How To Spy On An Android Cell Phone
Android phones are designed with security in mind, so those that set out to hack them are in for quite a task. Fortunately, this challenge creates opportunities for software developers with the skills to create spyware that can effectively spy on Android. However, it also sets up a situation where there are a lot of fly-by-night apps that make great claims but don't actually work.
We're going to discuss the top apps that can be used to spy on Android cell phones and help you understand how you can spy on an Android smartphone without the other person knowing.
How Anyone Can Spy On Android
When it comes to Android spying, there are a few different ways to go about it. The most common method is to use an app that's designed for the purpose. These apps usually have to be installed on the target device, and they'll run in the background collecting data you can access from your own device.
uMobix
My top choice is uMobix because I am using it to monitor my teenage son's smartphone. For me, installation was quick and simple, which is almost as important as what it can do.
It has a lot of features, but GPS location tracking is what I use the most because I can see where he is at all times. It also lets me see his text messages, social media activity on every popular platform (including Whatsapp, Snapchat, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and more), and call logs. While these are fairly standard features with any reputable spy app, uMobix has two features that set it apart from the other options we will discuss. The application can activate the front or rear camera and turn on the microphone at will, effectively turning the phone into a room bug.
As you can imagine, what can be overheard is fascinating and extremely helpful in keeping your children safe and staying aware of their activities.
Their customer service is excellent, available 24/7, and very responsive to any questions or concerns.
In my experience with the app, the only thing I haven't liked is that information from the target device is only available on the control panel for 30 days. But, their multi-month plans keep data for longer so I'm only taking away a half star.
- Remote camera activation
- Can stream live video
- Remote microphone activation
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Access to all social media apps
- Data retention limited to 30 days on the basic plan
mSpy
mSpy has a long history as a parental control app for Android and is a very well-known name in the business, with a reputation for being reliable and having a wide range of features.
While they don't have as many features as uMobix, primarily because they lack the ability to control the cameras and microphone, it's still a very good option. And their fees are a bit lower as well, while still offering 24/7 tech support.
The only downside is that installation can be a bit tricky because you have to root the target device. This isn't too difficult if you're familiar with the process, but it can be a roadblock for some people. Personally, I would not let this deter me as it is absolutely the second best option and there are very few trustworthy choices.
If you don't need the more exotic features offered by uMobix, mSpy is an excellent choice with a great interface and lots of tutorials to keep you out of trouble.
- Totally hidden
- Easy installation
- GPS tracking
- Great tech support
- Not as user-friendly as EyeZy
EyeZy
EyeZy is another option that offers similar features to uMobix and mSpy, with a few extras thrown in. They have an excellent reputation for customer service, with 24/7 support available by phone or live chat.
The one thing that sets EyeZy apart is its focus on simplicity and ease of use. It is more suited for those that are not comfortable with technology and need something that will make spying easy. In that, it excels.
As you would expect with any modern spy app, EyeZy includes a keylogger to record keystrokes, user's location history, all text messages, and spies on social media accounts accessed on the target device.
Installation is easy, with lots of tutorials available for your specific needs, and it then goes into a stealth mode where it runs in the background on the target phone. From there, you never have to access the target device again and you will view everything on the target phone through a web-based control panel.
Although it did require rooting the target phone, I was very pleased with their service and would recommend them as a good option if you're looking for an app to monitor Android.
- Easiest to use
- Totally hidden
- Fast installation
- GPS tracking
- Access to all social media apps
- Not quite as powerful as mSpy
XNSPY
XNSPY is an app I had not tested until recently, but it came highly recommended by several people I trust. It offers all of the features you would expect from a top-tier spy app, including GPS location tracking, text message monitoring, call log monitoring, and social media activity monitoring.
Installation was very simple and only took a few minutes to complete. I was able to find all of the information I needed quickly and easily as the interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
Somewhat puzzling, it has the ability to record both sides of phone calls, which is an advanced feature, but it lacks access to the microphone or camera. Because of more limited coverage of social media as well, I would only recommend XNSPY if you specifically need this special feature.
FAQ
What Is The Best Way To Spy On Android Cell Phones?
There are a few ways you can spy on an Android cell phone, but the best way is to use a spy app. Many different spy apps are available, but the two best ones are uMobix and mSpy. They both offer a wide range of features, are very reliable, and have a long history with a broad userbase.
Do I Need To Have Physical Access To The Phone?
You can monitor an Android phone without having physical access to it. However, you will need to have access to the phone long enough to install the spyware onto it. Once it is installed, you will be able to monitor the target phone remotely.
Do I Need To Root The Target Phone?
No, but you will have access to much more advanced capabilities if you do. This is because the tool needs access to certain parts of the mobile device that are not accessible without rooting it. However, the process is not difficult and many helpful tutorials are available online.
Can It Be Done Without Installing Anything?
No, there is no way to effectively monitor Android devices without installing any software on them. You must install spyware software to be able to monitor the target phone remotely.
Can Free Spyware Or Monitoring Software Be Used?
No. No trustworthy or dependable free monitoring app exists for Android. While you will find software that claims to a free monitoring solution, they are generally quite limited and not undetectable.
Legality
Using spyware to monitor someone's device without their knowledge is considered illegal in many countries. In most locations, it will make a difference if you own the phone and if you are spying on your child's phone. Because laws can vary so much by state or country, you must consult with a lawyer before spying on someone else. Failure to do so could result in significant penalties and even jail time.
Conclusion
Spying on Android cell phones is intentionally difficult, but there are a few apps out there that can do it. In my opinion, the best option is uMobix, followed by mSpy. Both offer a wide range of features, are reliable, and have excellent customer service.
If you need something more simple or want to focus specifically on recording phone calls, then XNSPY is a good choice. But for general cell phone monitoring, uMobix and mSpy are the best options available.
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