mSpy is a cell phone spy app that launched in 2010 and is still going strong after more than 13 years of operation. In this mSpy review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about it.
This piece of software is designed for purposes like parental control, finding out about a cheating spouse, or keeping tabs on a lazy employee. With features like location tracking, social media monitoring, and phone call monitoring, mSpy can prove to be a great resource for parents, in particular.
Now, you might be wondering how effective is mSpy as a parental control app? You may also want to know about the features it offers and any flaws it might have. Not to worry, though, as we have covered all you need to know about this app.
Join us in a comprehensive exploration of the best spy apps, focusing on mSpy as a monitoring app, its pricing plans, installation process, and whether it is worth the investment or not.
What Is mSpy?
mSpy is a comprehensive cell phone monitoring app designed to be discreetly installed on a target phone to see where the user has been and what they’ve been doing on the device. As the name suggests, it was created to spy on people through a discreet installation process on their phones.
The mSpy app for iPhone and Android gives you the ability to monitor others without them knowing about it. It is always active in the background and records information for you without their knowledge. And over the years, its effectiveness has only gotten better.
mSpy phone tracker achieves this by hiding its presence in the target device after installation. This makes it an extremely discreet way of tracking a phone and its activity.
mSpy’s Pros And Cons
Before getting hands-on experience with an app that does not offer a free trial, it’s always wise to learn about its advantages and disadvantages. Doing so will allow you to gauge whether you should spend money on the application or find a suitable alternative.
mSpy phone tracker brings plenty of useful features to the table that make it a great cell phone monitoring app, as detailed below:
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Can be installed on the most common cellular devices
- Easy to use
- Provides complete access to the target’s call log and location
- Records text messages and media files
- Includes an accurate keylogger that tracks every typed word
- Includes a keyword alert to notify you when flagged words are used
- Can record the target device screen using the screen recorder function
- Tracks the target’s location in real-time
That said, there are a few downsides to be mindful of before purchasing the app. For some, these flaws can end up being a dealbreaker, while it may not be a contentious point for others at all.
Cons
- Free trial plans discontinued
- Can be somewhat difficult to install on iOS devices
- Requires multiple subscriptions to track multiple target devices
How Does mSpy Work?
So, how does mSpy work on iPhone and Android devices and offer so many features at the same time? After purchasing a subscription plan and installing the app on a target phone, you can access all the information being relayed to and through it.
For this, you will need to log onto the official mSpy website and open the mSpy phone tracker control panel. The mSpy control panel organizes all the information it records under separate tabs for each data point.
This facilitates easy navigation through all the data and locate and review specific information at any point in time. Of course, for the app to transfer the data it records to your control panel, it needs access to a stable internet connection.
So, if your home doesn’t have a Wi-Fi connection, you may want to make sure that the target phone connects to the internet via mobile data. And that summarizes the question of “how does mSpy work.”
Reviewing All The Features Of mSpy
Now that we’ve covered the mSpy phone tracker and how it works, let’s delve into its features. Offering a plethora of tracking capabilities, mSpy phone tracker is one of the most feature-intensive phone tracking apps available online.
As stated earlier, its functionality goes beyond simply recording text messages and phone calls. This may lead you to wonder: how much further beyond? Let’s find out.
1. Calls & Contacts
The mSpy phone tracker grants you complete access to the contacts list of your child’s phone, as well as records of every call made using the device. You will be able to see the phone number of the person initiating the call, the duration of the call, the frequency of calls, and more.
Moreover, you will receive precise details of the callers as well. The caller’s name and phone numbers will be visible to you, along with any additional information about them stored on the target phone.
If your child has the caller’s email address or home address recorded in their phone, it will be visible to you. This feature can save you a lot of frustration, especially if you’re concerned about your child’s company.
2. Text Messages
mSpy phone tracker will let you access every text message sent or received using the target device. You can flag certain words, such as “cigarette,” “beer,” etc., and the app will notify you when such words are sent to or received by the device.
The app also provides you with the precise timestamps of when these messages were sent, providing you with as much detail as possible. With the keyword flagging capabilities of mSpy phone tracker, you won’t need to worry about walls of text message logs to go through every once in a while.
3. Photos & Videos
If you’re suspicious of your child accessing inappropriate content, knowing the media they browse through or store on their phone can be quite helpful.
mSpy phone tracker enables you to monitor the images, videos, and other media files that your child stores on the phone. Armed with this knowledge, you will be able to prevent your child from interacting with smut prematurely.
The app also includes timestamps in its report indicating when the files were downloaded or accessed. This can help you gauge whether the download was an unintentional one, a mistake born of curiosity, or an obsession that has lasted too long.
4. GPS Location
mSpy phone tracker includes real-time location tracking by phone number which is praised by several users for its accuracy and convenience. The way its GPS tracker functions is fairly standard, letting you know where the device is down to exact coordinates.
It helps you check whether the target phone has left a specific area during a certain time frame through a feature known as geo-fencing. Once the target phone leaves the virtual boundaries that you have created, the app will send you a notification on your dashboard.
You can use this feature to determine whether your child is skipping classes or leaving the house when they’re not permitted to do so. The exact moment when they leave the school premises is when you will be notified, making mSpy phone tracker an excellent location tracker app.
5. Invisible Mode
As mentioned earlier, the mSpy phone tracker is entirely invisible on the target phone, making the owner of the device none the wiser about its existence. This invisible mode is instrumental in enhancing the effectiveness of this application as a piece of monitoring software.
Despite its various tracking functionalities and recording capabilities, the impact of mSpy phone tracker on device performance is quite negligible. mSpy phone tracker Its lower performance intensity is especially crucial if you have a tech-savvy ward, as it prevents them from attempting to speed up the device again.
After all, if the device functions normally, there is no reason for someone to restore their phone to factory settings.
6. Messengers & Social Apps
Your mSpy phone tracker dashboard will include text messages from sources like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Telegram, Viber, Snapchat, etc.
Additionally, the dashboard will give you a complete report on the exact time the target phone is used to send a text message to a contact. This includes the media shared in private conversations as well.
Another nifty feature offered by the mSpy phone tracker is its ability to detect Tinder activity on the target device. You can receive regular updates about messages sent or received on the target device, similar to how mSpy phone tracker does for other messaging apps.
7. Screen Recorder
mSpy phone tracker comes equipped with a screen recording feature enabling you to view messages, photos, and call logs on the target phone. The application sends you screenshots from the target device, showcasing notifications, chats, and various other activities.
Screen recording can be useful when addressing messenger apps that allow disappearing messages, message deletion, or features that allow the user to “unsend” messages. It can help you track the messages that would be difficult to manage otherwise.
mSpy phone tracker automatically captures screenshots during certain phone activities triggered by the user or by someone sending a message or notification to the target device.
8. Keylogger
Worried about what your child may be typing when texting others? mSpy phone tracker features a keylogger that tracks the words being typed in any application, such as messaging apps, search engines, web browsers, and more.
The interesting thing about the mSpy phone tracker keylogger is that even if the typed words are deleted, the app can keep track of it. So, if your child types an insult and then deletes it, you will be able to see what they deleted before retyping.
Keyloggers can transmit an extensive amount of information to you, making it overwhelming to sift through the data. But luckily, you do have access to a keyword alert feature that can highlight certain words for you.
You will be able to define which words to highlight, allowing you to make the most of the features in the mSpy phone tracker keylogger.
9. Browsing History & Bookmarks
It can be challenging for children to identify websites that may contain malware or potential scams. To protect them from such malicious URLs, you can use the website management feature included in the mSpy phone tracker.
This feature can also help you view their browsing history, bookmarks, and apps that they may have been using. And should you spot something suspicious or malicious, you can remotely disable access to the websites through your dashboard.
mSpy phone tracker also enables you to observe the frequency of visits a particular website has been visited, accessible in “Views” on the dashboard. You can identify points of concern By analyzing this statistic and determine whether your child has an unhealthy obsession with a website or not.
10. Other Activity & Data
mSpy phone tracker is capable of tracking various other activities on the target phone, which includes calendar activities, Wi-Fi network connections, and more.
Some of these features are a part of its location tracking functionality, including Wi-Fi connections. You can find the name of the Wi-Fi connections that the device has connected to and disable access to a particular connection as well.
For parents worried about their children overusing home Wi-Fi or suspicious about their children lying about their true location, this feature can be quite handy. It can also help you protect your children from spyware and malware in the process as well.
If your child has a penchant for marking their phone calendar with events, you will be able to view them on your mSpy phone tracker dashboard. You will have an idea of where your child may be going on a given day and whether they are lying to you about their whereabouts.
While this may not be as useful for children who don’t interact with their calendars much, it is still a handy feature for certain apps. Movie theater booking apps or sites sometimes automatically set a reminder of the booking date on the user’s calendar.
So, if your child’s group study session happens to coincide with a movie booking, you will know the truth.
=> Click here to visit the official website “mSpy”
Compatible Operating Systems With mSpy
While the installation of mSpy is a little more complex for iOS, do note that both operating systems have their share of complex installation steps.
Here’s a quick mSpy phone tracker compatibility guide for both of these operating systems.
1. Android
mSpy supports all Android operating systems above version 4.0, and the brand keeps its application up-to-date with the latest updates to the OS.
Unlike typical applications found on the Google Play Store, you must approach the installation process for mSpy phone tracker a little differently. To install the app, you must download the installation file directly from the mSpy official website.
Once downloaded, you will be required to jailbreak the target phone in order to access all the monitoring features of the software. Without jailbreaking, most of what makes mSpy effective simply will not work.
The term “jailbreak” refers to the removal of the restrictions on any device that are put in place by the manufacturer. Through jailbreaking, the mSpy phone tracker will have access to all the systems of the target device, allowing it to be as effective as advertised.
It’s worth remembering that all Android device manufacturers include a slightly modified version of the stock Android operating system. These modifications introduce the installation process different for each brand, which can complicate it a little.
Thankfully, you will have access to brand-specific guides from mSpy the moment you purchase a subscription for the application. Follow these guides to install the software onto the target phone.
2. iPhone (iOS)
While jailbreaking is necessary for mSpy to function on Android devices, it needn’t necessarily be so for iOS devices. You can choose to jailbreak the device regardless at the expense of the manufacturer’s warranty, but if the phone is old enough, it’s a non-issue.
The alternative to jailbreaking is using iCloud, a cloud storage system capable of storing the most common file formats being used in the current age. Using iCloud to monitor your child is quite a bit simpler than jailbreaking the phone, with the only hurdle being the login credentials.
You can also choose to connect to your child’s phone through Local Sync, which requires connecting both devices to the same Wi-Fi network. With this option, you will receive a detailed guide from the mSpy phone tracker team with instructions to help you through the process.
How To Download & Use mSpy? Step-By-Step Guide
mSpy For Android
If you’re curious about the details of the installation process, here’s a quick guide to get you primed and ready for what is to come. The mSpy phone tracker installation package takes up to ten minutes to fully install onto the target phone, so plan the installation with this in mind.
Step 1: Go To The mSpy Website And Create An Account
First, you will need to visit the mSpy phone tracker website to enter your details and create an account. Before proceeding read through the terms and conditions of service first to understand the service, following which you must use an email address to register. mSpy will send instructions to this email address.
Following this, choose which device type you want to track using the mSpy phone tracker: iOS or Android. Be sure to make this choice carefully, as the installation process varies significantly between the two operating systems.
Step 2: Choose A Plan
Now, you will be asked to choose a subscription plan, which that determines the duration of the mSpy phone tracker service. No matter which option you choose, you will be able to renew or extend the subscription at any point in the future.
mSpy offers three packages that last one month, three months, and 12 months. Pick an option to add it to your cart and proceed to pay the required amount to conclude the subscription process.
Step 3: Disable Play Protect
On Android devices, Google Play Store includes an option known as “Play Protect” that prevents app installation from unknown sources. Since mSpy phone tracker is not on PlayStore, you must disable this setting to be able to install the app.
Before opening PlayStore, ensure that the target phone has an active internet connection. And once PlayStore is open, access the menu by clicking either the profile picture or the three lines at the top corner of the screen.
Here, you will be able to access the Play Protect menu. Open it and tap on the settings gear at the top right corner, which will take you to the settings screen. One of the options here is “Scan Apps With Play Protect”, which you should disable before downloading mSpy phone tracker.
Step 4: Open Google Chrome On The Target Device
You will receive a link from the mSpy phone tracker that must be opened using Google Chrome on the target device. Opening the provided link on Google Chrome will prompt you to solve a CAPTCHA security test. If the CAPTCHA does not load for you, you can reload the page and try again.
After solving the CAPTCHA, you can download the mSpy phone tracker installation file on the target phone. Note that you may see a pop-up asking for permission on the bottom of the screen which may prevent you from downloading the app.
To work around this, click on the “Open” option, go into the settings and tap on the “Allow From The Source” option. With this done, your app will download and be ready to be installed without any further hitches.
Step 5: Setting Up The App
The final step of the installation process is to run the downloaded installation package. Locate the downloaded file on the target phone and execute the file. Following this, you will see a permission screen requesting access to all the data on the device.
Click on “Allow” to proceed to the following steps of the installation interface. Here, you will be required to enter the registration code that you may have received with the mSpy phone tracker installation wizard via email. Next, click on “Complete Installation” to finish up.
Now, you can return the target phone to its original position and access the data it gathers through your personal device. Of course, this process can vary based on the phone manufacturer, so be sure to refer to the model-specific guide offered by mSpy phone tracker.
And lastly, if you get stuck during the installation process, feel free to contact the mSpy customer support team to iron out any issues.
mSpy For iOS
Of the two mSpy phone tracker installation methods for iOS devices, the easier option is to use the iCloud service on the target phone. This is made simpler if you already know the login credentials of your child’s device.
Here’s a simple two-step installation process for iOS devices.
Step 1: Head To mSpy’s Website
The downloading process is the same for iOS as it is for Android: visit the mSpy website, create an account, and pick the subscription plan. This is where the similarities end.
Now, you will be offered two options for installation: through iCloud Sync, and the Jailbreak solution setup. Click on the “Use iCloud Sync” option to proceed to the next step.
Step 2: mSpy Login And Authentication
After selecting the iCloud option, the mSpy phone tracker page will redirect you to a new page, where you will need to enter the iCloud credentials once again. Next, check your email to find two messages from mSpy.
One of these emails is a new login message, while the other is sent to the target phone with a six-digit code. You must use this code to log into the target phone for two-factor authentication.
Enter the code in the setup window and wait for the installation process to complete. The mSpy phone tracker app may take anywhere from 10-20 minutes to complete, depending on the amount of data that needs to be transferred from the target phone.
Alternatively, you can use Wi-Fi sync to install the mSpy iOS tracker, for which you will need a separate Wi-Fi sync app. mSpy will provide you with the required software, so you needn’t worry about third-party apps.
Next, connect the target phone to your computer using a USB cable to back up the data. This is a one-time process only after which, you won’t need physical access to the phone for copying data. Once that’s done, you will have access to the data gathered by the mSpy phone tracker.
Jailbreak
Due to its technical complexity, many people are hesitant to jailbreak their phones to install for mSpy phone tracker. And because of its difficulty, if you are a complete beginner, it’s generally advised not to try jailbreaking a phone.
But everyone needs to start somewhere, so here is a brief overview of the process.
Step 1
mSpy offers a complimentary jailbreaking app with its subscription plans. The first step is to download the compressed file and extract it to a separate folder.
Step 2
Open the extracted file to find a folder named “Checkra1n Jailbreak [operating system]”. Inside this folder, you will find an ISO file that shares the same name as the folder.
Step 3
Download a third-party program called “Rufus”. You can find it as the top search result on Google and other search engines.
This program is often used to create a bootable USB drive for operating systems, but here, we will use it to jailbreak a phone. Open the program, insert the blank USB drive and select the ISO file on Rufus.
Step 4
Click on “Start” and hit “OK” on the dialog box that shows up afterwards. Make sure that there is no data on the USB drive, or else it will be lost completely.
Step 5
Reboot your PC and access the Boot Manager through its BIOS menu. Now, select the USB drive in the Boot Manager to proceed to the next step.
Step 6
Connect the target phone to your PC using a USB cable and press “Start”. Go through the process by clicking on “Next” and finish up when a “Done” option shows up.
Step 7
On the following page, hit “Cydia” to start the installation process.
Step 8
Log into mSpy using your device and click “Get Started”. Choose the right operating system and hit “Jailbreak” to begin the jailbreaking process.
Now, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the jailbreaking process. After successful installation, mSpy phone tracker will hide its presence on the target phone. That said, you will have to manually hide the “Checkra1n” and “Cydia” apps on the phone.
And to do so, you can find OS-specific instructions on the official mSpy support page.
How We Reviewed mSpy
We approached the process of creating a mSpy iPhone review with a critical eye, examining each of its features, juxtaposing our experience against the brand claims, and user-friendliness.
racking capabilities and precision were a particular point of scrutiny for us, and we made sure not to leave any scenario unchecked during testing. Our reviewing process was laser-focused on ensuring that the mSpy phone tracker is technically sound and keeps its users’ interests at heart.
Additionally, we thoroughly reviewed the demos, instructions, informational articles, and guarantees offered by the brand quite extensively to check intuitiveness. It was paramount for our team to ensure that the mSpy user experience was as spotless as claimed while creating this review.
We also took customer feedback into account to see if our review deviated from the general consensus around the tracking application. And while the mSpy reviews (iPhone and Android) from users can sway between extremes, our experience with mSpy is in line with what the majority thinks of it.
mSpy Plans & Pricing
mSpy phone tracker offers three different tiers of subscription plans based on how long they last. You may opt for a subscription that lasts for a month, three months, or 12 months.
The best part of these subscription plans is that the brand does not lock features behind the more expensive plans when compared to other phone tracking sites on the market. So, if you’re on the fence about trying this app out without spending too much money, the one-month plan is a perfectly fine choice.
By purchasing the mSpy phone tracker Premium package, you will have access to tracking data on the following online activities:
- Text messages
- Website history
- Web browser bookmarks
- Messaging app history
- Contacts list
- Installed applications
- Calendar activities
- Notes
- Photos and videos
- Current device location
- Keyword flags and alerts
- Calls (incoming and outgoing)
- Application and website monitoring
- Third-party social media app monitoring
- Restrict incoming calls
- Establish geofencing
- Screen recording
- Match passwords using a keylogger
Here is a breakdown of the pricing of the mSpy Premium packages:
- 1-Month Plan: $48.99 per month
- 3-Month Plan: $27.99 per month
- 12-Month Plan: $11.66 per month
Note that there is a hefty difference in the mSpy price per month between the three plans, which can deter some from trying it out for a month. The most cost-effective mSpy phone tracker Premium package lasts for twelve months, which can be a little longer than what some may be looking for.
Is mSpy Worth The Price In 2024
The mSpy phone tracker possesses all the attributes of a great surveillance app, yet it falls short in certain areas. While it can be a powerful messaging tracking tool, it lacks features related to to website organization and requires plenty of manual customization.
For example, if you wish to distinguish innocent websites from malicious ones on the mSpy phone tracker dashboard, you have to do it manually. If your child is particularly active on the internet, sorting websites can quickly become a tedious process.
mSpy doesn’t limit screen time, app usage, YouTube usage, or block calls remotely either, and you will have to do so manually instead. This can make surveillance rather overt and potentially clue your child into your efforts as well, rendering the point of tracking the device somewhat moot.
Moreover, there is no free trial for the mSpy phone tracker, which means that you can’t gauge its effectiveness for yourself without paying for it. Its refund policy is also rather strict, having been gated behind tech support issues.
Having said that, it’s important to note that mSpy phone tracker still does everything that it sets out to do rather effectively. It is primarily a surveillance app, and it performs its tasks well, despite the complex and beginner-unfriendly setup process.
Click here to learn about other such phone tracker apps in detail!
FAQs For mSpy Tracking App
Q1. Is mSpy safe?
The mSpy phone tracker is a highly secure tracking app that uses the latest encryption protocols to keep your data safe. Having been in operation for nearly 14 years, the app has built a reputation for being one of the safest monitoring apps on the market.
The monitoring data recorded by mSpy isn’t visible to the development team either, and its visibility is restricted only to you.
Q2. Is mSpy legal?
“Is mSpy legit?” is a common question. mSpy is a legal phone tracker designed for parental control. However, legality may vary by country, so check local laws and mSpy’s Terms and Conditions for clarification.
Q3. Does mSpy really work?
mSpy phone tracker is capable of executing the tasks it is designed for effectively, which includes monitoring phone activity. This makes it an effective parental control app with enough flexibility to use for other monitoring purposes as well.
Q4. Is there a mSpy free trial?
Free trials were once available to all new mSpy phone tracker users for a limited period. But, due to high demand, mSpy has removed the ability to start a free trial completely, opting to offer discounted subscriptions instead.
Q5. Does mSpy provide technical support?
mSpy phone tracker provides technical support in a few different ways, which include email support, paid phone support, and live chat service. Upon contacting customer service, you will be provided with personalized customer assistance through the preferred medium of contact.
Q6. How long does it take to install mSpy on a target phone?
When you install mSpy on iPhone and Android devices, the process takes up to ten minutes to finish. To help you get through the installation process faster, mSpy phone tracker offers a helpful step-by-step guide that outlines the entire process smoothly.
Q7. Do you have to install mSpy on a target phone?
mSpy must be installed on a target phone to work. The app will not be able to track the targeted device without being installed in it.
Once the app is installed on the target phone, you will be able to view the information on your mSpy phone tracker account.
Q8. Will my child know if I install mSpy on their phone?
mSpy operates in the background without making its presence on the device known to its user. This means that your child will not be able to see if mSpy phone tracker is installed on their phone or not.
Q9. Can mSpy be installed remotely?
Remotely installing mSpy phone tracker is possible, the instructions for which are provided to you via email after purchasing the product. The process is quite easy and can be completed within minutes on iOS and Android devices.
Q10. Can I see my child’s WhatsApp messages using mSpy?
mSpy phone tracker does track WhatsApp messages after installation, including conversations, photos, videos, and other media. This can be quite effective for parents who may be worried about their kids being wrapped up in the wrong social circles.
Q11. Is mSpy able to record calls?
mSpy phone tracker is capable of recording calls on both Android and iOS devices. You will be able to listen to the recorded calls on your mSpy account dashboard.
Q12. What do users have to say about it?
User reception for the mSpy phone tracker has been generally positive, with the easy installation process, flexible monitoring features, and real-time tracking capabilities. That said, some users have found the pricing to be high, making it a hefty investment for long-term use.
13. Does mSpy show text messages?
mSpy phone tracker does show text messages, including text that was typed and then deleted, as well as flagged words in each conversation. You will also be able to view who sent these flagged words for monitoring your kids quite effectively.
Concluding On mSpy Review
mSpy phone tracker has several powerful features like messaging app monitoring, email monitoring, website filtering etc. The best part? It is 100% undetectable by anyone using the target phone.
Its covert nature is what makes it an effective surveillance app for parental control. In our testing, our team found that all its features worked as advertised. You can use it to effortlessly keep track of what your child is using their phone for, without having to ask for it.
Along with a full-fledged interface for your PC, mSpy also offers dedicated mobile apps for Android and iOS. So, you can even supervise your child’s activities while on the go. mSpy also offers a demo mode, so you can use the tool for free before committing to it.
