There are all sorts of reasons for needing one of the best spy apps for Android. But no matter what you want to find out, an Android spy app must be 100% discreet, as well as simple to install and use.
Whether you want to know what your partner is hiding, monitor your kid’s online activity, or keep track of your employees, there’s guaranteed to be an Android spy app on this page that ticks all of the boxes.
Best Spy Apps for Android Tested by Our Experts
Spynger - Best Android Spy App For Catching a Cheating Partner
SpyBubble Pro - Best Android Spy App to Find Deleted Content and Apps
Scannero - Best Android Spy App to Track Location With a Phone Number
Best Spy Apps for Android Ranked
- mSpy — Best Android spy app overall with camera and microphone remote access
- Spynger — Best Android spy app for catching a cheating partner
- uMobix — Top rated spy app for Android with great remote access features and app-blocking
- SpyBubble Pro — Best Android spy app to find deleted content and hidden apps
- Scannero — Best Android spy app to track location with just a phone number
- Phonsee — Reliable Android spyware with excellent tracking and social media features
- Eyezy — Affordable spy app for Android with AI features and keyword alerts
- Show Full Guide
The Best Spy Apps for Android Devices Reviewed
These best spy apps for Android will give you a secure and easy way to monitor your loved one’s activity and app usage. My reviews will give you all the info you need to help you find the one that’s right for you.
1. mSpy — Best Android Spy App Overall With Camera and Microphone Remote Access
Starting Price | $11.67/month |
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No Of Devices | 1 |
Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
Compatibility | Android OS 5 or higher |
Money-Back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Why We Picked It
mSpy ranks as the best Android spy app thanks to its incredible range of advanced features for such a reasonable price, doing everything from social media monitoring to location tracking. Its ability to remotely access a phone’s camera and microphone means you can see and hear whatever the other person is in real time. mSpy also offers detailed usage reports that are super easy to understand, so you know exactly what the other person is up to on their phone at all times. Costing as little as $11.67 a month for all of these excellent features, mSpy is outstanding value for money.
Features
A favorite feature is the Remote Microphone and Remote Camera, which allow you to listen to and see what’s going on around the person’s Android phone live. This is incredibly useful if you suspect your partner is being secretive about who they are meeting, or if you are a parent concerned that your child is being bullied outside the home.
Just about nothing is out of reach when you’re using mSpy to spy on someone’s device from your Android phone. You’ll have full access to their call records, with time stamps, as well as any messages they send and receive on just about any messaging and social media app. This includes Instagram, Facebook, Tinder, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Google Chat (formerly Google Talk) — the default Google Workspace chat app.
It also has a photo and video viewer tool that gives you access to the photo gallery of any device. The tool includes date and time stamps so you can establish a timeline of any suspicious activity. mSpy also offers a keylogger and an excellent hidden screen recorder, so you’ll be able to see everything the other person sees and types on their Android.
Concerned parents will love the fact mSpy has App Blocker and Website Blocker tools that let you block apps, inappropriate websites, or offensive pages. You can even set keyword alerts. For example, you can set an alert to know if they’re getting messages from someone you suspect is bullying them, or for inappropriate web searches such as “Pornhub”. It’s because of all of these safeguarding features that we also rank it as the best parental control app.
During my testing, I loved the real-time GPS tracking and geofencing features that let me see the other person’s route history, and where they’re going in real time. Using the geofencing tool, you can set location boundaries and get notified when they move out of those boundaries at any time. Another really important thing for me was that mSpy operates in stealth mode, so everything I track on the other person’s phone is hidden.
mSpy Pricing Plans
mSpy Plans | mSpy Pricing |
---|---|
1 Month | $48.99/month |
3 Months | $28/month |
12 Months | $11.67/month |
mSpy makes its pricing really easy to understand. It has just one plan type, with larger discounts available with longer subscriptions. There’s no free trial, but you can get a feel for the app with a free demo. In my testing of the demo, I found it to be really helpful and a good snapshot of everything mSpy is capable of and how well it works.
It’s also good to know that if you experience any functional problems that customer service can’t rectify within 14 days of subscribing, you can request a full refund.
Who It’s Best For
mSpy is the do-it-all spy software for Android. It has so many features, it suits a wide range of people. It’s great for parents who want to monitor their children’s online activities, but it’s an equally effective tool for concerned employers and anyone who wants to know if their partner is cheating.
Pros
- Detailed usage reports to easily find the information you need
- Stealth mode ensures discreet monitoring
- Remote access to camera and microphone
- Excellent keylogger and screen recorder
- Live listening and viewing functionality
Cons
- Limited to one device per subscription
- No free trial
2. Spynger — Best Android Spy App For Catching a Cheating Partner
Starting Price | Starting from $9.28/month |
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No Of Devices | 1 |
Free Trial/Demo | ❌ |
Compatibility | Android OS 4 or higher |
Money-Back Guarantee | 30-day refund window |
Why We Picked It
When you suspect your partner of cheating, you need a spy app that will confirm or refute those suspicions without any doubts. I picked Spynger because it’s specifically designed to track a cheater and gives you concrete evidence to confirm or dispel any suspicions you may have about your partner. It offers detailed digital activity tracking, including call logs, text messages, social media monitoring, and GPS location tracking.
Features
Perhaps best of all for those wanting to know the truth about what their partner is up to, Spynger’s hidden screen recorder runs completely undetected and allows you to view whatever they are doing on their Android phone live. A plus is that it also allows you to take remote screenshots of their live page.
It also features a keylogger, letting you capture and record every word your partner types on their Android device or iPhone, and Spynger’s GPS location tracker is one of the best on the market. You can use it to pinpoint your partner’s whereabouts, check past locations, and track current routes. You can even set geofences to receive notifications every time they enter or leave specific areas. No more worrying if they’re telling the truth when they say “I’ll be working late tonight”
If you’re wondering who your partner is speaking to on their phone, Spynger has you covered. It enables full access to all of their messages on apps, including Instagram, Tinder, Viber, Snapchat, Discord, Facebook, and WhatsApp.
Spynger also includes an app and website blocker feature that lets you restrict access to specific apps and websites. Useful if you decide to stop things in their tracks if you find out they are using dating apps like Tinder.
One downside is that Spynger doesn’t offer a free trial or demo version, so you can’t test-run it before committing. That said, Spynger is affordable, and I found it to be really effective, making it a worthwhile investment for a low annual price.
Spynger Pricing Plans
Here’s a breakdown of Spynger’s pricing:
Duration | Spynger Pricing |
---|---|
1 Month | $44.56/month |
3 Months | $25.99/month |
12 Months | $9.28/month |
As I mentioned, Spynger has no free trial, but it does offer a 30-day refund policy. So, if you experience any technical issues with the provided services that the support team cannot resolve within 30 days of your purchase, you can request a refund.
Who It’s Best For
Spynger is the Android spy app that works best for people looking to alleviate concerns, doubts, and suspicions in their relationship. It does what it says it will do, so if you’re looking for hard evidence or just want to put your mind at ease when it comes to your partner, it’s a great pick.
Pros
- Detailed social media monitoring
- Excellent keylogger
- Good for blocking access to apps and websites
- Real-time alerts
- Support remote screenshots
Cons
- No call recording
- No free trial
3. uMobix — Top Rated Android Spy App With Great Remote Access Features and App-Blocking
Starting Price | $12.49/month |
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No. of Devices | 1 |
Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
Compatibility | Android OS 4 or higher |
Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Why We Picked It
uMobix is a powerful spy app that works on Android devices. It allows users to view and control someone else’s Android phone remotely, as well as block inappropriate sites and apps. It also stands out thanks to its user-friendly interface. I found it easy to set up and navigate, with everything laid out in easy-to-find tabs and sections, making it a great choice for those without technical expertise.
Features
I loved that you can control another phone remotely and access its photo gallery, restrict the phone’s functions, block inappropriate websites and apps, delete apps, and more. Just like mSpy, you can also access their camera and microphone to see and hear what’s going on around them.
While all of this makes it great for concerned parents, it’s just as useful for those who have suspicions about their partner’s honesty. You can even use the track GPS location feature to locate someone on the map at any time.
uMobix also allows you to monitor various social media apps, including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Skype. It will even let you know the moment someone opens an app, so you can be on alert for activity. Its Call Tracker feature includes essential information about incoming and outgoing calls, providing details like timestamps and contact info. It also has one of the best keyloggers that records and tracks all keyboard activity in web browsers, notepads, or messaging apps.
I liked that uMobix updates its dashboard data every five minutes, but you can increase the duration in the settings if you don’t need active monitoring. Installation is super easy, it took me around 10 minutes to install uMobix and hide it on the other phone.
uMobix Pricing Plans
uMobix pricing plan is as follows:
Duration | uMobix Pricing |
---|---|
1 Month | $49.99/month |
3 Months | $29.99/month |
12 Months (+ 12 extra months for free) | $12.49/month |
While uMobix doesn’t have a free trial, I liked that you can test it out using the demo that shows you how the dashboard works. uMobix also offers a 14-day refund policy if you experience any technical issue the support can’t fix after purchase, but it’s not a money-back guarantee.
Who It’s Best For
uMobix is especially good for those who are new to using spyware for Android phones, or who aren’t particularly tech-savvy in general, and it offers tiered pricing that makes it easy to get started. With such a broad range of features that all work extremely well, it’s a great option for parents, concerned couples, as well as managers who want to monitor their employees. It really is one of the best ways to track a phone, no matter who you are.
Pros
- Intuitive interface
- Gives accurate location details of the target device
- Remote access to the device’s core functionality
- Simple installation process
- Comprehensive WhatsApp tracking feature
Cons
- No free plan
- Pricier than most competitors
Starting Price | $12.49/month |
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No. of Devices | 1 |
Free Trial/Demo | ❌ |
Compatibility | Android OS 4 and higher |
Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Why We Picked It
It is highly possible that the person you want to monitor keeps their phone clean by deleting all of their messages after they send them. SpyBubble Pro’s standout feature is that it takes continuous screenshots of the Android phone you are monitoring, giving you an accurate insight into the other person’s activities, even if content has been deleted or altered.
Features
Many people who cheat will often delete their DMs so they can’t be seen. SpyBubble Pro is the best option for seeing deleted, hidden, or altered content on an Android device. This includes seeing deleted calls and messages, hidden contacts and apps, and altered contact names. You can also monitor apps like Reddit, Discord, and even YouTube. A plus is that you’ll even get an alert if they change SIM cards.
In addition, SpyBubble’s keylogger tool lets you see everything they type on their phone, including passwords, even if they delete it afterward. You can also use the website blocker feature to remotely restrict them from visiting inappropriate sites, which is great for parents with young kids and teenagers.
SpyBubble Pro also has a real-time location tracker so you can see where the other person is, another great feature to ensure your family or partner is where they say they are. Most importantly, I found it very easy to install and set up as you don’t have to root the target Android device to access its features.
SpyBubble Pro Pricing Plans
Spybubble Pro has a duration-based subscription plan structure. Here’s what you need to know:
Duration | SpyBubble Pro Pricing |
---|---|
1 Month | $49.99/month |
3 Months | $29.99/month |
12 Months | $12.49/month |
SpyBubble Pro doesn’t have a demo, but the dashboard is quite similar to uMobix. You’re also eligible for a full refund up to 14 days after purchase, as long as your reasons align with its refund policy.
Who It’s Best For
SpyBubble Pro is very useful for suspicious spouses and parents as you can access deleted messages, pics, and other shared files.
However, this provider doesn’t allow you to remove apps from the phone. If this is a feature you are after, I’d recommend uMobix.
Pros
- Provides real-time screenshots of online and phone activities
- Advanced keylogger
- Easy to install and setup
- Gives you access to deleted data
- Sim card replacement alert
Cons
- No free trial
- Not the best for location tracking
5. Scannero — Best Android Spy App to Track Location With a Phone Number
Starting Price | Starting from $0.89/day |
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No. of Devices | 1 |
Free Trial/Demo | ❌ |
Compatibility | All Android versions |
Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Why We Picked It
Scannero is one of the best tracking apps for Android devices because of it’s simplicity and ease-of-use. It allows you to track a person using just their phone number, with no app installation required. It also has a unique Reverse Phone Number Lookup feature that gives you info on the person calling the device you are monitoring.
Features
When I first used Scannero on my Android phone, I found that it had a minimalistic layout, which is great as you don’t need to install it. What I like is taht is works by phone number.
At the top of Scannero’s features list is its Android phone number tracker, letting you locate your spouse, child, friend, or employee using just their phone number. All you have to do is type their number into the “Enter Phone Number” field on your web dashboard. You will be given their precise location once they open the text message link that Scannero sends.
Scannero also includes a Reverse Phone Number Lookup feature that lets you identify who is calling or texting you from unknown numbers. You can access this feature through the web app as long as you have a device with an internet connection.
I also liked the app’s location-by-link feature, which lets you pinpoint an individual’s location with just a Uniform Resource Locator (URL). To use it, you create an account, generate a link, and share it with the other person via Messenger, SMS, or email. When they click the link, their exact location will be displayed on your account dashboard.
Because Scannero is somewhat basic compared to other spy apps for Android devices, you’ll want to make sure it has all the features you need. I find that it excels in accurate location tracking, so if that’s all you need, it’s great.
Another handy feature of Scannero is that it actively checks several databases for your personal information and will notify you if phone number or email address has been leaked online.
Scannero Pricing Plans
Here’s a breakdown of Scannero’s plans and their prices:
Duration | Scannero Pricing |
---|---|
1-Day Trial | $0.89 |
1 Month | $49.80 |
- 1-Day Trial Plan – This plan allows you to test all the platform features, including location tracking by link, reverse number lookup, mobile phone tracker, and geofencing, for one day before committing.
- Monthly Plan – The monthly plan is the only long-term option available on the platform. After paying the trial fee and testing the platform for one day, Scannero will automatically upgrade you to a one-month premium subscription. Although the cost is comparable to other monitoring apps, it may not be ideal for long-term tracking beyond one month.
The good thing about Scannero is that you can test the waters before jumping in with its one-day trial for just $0.89. If it doesn’t work for you or you need more features, you can cancel your subscription before the trial period ends so you won’t be billed for the next month.
Who It’s Best For
Scannero is great if you want to quickly find someone’s location, whether it’s for business or personal reasons. Beyond location tracking, it also provides additional information about whoever is contacting the person you are monitoring, such as their real name and associated social profiles.
However, it lacks the broader spying capabilities like social media monitoring and app blocking. If these are features you require, I’d recommend competitors like mSpy, uMobix, and SpyBubble Pro.
Pros
- You don’t need physical access to the other device
- Excellent reverse phone number lookup feature
- Detailed location tracking information
- Active email and phone leak checker
- Encrypts your data for increased data safety
Cons
- No core spying features like social media monitoring
- Only one long-term plan available
Starting Price | $8.85/month |
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No. of Devices | 1 |
Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
Compatibility | Android OS 4 and higher |
Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Why We Picked It
Phonsee is another great all-rounder Android spy app. Whether you want to monitor messages on your kid or partner’s phone, or make use of its location tracking features, Phonsee has you covered. To top it off, Phonsee is one of the most advanced social media monitoring apps on the market, offering excellent value for its price.
Features
Phonsee is one of my top Android spy app picks because it can monitor all interactions on social media and dating apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, Tinder, and more. You can also use Phonsee to block suspicious apps and websites to protect your child from online threats, even during late-night browsing.
I also love Phonsee’s advanced GPS tracking and geofencing feature, which lets you know the whereabouts of your child, spouse, or employee while you remain in stealth mode. You can view their location history, set safe boundaries, be notified when they cross them, and check the distance and time of arrival at specific locations, all without being detected.
Beyond Android location tracking, Phonsee lets you read text messages, view call history, and see photos and videos on the device with timestamps and contact details. You can also take screenshots and record keystrokes, including login details and search queries typed on the keypad.
Another feature that is often overlooked that sets it apart from other top Android Spy tools is that it offers 24/7 customer support, which is ideal for parents or partners who may need additional tech guidance.
Phonsee Pricing Plans
Phonsee has one easy-to-understand plan that offers great value for money when you subscribe for one year. Let’s explore the pricing below:
Duration | Phonsee Pricing |
---|---|
1 Month | $42.51/month |
3 Months | $24.79/month |
12 Months | $8.85/month |
Phonsee only has a demo version, but it isn’t great since it’s only a series of screenshots. However, once I started using the app, I found that the actual dashboard is very similar, so they aren’t hiding anything. There’s also a 14-day refund policy if you’re not satisfied, but your refund request is subject to their terms of use.
Who It’s Best For
Phonsee is a great pick for budget-conscious couples, parents, and businesses wanting to track the the movements and online activities of their child, partner, or employee.
While Phonesee does lack the remote access features of top Android spy apps like mSpy and uMobix, its comparably low price makes up for this.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to setup, and navigate
- Works in stealth mode
- Can monitor more social media apps than competitors
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Lacks call recording and keyword alert features
- Requires rooting to access the social media monitoring feature
7. Eyezy — Affordable Android Spy App With AI Features and Keyword Alerts
Starting Price | $7.99/month |
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No. of Devices | 1 |
Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
Compatibility | Android 4 and higher |
Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Why We Picked It
Eyezy distinguishes itself from other Android monitoring apps thanks to its great balance between price and cutting-edge features. I was particularly impressed with its keyword alert tool that let’s you know when someone has typed a specific word on their phone. Its AI-powered tracking and alert system allows you to know where your child, partner or employee is at all times.
Features
Eyzy caught my attention right away when I was researching Android spyware because it uses AI to make its features more accurate and insightful. This means it leverages advanced algorithms to monitor and analyze user behavior in real-time behind the scenes, so you don’t need to monitor the app every minute of the day.
These tools can identify patterns or anything that stands out as odd, giving you detailed insight into activities like location tracking, call logs, text messages, and app usage in handy reports you can view when you have time.
Eyezy’s built-in AI features also enhance its accuracy and efficiency in data collection and reporting, ensuring precise information about the tracked device.
For concerned parents, Eyezy’s Magic Alerts feature will give great peace of mind. It allows you set keywords which, when typed on the phone, will flag immediately, so you know if they are looking at anything inappropriate, even if they are using the best porn VPN. This tool is also useful for those who are suspicious about what their other half is looking at online.
Another feature I found super useful is Eyezy’s phone analyzer tool. It shows you all call details on the other person’s Android phone, including their incoming and outgoing calls and call durations. It also shows you their web browser history, so you’ll see everything they search for, and you can block harmful websites or pages.
The app also tracks the real-time location and history of your child or partner’s movements, giving you screenshots of their online activities. Eyezy even has a keylogger that captures keystrokes on the keypad, including passwords and search queries.
With the social spotlight feature, you can monitor over 10 messaging and social media apps on the Android device, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. You can see all direct messages, even deleted ones, including sender/recipient info and timestamps.
Eyezy has a couple of Android installation options available, depending on the type of monitoring you need. It’s one of the handful of spy on phone apps that come with a mobile app you can download from the Google Play Store. The official app lets you see calls and text messages and track their location, which might be more than enough for most.
If you want more robust monitoring features, you’ll need to download the app from the Eyezy website and go through the simple installation process. The entire setup took me about 15 minutes.
Eyezy Pricing Plans
Here’s a breakdown of Eyezy’s pricing plans:
Duration | Eyezy Pricing |
---|---|
1 Month | $38.39/month |
3 Months | $22.39/month |
12 Months | $7.99/month |
- Monthly plan – This plan is cost-effective if you have short-term spy needs. Otherwise, the other options might be better.
- Quarterly plan – Eyezy’s most popular pricing plan, suitable for a relatively long monitoring period.
- Annual plan – This is Eyeze’s best value option, as you can enjoy all its services for a longer time at a cheaper price when billed monthly.
All three subscription plans offer the same features, including social spotlight and location tracking. While Eyezy doesn’t have a free version, you can see how it works before committing by checking out its demo.
If you’re still unsure, you can always subscribe for one month to see if you like the app and then upgrade to an annual subscription, which will give you substantial savings. Additionally, it comes with a 14-day refund policy.
If you are wanting to monitor your children, or your partner and two others, Eyezy also has a Family Kit plan. This is only available on a 6-month subscription at $57.13 per month.
Who It’s Best For
Eyezy is ideal for parents, couples, and employers who need effective monitoring without being constantly tied to their control panel. With its advanced AI-driven features, I love how Eyezy handles the surveillance process for you, automatically analyzing and reporting key activities.
This means you can stay informed about your child’s online behavior, your partner’s phone use, or your employees’ activities with minimal effort on your part.
Pros
- AI-integrated keyword features for passive monitoring
- Invisible shield to keep you anonymous
- Cheaper than many competitors
- Good for monitoring browser history
- Has an official mobile app with limited monitoring features
Cons
- Only one device per subscription
- Family plan only monitors up to 3 devices
The Best Android Spy Apps Compared
Here’s a comparison table that provides a quick overview of the top spy software for Android devices:
Best Android Spy Apps | Starting Price | No Of Devices | Free Trial/Demo | Money-Back Guarantee |
---|---|---|---|---|
mSpy | $11.67/month | 1 | Demo | 14 days |
uMobix | $12.49/month | 1 | Demo | 14 days |
Spynger | $9.28/month | 1 | ❌ | 14 days |
Scannero | $0.89/day | Unlimited | Demo | 14 days |
SpyBubble Pro | $12.49/month | 1 | ❌ | 30 Days |
Phonsee | $8.85/month | 1 | Demo | 14 days |
Eyezy | $7.99/month | Up to 3 | Demo | 14 days |
ClevGuard | $4.99/month | Up to 20 | Demo | 30 days |
GEOfinder | $1/day | Unlimited | ❌ | 30 days |
xMobi | $12.49/month | 1 | Demo | 14 days |
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.
What are Android Spy Apps?
These spy apps for Android devices allow you to monitor and track another person’s phone in a number of ways. They’ll enable you to monitor chat, app, and browser history, what’s on screen, and the device’s location, as well as check how the device is being used.
Some will even allow you to block apps, access the microphone and camera, and turn the device off. They often work in the background to not impede the device’s use.
For spouses and parents, this is great for guaranteeing that family members are safe and secure and that they aren’t in harm’s way. And of course, for those who have suspicions about their partner, they can get to the truth quickly. They’re also highly effective for employers monitoring their personnel and hardware.
Why Use an Android Spy App?
There are a number of reasons why you might need to use spy software for Android devices. Some common use cases include:
A good Android spy app will let you access social apps and follow chats and activities. Compatibility will vary, but the best will offer tools for TikTok, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp, and others, as well as dating app profiles.
For more details, see our articles on the best Whatsapp spy apps and the best TikTok spy apps.
A powerful phone spy app for Android typically enables you to read call logs and track phone numbers, times, and call durations. Advanced apps also let you listen in on calls and make recordings.
At a more basic level, Android spy tools will often give you access to all the text messages sent and received on the device and potentially even give you access to drafts.
A keylogger can record all text input on a tracked device for more comprehensive surveillance. This lets you see anything the user has entered on the virtual keyboard, including browser use, login details, and messages.
This is one of the most far-reaching utilities available, as it can capture information entered into every Android phone app. For more information, check out our guide to the best keylogger software.
The best Android monitoring app will enable you to precisely locate the Android device using GPS.
This means you can know exactly where the device is and can ensure the safety of your loved one. Many apps also include functionality to let you know if individuals enter or leave specific areas.
The most powerful features give you complete control over the device. Some enable you to block and delete apps, restart the device, and turn it off.
In addition, a hidden Android phone spy app may have advanced features like the ability to access a device’s camera and microphone so you can see and hear everything around it. This is perfect for spying on Android and can help you ensure the tracked individual isn’t in danger.
How Do Android Spy Apps Work?
An Android phone spy app installs a software program on the target device, which runs in the background and collects information from it.
The collected data is then sent to a remote server, where it can be accessed by the person who installed the spy app.
The information collected by the Android phone spy app can include text messages, call logs, GPS location, emails, and social media activity. Some also let you listen in on phone calls, for example.
These apps run in the background and are hidden from the user. Simply log in on your own device, and all the targets’ data will sync to your phone spy app dashboard every few minutes.
Can You Spy on an Android Device Without Installing an App?
Once the app is installed, you can monitor the device remotely without physical access. While iPhone spy apps allow for remote installation, you may need the device to perform the Two-Factor Authentication process.
If you can’t physically access the target Android phone, there are a few options. Trackers like Scannero that are exceptions. They don’t require installation; they just require a phone number, but they only offer mobile GPS location tracking.
What Devices Does Android Spy Software Work On?
The leading spy app vendors focus on tracking Android devices and iPhones. This means you can track Android phones, tablets, and iOS devices.
Many leading apps can also track PCs and Macs, meaning you can access every part of the digital ecosystem and track activity across devices.
Free Android Spying Apps – Can You Spy on Mobile for Free?
When it comes to spy software for Android devices, paid solutions are far more reliable and provide better features than free spy apps. Free Android spying apps are renowned for selling user data and infecting target devices with malware.
If you download a free spyware for Android devices, you’re giving a third party complete access to the device. The best free spy apps for Android are merely freemium versions of paid spy apps.
These are severely lacking in features. Paid Android spy apps offer a wide range of data tracking options, remote control capabilities, and compatibility with most major operating systems.
Paid Android spyware are better and far safer than any free option. Since you pay for premium phone spy apps, the developers are incentivized to keep them updated.
Are Android Spy Apps Undetectable?
It depends on the spyware for Android you use, but most options on my list are undetectable. These hidden apps run in the background and don’t leave a visible trace, like an app icon, for the tracked individual to find, and you won’t see Android monitoring app file names on the target device, either.
What’s more, an Android monitoring app like GEOfinder or Scannero doesn’t require installing an app at all.
This is also a reason I don’t recommend free spy apps for phones. Apart from the safety risk and lack of advanced monitoring features, a free Android spy app is unlikely to be undetectable. For recommendations on Android spyware removal, on the other hand, see our guide to how to remove spyware from Android.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Spy App for Android
I personally have extensive experience testing security and spyware tools. As such, I weigh the merits of each option and compare different providers against industry benchmarks. I personally review functionality, consider the pricing plans, guarantees, and trials offered, and examine real consumer feedback on the web.
When it came to reviewing the best spy apps for Android, I considered factors like:
It’s a huge bonus to be able to get started quickly and smoothly. If an Android spy app takes a lot of time to install, it may be unusable.
Naturally, you want your tracking app to interfere minimally with the device’s functioning—anything else can be a deal breaker. Make sure the spy app you choose doesn’t make the target device overheat or drain its battery. This will also make it quite easy to detect.
Each Android spy app provides a different level of access, and this is a key area where the top performers differentiate themselves. Make sure the app you choose actually works on the device you are trying to monitor, especially if it’s an older device.
The best spy apps for Android phones provide control over the camera and microphone for comprehensive monitoring. If this is important to you or a must-have, make sure the app you are looking at has this feature.
For further reassurance, location tracking and setting geofencing are invaluable—and not all apps can do them. Make sure the app you want to buy has the location tracking features you need, and look at what pricing tier these more advanced features fall under, as they may cost you extra.
Most of the apps I’ve looked at only cover one device, but a couple allow you to extend the reach of your monitoring far beyond that. ClevGuard is a good example of an app that lets you monitor more than one under certain plans.
While I don’t recommend free spy apps for Android, it’s great to be able to trial a phone spy app before buying or to get your money back if things don’t work out. In cases where no free trials are available, you can also check to see if the app has a virtual demo so you can see how it works in real life.
Most Android spy apps work silently in the background, allowing the individual to use the target device without interruption. It’s important to look for apps that won’t slow down the device, drain the battery, or send confusing prompts to the user, wasting their time.
Lastly, you need to consider each product’s value against its asking price – the most expensive option won’t necessarily be the best for everyone if it means paying for features you don’t need.