrestricted access to hardware (like the microphone), deleting unwanted software, replacing firmware, and adjusting processor speeds.
What does rooting have to do with cell phone spy software? There are two types of spy software for Androids: those that require rooting the phone and those that DO NOT.
Root vs No Root
The main difference between spy apps that require rooting the target device and those that don’t is that rooting facilitates the recording of phone calls and in-app voice calls. This makes it possible to listen to and record calls from Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, WeChat, LINE, Viber, and Skype.
That said, the rooting process takes time, technical knowledge, and patience.
Our recommendation is that you should only consider rooting the target Android device if you need access to live calls and call recordings. Spying apps that do NOT require rooting offer every other feature, without the additional hassle.
Why Do People Use Android Spyware Apps?
Android spy apps have many uses. Spying apps are designed for parents who want to monitor the phone of a child, but can be used anyone’s smartphone.
Parental monitoring
The most common reason to use a spy app is to track a child’s smartphone usage. They allow a parent to track their child’s location, what apps the child uses, who they chat with, and even if the child is being bullied in school.
Some apps offer even more parental monitoring features like:
- monitoring screen time
- internet browsing history
- Youtube videos they watch
- time restrictions
- remote locking of the device
Monitoring an Employee’s Phone
Spy tools are used to monitor and track an employee’s phone usage and productivity. Cell phone spy apps allows employers to ensure that company phones are only being used for activities that are work-related.
They can also be used to monitor employee communication with customers via text messages or phone calls.
Spying on a Spouse or Loved One
Phone spy software is often used to spy on a spouse who is suspected of cheating. A husband or wife can monitor their spouse’s phone for secret messaging apps or dating apps. They can even use the GPS tracking feature built into phone spy apps to see their spouse’s location.
Spy apps are also called stalkerware due to this type of usage. Unfortunately, stalking is one of the most common uses of spy software. A recent study showed that 1 in 10 people use stalkerware to spy on a current or former partner.
Are Android Phone Spyware Apps Legal?
Spy apps are legal when used correctly. In the United States it is legal to monitor someone with a phone spy app with their permission. However it is illegal to install a phone spying app without their knowledge.
Before buying any of the apps recommended above, make sure you understand if it’s legal for you to monitor the target phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Android Spyware Apps Really Work?
Yes Android spyware apps work extremely well. They are a very effective way to monitor someone’s smartphone activity without having physical access to the device. This article explains what spy apps are and how they work on Android phones.
How Do Android Cell Phone Spying Apps Work?
Android phone spy apps work by uploading phone data to a remote server using the cellular data connection or WiFi. This data can then be viewed using an online control panel.
Can Android Surveillance Apps Be Installed Remotely?
No, Android spyware apps cannot be installed remotely. These apps MUST be installed directly on the target phone. There are no Android surveillance apps that allow you to spy on a phone without installing software on the target device.
Do you need physical access to the Android phone?
Android spying apps require physical access to the device to install the app and adjust security settings. Once this is done you will no longer need access to the device.
Do They Require Rooting the Phone?
No, most spy software for Androids do NOT require rooting the phone. You should only consider rooting the phone if you need advanced features like the ability to record calls and live call interception.
Will spy software work after a factory reset?
No, Android surveillance software will NOT work after a factory reset. All third-party software is removed during the factory reset process. Only apps that are shipped with the phone will remain.
Can I Track an iPhone from an Android?
Yes, you can track an iPhone from an Android using spy apps for iPhones and iOS devices. All you need to get started is the users iCloud email address and password.
Can Android Spy Software Monitor Social Media Accounts?
Yes, Android surveillance software can monitor most social media accounts including Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. They can also monitor Facebook Messages, WhatsApp Messages, Skype, Tinder, KIK, Line, and Viber.
Can You Turn an Android Phone into a Listening Device?
Yes, installing a spy app allows you to turn a smartphone as a listening device. All recordings are stored in an online dashboard.
Are They Safe?
Android spyware apps are generally safe. But installing a spy app requires disabling certain features of the phone’s security. This can potentially expose the target user’s personal data.
Data Security
All phone spying apps store the target phone’s data on a server. Most companies use powerful encryption to secure this data, but there is a possibility of this data getting hacked. This could expose the target user’s personal information, pictures, and communications. You can learn more by reading my article on Android spy app safety concerns.
Device Security
To function properly on an Android device, spying apps require you to disable several Android security features. This can leave a phone vulnerable to malicious apps, spyware, and malware.
Are Free Spy Applications Any Good?
Free Android spyware apps offer very limited features and no customer support. If you only need to monitor a couple features a free spy app may have everything you need. More advanced monitoring features require payment.
Conclusion
uMobix and SpyBubble are the best Android spy apps for most people They are easy to install and do NOT require rooting or jailbreaking the device. The customer support is the best in the industry and both companies offer a free trial and have a reasonable refund policy.
