Best Spy Apps For Android

There are many legitimate reasons for wanting to use a spy app for Android. Most commonly, parents need to monitor their child's phone, or employers need to keep tabs on employees.

With dozens of Android spy apps on the market, it can be hard to tell them apart and even more difficult to know which ones you should trust. Most are selling the same software with aggressive sales tactics and no support. In reality, there are only a handful of legit spy apps that work on Android and have been in use long enough to be proven safe over time while still utilizing the latest technology and advanced features.

In this article, we vet and review the best Android spy apps of 2024.

6 Best Spy Apps for Android

The best Android spy apps can monitor text messages, social media activity, chat and messaging apps, emails, phone calls, the GPS location of the target phone, and more. The most impressive apps that let you keep track of your family also have access to the phone's microphone and cameras.

These apps are intended as parental control tools, but they are also frequently used by businesses to spot dishonest employees.

1. uMobix

uMobix is one of the best options and is what I use to monitor my daughter's phone. Installation was easy and, as importantly, quick.

uMobix has capabilities that far exceed any other Android spy app currently available, with the exception of the next app on this list. What makes this better is that it manages to be much more user-friendly without sacrificing features so you're much less likely to be stuck or not know how to get it working.

More social media platforms, including Facebook, Tinder, Snapchat, WhatsApp, TikTok, Telegram, Instagram, Skype, Reddit, and Zoom, are accessible through the uMobix app than through any other spyware.

Integrated spyware detection can alert you to other spying apps which are already installed. If you are spying on your child for their safety, this rather unusual feature can provide peace of mind as you know no one else is watching them.

Tech support is often overlooked with applications to monitor Android phone as everyone focuses on features but uMobix provides help by phone and live chat, which can be a lifesaver if you need to install it in a limited amount of time.

Having used it for almost a year, I have had no complaints aside from intercepted data only staying available on the dashboard for 30 days. The limit is higher on multi-month plans so I am only taking away a half star for it.

Recommended

Ease of Use:

Features:

Privacy:

Price:

Pros

• Remote camera activation
• Can stream live video
• Remote microphone activation
• Real-time location tracking
• Access to all social media apps
• Simple installation
• Great customer support

Cons

• Data retention limited to 30 days

See uMobix

2. mSpy

mSpy is a spy app for Android that I previously used to keep an eye on my daughter's phone. It gave me access to her call logs, text messages, location, web browsing history, and social media accounts. I could even block certain apps or websites if I didn't want her to access them.

GPS location tracking updates their location in real-time and will overlay their location history on a map so it is easier to see where they have been, not just where they are now. Geofencing alerts can be set up so you can be notified when they enter or leave a designated area, such as an ex-boyfriend's house.

The Android spy app also has a keylogger feature that will let you have access to any passwords typed on their phone as well as a screen recorder so you will always know what they are seeing on their screen.

mSpy's social media coverage is also excellent with total coverage of Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp conversations and activity.

mSpy also gives you access to any pictures and videos taken on the phone. This is a great feature for parents as it allows them to know if their child is posting anything inappropriate online or if they are hanging around friends that are a bad influence.

Installation takes about 5 minutes and is easy. It then runs in the background, silently recording all activity and storing the data for you to access from your online dashboard.

Over the years, mSpy has consistently been one of the best and most reliable spy apps for Android and has never had issues with remaining completely hidden. While this would seem like it should be a given with any Android spy app, things don't always go as planned and they can be discovered by the phone's user.

The only reason I moved away from mSpy was that I needed the extra features that uMobix provides. For those who don't need those features, or require a simpler interface and more hand-holding with tech help, I highly recommend taking a look at mSpy.

Ease of Use:

Features:

Privacy:

Price:

Pros

• Proven track record
• Totally hidden
• Easy installation
• Social media monitoring
• GPS location tracking

Cons

• Price
• Lacks advanced features of uMobix

See mSpy

3. EyeZy

EyeZy is the newest and most powerful Android spy app that doesn't require you to root the phone. Exploiting Wi-Fi syncing will provide the person's real-time GPS location, contacts, e-mail, photos, text messages, and videos although even more information is available if you can root the Android device.

As a spy app for Android phones, EyeZy offers a wide range of advanced capabilities including:

• Location tracking
• Keystroke Capture
• Website Browsing History
• Alerts for specific conversations
• Call logs
• SMS tracking

It is a good way to keep track of your family and for monitoring Facebook, Tinder, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Skype, KiK, and Instagram messages to see what the person is doing online.

While this hidden spy app is not quite as advanced as other options, it does make up for it by being the easiest to use and having the best tech support of any Android spy app I have used. EyeZy is also compatible with every major Android device made since 2013, giving it the widest compatibility of any cell phone spying software.

Ease of Use:

Features:

Privacy:

Price:

Pros

• Easiest to use
• Totally hidden
• Fast installation
• GPS tracking
• Good social media coverage

Cons

• Not as powerful as mSpy

See eyeZy

4. FlexiSpy

FlexiSpy is not as user-friendly as other hidden spy apps for Android devices, but it is the most comprehensive option currently on the market. It remains completely undetectable in stealth mode and offers a long list of capabilities, including:

• Call logs
• All text messages
• Social media content, including Facebook
• Browser & search history
• Keylogger
• Compatible with all Android versions

FlexiSpy and uMobix are the only monitoring apps that can take pictures or video on the target device, as well as activate the microphone to turn the target phone into a live room bug. In addition, it can record both sides of phone calls and upload them to the cloud for you to download later.

It's worth having a slightly less modern interface to have safe and reliable ways to keep an eye on your kid's cell phone. While it doesn't offer advantages over our first choice, it's definitely the best alternative.

Ease of Use:

Features:

Privacy:

Price:

Pros

• Extremely powerful
• Live camera streaming
• Pre-loaded phones available
• GPS location tracking
• Microphone activation
• Call recording

Cons

• Older interface
• Expensive
• Requires rooting

See FlexiSpy

5. XNSPY

XNSPY is one of the dominant players in the parental control niche. They do advertise heavily but they also deliver a quality product, with good support to back it up.

It has highly advanced features only found in a handful of phone monitoring apps, including the ability to record calls and activate the microphone so you can listen to a device's surroundings and eavesdrop on conversations.

At the same time, and this is somewhat baffling to me, XNSPY lacks the ability to live stream video from the smartphone's camera or to even monitor Skype and Facebook messenger.

If XNSPY offers the features you need, it's a solid spy app for Android but you should make sure it has the features you are likely to need before buying it.

6. Cocospy

Cocospy is one of those heavily advertised apps to monitor Android phone that seems fine at first, but just doesn't quite feel right when you look at it closely. I'm only including it in this list because so many people have asked about its safety and if I would recommend Cocospy. The short answer is I'm not comfortable recommending it.

The main advantages of Cocospy are that it is dirt cheap and has a good control panel.

As of March 30, 2024, it costs $9.99 per month which is amazing for even the cheapest monitoring app.

Unfortunately, there are also warning signs with Cocospy that make me have serious hesitations about recommending it. First, the features listed on their website do not include the ability to spy on popular social media apps like Tinder and Facebook, which is unusual for any such app. Upon further investigation, the demo appears to show that it can view activity on these apps, but no professional company would let this mismatch slide.

Either the demo is making false claims about Cocospy's abilities to get more sales or the list of features needs updating. Either one of these possibilities is not likely to happen with an app that actually works well.

The other aspect of Cocospy that draws suspicion is the pricing. The prices are listed on their website as $49.99 per month, 3 months for $69.99, or 12 months for $119.99 (which works out to $9.99 per month).

This indicates they have a very high cancellation rate. If you can buy 3 months for less than the price of 2 and a year for the cost of 2.4 months then can feel confident no one is staying past two months.

As a user, that's not good because their customers are not staying for a reason. If you're depending on this app for tracking your kids' activities, this is enough reason to be very worried.

How To Install

You can put Android monitoring software on someone's phone in a variety of ways. The easiest method is to simply borrow the phone to make a call, walk out of the room while you continue to talk, and download and install the app in privacy. Initial setup usually takes less than 10 minutes as it will only require entering the username and password to connect to the dashboard before going into stealth mode where it will be undetectable.

This is the only time you will ever need to touch the target device. After installing it on the target phone, you cam track the user's location and activities from any mobile phone or computer without them knowing.

FAQ

Do I need to root the target device?

In some cases, yes. For example, if you want access to every feature mentioned above, then rooting will be necessary. However, not all spy apps require rooting the device and, depending on your specific needs, some may work better than others without it. Be sure to check the capabilities of spying software before buying it.

Is there an easy way to hide or disguise an Android monitoring app?

Yes! Many applications have options that allow them to remain invisible while they run in the background so their presence is undetectable. This can also help prevent users from discovering that something is installed on their phone.

How do I install a spy app on Android?

It depends on the type of Android spying application you wish to install. Some require you to root the phone or download an APK file and others may be installed via a website link sent in an email. Be sure to follow your product's instructions carefully when installing spying software.

Can you install a spy application remotely?

No, it is not possible to install monitoring software remotely. All of the apps mentioned above must be installed directly onto the target device. It is also important to note that rooted phones may be more vulnerable to security threats, so make sure you are using a reliable and secure spying product before using it on a rooted phone.

Are there free Android spy apps?

Yes, many companies offer limited versions of their products for free that are designed more for basic spying and do not stay hidden. While a free trial is understandable, you should be very cautious with any free spy apps for Android. If you need all of the features available, or require that it remain completely undetectable, it is usually best to purchase a full version from a reputable company that offers regular updates and great customer service.

Legality

In many places, it is legal to use a spy app if the person you are monitoring has given you their consent or you are their legal guardian. It is usually not legal to monitor a spouse you suspect of cheating, though the issue can become complicated if you own the device in question.

We strongly recommend against trying to monitor someone's cell phone without consulting a lawyer first. Whether or not you are familiar with the laws in your jurisdiction, you may be taking on much more risk than you realize and the penalties can be quite severe.

When you suspect your partner is cheating, it's easy to let your jealousy and curiosity take over, but you should consult a lawyer before secretly accessing any electronic device to ensure you are aware of any potential legal consequences before engaging in potentially risky behavior.

Conclusion

Using a spy app for Android can be an effective tool for ensuring the safety of your children or monitoring your employees and provide a comprehensive view of the user's online activities and real world locations. Nevertheless, it's essential to use these tools responsibly.

Before making a decision, examine your requirements and evaluate if these applications meet those needs. If you're uncertain, consider reaching out to the apps' customer service teams to clarify any concerns or queries.

Stay safe in the digital landscape, keep informed about cybersecurity, and continue to protect your loved ones. Happy monitoring!

About The Author

Katya Seryabkina

Ukrainian born, and a self-taught computer security expert. I started hacking when I was 14 and can write code in 5 languages, but have no formal technical education. The edge of technology is what keeps me interested. I cover cell phone tracking, spy apps, cybersecurity, the dark web, and certain gadgets for The High Tech Society.