The 8 Best iPhone Spy Apps Compared for 2024

The 8 Best Spy Apps for iPhone – Best iPhone Spying Software in 2024

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With the best iPhone spy apps, you can monitor your loved one’s online and offline activities. From their searches and private chats to their live locations, iPhone spying software was designed to give parents and spouses peace of mind.

That said, given the number of options on the market, finding the best spy app for iPhone isn’t easy. Whether you’re after the best free iPhone spy app or one that just requires a phone number, we have all the information on how to spy on iPhone users here, including the best app options.

The 8 Best Spy Apps for iPhone 

Our shortlist covers the best spying software for iPhone, with robust iPhone tracking features, accessible interfaces, and a range of plans. Here are the full details to help you learn how to spy on an iPhone:

  1. mSpy — The best iPhone app for social media monitoring. Provides discreet and comprehensive real-time monitoring of the target user’s device activity.
  2. uMobix — A highly-rated app that lets you view deleted calls and messages on the target iPhone, plus remotely block websites, calls, and apps.
  3. Spynger — Designed specifically for spying on your partner to confirm/deny your suspicions, but its functionality makes it a top choice for any iPhone tracking needs.
  4. Scannero — The best iPhone spy app for GPS location tracking. It requires just a phone number and offers reverse lookup services.
  5. SpyBubble Pro — Another popular app to spy on iPhone users for spouses, it detects secret apps and lets you see deleted chats and files.
  6. Phonsee — One of the cheapest iPhone spying software for GPS location tracking and geofencing capabilities. It even offers a keylogger and screen recording.
  7. EyeZy — A reputable, hiddle mobile monitoring app that boasts keyword alerts and discreet remote functionality for as little as $7.99/month.
  8. ClevGuard — A highly reputable iPhone monitoring app with 400,000+ users. Popular as a parental control app and offers mobile tracking features and a desktop monitoring solution.

The Best iPhone Monitoring Apps Reviewed

The best iPhone monitoring software offers largely the same feature set, but we’ve dug deeper to review each one. We’ll highlight its unique points, who it’s best suited for, and any downsides you should know before deciding.

1. mSpy — Best iPhone Spy Software for Social Monitoring and Screen Recording

mSpy logo

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

mSpy is an excellent spy app for mobiles as it’s easy to use and set up, affordable, and offers complete peace of mind with every feature you need to monitor your loved one’s activity, both online and offline.

Features

One of our favorite things about mSpy is that it covers a wide range of social media apps. You’ll be able to monitor the target iPhone’s WhatsApp, Facebook, Snapchat, Hangouts, and Telegram activity — among others, and it’s also one of the best Instagram spy apps.

What’s more, with its screen recording capabilities, you’ll be able to see disappearing messages on Instagram and Snapchat — absolutely nothing can be hidden. You’ll also be able to:

  • See all the photos and videos stored on the iPhone
  • Get a complete look at all the apps on the device
  • Remotely remove or limit access to certain apps (i.e., Dating apps)
  • Review everything typed across apps, including deleted messages
mSpy Pricing Plans

mSpy has a somewhat diverse pricing plan with different options for Android and iOS users. The pricing below is inclusive of a current 30% discount and mSpy often gives deeper discounts during holidays.

mSpy Plans 3 Months 6 Months 12 Months
Premium $49 $105 $140
Ultimate $310 $490

Premium: The mSpy Premium plan gives you access to one monitoring solution of your choosing—either WI-FI data fetch, the mSpy app, or mCloud. This option requires jailbreaking the target iPhone.

Ultimate: The Ultimate plan is a software combination solution that gives you SMS, messages, calls, and even stored text messages on the device. This plan circumvents jailbreaking on your own by giving an mSpy expert access to the target device and installing everything remotely for you. Once the setup is finished, you will get unlimited remote access to all of the target’s information on your online dashboard, including all app features.

Who It's Best For

mSpy offers reasonable pricing options with discounts that increase with the length of the subscription. Given its powerful toolset, it’s the perfect option for partners and parents wanting a robust iPhone tracking app with access to various monitoring methods.

    Pros pros
    • Can’t be detected on the target iPhone
    • Excellent live chat and customer support
    • Easy to set up – all you need is the iCloud credentials
    • Offers robust security with symmetric and asymmetric encryption
    Cons cons
    • Monthly price is somewhat expensive, especially if you need the Ultimate plan
    • Requires jailbreaking for advanced features
    • Customer support has mixed reviews

    2. uMobix — Great iPhone Monitoring App for Accessing Deleted Information

    uMobix logo

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

    uMobix is best known for its remote control tools and ability to dig up deleted information – including calls, messages, and even contacts – some of the most sought-after spy features.

    Features

    Unlike most iPhone spy software, uMobix lets you see if a contact has been renamed, and its remote command capabilities impressed us more than the others we tested.

    You can block apps and websites, disable messages, and restrict calls without touching the phone. It also comes with a compact control panel, available on a browser and its very own mobile app.

    uMobix Pricing Plans

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

    uMobix Pricing Plans 1 Month 3 Month 12 Months
    $49.99 $89.99 $149.99

    You get all uMobix features with any plan, no matter the length. These include the ability to receive the target device’s location, browser history, iMessages, and contacts, as well as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram details, all without jailbreaking.

    Who It's Best For

    Despite uMobix costing more than apps EyeZy, you get incredible value for money given its premium features, such as the remote device control and access to deleted information. This makes it an excellent tool for parents and spouses, particularly those tracking deleted information.

    Pros pros
    • Includes advanced call logging and recording
    • Offers location-tracking
    • Boasts a comprehensive keylogger
    • Doesn’t require any root or jailbreak access
    • Monitors all popular social media platforms
    Cons cons
    • Costlier than similar apps
    • Some users find the interface unintuitive
    • Mixed reviews on customer support

    3. Spynger — Ideal iPhone Cell Phone Spy for Couples

    Spynger logo

    Starting Price $9.28/month
    No Of Devices 1
    Free Trial/Demo N/A
    Money-Back Guarantee 14 days
    Why We Picked It

    Spynger is undetectable iPhone spy software designed to help you catch your partner red-handed if they’re being unfaithful or to set your mind at ease if they’re loyal.

    Features

    Spynger lets you secretly read chats on social media, messaging apps, and dating apps like Tinder. You’ll also be able to see calls, SMS (including deleted ones), and all shared media files.

    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 block them. And, if you believe that your partner’s hiding something, you can use the hidden screen recorder.

    Spynger Pricing Plans

    Like uMobix, Spynger offers one pricing tier to make it easier for their customers.

    Spynger Plans 1 Month 3 Month 12 Months
    $44.56/month $25.99/month $9.28/month

    The pricing above is inclusive of a first subscription discount and upon renewal, prices will increase to $68.56, $39.99, and $14.27 per month, respectively.

    Who It's Best For

    Spynger is designed for concerned partners, and it provides all the features you need. You can see exactly what websites your partner visited, what content they watch and engage in, and who they talk to in real-time, among other things.

    Pros pros
    • Spy on 16 popular messaging apps, including Tinder
    • Monitor your partner’s location in real-time
    • Features a 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
    • Mixed reviews on customer satisfaction

    4. Scannero — iPhone Locator With Reverse Lookup Services

    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 It

    Scannero is a phone locator, with similar core functionality to GeoFinder. It lets you pinpoint a phone’s precise GPS location using just the phone number.

    Features

    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 number 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.

    Scannero also helps ensure your data privacy with a robust email and phone leak checker. It scans databases for your information and tells you if your number or email has been leaked online.

    Scannero Pricing Plans

    One of the pricier spy apps for iPhones on the market, Scannero is a specific type of service that sets itself somewhat apart from other offerings on our list.

    Scannero Plans Monthly
    $49.80

    While Scannero has limited subscription options and discounts, if you just want to try it out or just have one quick search, you can avail of its one-day trial for $0.89.

    Who It's Best For

    Scannero is a superb solution for tracking iPhone users, and with its one-day price, it’s a great tool for those who have limited needs or only need the app temporarily. Its ability to run background checks also means it’s great for employers and people going on dates.

    Pros pros
    • Lets you quickly locate phones with just the 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
    Cons cons
    • No iPhone monitoring features apart from location tracking
    • Expensive monthly plan
    • Some users report technical glitches

    5. SpyBubble Pro — iPhone Monitoring Software for Secret Apps and Deleted Chats

    SpyBubble logo

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

    SpyBubble Pro is a great alternative to Spynger, with similar functionality that lets you monitor your partner’s phone and gather evidence regarding any concerns.

    Features

    What’s unique about SpyBubble Pro is that it automatically takes screenshots of your partner’s phone every second when it’s in use, eliminating the need to constantly monitor their iPhone manually.

    This means you won’t miss a thing. You’ll also be able to take camera snapshots to see your partner’s surroundings and even stream audio and video from their phone to see where they are.

    In addition to standard call tracking and chat monitoring, SpyBubble Pro can detect secret apps on the monitored device and give users access to deleted messages, media, and files. This ensures your partner can’t hide a single thing from you.

    You can even use this iOS spy app to restrict incoming and outgoing calls and disable outgoing messages to certain phone numbers.

    SpyBubble Pricing Plans

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

    SpyBubble’s pricing is quite competitive and you get access to all features with each plan, no matter the length. The prices above reflect a current discount of 15%.

    Who It's Best For

    Being able to track, monitor, and control the target device makes SpyBubble Pro a great iPhone spy tool for parents and anxious partners. It also has a generous money-back guarantee to ensure you’re happy with the product.

    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
    Cons cons
    • No geofencing capabilities
    • Can’t record phone calls
    • Some users report difficulties with installation

    6. Phonsee — Affordable iPhone Spy Software for GPS Tracking

    Phonsee logo

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

    Phonsee is one of the cheapest iPhone monitoring software you can get, all the while allowing you to track virtually everything the person does on the target device.

    Features

    With Phonsee, you can see all contacts, calls, and text messages. You can also view all images and videos stored on the monitored device, review its full browsing history, and capture every keystroke.

    Phonsee also comes with a built-in GPS tracker and offers geofencing capabilities. This lets you set up boundaries on the map so you’ll get notified the moment the target device leaves the defined perimeter.

    The app also lets you remotely block website access, which is crucial for ensuring minors can’t access inappropriate or disturbing content on the internet.

    Phonsee even lets you disable the phone’s Wi-Fi internet connection, letting you limit your child’s screen time. What’s interesting about Phonsee is that it also lets you see calendar entries.

    This means that you’ll also have a good idea of what events they plan on attending and who they’re meeting with.

    Phonsee Pricing Plans

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

    Phonsee’s prices above are reflective of a discount for first time subscribers. After renewal, prices will increase to $68.56, $39.99, and $14.27 per month, respectively.

    Who It's Best For

    Phonsee is great for parents and couples on a budget. Despite this, it still provides a range of robust features to ensure you’re able to track the target device with confidence.

    Pros pros
    • Built-in keystroke capture and screen recorder
    • Access to all media stored on the device
    • Real-time GPS tracker with geofencing
    • Remote Wi-Fi blocking
    • Access to all calendar entries
    Cons cons
    • No keyword alerts, so you have to frequently monitor the iPhone
    • Monthly plan is expensive
    • Some users report occasional data syncing issues

    7. EyeZy — Reputable, Cheap Spy Software for iPhone

    Eyezy logo

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

    EyeZy’s iPhone monitoring app is incredibly popular among parents and spouses, and it’s one of the best girlfriend spy apps. For starters, its invisible shield lets you track all their activities and even send remote commands without being detected.

    Features

    You can also set up custom alerts — this feature alone, paired with EyeZy’s affordable pricing, makes it the go-to for many. This means you won’t need to worry about monitoring the device 24/7.

    With online concerns like cyberbullying and predation increasing, you can flag concerning terms or even someone’s name and get notified when these are entered. Plus, beyond all this, you’ll be able to see:

    • Bookmarked sites and how frequently they’re visited
    • Who they communicate with most + what they’re saying
    • Monitor everything with the screen recorder
    • Get live updates on their whereabouts
    Eyezy Pricing Plans

    Eyezy Plans 1 Month 3 Month 12 Months
    $38.39/month $22.39/month $7.99/month

    Eyezy offers straightforward and competitive plans priced similarly to its competitors. Also, similar to some competitors, the prices above are for the first subscription only.

    After renewal, Eyezy’s prices increase to $68.56, $39.99, and $14.27 per month, respectively. Eyezy often has a host of discount codes to offer further savings on these prices of up to 40% on an annual plan.

    Who It's Best For

    Although mSpy remains the top choice for many, there’s no disputing that EyeZy offers phenomenal value for money. Paired with a demo and a 14-day guarantee, it’s a no-brainer if you’re looking for an affordable iPhone girlfriend monitoring app.

    Pros pros
    • Detailed walkthrough installation guide
    • Comes with bank-grade RSA-4096 encryption
    • Specific location and keyword alerts
    • Very light on system resources, hence difficult to detect
    • Offers superb value for money
    Cons cons
    • Doesn’t offer free trial
    • Only one device can be monitored per plan
    • Users report occasional delays in data updates

    8. ClevGuard — Robust Parental Controls for All Your Children’s Devices

    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 It

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

    This gives you full control over the type of content they can access on the internet, lets you see exactly what they search for, and allows you to monitor their conversations.

    Features

    ClevGuard’s child monitoring apps, KidsGuard and KidsGuard Pro, can be installed on virtually any iOS device without jailbreak. It’s easy to set up and completely undetectable, so your kids will be none the wiser.

    The app lets you see their messages, social media chats, media files, calendar, and entire iCloud Drive. You’ll also see what they watch on YouTube and TikTok and 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.

    KidsGuard Pricing Plans

    ClevGuard’s KidsGuard Plans 1 Month 3 Month 12 Months
    KidsGuard $9.99 $19.99 $49.99
    KidsGuard Pro $39.99 $59.99 $109.99

    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 It's Best For

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

    Pros pros
    • Monitors 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
    • Features both a GPS and a Wi-Fi location tracker
    Cons cons
    • Some advanced features only available to Android users
    • Users have reported occasional difficulties installing the app

    The Best Spying Apps for iPhone Compared

    We’ve composed the table below to highlight the key differences between the best spying apps for iPhone. This will help you make a quick, informed decision:

    Best Spy Software for iPhone Devices 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 apps and device activity 14 Days
    uMobix Demo $12.49/month Mobile app, easy-to-use UI, impressive remote command capabilities 14 Days
    Spynger $9.28/month Full social media and chat access, GPS tracking, access to Wi-Fi networks on device 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 + 3-Day Free Trial $7.99/month Affordable pricing, custom alerts, custom term/word flagging 14 Days
    ClevGuard Demo $4.17/month Child-focused Kidsguard app with social media access, call recording, and GPS locator 30 Days

    Methodology

    How We Review And Test Spy 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 apps 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 spy 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 spy 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 spy 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 spy 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 iPhone Spying Apps?

    iPhone spy tools let you track and monitor activity on iPhone devices. Common features include being able to see what’s happening on the screen, track app data input, monitor apps and browser history, access the device’s GPS location, and control 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. Many of these apps are discreet, so they don’t distract from standard usage.

    Why Do I Need a Phone Spy App or Spyware 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 benefits of using spy apps:

    Track Employees

    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 trackers can also be used to record conversations between employees and customers automatically or to keep a record of all employee-client conversations. For more, we recommend reading our analysis of the best employee monitoring software.

    Track Lost/Stolen Devices

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

    iPhone 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.

    Spy on Your Spouse

    Getting cheated on can be a traumatic experience, resulting in anxiety and depression. As such, many turn to the best iPhone spy trackers to monitor their partners’ iPhones.

    That said, it’s worth noting that without permission, you could be in trouble with the law. However, many consenting relationships allow for spyware apps for iPhone devices after trust has been compromised.

    With features like call and text tracking, location monitoring, and the ability to track social media and internet activity, spouses can have peace of mind.

    Parental Control

    Overall, the most common reason for using an iPhone spy app is to protect your children.

    With no clear consensus on who should take responsibility for protecting children online, parents feel the need to take matters into their own hands. Regardless of the “why,” a parental control app can offer peace of mind.

    What Can iPhone Cell Phone Spy Apps Do?

    The best iPhone spyware can provide a whole host of tracking and monitoring capabilities. Here are some of the use cases for spy software for iPhone.

    Monitor Phone ActivityRead TextsTrack Social MediaLocation TackerKeyloggerCamera and Microphone Control

    Most iPhone monitoring software will allow you to access call logs, seeing when connections have been made and how long calls lasted. In some cases, you’ll even be able to record calls or listen to conversations in real-time.

    A good iPhone monitoring app will generally make it easy to spy on text messages to track correspondence.

    The best spy apps for iPhone will allow you to access social media activity and chats and capture communication on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, 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.

    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.

    Having a keylogger – tracking all data entry on the device – can be extremely useful for spying on iPhone devices. They can catch chats, searches, logins, and text entries on every app on the device.

    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.

    How Do iPhone Spy Trackers Work?

    Android spy apps work differently from iPhone spy apps because the iOS operating system is closed, making accessing data on an iPhone harder.

    Many phone spy apps for iPhone devices (especially those offering advanced features) require the phone to be jailbroken, which is the process of removing the software restrictions imposed by Apple on the iOS operating system.

    This allows installing apps and software unavailable through the official Apple App Store. On the other hand, some apps offer full functionality if you know the iCloud credentials of the device.

    Once you’re connected to the target device, an iPhone tracker app can then access the synced data, such as messages and call logs, which it then sends to a remote server. From here, the data can be accessed by you through the spy app dashboard on your own device.

    Free iPhone Spy Apps Vs. Paid – What’s the Difference?

    It can be tempting to opt for a free iPhone spy app 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, what’s the difference between a free iPhone spy app and a paid option?

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

    Additionally, free spy apps for iPhone devices may pose security risks, including data breaches and malware infections, due to inadequate encryption and support. They also might display intrusive ads or sell data to third parties.

    Opting for a paid plan over a free spy app for iPhone generally ensures 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. 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. In short, the best spy app for iPhone free options may not be all they’re cracked up to be or worth your time or risk.

    Do I Need Physical Access to an iPhone to Install a Spy App?

    Most spyware on iPhone devices, 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 iPhone spy app is installed on the target phone, it doesn’t require physical access again — this is true for both iPhone spyware and Android tracker apps.

    No-Jailbreak iPhone Spy Apps

    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.

    Are iPhone Spy Apps Safe to Use?

    Spy app iPhone tools can be safe if they come from reputable developers and are used responsibly, but their safety largely depends on the source and required permissions. Many legitimate, paid spyware on iPhone devices prioritize user data security and comply with legal standards, protecting personal information.

    However, some monitoring apps may require jailbreaking the target iPhone, which can compromise the device’s security, void its warranty, and expose it to malware and other vulnerabilities.

    As mentioned above, free iPhone spy apps or those that are poorly reviewed may pose additional risks, including unauthorized data access and privacy breaches. It’s crucial to thoroughly research and choose a trustworthy app, understand the legal implications of its use, and ensure it is used ethically and within legal boundaries. Lastly, wherever possible, avoid jailbreaking to maintain the security and warranty of your device.

    Are iPhone Monitoring Apps Legal?

    The legality of iPhone spy apps varies widely and is often country-specific. In the United States, laws can be both federal and state-specific. Generally, using monitoring apps without the consent of the person being monitored is illegal and can result in severe penalties.

    However, it might be permissible to use such apps to monitor minors or employees, provided you own the device and have informed them of the monitoring. It’s essential to research and understand the specific laws in your jurisdiction before using these apps to ensure compliance and avoid legal repercussions.

    How To Detect Spyware on iPhone Devices

    It’s important to know how to find spyware on iPhone devices. This includes looking for signs like rapid battery drain, increased data usage, or unusual overheating.

    Next, make sure you understand all the apps on your phone and what they do. For how to find hidden spy apps on iPhone devices, navigate to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management and check for unfamiliar or suspicious apps and profiles.

    Utilizing reputable iPhone monitoring apps can also help detect and remove spyware. Knowing how to check for spyware on iPhone devices involves regularly updating your iOS, as updates include vital security patches. If you still suspect spyware, consider performing a factory reset after backing up your data.

    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:

    CompatibilityPricingTestingFunctionalityJailbreakDetectability

    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.

    Annual plans are cheaper, and some of the best iPhone spy tools only cover one device per subscription.

    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.

    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.

    Some advanced features like call recording require jailbreaking the device, so it’s worth looking for the best no-jailbreak iPhone spy apps.

    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.

    FAQs

    What’s the best spy app for iPhone?

    Do I need to jailbreak the iPhone to monitor it?

    Can you spy on an iPhone with just a phone number?

    What’s the best free iPhone spy app?

    Can spy apps be detected?

    References

    1. Online Safety (KidsHealth)
    2. Trending Remote Work Statistics (Zippia)
    3. Global: Online Child Safety (GlobalComplianceNews)
    Krishi Chowdhary
    Tech Expert
    Krishi Chowdhary
    Tech Expert

    Krishi Chowdhary has half a decade of experience writing buying guides and product reviews for numerous leading technology websites. He spent two years writing for Business2Community.com before joining Techopedia.com. He has a degree in Commerce and extensive experience in the technology industry. He's also the key driver behind TechReport.com's news content, delivering expertise insight into the latest tech and cybersecurity news daily.