The Best iPhone Spy Apps in 2025

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The best spy apps for iPhone can be valuable parental control tools that help keep your children safe from online and offline threats. They can also help you locate lost iOS devices, protect loved ones from dangerous online content, or even let employers monitor the use of company iPhones.

The best iPhone spy apps will offer features such as remote access to the monitored device, robust tracking of device usage and activity, social media monitoring, screen recording, keylogger tracking, and a range of pricing plans to pick from. I frequently test the new and popular spy apps for iPhone to create and update the reviews on this page. I’ve covered a range of apps and price points to help you find the best for your needs.

The Best Spy Apps for iPhone Tested By Our Experts

  1. mSpy — Best spy app for iPhone with remote access to all data
  2. Spynger — Best spy app for iPhone for tracking cheaters
  3. uMobix — Best iPhone spy app for beginners
  4. Scannero — Best spy app for tracking an iPhone with just a phone number
  5. SpyBubble Pro — Best iPhone spyware for detecting secret apps and seeing deleted chats and files
  6. Phonsee — User-friendly spy app for iPhone with WhatsApp spy tool
  7. Eyezy — Affordable iPhone spy app with AI-powered features
  8. ClevGuard — One of the best iPhone spy apps for parents

What are Spy Apps for iPhone?

iPhone spy apps are tools that let you track and monitor all activity on an iPhone device. Common features include seeing what’s happening on the screen in real time, tracking app data input, seeing internet browser histories, accessing the device’s GPS location, blocking access to certain apps or content remotely, and controlling the camera and microphone.

This is ideal for parents and couples who want to ensure the safety and security of their loved ones, and it can also be a great option for employers monitoring the use of company phones. Many of these apps are discreet, letting you control the iPhone remotely so they don’t distract from standard device usage.

How do Spy Apps for iPhone Work?

iPhone spy apps work by being installed on the iOS device you wish to track or monitor. It can then discreetly run in the background of this device, collecting data such as incoming and outgoing calls, messages, browser history, app usages, media files, GPS location and deleted files.

The iPhone spy app then transfers this data to a remote server. From here, the data can be accessed by you through the spy app dashboard on your own device, be it your phone, tablet, or laptop.

Something to note is that Android spy apps work differently from spy apps for iPhone because the iOS operating system is closed, making accessing data on an iPhone harder. However, installing parental control and monitoring apps on iPhones and iOS devices is still possible, as we’ll discuss later in this article. Plus, some of these apps can work if you know just the iCloud credentials of the device.

The Best iPhone Spy Apps Reviewed

The best iPhone spy software offers largely the same feature set, but I’ve dug deeper to review each one. In the reviews below I highlight every top apps unique features, who it’s best suited for, and any downsides you should know before deciding if it’s the best iPhone spy app for you.

The images of the tools below are from my own iPhone. They are screenshots that document my use and testing of these apps. This lets you see what the interfaces and dashboard would look like if you’re an iPhone user. However, bear in mind that the top criteria for these spy apps was that they can track iPhone devices, meaning they work particularly well if the person who’s phone you want to monitor has an iOS device.

1. mSpy — Best Spy App for iPhone with remote access to all data

mSpy logo

Starting Price $11.67/month
No Of Devices 1
Free Trial/Demo Demo
Money-Back Guarantee 14 days

Why We Picked mSpy

mSpy stood out for me due to its extensive list of monitoring features for iPhones, particularly in its ability to access all data remotely. With mSpy you’ll get real-time GPS tracking, keystroke logging, social media monitoring, and remote access to their call logs, contacts, photos, videos and audio.

mSpy geo location dashbard iphone
I found that mSpy’s real-time GPS tracking is clear and easy to see in the iPhone dashboard.

 

mSpy’s Features

mSpy tracks all messages sent and received on these apps, including text, photos, and videos. It also lets you monitor voice and video calls, giving you details on call duration and contact information. This is an invaluable feature if you’re a concerned parent who wants to see who your minor child is talking to.

mSpy also offers access to all media shared or received through social media and detailed logs of their activity, including posts, comments, and likes. mSpy even lets you view contact lists or friends associated with social media accounts, so you get a full look at your child or partner’s social media activity.

Apart from all this, mSpy’s detailed call log and text message tracker lets you know who your partner or child is communicating with, how often, and what they talk about. You also get access to deleted text messages and call timestamps.

I like that it also has a browser history monitoring feature that logs all web activities, even in incognito mode. This means that you’ll see all the visited sites the person you are tracking goes to.

Combined with probably the best keylogger available on an iPhone spy app, that records every keystroke on the device, nothing will be hidden from you. You’ll also be able to view the entire app library on the target device, and it provides details about app usage, including the frequency and duration of use

You’ll also get access to real-time GPS location tracking and geofencing alerts. You can set predefined areas and receive notifications when the device enters or leaves these zones.

mSpy call logs and text logs
The mSpy mobile dashboard gives you a helpful overview of who the device owner is calling and messaging most frequently. You can click through to see full call and message logs.

 

mSpy’s Pricing

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

    mSpy has a single plan that includes all its features, and you get larger discounts with longer-term subscriptions. Before deciding, you should check out mSpy’s excellent demo that tells you exactly how its dashboard works.

    When compared against other apps, mSpy is a bit more expensive than some of its competitors. But I feel it’s somewhat justified because it offers many more features than most Apple spyware. It is actually quite affordable when you buy the annual subscription, at under $12/month.

    Who mSpy Is Best For

    mSpy is great for anyone who needs anonymous quick remote access to iPhones, including access to the other person’s apps. Given its powerful toolset and maximum features, it’s the perfect option for partners and parents alike who need a reliable tool to help them monitor someone’s activities.

    Read our full mSpy review.

    Pros pros
    • Undetectable
    • Excellent live chat and customer support
    • Compatible with both jailbroken and non-jailbroken iPhones
    • Comprehensive monitoring features, including app blockers and social media tracking
    Cons cons
    • Limited to one device per subscription
    • Requires jailbreaking for some advanced features
    • Requires physical access to the device for installation

    2. Spynger — Best Spy App for iPhone for Tracking Cheaters

    Spynger logo

    Starting Price $9.28/month
    No Of Devices 1
    Free Trial/Demo
    Money-Back Guarantee 30 days

    Why We Picked Spynger

    Spynger is my top recommendation for couples as its iphone monitoring software is specifically designed for couples who need to monitor their partner’s iPhone discreetly. That’s why Spynger occupies top spot on our girlfriend spy apps guide, as well as our comparison of the best boyfriend spy apps. It runs in the background anonymously – without affecting performance or battery drain, uses end-to-end encryption, monitors keystrokes, deleted messages and more, all without being detected.

    Spynger’s Features

    Spynger offers a massive, comprehensive range of features specifically designed to gather all the evidence you need to catch a cheating partner in the act.

    The spyware software is designed to give you access to over 16 messaging apps, including WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, Viber, Skype, Hangouts, and Tinder. It will also allow you to see all chat details, including the stickers, status, profiles, pictures, locations, and emoticons. In addition to the above, you’ll also be able to see all their incoming and outgoing calls, texts (including deleted ones), and all shared media files – so there’s nothing they’ll be able to hide.

    Spynger also lets you leverage real-time GPS tracking to monitor your partner’s location and see a full history of past routes, so you’ll know if they’ve strayed from the usual path to meet with someone.

    With Spynger, you can also see the Wi-Fi networks they’ve connected to and be able to block them. And, if you believe that your partner’s hiding something, you can use the hidden screen recorder to collect the evidence you need for later use.

    Spynger’s Pricing

    Spynger offers a single plan with access to all features for iPhone monitoring. Longer subscription plans come with more significant discounts.

    Duration Sypynger Pricing
    1 Month $44.56/month
    3 Months $25.99/month
    12 Months $9.28/month

    There’s no free trial or demo, but Spynger offers a 30-day refund window to get your money back if you face technical issues. When paid annually, Spynger works out to be slightly cheaper than top-rated apps like mSpy, but not as cheap as a few others, including Eyezy.

    Who Spynger Is Best For

    Spynger was specifically designed to a catch a cheating partner in the act, so that is who it’s best for. With Spynger, you’ll be able to see exactly who your partner is talking to at any time of the deal – including all their messaging apps, texts, call logs, videos, images, audio and deleted files, as well as where they go in real time.

    Read our full Spynger review.

    Pros pros
    • Designed specifically for monitoring couples
    • Spy on 16 popular messaging apps, including Tinder
    • Monitor your partner’s location in real-time
    • Hidden screen recorder
    • Full browser history, online activity, and app usage
    • See all shared media files
    Cons cons
    • No call recording
    • Some users report frequent app crashes
    • No app-blocking features
    • May need to jailbreak the target iPhone to access all features

    3. uMobix — Best iPhone Spy App for Beginners

    uMobix logo

    Starting Price $12.49/month
    No Of Devices 1
    Free Trial/Demo Demo
    Money-Back Guarantee 14 days

    Why We Picked uMobix

    I chose uMobix as one of the top spying software for iPhones for its quick setup process, which is perfect for beginners. Its compatible with all iOS devices and versions, ensuring that you can track any iPhone model.

    uMobix message logs
    uMobix offers much more than call and message tracking, but I appreciate the clarity and detail of the phone and message reports. In this example, you can see the messaging log, showing you what was sent, at what time, to/from whom.

     

    uMobix’s Features

    During my testing, I found uMobix to be super user-friendly, making it a great option for anyone who isn’t particularly tech-savvy. What adds to this is that it’s compatible with all iOS devices and versions, which is convenient for parents who have given their children their older iPhones. It also ensures for seamless operation across different models and software updates.

    You get full access to some social media accounts, including Facebook, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram, allowing you to navigate these accounts as if they were your own. This is useful for parents who need to monitor their children’s interactions on social media.

    uMobix social media tabs for iphone
    uMobix offers dedicated tabs for a very large range of social media monitoring options. It has more specific pre-built social media report dashboards than I’ve seen on many other iPhone spy app tools.

     

    The iPhone tracker app also tracks calls, iMessages, contacts, and more, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the other person’s activities.

    I found that the quick setup process lets you start monitoring in just about five minutes, and you don’t have to jailbreak the iPhone to use uMobix’s features. You will need the other person’s iCloud credentials and access to their phone for two-factor authentication set up. Data syncing also depends on what the other person has set for iCloud backups, so it can take up to 24 hours before you see the info on your dashboard.

    However, it’s worth noting the iOS version does lack some features like keylogging and GPS tracking, which are available on the Android version.

    uMobix’s Pricing

    uMobix makes it easy with one plan type that gets cheaper the longer your subscription.

    Duration uMobix Pricing
    1 Month $49.99/month
    3 Months $29.99/month
    12 Months (+ 12 extra months for free) $12.49/month
    You get all uMobix features with any plan, no matter the length. You can try out the demo before subscribing, and it also offers a 14-day refund policy. uMobix offers a great range of features for an affordable monthly subscription rate that’s on par with several other iPhone trackers.

     

    Who uMobix Is Best For

    uMobix is ideal for less tech-savvy parents or partners who want to monitor iPhone activities, especially on social media platforms. Its quick and stress-free setup process is what really sets the iPhone spy app apart.

    However, it doesn’t include keylogging or GPS tracking, for this I’d recommend SpyBubble as it includes both of these features.

    Read our full uMobix review.

    Pros pros
    • Compatible with all iOS devices and versions
    • Comprehensive monitoring of calls, messages, and contacts
    • Full access to some social media accounts
    • Quick setup process
    Cons cons
    • More expensive than similar apps
    • Tricky installation process for iPhone

    4. Scannero — Best Spy App for Tracking an iPhone With Just a Phone Number

    Scannero logo

    Starting Price $49.80/month
    No Of Devices Unlimited
    Free Trial/Demo 1-day trial for $0.89
    Money-Back Guarantee 14 days

    Why We Picked Scannero

    Scannero is one of the top spy apps for iPhone because it can track an iPhone’s location solely through its phone number. What stood out for me during testing is that it’s a convenient solution for those who need quick location tracking without the hassle of app installation.

    Scannero iphone gps tracking
    If you have the cell number of the person who’s phone you want to track, Scannero lets you see their location. This is how it’d look on your iPhone. This can be useful if you’re concerned about someone’s whereabouts and need confirmation that they’re safe.

     

    Scannero’s Features

    Scannero only requires the target person’s phone number to get started, and no app installation is required. This makes it a great option if you don’t have access to the iPhone you’re wanting to track.

    The app works on all iOS devices and requires no specific model information, which makes it highly accessible. Scannero will generate a link with a tracking request, and as soon as the person accepts, you’ll see their exact location on the map. The link can be shared via SMS, messaging apps, or email.

    That said, Scannero offers a few more benefits. For instance, you can use it to perform a reverse phone number lookup to reveal the identity of unknown callers.

    You can also use Scannero to run background checks on those you meet online. All you need to do is enter their username, and it’ll show you online accounts linked to it, including their social media.

    During hands-on testing, I found that Scannero helps ensure your data privacy with a robust email and phone leak checker. It actively scans databases for your information and will notify you if your number or email has been leaked online.

    Scannero’s Pricing

    While it is one of the pricier spy apps for iPhones, Scannero offers a specific type of service that sets itself apart from other offerings on my list. This means that it might not be for everyone, but it does what it advertises extremely well.

    Duration Scannero Pricing
    1-Day Trial $0.89
    1 Month $49.80

    While Scannero doesn’t offer long-term discounts, you can try it with a one-day trial for $0.89. Don’t forget to cancel your subscription before the 24 hours ends, though, as Scannero will automatically upgrade you to the costly monthly plan.

    While Scannero’s monthly rate is pretty pricey, it’s great for people who want a no-fuss iPhone location tracker and nothing more. Given that you can even click on the location tracking link yourself if you get access to the target phone, it’s a quick and easy solution to get the info you need.

    Who Scannero Is Best For

    Scannero is a great option for tracking iPhones when you can’t get access to the device to install an app since it works through the device’s phone number. It doesn’t do much else, but with its one-day price, it’s a great tool for those who have limited needs or only need the service temporarily.

    However, if you want detailed monitoring of social media apps and other utility services, then I’d recommend mSpy.

    Read our full Scannero review.

    Pros pros
    • Lets you quickly locate an iPhone user with just their phone number
    • Gives you their precise GPS location on the map
    • Features reverse phone number and nickname lookup
    • Checks for email and phone number leaks
    • No app installation required
    Cons cons
    • No iPhone monitoring features apart from location tracking
    • Expensive monthly plan

    5. SpyBubble Pro — Best iPhone Spyware for Deleted and Hidden Content

    SpyBubble logo

    Starting Price $10.62/month
    No Of Devices 1
    Free Trial/Demo Demo
    Money-Back Guarantee 30 days

    Why We Picked SpyBubble

    After thorough hands-on testing, SpyBubble excelled at recovering hidden and deleted content, including messages, photos, and social media interactions.

    SpyBubble’s Features

    SpyBubble Pro also monitors all content shared on social media platforms. It’s one of the best Instagram spy apps and gives you full access to the other person’s Instagram profile. This means you have the ability to block followers, unfollow people, and see their DMs. This is great for monitoring who your child or spouse is engaging with across social media platforms.

    One of SpyBubble Pro’s other standout features is that you can recover hidden and deleted iPhone content. It lets you retrieve deleted text messages, so you can access conversations that were erased from the device. It also recovers deleted call logs, giving you the details of phone calls that have been removed from the phone’s history.

    SpyBubble Pro can even recover deleted photos and videos from the iPhone’s gallery. If email monitoring is enabled, it can access deleted emails and their attachments.

    Its keylogging feature captures every keystroke, letting you see all typed content, including passwords. This can be helpful for parents who are concerned when their kid is being evasive. Spouses can also find this feature useful if they suspect their partner of infidelity.

    In addition, SpyBubble’s GPS location tracker gives you real-time updates, ensuring you know the exact whereabouts of the person you’re tracking and their history of visited places.

    Additional features include alerts for SIM card changes, remote access to settings, and the ability to restrict or delete suspicious apps.

    SpyBubble’s Pricing

    SpyBubble Pro offers a standard plan with pricing that varies based on the duration of your subscription.

    Duration SpyBubble Pro Pricing
    1 Month $42.49/month
    3 Months $25.49/month
    12 Months $10.62/month

    SpyBubble Pro offers a 14-day refund policy. While generous, it’s not a money-back guarantee, so you might want to try the free demo first.

    I found that SpyBubble comes in slightly cheaper than mSpy when comparing its annual plan, but if budget is a real constraint, you may wish to look at Eyezy or Phonsee.

    Who SpyBubble Is Best For

    Being able to comprehensively monitor iPhones and find deleted content makes SpyBubble Pro a great tool for parents and worried partners. If you think your kid or spouse might be hiding something from you and deleting their conversations, this app could give you the peace of mind you need.

    While it can recover deleted files and give you access to social media accounts, it doesn’t offer geofencing. For this, I’d recommend mSpy or Phonsee.

    Read our full SpyBubble Pro review.

    Pros pros
    • Automatic screenshots
    • Lets you see deleted messages and media
    • Allows you to stream video and audio
    • Reliably detects secret apps
    • Lets you restrict calls and outgoing messages.
    • Undetectable on iPhones
    Cons cons
    • No geofencing capabilities
    • Can’t record phone calls

    6. Phonsee — User-Friendly Spy App for iPhone with WhatsApp Spy Tool

    Phonsee logo

    Starting Price $8.85/month
    No Of Devices 1
    Free Trial/Demo Demo
    Money-Back Guarantee 14 days

    Why We Picked Phonsee

    After hands-on testing, I found that Phonsee has a user-friendly interface, quick setup, and seamless operation on all iOS devices. What really stood out was its comprehensive WhatsApp spy tool, letting you see all incoming and outgoing messages, full call details, and you can monitor any media shared on the platform.

    Phonsee’s Features

    Phonsee offers a cost-effective solution for iPhone tracking without compromising functionality. The app is easy to install and also includes discreet real-time GPS location tracking, which lets you easily track a phone’s location without them knowing.

    Additionally, Phonsee monitors social media activities across all the major platforms, including WhatsApp, giving you insights into their online interactions. This means you can see what images and videos they are sharing, or if they are possibly receiving explicit images from strangers. The keylogger also captures every keystroke, ensuring that no activity, including login information and search queries, goes untracked.

    Phonsee also features a screen recorder that takes automated screenshots of the device’s screen. The app lets you remotely monitor, block, and restrict any suspicious apps you encounter while monitoring, making it a great tool for parents who want to keep track of what apps their child is using.

    The great news is that you don’t need to jailbreak the iPhone to use most of Phonsee’s features. All you need is the other person’s iCloud credentials. However, one caveat is that you will need to enable Find My iPhone on the device for location monitoring.

    Phonsee’s Pricing

    Known for its budget-friendly pricing, Phonsee offers advanced features at the best price possible.

    Duration Phonsee Pricing
    1 Month $42.51/month
    3 Months $24.79/month
    12 Months $8.85/month

    Phonsee has a limited demo, which is just a series of screenshots and doesn’t show the true extent of its capabilities. So, if you don’t like the app’s features, you might have to take advantage of the 14-day refund policy.

    While not the cheapest app if you only want to pay monthly, Phonsee comes in as one of the cheapest on the market when you pay for an annual plan.

    Who Phonsee Is Best For

    Phonsee is the best option for those who require a user-friendly and cost-effective iPhone tracking solution without compromising on features.

    However, if you are wanting a full access to all data remotely, this is offered by mSpy.

    Read our full Phonsee review.

    Pros pros
    • User-friendly interface with quick setup
    • Real-time GPS tracking with geofencing alerts
    • Compatible with all iOS devices
    • 24/7 customer support
    Cons cons
    • No keyword alerts, so you have to frequently monitor the iPhone
    • Requires physical access to enable some features

    7. Eyezy —  Best AI-Powered iPhone Spy App for Tight Budgets

    Eyezy logo

    Starting Price $7.99/month
    No Of Devices 1
    Free Trial/Demo Demo
    Money-Back Guarantee 14 days

    Why We Picked Eyezy

    Eyezy’s low monthly cost jumped out at me when looking at its annual plan. Its iPhone monitoring app is incredibly popular among parents and spouses because of its affordability and AI-powered keyword features.

    Geofencing with eyezy on iphone
    This is how it looks on an iPhone when you draw a geofencing barrier for a device you are tracking using Eyezy. You can draw geofence lines around places where you know your children are safe, like their school, so you are alerted if they leave this area unexpectedly.

     

    Eyezy’s Features

    Eyezy’s standout feature is its AI-powered alerts, which notify you of suspicious activities and flagged keywords without the need for constant monitoring. It’s one of the only iPhone monitoring apps with these capabilities, and it’s really impressive.

    Eyezy’s AI analyzes vast amounts of data from the target device, including messages, calls, and social media interactions, to identify patterns and detect specific behaviors. For example, its AI-powered keyword alerts scan communications for predefined terms, instantly notifying you of any potentially dangerous keyword. The AI even looks at the context of these alerts so it can reduce false positives and give you more accurate insights.

    The app also offers real-time GPS location tracking, which lets you pinpoint the iPhone’s exact location on a map, view its route history, and set up geofencing alerts. This is a great option if you have a child who walks home from school alone or a partner who may not be where they say they are.

    In addition, you get detailed insights into the iPhone user’s social media activities, so you’ll be aware of all the interactions that happen on the tracked device. The app runs undetected in the background, providing seamless and discreet tracking without alerting the device owner.

    However, to access the bulk of its features, you will need to jailbreak the iPhone. This will give you access to social media monitoring, the keylogger, location tracking, and more. You do get basic features without jailbreak, though, like seeing who they call and the photos and videos stored on the phone. You can get access to these if you know the other person’s iCloud credentials.

    Eyezy’s Pricing

    Like other spy apps, Eyezy offers different pricing tiers based on subscription duration.

    Duration EyeZy Pricing
    1 Month $38.39/month
    3 Months $22.39/month
    12 Months $7.99/month

    I like that Eyezy has a demo so you can check out to try its features. If you run into issues after purchasing a subscription, they also offer a 14-day refund policy. When you purchase an annual subscription, it’s literally one of the cheapest iPhone tracker apps you can buy.

    Who Eyezy Is Best For

    Eyezy’s advanced AI-powered alerts make it perfect for those who don’t have the time for hands-on monitoring, and you won’t break the bank with its comparatively cheap annual plan.

    Read our full Eyezy review.

    Pros pros
    • AI-powered alerts for any suspicious activity and flagged keywords
    • Real-time GPS tracking with geofencing alerts
    • Great choice for budget-conscious users
    • Undetectable operation in the background
    • Bank-grade encryption for data security
    • Responsive customer support
    Cons cons
    • Installation requires physical access to the target device
    • Only one device can be monitored per plan
    • Users report occasional delays in data updates

    8. ClevGuard — Robust Parental Monitoring iPhone Spy App for Your Children’s iPhones

    Clevguard logo

    Starting Price $4.17/month (annually)
    No Of Devices 1-20
    Free Trial/Demo Demo
    Money-Back Guarantee 30 days

    Why We Picked ClevGuard

    ClevGuard is a robust app with a myriad of features that make it a popular parental control app for iPhone. With it, you can monitor your loved ones’ iPhones, iPads, and even desktop devices.

    clevguard message log
    ClevGuard will give you full transparency regarding who you kids are messaging, as well as their call logs, social media activity, and location.

     

    ClevGuard’s Features

    ClevGuard’s child monitoring apps, KidsGuard and KidsGuard Pro, made a significant impression on me, as they can be installed on virtually any iOS device without jailbreak. They’re easy to set up and completely undetectable, so your kids will be none the wiser.

    clevguard android or iphone
    Absolutely no jailbreaking required to install ClevGuard on an iPhone, making it quick and easy to set up.

     

    Through my testing, I saw that the apps let you see messages, social media chats, media files, calendars, and entire iCloud Drives. You’ll even see what they watch on YouTube and TikTok, so you can moderate it if necessary.

    KidsGuard Pro also features a call recorder and both GPS and Wi-Fi location trackers. In fact, unlike most iPhone spy tools, you can listen in on phone calls, too.

    ClevGuard’s Pricing

    Duration KidsGuard Pricing KidsGuard Pro Pricing
    1 Month $9.99/month $49.99/month
    3 Months $25.33/month
    12 Months $4.99/month $11.67month

    KidsGuard: ClevGuard’s basic KidsGuard plan features web and app block functions, capture and lock screen ability, real-time GPS monitoring, call filtering, and activity reports.

    KidsGuard Pro: The more robust KidsGuard Pro plan includes the full suite of KidsGuard Pro products, including KidsGuard Pro for Android, iOS, iOS RT, and iCloud. It adds device files and activity monitoring, remote control, social app monitoring (except WhatsApp, which is a separate plan), contacts and calendar viewing, SMS monitoring, and more.

    Who ClevGuard Is Best For

    ClevGuard and KidsGuard Pro are excellent apps for parents to monitor their children’s iPhones. With its device monitoring and GPS tracking, you’ll have complete confidence in the safety and security of your family.

    Pros pros
    • iPhone monitoring app specifically for parents
    • Can monitor iPhones, iPads, and desktop devices
    • Lets you see what your kids watch on YouTube and TikTok
    • Gives you full access to all of their social media chats
    • No jailbreaking required
    Cons cons
    • Some advanced features only available to Android users
    • No direct access to customer service, only a chatbot

    The Best Spy Apps for iPhone Compared

    In the table below, I’ve highlighted the key differences between the best spying apps for iPhone. This will help you make a quick, informed decision:

    Provider Free Version/Demo Cheapest Paid Plan Top Features Money-back Guarantee
    mSpy Demo $11.67/month Supports a wide range of social media apps, screen recording, complete view of all installed apps and device activity 14 Days
    Spynger $9.28/month Full social media and chat access, GPS tracking, access to Wi-Fi networks on device 30 Days
    uMobix Demo $12.49/month Mobile app, easy-to-use UI, impressive remote command capabilities 14 Days
    Scannero 1-Day Trial $0.89 $49.80/month GPS locator using phone number, reverse phone number lookup, background check features 14 Days
    SpyBubble Pro Demo $10.62/month Automatic screenshots, camera access to view device surroundings, access to deleted messages 30 Days
    Phonsee Demo $8.85/month GPS tracker, remote web blocker, calendar access to view appointments 14 Days
    Eyezy Demo $7.99/month Affordable pricing, custom alerts, custom term/word flagging 14 Days
    ClevGuard Demo $4.99/month Child-focused Kidsguard app with social media access, call recording, and GPS locator 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.

    More on How We Test Spy Apps for iPhone

    To provide accurate, reliable, and context-specific recommendations for iPhone spy apps, we tailor our testing process to address the unique requirements of iOS devices. Here’s how we ensure thorough and practical evaluations:

    • iCloud Integration and Setup: We specifically test how effectively apps leverage iCloud credentials for monitoring. This includes assessing data sync speeds, setup complexity, and whether two-factor authentication introduces any hurdles.
    • Real-Time Tracking: We evaluate GPS tracking and geofencing features by testing how accurately and promptly the apps report locations, transitions between predefined zones, and route histories.
    • Social Media and Messaging Access: Using controlled test environments, we check how well the apps monitor major platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Snapchat. This includes assessing their ability to track deleted messages, view media, and display comprehensive activity logs on an iPhone.
    • Stealth and Detectability: We analyze how effectively the apps operate in stealth mode on an iPhone, ensuring minimal visibility to the target user. This includes observing resource usage, such as battery life and processor strain.
    • Device-Specific Features: For apps that require jailbreaking, we examine their added functionality, such as advanced keylogging or call recording, and evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the risks.

    Why Do I Need a Spy App for iPhone?

    iPhone spy software can be used for various purposes, such as monitoring a child’s activity, tracking a lost or stolen device, ensuring the safety and well-being of elderly parents, and protecting confidential employee mobile data on work devices.

    Here are a few common ways these apps are used:

    Safeguarding Children and Parental Control

    Overall, the most common reason for using an iPhone spy app is as a parental control app to protect your children from digital threats or real-life ones. With no clear consensus on who should take responsibility for protecting children online, we understand why parents might feel the need to take matters into their own hands and ensure their children are safe.

    A top-rated parental control app or iPhone spy app can offer parents peace of mind by letting them see who their child is speaking online or by phone. You can also see what websites they are visiting, and set real-time alerts for if they attempt to access dangerous or mature content. You can even remotely block access to this content and to certain platforms such as popular social media ones.

    Geofencing is another key feature of iPhone spy apps for parents which involves GPS tracking of their location. This allows you to draw boarders on a digital map around “safe zones” for your children, such as their school or friend’s house, so that you are alerted if they leave this safe territory unexpectedly.

    Monitoring Employee Usage of Company iPhones

    Employers who provide company phones to employees often install phone spying apps on those devices to monitor employee activity. This helps ensure company phones are used for work-related activities.

    By 2025, over 36.2 million Americans will be working remotely. This highlights why it’s becoming increasingly important for businesses to secure their devices and confidential information.

    iPhone tracker app options can also automatically record conversations between employees and customers or all employee-client conversations. For more, I recommend reading our analysis of the best employee monitoring software.

    Finding Lost or Stolen Devices

    Losing your iPhone or having it stolen can significantly threaten your privacy. It can risk sensitive information and app data falling into the wrong hands.

    iOS spyware apps can help you locate your phone through GPS and SIM location data services and lock or wipe the device to prevent unauthorized access to your personal information.

    Protecting the Relationship with Your Spouse or Partner

    While people might typically connect the use of spy apps with trying to uncover infidelity, they may overlook other legitimate digital threats to modern relationships which spy apps can help protect against. These include financial infidelity, online addictions like gambling, and other unhealthy habits which the online world makes a little too easy to do and also to hide from a caring partner. iPhone spy apps can help you safeguard the ones you love from these threats through conscientious monitoring of device activity.

    It’s worth noting that without a person’s consent to track their device, you could be breaking the law in your region or state. However, consensual use of iPhone spy apps can help in situations where trust has been compromised and needs to be rebuilt, or where both parties agree that intervention is needed to stop a certain behaviour from reoccurring.

    With features that allow you to see domains and websites visited as well as social media and messaging activity, these apps can be configured so you only see what you need to keep your loved ones safe.

    What Can an iPhone Spy App Do?

    The best iPhone spyware apps can provide a wide range of tracking and monitoring capabilities. Here are some of the use cases for spy software for iPhones.

    • Monitor Phone Activity: Most iPhone monitoring software will allow you to gain access to call logs, seeing when connections have been made and how long incoming and outgoing calls have lasted. In some cases, you’ll even be able to record calls or listen to conversations in real time.
    • Read Text Messages: A good iPhone monitoring app will generally make it easy to spy on iPhone text messages to track correspondence. It should have robust text message monitoring features that work across all major messaging apps.
    • Track Social Media: The best spy apps for iPhone will let you remotely access all social media activity and chats and capture communication on platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and more. Some will also enable you to track dating profiles. See our guides on the best Facebook spy apps and the best WhatsApp spy apps for more information.
    • Location Tacker: Top spy apps for iOS often include powerful GPS location-tracking features and geofencing, alerting you if the device leaves a specified area. Some apps will even let you track a device just with a phone number.
    • Keylogger: Having a keylogger—tracking all data entry on the device—can be extremely useful for spying on iPhones. It can catch chats, searches, logins, and text entries on every app on the device, meaning you can monitor activity and content accessed, even if the tracked individual is using a VPN.
    • Camera and Microphone Control: The most powerful iOS spying apps will let you take over control of the phone’s camera and microphone, letting you see exactly what’s happening around the device.

    Is There a Free Spy app For iPhone?

    Opting for free iPhone spy software can be tempting if you’re not sure you want to commit to a paid subscription. You might also be wondering how to spy on an iPhone without them knowing for free. So, is there a free spy app for iPhone, and what’s the difference between a free app and a paid option?

    Free iPhone spyware might offer basic monitoring features like tracking call logs, text messages, and location history, but they often come with significant drawbacks. Even the best free apps typically lack the advanced functionalities of paid apps, such as social media monitoring, real-time alerts, and comprehensive data reporting.

    But more importantly, free iPhone spy apps can be dangerous to both you and the person you’re monitoring. There are plenty of dodgy free iphone spy apps out there that pose security risks due to inadequate encryption and support, including data breaches and malware infections. They might also display intrusive ads or sell data to third parties, so they’re not a great idea if you want to keep your phone secure and protect your sensitive data.

    Opting for a paid iOS spy app over a free option generally means better security, reliability, customer support, and access to an app’s full suite of features, making it a safer and more effective choice for monitoring needs. If you still aren’t convinced, keep in mind that many of the best iPhone spy trackers come with a free trial, demo, or decent money-back guarantee, so there is little risk in giving one a try.

    I personally believe that free iPhone spy apps are not worth your time or risk, and you should avoid unknown apps for iPhone that sound too good to be true or aren’t on my list here. All the apps on my list have been rigorously tested and have a great reputation.

    Do I Need Physical Access to an iPhone to Install Spyware?

    Most spyware for iPhones, including iPhone trackers, requires physical access to the target device. However, this is more the case for Android phones.

    You can sometimes install spyware on iPhone devices without physical access through iCloud backup. This method requires:

    • The login credentials for iCloud backup on the target phone
    • The need to enter the two-factor authentication code sent to the target phone

    It’s important to note that once an app for iPhone tracking is installed on the target phone, it doesn’t require physical access again — this is true for both iPhone spyware and Android tracker apps.

    iPhone Spy Apps that Don’t Require Jailbreaking

    Jailbreaking an iPhone gives you access to its operating system. This allows you to add apps from outside the Apple store, use non-approved cell networks, and make other changes to the device.

    Some iPhone tracking apps require iOS devices to be jailbroken. Jailbreaking is a somewhat technical process that requires access to the device and knowledge of its login credentials. You may also have to reactivate the jailbreak each time the device is restarted.

    Because of this, getting a no-jailbreak spy app for iPhone will make your life a lot easier. mSpy, uMobix, and KidsGuard Pro all work as no-jailbreak iPhone trackers and can be quickly and easily installed on devices.

    How to Choose an iOS Spy App

    Deciding on the best software is never easy, especially when it comes to finding one to monitor your loved ones. To help, here are some of the key things you’ll want to keep in mind:

    • Compatibility: Most households have members who use multiple devices. You’ll want to keep this in mind as not all apps support desktop computers, for example.
    • Pricing: Annual plans are cheaper, and some of the best iPhone spy tools only cover one device per subscription.
    • Testing: We always recommend taking advantage of any free trials, plans, demos, or money-back guarantees to test the ease of use and functionality before deciding.
    • Functionality: Spy apps tend to offer fewer features for the iOS version than for the mobile version. Ensure you’re getting the functionality you’re after.
    • Jailbreak: Some advanced features like call recording require jailbreaking the device, so it’s worth looking for the best no-jailbreak iPhone spy apps.
    • Detectability: In many cases, you’ll want to be able to silently monitor a device with an undetectable spy app. If this is important to you, make sure the app you choose isn’t easily detected and doesn’t leave telltale signs.

    How To Detect Spyware on iPhone Devices

    Whether you’re looking to use iOS spy apps or disable them, it’s important to be aware of how to find and remove spyware on iPhone devices. This includes looking for signs like rapid battery drain, increased data usage, and unusual overheating.

    If you’re looking into how to remove spyware on an iPhone, you’ll also want to check for any suspicious or unfamiliar apps running on your device. For how to find hidden spy apps on iPhone devices, navigate to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management and check for any suspicious apps or profiles there.

    Using reputable iPhone monitoring apps can also help detect and remove spyware and malware and is key to checking for spyware on iPhone devices. It’s also important to keep the operating system patched and up to date, as updates will include crucial security patches. You should also periodically change your passwords, including your Apple ID password and iCloud password.

    This will help ensure no one can gain access to your iCloud account and help you avoid iCloud spyware. If you still suspect spyware or other malware is running on your device, consider performing a factory reset after backing up your data.

    Conclusion – What is the Best Spy App for iPhone?

    A spy app for iPhone can help your protect your children partner, or even your business from online and offline threats. For example, if you’re a concerned parent, a quality iPhone spy app will give you complete oversight over who your kid is speaking to, where they are, and what they are looking at online.

    My hands-on testing of these apps revealed one key thing: which spy app for iPhone one you choose should depend on your exact needs. mSpy, for example, will be particularly useful if you need to gain quick remote access to pretty much all data on the tracked phone, including access to its apps.

    If infidelity is your primary concern, Spynger‘s feature set is particularly suitable for identifying cheating — or, of course, putting your mind completely at rest that no cheating is happening. uMobix would be my go-to recommendation for parents wanting to safeguard their children; it’s a popular app for parental control, and it’s very easy to use, even for the less tech savvy among us.

    Still unsure? Take another look at the headlines and descriptions of the spy apps for iPhone above, and click on any of the brand-name links to visit their websites and find out more.

    FAQs

    What’s the best spy app for iPhone?

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    How to find hidden spy apps on iPhone?

    How to spy on an iPhone without them knowing for free?

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    References

    Krishi Chowdhary
    Tech Expert & Writer
    Krishi Chowdhary
    Tech Expert & Writer

    Krishi Chowdhary has over five years of experience crafting buying guides and product reviews for a variety of leading technology websites. Since 2021, he has been a writer for Techopedia, focusing on topics such as cybersecurity, business software, and AI technology. Krishi has a Commerce degree and a wealth of experience in the technology industry. He is committed to continuously building on his knowledge and expertise, which form the foundation of his insightful tech product reviews and news coverage.