The Best Instagram Spy Apps in 2024

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As you might already know, Instagram is not always a safe space for your child. In 2023, the FBI warned that child predators are increasingly targeting kids on social media, including Instagram*. By using the best Instagram spy apps, you can view all your child’s messages, likes, follows, and followers, set limits on their usage, and even block access entirely.

In this guide, I’ll show you the best options based on criteria like price, functionality, and the level of Instagram access and control provided.

The Best Instagram Spy Apps Tested By Our Experts

mSpy — Best For Monitoring All Likes, Texts, Videos & Photos

Free Demo
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Eyezy — Best Budget-friendly Instagram Spy Tool

Free Demo
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uMobix — Best Instagram Spy App for Beginners

Free Demo
Visit Site

Cocospy — Best For Monitoring Instagram DMs

Free Demo
Visit Site

Hoverwatch — Best For Monitoring Multi-Device Households

3-Day Free Trial
Visit Site

TheOneSpy — Best for Real-Time Instagram Monitoring

Free Demo
Visit Site

ClevGuard — Best Instagram Spy App for Parental Control

Free Demo
Visit Site

iKeyMonitor — The Best Free Instagram Spy App

Free Demo
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The Top 8 Instagram Spy Apps Ranked

  1. mSpy — Best for monitoring all likes, texts, videos and photos
  2. Eyezy — The most affordable Instagram spy app
  3. uMobix — Best Instagram spy app for beginners
  4. Cocospy — Great for monitoring Instagram DMs
  5. Hoverwatch — Best for multi-device Android and PC households
  6. TheOneSpy — Leading Instagram monitoring tool to get real-time updates
  7. ClevGuard — Reliable parental control features for Instagram
  8. iKeyMonitor — The best free Instagram spy app

The Best Spy Apps for Monitoring Instagram Activity

Next, I’ll look at some of the best Instagram spy apps and cover their best features, weaknesses, and pricing.

1. mSpy — The Best for Monitoring All Likes, Texts, Videos & Photos

mSpy logo

Starting Price $11.67/month (annually)
No. of Devices 1
Free Trial/Demo Demo
Compatibility iOS, Android
Money-back Guarantee 14-day refund window
Why We Picked It

mSpy stands out as one of the best Instagram spy apps because of its extensive multimedia monitoring capabilities, which lets you keep track of your child’s or partner’s likes, texts, photos, and videos shared on Instagram and other social media platforms.

Features

mSpy is a robust Instagram tracker that lets you monitor the other person’s activity in real-time. I found it quite easy to use, too, since a comprehensive dashboard lays out all the likes, comments, and direct messages exchanged on Instagram. It even shows deleted content.

In fact, mSpy records every keystroke, offering complete insight into everything the other person types, even if they don’t post or send the message. You will also get comprehensive activity reports on Instagram usage, giving you a better understanding of your child’s or partner’s social media behavior.

mSpy runs in stealth mode, making it one of the best hidden spy app options on my list. From my testing, having mSpy running in the background didn’t impact device performance too much, although it might be noticeable on low-end phones. mSpy also offers strong data encryption to ensure that all monitored information remains confidential and untouched by external threats.

However, unlike other apps on this list, like uMobix, mSpy requires jailbreaking or rooting an iOS or Android device to monitor Instagram and other social media apps. You need to be relatively tech-savvy to complete the installation process on both operating systems. mSpy’s excellent customer support helped me through the process, but that comes at an extra cost if you opt for the monthly plan.

Pricing Plans

mSpy is reasonably priced, considering everything it offers beyond Instagram monitoring. It offers one plan with different options for subscription duration:

Duration mSpy Pricing
1 Month $48.99
3 Months $28/month
12 Months $11.67/month

mSpy gets cheaper the longer you subscribe, but the prices above are for the first subscription only. When your account auto-renews, the price will go up to its regular rate.

Even though the app doesn’t have a free version or trial, you can try out its functionality with its free demo. Those who encounter problems after subscribing can refer to mSpy’s 14-day refund policy, which is honored depending on your circumstances.

Unlike most of its competition, mSpy allows you to switch to a different device to monitor within the same subscription at any time without an additional charge.

Chatting with mSpy’s chatbot Sparkle might also secure a discount offer. For example, I got a 40% discount on the Premium plan.

Who It's Best for

mSpy is ideal if you want full insight into your child or partner’s Instagram activity. It allows you to see every like, message, photo, or video exchanged on this ultra-popular social media platform. With all its other features, mSpy is so much more than just an Instagram spy app.

Pros

  • Extensive multimedia monitoring capabilities
  • Comprehensive dashboard
  • Great value for money & potential discount offers via chatbox
  • Subscription plan that caters to large families
  • Strong data security measures

Cons

  • Jailbreaking/rooting is needed to monitor Instagram and other social media

2. Eyezy — Most Affordable Instagram Spying App

Eyezy logo

Starting Price $7.99/month (annually)
No. of Devices Up to 3 devices with Family Kit
Free Trial/Demo Demo
Compatibility iOS, Android
Money-back Guarantee 14-day refund window
Why We Picked It

Eyezy is an ideal solution for anyone on a budget who wishes to keep an eye on their child’s or partner’s Instagram and other social media usage.

Features

Even though it’s cheaper than most competitors, Eyezy doesn’t fall behind when it comes to monitoring Instagram activities. Thanks to its Social Spotlight feature, screen recorder, and keylogger, Eyezy lets you track all Instagram interactions closely without being detected.

Eyezy even shows you deleted or encrypted messages exchanged through Instagram. It also provides information on when and where the other person logs in, allowing you to better understand patterns and prevent unauthorized access to a target device.

If your child or partner agrees to an Instagram meetup, Eyezy can be used to track their location. It also has the ability to set up virtual boundaries and send you alerts when they stray from them, like, say, if your child skips school. You can even take pictures using the camera of the target device to get an idea of their surroundings to ensure they are in a safe place.

On the downside, you have to jailbreak or root the other device, which requires physical access to that phone and can be quite complicated.

Pricing Plans

Eyezy offers a demo version of its dashboard to show its features, but there’s no free trial. It has a single plan for monitoring one device and a Family Kit plan for those who want to monitor multiple devices.

Duration Eyezy Pricing Eyezy Family Kit Pricing
1 Month $38.39/month
3 Months $22.39/month
6 Months $48.56/month
12 Months $7.99/month $29.99/month

You get all features with every Eyezy plan, no matter the length of the subscription. The only difference is that the Family Kit lets you monitor more devices. While the Family Kit only has options to subscribe for 6 or 12 months, the 12-month plan gets you three bonus months for free (for a total of 15). You pay upfront for the whole plan, but you can cancel at any time.

The above prices are inclusive of a discount for first-time subscribers and the price goes up after auto-renewal.

It doesn’t offer a free version or trial, but you get a demo and a standard 14-day refund policy.

Who It's Best for

Eyezy is the best Instagram spy tool for users on a budget. It is an efficient way to keep tabs on Instagram chats and overall usage without breaking the bank.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Full access to Instagram usage and exchanged media
  • Detailed account activity logs
  • Precise GPS location tracking and geofencing
  • Picture capture tool
  • Family Kit plan

Cons

  • Users will have to jailbreak or root the target device to monitor Instagram
  • Slow-responding customer care

3. uMobix — Best Instagram Monitoring App for Beginners

uMobix logo

Starting Price $12.49/month (annually)
No. of Devices 1
Free Trial/Demo Demo
Compatibility iOS, Android
Money-back Guarantee 14-day refund window
Why We Picked It

uMobix is ideal if you’re installing and using a phone spy app for the first time. Its ease of installation and user-friendly interface let you monitor the other person’s Instagram without any technical knowledge or previous experience.

Features

uMobix lets you access and control the Instagram app on the other device. For instance, you can uninstall the Instagram app account remotely and block access through a browser if, say, your child is spending too much time on the platform.

Access to the browser history and bookmarks will also let you know if the other person is trying to find other ways to get back on Insta. For more definitive control, you can also block Wi-Fi connections and set screen-time limits.

uMobix periodically takes social media screenshots, allowing you to monitor the content the targeted person interacts with on Instagram without lifting a finger. If you’re busy but still want to monitor Instagram interactions in real-time, you can set up alerts so you’ll know every time the other person goes online and logs onto Instagram.

Unfortunately, not all of these features are available on Android. While you can read Instagram DMs and review app activity through snapshots, you won’t be able to remotely block Instagram like you can on iPhones.

Pricing Plans

uMobix is much more straightforward than mSpy or Eyezy in terms of pricing. It has a single plan that offers access to a full set of features.

Duration uMobix Pricing
1 Month $49.99/month
3 Months $29.99/month
12 Months $12.49/month

Longer subscriptions bring higher savings and longer data storage. Like mSpy and Eyezy, uMobix doesn’t offer a free version or trial. There is only a free demo to help you get to grips with the app before making a commitment.

uMobix is one of the more expensive options on this list, but its ease of use makes it worth it. However, you will need alternatives like mSpy for complete Instagram tracking on iPhones.

Who It's Best for

uMobix is the perfect Instagram phone spy app for inexperienced users of spy apps. It is particularly useful if your child or partner has an iPhone since you can remotely block access to Instagram on iOS.

Pros

  • User-friendly interface
  • Full control of the Instagram account on iOS
  • Access to all Instagram DMs, even the deleted ones
  • Screenshots of Instagram activities
  • Straightforward pricing

Cons

  • No option for larger families
  • Some Instagram spying features aren’t available to Android users

4. Cocospy — Best For Monitoring Instagram DMs

Starting Price $12.49/month (annually)
No. of Devices 1
Free Trial/Demo Demo
Compatibility iOS, Android
Money-back Guarantee 14-day refund policy
Why We Picked It

Cocospy is an excellent choice to monitor Instagram DMs and group chats. It shows reactions to Instagram stories, links, photos, and videos shared through this popular platform.

Features

Cocospy features an intuitive dashboard that displays everything you need to know about the other person’s Instagram account, including usernames, incoming and outgoing messages, and timestamps for each message.

Every photo or video sent or received through this platform is stored online for Cocospy you to access whenever you want. You can even see deleted files.

Cocospy’s keylogger provides subscribers with full insight into everything typed or searched for on Instagram or the internet in general. This is a great perk for concerned parents, as you can react as soon as you notice inappropriate content.

Unfortunately, Cocospy lacks screen capture capabilities, preventing you from seeing stories and photos that your target likes on Instagram. Unlike uMobix, Cocospy also offers no option to block the Instagram app.

Pricing Plans

Cocospy has a single pricing plan with significant discounts for longer-term subscriptions. There’s also a demo to help you see what information you’ll have access to.

Duration Cocospy Pricing
1 Month $49.99/month
3 Months $29.99/month
12 Months $12.49/month

Cocospy is priced the same as uMobix but does a better job with Instagram monitoring. However, Eyezy is equally as good but significantly cheaper.

Who It's Best for

While not the most detailed or feature-packed in other aspects, Cocospy is a great option for a parent or spouse who is particularly concerned about Instagram DMs.

Pros

  • Monitors both Instagram DMs and group chats
  • Shows all links, photos, and videos shared through Instagram
  • Comprehensive Keylogger feature
  • Logs incoming and outgoing calls

Cons

  • Fewer features for non-jailbroken iPhones
  • No screen capture and app-blocking features

5. Hoverwatch — Best Instagram Monitoring Tool for Multi-Device Households

Starting Price $8.33/month (annually)
No. of Devices Up to 25 devices
Free Trial/Demo
Compatibility Android, Windows, macOS
Money-back Guarantee
Why We Picked It

Hoverwatch is a rare Instagram monitoring app that can help you if you need to monitor more than one device, such as families with more than three children, or children who access Instagram on multiple devices like their phones, tablets, and PCs.

Features

Hoverwatch is one of the best spy apps and allows you to see everything written or shared on this platform, including videos, audio messages, and images. You can even read Vanish mode messages and view deliberately deleted multimedia and messages.

Unlike most of its competitors, Hoverwatch also shows you Instagram follow requests. It’s an excellent way for concerned parents to see who is trying to follow and contact their children, allowing you to deal with potential issues before they escalate.

Hoverwatch also has a comprehensive keylogger and delivers regular screenshots of the device’s display, allowing you to easily keep track of their activities. It’s also one of the few Instagram tracking apps to support Windows and Mac monitoring. However, it does not support iOS.

Pricing Plans

Hoverwatch offers competitive pricing, especially if you wish to monitor a large number of devices. There are three different plans, and the only difference between them is the total number of devices the user wants to cover.

Duration Personal Pricing Professional Pricing Business Pricing
1 Month $29.95/month $49.95/month $149.95/month
3 Months $19.98/month $33.32/month $99.98/month
12 Months $8.33/month $16.66/month $41.66/month
  • Personal: This plan covers a single device and offers call recording, hidden camera shots, GPS tracking, SIM card change detection, and social media monitoring.
  • Professional: This plan allows you to monitor up to five devices and adds access to the Hoverwatch Mobile Viewer app.
  • Business: The Business plan is the best option for large multi-device households, with coverage for up to 25 devices. You also get access to the Mobile Viewer app.

Hoverwatch doesn’t offer a free trial or even a demo version, and it doesn’t have a money-refund policy, or at least it’s not listed in its terms. I have contacted its customer service about this but have yet to receive an answer.

Who It's Best for

Hoverwatch is the best option for families with more than three children and business users who wish to monitor Instagram activity on up to twenty-five devices. However, since it isn’t compatible with iOS, Apple smartphone users must look elsewhere.

Pros

  • Ability to monitor up to 25 devices on one plan
  • Full access to Instagram usage and exchanged media
  • Robust keylogger
  • Precise GPS location tracking
  • Scheduled screenshots

Cons

  • No iOS version
  • No live chat; customer service isn’t very responsive
Hoverwatch

6. TheOneSpy — Best for Real-Time Instagram Monitoring

TheOneSpy Logo - Featured Image

Starting Price $5.75/month (annually)
No. of Devices 1
Free Trial/Demo Free Demo
Compatibility iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
Money-back Guarantee 14-day
Why We Picked It

TheOneSpy allows you to track almost every bit of Instagram activity in real time. You can read text messages and group chats and view media files shared on the platform as they happen.

Features

With TheOneSpy, you can track Instagram photos and videos, monitor posts in the feed, and even keep track of who is following the monitored account. Thanks to TheOneSpy’s Password Chaser feature, you can also log in to the other person’s account and deactivate or delete their profile.

With TheOneSpy, you can also see their surroundings using the LiveSpy360 feature. You can turn on the camera and microphone to see what is happening around the device. However, it’s important to note that this feature is only available on Android devices.

It is also a good time to warn iOS users about the limited access to TheOneSpy’s remote functionality. For example, while you can reboot or restart an Android or even completely remove Instagram and other applications, you won’t be able to do the same on an iPhone.

Pricing Plans

TheOneSpy offers separate pricing plans for both iPhone and Android users. As with most other spy apps, the longer the user subscribes, the lower the price.

Duration Android XLite Pricing Android Premier Pricing iPhone, Windows & Mac Premier Pricing
1 Month $35/month $39/month $29/month
3 Months $18.33/month $26.30/month $16.33/month
12 Months $6.58/month $8.25/month $5.75/month
  • Android XLite: This plan grants access to the target device’s information, apps, contacts, appointments, and calendar activities, internet history and bookmarks, call and SMS monitoring, surround recording, and location tracking.
  • Android Premier: This plan includes everything offered under the XLite Plan, plus notification logs and alerts, screen time overview, app reports, web filtering (through URL or keyword), network connections overview, geofencing, email access, live screen recordings, screenshots, keylogger, password chaser, VoIP Call Recording, Live Spy360, and Instagram and other social media monitoring (after rooting).
  • iPhone Premier: This plan grants access to contacts, installed apps, photos, text message history, call logs, internet history, keystroke logging, screenshots, network connections, and social media messages.

Unlike most of the competition, TheOneSpy offers plans for monitoring Windows and Mac devices. Each plan costs $45/month, but neither offers Instagram screen recording. For now, this feature is available only for Facebook, WhatsApp, and Skype.

Both iOS and Android plans offer unlimited device switching (even OS switching), meaning you don’t have to pay extra if your target changes their device or OS.

Who It's Best for

TheOneSpy is an excellent spy tool for users who want to monitor Instagram activities in real time and not miss out on anything.

Pros

  • Unparalleled control over the monitoring device
  • Camera and microphone in real time (Android only)
  • Compatible with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices
  • One of the best GPS location trackers
  • Unconditional 14-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Not a very detailed demo
  • No live chat support

7. ClevGuard — Best Instagram Monitoring App for Parental Control

Clevguard logo

Starting Price $4.99/month (annually)
No. of Devices ● Up to 3 devices on the individual plan
● Up to 20 devices on the family plan
Free Trial/Demo Demo
Compatibility iOS, Android
Money-back Guarantee 30-day money-back guarantee
Why We Picked It

While many spy apps can double as parental control apps, ClevGuard is built for parents. Its detailed daily, weekly, and monthly reports of your kids’ Instagram activity, overall phone usage and screen time, and the ability to block inappropriate content can give you peace of mind.

Features

ClevGuard is one of the best parental control apps on the market, thanks to its plethora of features that can safeguard children from online threats and cyberbullying. The brand offers a number of apps depending on your needs, but their KidsGuard and KidsGuard Pro monitoring apps are great value for money and loaded with features to help you keep tabs on your kid’s Instagram account.

For starters, you can block any website or app, including Instagram. You can also set screen time limits to ensure your kids aren’t chatting with their Instagram buddies when they should be studying or sleeping.

It comes with an excellent keylogger to record everything your child types. It can also capture screenshots, letting parents see what their kids see at any given time, including Instagram stories or disappearing messages. If you notice something inappropriate, you can lock your child’s phone remotely.

Thanks to detailed reports on your child’s phone activity, you can determine how long your kid uses Instagram, who they’ve DMed, and what interests them. You can also make a list of custom keyword alerts and get notified when your child uses them on the social media platform.

Pricing Plans

ClevGuard offers two plans tailored to social media and Instagram monitoring. There’s also a detailed demo so you can try out all its functions before committing.

Duration KidsGuard for Children Pricing KidsGuard Pro Pricing
1 Month $9.99/month $49.99/month
3 Months $25.33/month
12 Months $5/month $11.67/month
  • KidsGuard for Children offers website and app blocking, call filtering, screenshots, the ability to lock phones, real-time GPS, and activity reports.
  • KidsGuard Pro offers everything the KidsGuard for Children plan does, plus a keylogger, remote control, and live recordings, file and activity monitoring, SMS and social app monitoring, and contacts/calendar viewing.

While ClevGuard offers a generous 30-day refund policy, customers only get their money back if the service doesn’t work on their device and the technical support team fails to resolve the issue.

Who It's Best for

ClevGuard is the best app for parents who want to keep tabs on their children’s Instagram activity. If you see anything you don’t like, you can take control and even block access to the social media platform.

Pros

  • Wide range of parental control features
  • Daily, weekly, and monthly phone activity reports
  • Live recordings
  • Affordable pricing

Cons

  • Strict refund policy
  • Installation requires physical access

8. iKeyMonitor — The Best Free Instagram Spy App

Starting Price Free with basic functionality
Instagram monitoring from $16.66/month
No. of Devices 1
Free Trial/Demo Free Plan
Compatibility iOS, Android
Money-back Guarantee 30-day
Why We Picked It

iKeyMonitor is one of the best free spy apps for Instagram, as it shows DMs, records Instagram voice and video calls, and takes screenshots of Instagram stories and disappearing messages. It has a free forever version with basic functionality if that’s all you need.

Features

Besides allowing you to access every incoming and outgoing message from Instagram and other social media accounts, iKeyMonitor also shows disappearing media, such as auto-deleting messages and Instagram stories.

You can also capture real-time screenshots to see what the other person is doing on their phones. You can also remotely activate the mic and camera to know more about where they are.

Concerned parents can use iKeyMonitor to control their children’s cell phone activities. If you think your child is spending too much time on Instagram, you can block the app or at least set a screen time limit to prevent phone addiction.

What sets iKeyMonitor apart from its competition is the Alert Words feature. This feature lets you make a list of words you deem inappropriate for your children and be notified whenever they are used.

Pricing Plans

Unlike the other apps on this list, iKeyMonitor offers a free plan for both Android and iPhone/iPad users. Paid add-ons have a 30-day money-back guarantee, but only if there is a technical issue.

  • Free plan: The free version offers SMS monitoring, call recording, GPS Tracking, and Wi-Fi connection history.
  • Add-ons: Add-ons cost $9.99 for 3 days or $16.66/month. Available add-ons include social media monitoring, input logger, screenshots, surrounding listening, remote control, and apps and website blocking. You will need the social media add-on to monitor Instagram.
Who It's Best for

iKeyMonitor is the best option for those who want a free spy tool. However, since the free version doesn’t include social media monitoring, you will have to pay for add-ons, but you can do so only when you need it.

Pros

  • Free forever plan
  • Displays disappearing media
  • Remote camera and mic control
  • Alert-Words and input logger facilitate full parental control

Cons

  • The free version doesn’t cover social media monitoring

Top Spy Apps for Instagram: Compared

To help you decide, I’ve created the table below to showcase the major distinctions between the top apps to spy on Instagram:

Provider Name Starting Price No Of Devices Free Trial/Demo Money-Back Guarantee
mSpy $11.67/month (annual) Up to 3 Demo 14 days
Eyezy $7.99/month (annual) Up to 3 Demo 14 days
uMobix $12.49/month (annual) 1 Demo 14 days
Cocospy $12.49/month (annual) 1 Demo 14 days
Hoverwatch $8.33/month (annual) 1, 5, or 25 No No
TheOneSpy $5.75/month (annual) 1 Demo 14 days
ClevGuard $5/month (annual) Up to 20 Demo 30 days
iKeyMonitor Free 1 Free plan 30 days
Methodology

How We Review And Test Spyware Apps

Important Note: Spy software is not legal to use without the device owner’s permission in many countries and states. When we test spy software, we do so only with the explicit consent of the device owner and in compliance with local laws and regulations.

To provide our readers with accurate and well-informed recommendations, we test the most popular spy applications on the market to find the best options for you. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:

  • General Features: We evaluate the comprehensive feature set of each spy app, including but not limited to features such as App Management, Time Management, Call Monitoring, Device Control and GPS Tracking.
  • Ease of Use: We gauge the user-friendliness of each app, considering factors such as installation process complexity, the necessity of jailbreaking (for iOS) or rooting (for Android) the target device, and more.
  • Device Support and Compatibility: We thoroughly examine the compatibility of each spyware app with different devices and operating systems, including iOS and Android. We also assess whether the app offers a unified dashboard accessible from both desktop and mobile devices.
  • Customer Support: We test the responsiveness and effectiveness of customer support provided by each app developer. We evaluate the availability of support channels, such as live chat, email, or phone support, as well as the satisfaction ratings of customer assistance.
  • Price and Value for Money: We assess each spyware app’s pricing structure in relation to its features and functionalities, aiming to determine its overall value proposition. We analyze whether the app offers different subscription tiers, flexible payment options, and discounts for long-term commitments. Additionally, we check whether the app provides free trials or demos for users to test its capabilities before making a purchase.
  • Privacy and Security: We prioritize the privacy and security of user data in our evaluation. We scrutinize the app’s data encryption measures, adherence to privacy regulations, and commitment to regular security updates to safeguard user information from unauthorized access or breaches.

Why Use An Instagram Spy Tool?

An Instagram monitoring app monitors the activity of a specific account, such as tracking posts, comments, and messages. Here are a few reasons to use an Instagram spy app:

Parental MonitoringEmployee MonitoringMonitoring Your Partner

As a parent, it’s natural to be concerned about your child’s safety and well-being, especially regarding online activity. An Instagram tracking app allows you to monitor your child’s activity on the platform, such as the:

  • Accounts they’re following
  • Content they’re viewing
  • People they’re interacting with

This can help you identify any potential dangers or risks your child may be exposed to and take appropriate action to keep them safe.

Employers can use an Instagram monitoring app to track their employees’ online activity. This can help employers identify employees who may share confidential information or use company devices for personal use. This is especially important in industries where information security is critical, such as finance and healthcare.

While this is considered an unethical use of phone spy apps, some people may use these apps to monitor their partner’s activity. This can include tracking their Instagram posts, comments, and messages, and it can be done to monitor their behavior or to gather evidence of infidelity.

How Do Instagram Tracking Apps Work?

Instagram spy apps work by gaining access to the target device through jailbreaking, rooting, or obtaining iCloud credentials.

Once the app is installed, it usually disguises itself as a system app. It uses screenshots, keylogging, and notifications to create a complete picture of the target’s Instagram activity. This allows you to monitor the target’s Instagram direct messages, view links, their stories and likes, photos, and videos exchanged, and even see deleted messages.

Do I Need Physical Access to the Target Phone?

In most cases, physical access to the target phone is required to install an Instagram spy app. This is particularly true for Android phones, as most monitoring apps cannot be installed without physical access to the device.

However, some spy apps can be installed on iPhones without physical access by using iCloud backup and having the login credentials and two-factor authentication code for the target phone.

Once the Instagram tracking app is installed and has the necessary permissions, it can remotely monitor the target’s Instagram activity and read their direct messages without needing further physical access to the device.

Are Instagram Spy Apps Legal?

Using an Instagram spy app to monitor someone’s device with their informed consent is entirely legal, and you can also access devices belonging to children under 18 in your care without needing permission. Keep in mind that obtaining informed consent is required for tracking adults before using spy apps for Instagram on phones.

What Can You See With an Instagram Spy App?

Instagram spy apps can provide a wide range of information on a target’s activity on the platform. Instagram hacker apps can capture screenshots, record keystrokes, and collect notifications, capturing the target’s direct messages, including photos, videos, and links they’ve shared. You can also see their stories, posts, activity, followers, and who they’re following.

Free Instagram Spy Apps vs. Paid – Which is Best?

My research found that paid options are far superior to free Instagram spy apps. Free apps like Mobile Tracker may need more performance and reliability than paid options.

Some spy apps don’t offer Instagram spying in their free version. Additionally, free Instagram spying apps may be less reliable, have weaker features, or even be scams or malware.

While some tools may offer free versions, these tend to be limited in functionality compared to premium options. If you’re unsure which Instagram spy app to use, try risk-free options with free trials, guarantees, and demos. Budget-conscious users can also opt for long-term plans for value for money.

Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Instagram Spy Apps

Naturally, my core consideration when creating this guide on the best Instagram hacking apps was their ability to track, monitor, and log activity taking place on the app.

Secondary considerations included how easy these spy apps are to use, how quickly they can be installed, and the degree to which they can operate quietly in the background without bothering the user – all of which are important for a positive user experience.

Beyond that, other features like being able to track other social media apps, access location information, and control the microphone and camera are all great additional benefits—as is being able to track more than one device.

Lastly, value for money is very important—if a budget Instagram hack app comes with premium features, I recommend it, and I consider details like trials, guarantees, and flexible pricing plans.

I have broad experience across the sector, so I consider all these factors, identifying each product’s best features and comparing its functionality against the competition and spy app software benchmarks.

How to Spy on Instagram with a Spy App – A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to install and use mSpy on Android or iOS:

Step 1 – Setting Up

mSpy-account-setup-1

  • Select “iOS” or “Android” when asked about the operating system of the monitored device.
  • Pick one of the three subscriptions.
  • Open up the email from mSpy and jot down the link to your registration code, Control Panel, Username, Password, and download link.

Step 2 – Additional Steps 

For iOS devices – Ensure the iPhone is jailbroken and has internet access. For Android devices – Make sure you’ve disabled Play Protect.

mSpy install

Step 3 – Download mSpy 

Download the software and install it.

mSpy-account-setup2

Step 4 – Start Spying on Instagram

mSpy-account-setup-3

For iOS Devices: 

  1. Navigate to “Technology Repository,”
  2. Tap “iPhone Internal Service,”
  3. Click “Accept,” and fill out the prompts that pop up on your homepage
  4. Tap the “mSpy” icon and accept their license agreement
  5. Input your registration code, and restart the target phone

For Android Devices:

In case there’s a prompt at the button on your screen,

  1. Tap “Open” and then “Settings.”
  2. Then click “Allow from This Source,”
  3. Tap “Next,”
  4. Click on “Open,” and press “Agree” on mSpy’s License Agreement
  5. Allow any permissions from the app
  6. Input the Registration Code you got via email
  7. Click “Complete Installation.”

Instagram Spy FAQs

Do Instagram spy apps work?

What’s the best Instagram spy app?

What’s the best free Instagram spy app?

Do I need to root or jailbreak the device to spy on Instagram?

Krishi Chowdhary
Tech Expert
Krishi Chowdhary
Tech Expert

Krishi Chowdhary has half a decade of experience writing buying guides and product reviews for numerous leading technology websites. He spent two years writing for Business2Community.com before joining Techopedia.com. He has a degree in Commerce and extensive experience in the technology industry. He's also the key driver behind TechReport.com's news content, delivering expertise insight into the latest tech and cybersecurity news daily.