Updated 10/2/23: Before using ANY of these apps you should clearly understand how to use them legally. Using spying apps to monitor someone without their consent may be illegal in the U.S and other countries
In this comparison, we review the best Instagram spy apps for Android and iOS devices.
Instagram is used by millions of people to share pictures, videos, and messages. Instagram direct messages (DMs) are a popular way for people to communicate.
Tracker apps remotely monitor someone’s Instagram account activity. This includes children, spouses or partners, or employees. Tracking their Instagram activity ensures they’re using the platform in a safe and responsible way.
Contents of this Guide
Below is my list of the best apps for monitoring someone’s Instagram activity and direct messages.
1. uMobix – Best for iPhone and Android
uMobix is a spy app that provides full access to the target user’s Instagram account. It is ideal for monitoring a child or loved one.
Below we explore the monitoring features on iPhones and Androids.
iPhone Monitoring Features
uMobix provides full access to the target user’s Instagram account on iOS devices. Tracking features include the following:
- navigate the users Instagram feed
- read all direct messages
- change settings in their account
- see who they follow
- see interactions
It does not require installing any software on the target iOS device.
Android Monitoring Features
uMobix tracks activity in the target user’s Instagram account on Android devices. The features include the following:
- view all direct messages (DMs)
- view screenshots of all Instagram feed
- view screenshots of post engagements
Physical access to the Android device is required for installation.
Compatibility
uMobix is compatible with the following devices.
- all versions of iOS
- Android devices using 4.0 or higher
uMobix offers a trial version of their spy software. They also offer the best tech support of any social media monitoring tool.
2. mSpy
If you want to be the next best spy on Instagram, the second spying tool you should check out is mSpy.
Since its launch, this spying app has gained traction and trust in the community as it has access to most mobile apps, such as SMS and GPS, downloaded apps – including Instagram.
mSpy is our top recommendation for parents or partners who want to track messages on the target cell phone.
For Instagram, you will be able to see in the control panel all direct messages, profile, and followers of your children or spouse.
Compatible with: Android and iOS devices
Our Favorite Feature
Easy installation process!!! To get this up and working, you won’t have to jailbreak or root the device to use the application.
Weakest Feature
It has limited spying features. For Instagram, you would only be able to see messages but not track each movement made in the app, such as real-time activities and viewed photos/videos.
3. Spyic
This phone spy app has mastered stealth mode.
If you want to track on an Apple device, you can track this WITHOUT even installing anything on the phone. As for Android users, the app VANISHES after it gets downloaded.
You won’t also have any trace of the monitoring app as you can access the control panel via web browser.
You simply have to log in – like you do in most accounts and ta-da! You have a full monitoring view in the target device.
You will be able to monitor direct messages from followers and requests in the Instagram account in real-time, or you can also opt to record them for viewing later.
Aside from Instagram, users also can track interactions with people on other social media platforms – such as Snapchat, Facebook, Whatsapp, as well as Viber.
Compatible with: Android and iOS devices
Our Favorite Feature
Spyic has learned all tricks in being incognito. An Instagram spy will be able to track without leaving any tracks in the target device or your phone.
Weakest Feature
One thing Spyic doesn’t have is their customer support team. If you browse legit reviews from users of the app, Spyic didn’t receive high ratings when it comes to the quality of their support team.
4. FlexiSpy
Our fourth option for spying software is FlexiSpy.
We like this app because it can record Instagram direct messages, followers, activity, and engagements.
You will be able to spy on Instagram messages from both parties – incoming and outgoing DMs. And here’s the sneaky part: it can store messages of your children on Instagram which you can read later.
This app can also keep a log of the content of the phone – text messages, photos, videos, and calls, even those made on social media platforms such as Whatsapp and Viber.
If you prefer to view your child’s activities elsewhere, FlexiSpy has just the thing. The control panel is also accessible using a web browser – which adds to the stealth factor of FlexiSpy.
Compatible with: iPhone iOS 6.0 and up, Android versions 4 and up, as well as Microsoft Windows 7 and up, and Apple macOS (Mavericks, Yosemite, El Capitan, Sierra, High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina)
Our Favorite Feature
Effective recording and storing of data! You can view engagements on Instagram when convenient for you.
Weakest Feature
The app cannot track time spent on Instagram or social media. Tracking doesn’t record screen time using the app.
The Instagram spy features are only available in the Premium and Extreme plan. You would have to upgrade to be able to access more apps.
5. SpyBubble
Nexspy is the last but definitely not the least Instagram spy app on our list.
It’s arguably the best Instagram spy tool and a reliable option for those who want to monitor and manage their child, partner, or employee including the things they do on Instagram.
In addition to Instagram messages, you’ll be able to see the list of followers, posted and liked photos, including videos on Instagram with Nexspy.
You will also be able to check your kids’ or partner’s profile details, recent activity, and total screen time.
Now, what if you’re the forgetful type? Chill. Because Nexspy’s got a handy feature!
Nexspy allows you to set a reminder or notification from certain people who the account often interacts with.
One more thing – if you want to spy on Instagram AND other social media platforms, Nexspy has access to other spying features as well, such as text messages, GPS logs, Viber, Whatsapp, as well as call history!
Compatible with: iPhone iOS 8 and up and Android
Our Favorite Feature
Quick installation and excellent customer service team. Moreover, if you have any issues or questions, the knowledgeable Nexspy support team is just a call away!
Weakest Feature
The basic features of Nexspy can work on mobile devices without the need for root or jailbreak. However, more advanced features for Instagram spying would require FULL accessibility.
What Are Instagram Spy Apps?
Instagram trackers are parental control apps, also known as spy apps, that remotely monitor someone’s Instagram account activity. Features of spy apps include tracking text messages, phone calls, web browsing history, social media apps, GPS location, pictures, and videos.
These apps are compatible with smartphones running the iOS and Android operating systems. They are most frequently used to monitor the phone’s of children, employees, or a loved one.
What Activities Can Instagram Spy Tools Track?
Here are a few of the activities you can track with an Instagram spy tool.
Read Direct Messages (DMs)
Most spying apps record Instagram direct messages and conversations from the target phone. This allows you to see who someone is talking to on Instagram. These messages can be viewed in the online control panel. Any pictures or videos sent by direct message are also displayed.
Deleted direct messages can also be viewed. The following article explains how to read someone’s Instagram direct messages using 3 different methods.
See Who Someone Follows
The uMobix app displays all accounts followed by the target user’s Instagram account. The iPhone version allows you to navigate the user’s account to see who they follow.
The Android version of the app does not allow you to navigate within their account. It captures screenshots of their activity while using the app.
Additional Features of iOS Instagram Tracking Tools
Most Instagram tracking tools for iOS devices record only Instagram direct messages. uMobix gives full control of the following settings.
- block users
- configure settings
- unfollow inappropriate content
How do Instagram Spy Apps Work?
Instagram trackers work operate differently depending on the operating system of the target device. Below we cover how Instagram spying apps work on Android and iOS devices.
How Do Instagram Tracking Tools Work on Android?
Instagram tracking apps for Android devices only monitor the direct message communication between the target user and their friends on Instagram.
These apps must be installed directly on the target device. This facilitates 2 methods of tracking messages and conversations.
- directly downloading all sent and received messages to an online dashboard
- using a keystroke logger to capture all outgoing messages.
Neither of the methods above require rooting the Android device.
How Do Instagram Tracking Tools Work on iOS?
iOS spy software accesses Instagram data through iCloud backups. Backups are downloaded to a remote server where the data can be viewed through an online control panel.
Who Uses Instagram Spying Apps?
There are 3 primary types of people who use Instagram spying apps.
Parents
Parents use Instagram tracking tools to monitor the activity of their children.
Parents can use an Instagram spy app to:
- block inappropriate content
- block suspicious users
- monitor for bullying through Direct Messages
Employers
Employers use cell phone monitoring apps to ensure employees are productive while at work. Tracking usage and messaging allows them to reduce distractions.
Employers can also monitor communications to ensure no company specific information is shared.
Partner or Loved Ones
Instagram direct messages are a popular way for people to chat online. Spouses and partners use Instagram tracking tools to monitor the communications of their significant other.
How to Install Instagram Spy Apps
Below we describe the Instagram tracker app installation process for iPhones and Androids.
iPhone Installation
Normally, you can start tracking Instagram movements just by getting your iPhone’s Apple IMEI/MEID or serial number.
In some apps, you need the Apple ID and password. You can do this remotely, meaning you don’t necessarily have to touch the iPhone to install, especially if you have all these details!
Android Installation
You need to download the Instagram monitoring apps manually on the Android device.
However, the good thing is – it only takes MINUTES to fully download the app for Android users. Plus it disappears on the screen once successfully activated!
*Procedure differs from one spy app to another. Best to check with the chosen spy app
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Free Instagram Spy App?
There are a limited number of free spy apps available. None of these apps offer free tracking of Instagram. It is possible to get a free 7-day trial.
Final Verdict
While there are plenty of Instagram spy apps on the market, uMobix and SpyBubble offer the most tracking features at the best price.
