Best Cell Phone Trackers Without Permission

In today's digital world, ensuring the safety and security of our loved ones has become increasingly important. Parents, in particular, are often concerned about their children's activities and whereabouts, while employers may need to monitor the movements of their staff for legitimate reasons. In cases like these, using a smartphone tracker app can be invaluable to parents who want to track a phone without permission.

This article focuses on exploring the top cell phone tracking apps that can be used for legitimate purposes without requiring permission from the device owner. Our aim is to provide you with comprehensive information about these apps to help you make an informed decision when selecting a tool that fits your needs and ensures the well-being of those who matter most to you.

5 Best Phone Tracker Apps To Use Without Permission

The following are the top 5 cell phone tracker apps without permission that help track the location of a phone without the owner's permission.

1. uMobix

uMobix is the best cell phone tracker app to use without permission and what I use to keep an eye on my son. It is fast to install, safely remains completely hidden, and provides me with a great deal more than just his location.

The app app allows you to monitor the real-time location of the phone, overlaid on a map, and set up geofencing alerts that track when he enters or leaves specific areas. It also has the ability to record his device's screen, which allows me to keep track of what he is doing online. A keylogger feature records everything typed into the device including website addresses and passwords.

uMobix monitors popular messaging apps like Snapchat, Telegram, Kik, Skype, Tinder, Line, Viber, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp for any potential inappropriate content. You can also view every text message sent from or received.

These features tell me about everything I want to know, but what makes uMobix the best option is its ability to activate the camera and microphone so I can hear conversations happening around the phone and see where he really is when I call him.

Live tech support is available, which can be a lifesaver if you have limited time to complete installation.

Overall, I've found it to be fantastic and the only thing I don't like is that recorded information only stays available for 30 days. But, since it stores data longer with multi-month accounts I'm only taking away a half star for it.

Ease of Use:

Features:

Privacy:

Price:

Pros

• Totally hidden
• Can stream live video from either camera
• Remote microphone activation
• Location tracking
• Access to all social media apps

Cons

• Data retention limited to 30 days on the basic plan

See uMobix

2. mSpy

mSpy is one of the best phone trackers and it is what I had previously used. Installation was easy and, more importantly, fast.

It is designed to be able to spy on everything a user does and is not just used for tracking their mobile phone. If you're new to the idea of using a tracker app without permission, consider the possibility of being able to read texts, see the user's location, and monitor all social media, messaging, and online activity secretly.

One of the most valuable features is the GPS location tracker, which allows you to know where your child is at all times. The geofencing feature is also great as it alerts you if your child strays outside of predetermined boundaries.

The screen recorder and keylogger are helpful in identifying potential dangers such as cyberbullying or exposure to inappropriate content. Being able to see what your child is doing on their phone through screenshots and keystrokes provides reassurance that they're safe and not hiding things from you.

mSpy monitors several messaging platforms and social media including Snapchat, Telegram, Kik, Skype, Tinder, Line, Viber, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp. These tracking features helps you stay informed about your child's social interactions and intervene if necessary.

Finally, being able to monitor text messages, even if they have been deleted, makes it easy for you to be aware of potential bullying or dangerous conversations.

However, mSpy does lack uMobix's ability to stream from the microphone or camera. While this may not be an issue for some, and mSpy does provide more hand-holding tech support if you want to have that extra help, those extra features were important enough to me that I switched.

Having used both phone tracker apps, I couldn't imagine not having those abilities now but mSpy is a very solid solution with a long history of being compatible with a wide range of devices and working dependably.

Ease of Use:

Features:

Privacy:

Price:

Pros

• Precise phone tracking app
• Totally hidden
• Easy installation
• GPS tracking
• Great tech support if you need it

Cons

• Can not activate the camera.

See mSpy

3. EyeZy

EyeZy is an extremely easy to use tracking app for iPhone and Android, which simplifies parenting. While that may seem like a strong statement, the software is focused on keeping children safe and allows you to track your target without them knowing. EyeZy's mission has always been to provide parents with knowledge so they may make better decisions. They do so by cramming a lot of features into their software. Here are a few examples of what EyeZy is capable of:

• You can get keyword alerts and be notified right away if your child types, sends, or receives an improper message on their smartphone.
• Monitor social media messages on Tinder, Facebook, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Skype, Instagram, iMessage, Telegram, Line, Kik, Viber, and Google Hangouts.
• Simply log into your EyeZy account, and you can view the photos and videos on the target device.
• It allows you to track the location of family members and create restricted zones to be notified if they are somewhere they shouldn't be.
• Operating in stealth mode ensures the target is unaware you are monitoring them with EyeZy.

Ease of Use:

Features:

Privacy:

Price:

Pros

• Easiest to use
• Totally hidden
• Fast installation
• GPS tracking
• Access to all social media platforms
• Reasonable cost for a single device

Cons

• Can become costly if you own many devices

See EyeZy

4. FlexiSPY

FlexiSPY is a phone tracking app you can use on both Android and iOS devices and it is one of the most effective options available. It has essential features that make cellphone surveillance simple and convenient. FlexiSPY enables you to monitor the activity of Android and iOS phones in real-time, allowing you to keep an eye on your loved ones.

The FlexiSPY app can be installed on any target phone, such as your child's smartphone. The software runs in the background, quietly tracking activity without drawing notice to itself. This application also includes a handy tool that allows real-time location tracking from anywhere.

Pros

• Remote camera activation
• Records calls
• Call recording
• Social media monitoring
• Real-time GPS location
• Tracks text message activity

Cons

• Older interface
• Not as user friendly as other options

This app is available in three different editions: Extreme, Premium, and Lite. The Extreme software has a comprehensive set of advanced functions, such as the interception of calls. The Premium version includes the ability to view messages, call logs, and photos. The Lite version contains only the fundamental capabilities.

5. XNSPY

XNSPY is a reliable GPS tracker that is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and works remotely without permission, providing accurate tracking with high refresh rates. Ideal for keeping an eye on your kids and ensuring their safety, XNSPY offers geofencing capabilities and real-time location updates. You will be sent text alerts if the person is outside an allowed perimeter or near off-limits locations.

Although XNSPY may not have the extensive features of other options mentioned in this article, it remains a solid choice for those who primarily need location tracking and geofencing capabilities. Easy to use and unobtrusive, XNSPY ensures you have peace of mind in knowing where your loved ones are at all times. Its user-friendly interface and accurate tracking make it a trustworthy addition to any parent's digital toolkit.

What Are Important Features To Look For When Choosing A Phone Tracker App?

GPS Location Tracking

GPS tracking is the most important feature to look for when you want to use tracking apps. The best phone tracking apps will give you the location of your target device within a few seconds. The best options will also constantly record the target's location history and provide a list of where they have been to allow you to track where the person was throughout the day, not just when you happen to check.

Call Recording

Many smartphone tracking applications are capable of recording both incoming and outgoing calls. Every conversation is automatically recorded and saved to the dashboard, where you can listen to it at your leisure. Additionally, several allow you to apply a filter and only record calls from certain numbers.

Call Log History

Almost every monitoring app provides call loggs. This gives you access to all incoming and outgoing calls on the target phone. The best options also provide the ability to set up alerts so you are notified when numbers of interest, or unknown numbers, call the target device.

Social Media Monitoring

With the help of phone tracking apps, you gain access to the owner's social media applications in addition to tracking the location of the target device. The software logs all keystrokes and passwords entered by the user. This information can be used to sign in from a different device. Once you've accessed their accounts, you can determine whether a partner is living a double life or whether a teenager is rebelling.

The phone tracking app can gain access to Tinder, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Spying on Text Messages

Any good tracking app will have a feature that logs text messages or SMS. Texts can still be viewed even if the user deletes them. This function enables worried parents to track their children without their knowledge, thereby limiting exposure to inappropriate material.

Also, look for the ability to be alerted to texts that contain certain phrases. Younger people may send and receive a hundred messages in a day, so it's important to be sure you're alerted to the important ones.

Web Browser History

You can easily monitor the internet browsing history of the target device and its other activities with a phone monitoring app. Even if they're using Incognito mode, you can find their previous searches and inquiries. Phone trackers provide a chronological list of the websites they visited, so that you can see what sites they visited and when.

While it's critical for you to know where your family members are, the same can be said about what they view online. With internet browser tracking, you can ensure your children are not exposed to spam, viruses, or other potentially harmful content online.

FAQ

What is a tracking app?

A phone tracker is an application that allows you to track another phone. It can also provide insight into other activities such as calls, texts, and online behavior.

Can I track my child's cell phone?

You can see your child's location and activities after you install the GPS phone tracker app, and to track a phone without them knowing. While this does not usually require consent if you want to find your kid's phone, you should still consult a lawyer before proceeding.

There are some ways to find out if a spy app is running on the phone, like if there is a sudden drop in Internet speeds or the targeted device gets too hot.

Unless your child is very technically advanced and inclined toward hacking, this should not cause suspicion.

Will they know I'm tracking them?

It depends on the app. Most monitoring software has built-in features that allow you to hide your activity from the phone's user. If this is a concern, it is best to choose an app that offers a maximum level of stealth such as uMobix or mSpy.

Can I use Google Maps or Apple Maps instead of an app to locate the phone?

For the device you want to monitor, you can track an iPhone or Android smartphone using software already installed on the phone without permission, such as the Google Find My Device app.

Find My Device as well as Google Maps are the best free phone tracker apps as they make it simple to monitor the location of the target phone, but you will need to know their account information.

How does a cell phone tracking app work?

Global Positioning System (GPS) is used to keep tabs on the target device you want to track. It works by pinging the target phone and relaying the coordinates given by a network of satellites.

Data detailing the exact position or address of the devices is then given to you.

Can you track a GPS location without using a cell phone tracker app?

Although your options and capabilities are much more limited, there are ways to track a cell phone location without installing software.

Are there free cell phone tracking apps?

No, there is currently no free phone tracker app without permission and it is unlikely anyone will create one. The reason for this is that the app you need to accomplish this is quite complex and no one is giving away a free phone tracker.

Beware of scammers claiming to know how to track phones for free or for too little money to be believable.

What is the best app for tracking?

For the most advanced features, out of all the options, uMobix is a better option if your budget allows as the app is more capable than the other monitoring solution. If you're looking for something that fits a tight budget and with minimal features, EyeZy may be your best choice.

Can I track multiple phones at once?

Yes, many parental control apps offer the option of monitoring multiple devices at once, allowing you to keep track of your family or employees without having to switch between devices.

Do I need physical access to the target phone?

Yes, to track someone, you will need to install the app which usually takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on the parental control features of the app.

Legality

It is usually only legal to use a mobile tracker app without permission if you are the person's legal guardian. You can almost never legally track your spouse, though the issue can become legally complex if you own the device in question.

We strongly recommend against taking any action without consulting a lawyer beforehand. Some statutes are written in such a way that you may be taking on much more risk than you intended.

How can I protect my own device from being tracked by a phone tracker app?

Protecting your Android and iPhone from being tracked by mobile tracker apps requires a combination of awareness, vigilance, and the use of security tools. Here are some steps you can follow to safeguard your device:

1. Keep your technology updated: Regularly update your operating system and apps to ensure you have the latest patches and bug fixes. This helps minimize vulnerabilities that could be exploited by spy apps or hackers.
2. Install security apps: Use a reputable antivirus and anti-malware app to regularly scan your iPhone and Android for any suspicious activities or malware. Some security applications also offer features to detect and block spy apps specifically.
3. Be cautious with permissions: When installing a new app, pay close attention to the permissions requested. If an app asks for access to sensitive information or functions that seem unnecessary for its purpose, reconsider installing it or look for an alternative with fewer permissions.
4. Use strong, unique passwords: Create strong and unique passwords for your accounts. Avoid using easily guessable passwords or the same password across multiple services. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible for added security.
5. Avoid public Wi-Fi networks: Public Wi-Fi networks can be vulnerable to hacking and snooping. When it comes to connecting to such networks, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection and protect your data from prying eyes.
6. Be mindful of phishing attempts: Cybercriminals may attempt to trick you into installing spyware or providing sensitive information through phishing emails, texts, or social media messages. Always verify the source of any suspicious messages and avoid clicking on unfamiliar links or downloading attachments.
7. Regularly check for signs of spying: Keep an eye out for unusual behavior on your device, such as sudden battery drain, increased data usage, or unexpected app crashes. These could be signs of a spy app secretly running in the background.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of being tracked, ensuring your privacy remains intact.

Conclusion

A phone tracker app enables you to ensure your child's safety in the most efficient and effective way possible. This is why it's important to choose the right phone tracking app that suits your specific needs, so you only have to install one monitoring solution.

There are numerous apps on the market, each with its own set of features and price range. When choosing, look for an app that allows you to spy, track, and also live stream.

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.