The Best iPhone Spy Apps in 2024

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If you suspect your partner might be cheating and they own an iPhone, an iPhone spy app is the only way to find out for sure. There are now over 153 million iPhones in America*, which means that more people are turning to iPhone spy software to find out what their partners or children are doing online each day.

Finding the best spy app for iPhone is no easy task, though, especially since installing third-party apps on Apple devices often requires iCloud credentials and careful compatibility checks. Not to worry, I’ve done the research and rounded up the best iPhone monitoring apps to help you find the perfect solution for your needs.

The Best iPhone Spy Apps Tested By Our Experts

If you want to know how to spy on iPhone devices, these are the top-ranked apps to get you started. They each have robust iPhone tracking features, accessible interfaces, and a range of plans but differ in what they do best. Take a look:

  1. mSpy — Best iPhone spyware for social media monitoring
  2. Spynger — Best iPhone spy app for tracking your partner
  3. uMobix — Best iPhone monitoring app for beginners
  4. Scannero — The best iOS spyware for GPS location monitoring
  5. SpyBubble Pro — Best iPhone spyware for detecting secret apps and seeing deleted chats and files
  6. Phonsee — One of the most user-friendly and affordable iPhone spying software
  7. Eyezy — Affordable iPhone spy tool with AI-powered features
  8. ClevGuard — One of the best iPhone spy apps for parents

The Top Spy Apps for iPhone Reviewed

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

1. mSpy — Best iPhone Spyware for Social Media Monitoring

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 stood out for me due to its extensive list of monitoring features for iPhones, particularly in its ability to track nearly everything on social apps. You also get real-time GPS tracking, social media monitoring, and keystroke logging.

Features

mSpy is my overall top pick as it offers a comprehensive suite of monitoring tools for iPhones, including social media monitoring and tracking activities on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, and Instagram.

It tracks all messages sent and received on these apps, including text, photos, and videos. It also lets you monitor voice and video calls, giving you details on call duration and contact information. This is an invaluable feature if you’re a concerned parent who wants to see who your minor child is talking to.

mSpy also offers access to all media shared or received through social media and detailed logs of their activity, including posts, comments, and likes. mSpy even lets you view contact lists or friends associated with social media accounts, so you get a full look at your child or partner’s social media activity.

Apart from all this, mSpy’s detailed call log and text message tracker lets you know who your partner or child is communicating with, how often, and what they talk about. You also get access to deleted text messages and call timestamps.

I like that it also has a browser history monitoring feature that logs all web activities, even in incognito mode. This means that you’ll see all the visited sites the person you are tracking goes to.

Combined with the keylogger that records every keystroke on the device, nothing will be hidden from you. You’ll also be able to view the entire app library on the target device, and it provides details about app usage, including the frequency and duration of use

Finally, you also get access to real-time GPS location tracking and geofencing alerts. You can set predefined areas and receive notifications when the device enters or leaves these zones.

One important thing to note is that some of these features are available only on jailbroken iPhones. If you don’t want to jailbreak the other phone, you can still use mSpy if you know the other person’s Apple ID and iCloud credentials.

The information you get is comparatively quite limited, though. It includes things like call and text monitoring, access to the contact list, browser activity monitoring, iOS Notes, and a look at the apps installed on the iPhone. If you’re okay with jailbreaking the target device you’re trying to track, mSpy’s customer service is very helpful during this process.

mSpy Pricing

mSpy Plans mSpy Pricing
1 Month $48.99/month
3 Months $28/month
12 Months $11.67/month

    mSpy has a single plan that includes all its features, and you get larger discounts with longer-term subscriptions. Before deciding, you should check out mSpy’s excellent demo that tells you exactly how its dashboard works.

    When compared against other apps, mSpy is a bit more expensive than some of its competitors. But I feel it’s somewhat justified because it offers many more features than most Apple spyware. It is actually quite affordable when you buy the annual subscription, at under $12/month.

    Who It’s Best For

    mSpy is great for anyone looking for powerful social media monitoring, giving you a deep dive look at the other person’s apps. Given its powerful toolset, it’s the perfect option for partners and parents wanting a robust iPhone tracking app with a ton of features.[/su_spoiler]

      Pros pros
      • Undetectable
      • Excellent live chat and customer support
      • Compatible with both jailbroken and non-jailbroken iPhones
      • Comprehensive monitoring features, including app blockers and social media tracking
      Cons cons
      • Limited to one device per subscription
      • Requires jailbreaking for advanced features
      • Requires physical access to the device for installation
      mSpy – iPhone Spy App

      2. Spynger — Ideal iPhone Spy App For Couples

      Spynger logo

      Starting Price $9.28/month
      No Of Devices 1
      Free Trial/Demo
      Money-Back Guarantee 30 days

      Why We Picked It

      I picked Spynger because it’s great iphone monitoring software specifically geared toward couples for those who need to monitor their partner’s iPhone discreetly. With its thorough keylogging and social media tracking features, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to confirm their suspicions without being detected.

      Features

      Spynger is a great iPhone monitoring app that is specifically made to catch cheating in relationships, and every feature supports that goal. That said, it can also be used together with your partner’s consent in cases where you may have trust issues or past infidelity.

      It lets you secretly read your partner’s chats on social media, messaging apps, and dating apps like Tinder. You’ll also be able to see their incoming and outgoing 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 be able to block them. And, if you believe that your partner’s hiding something, you can use the hidden screen recorder to collect the evidence you need for later use.

      While Spynger doesn’t specifically say that you need to jailbreak the iPhone, its installation method — getting the app from a download link sent via email — and some of its more intrusive features, like the keylogger, point to jailbreaking being a requirement.

      Spynger Pricing

      Spynger offers a single plan with access to all features for iPhone monitoring. Longer subscription plans come with more significant discounts.

      Duration Sypynger Pricing
      1 Month $44.56/month
      3 Months $25.99/month
      12 Months $9.28/month

      There’s no free trial or demo, but Spynger offers a 30-day refund window to get your money back if you face technical issues. When paid annually, Spynger works out to be slightly cheaper than top-rated apps like mSpy, but not as cheap as a few others, including Eyezy.

      Who It’s Best For

      Spynger is designed for partners concerned about cheating, and it provides all the features you need for an iPhone. You can see exactly what websites your partner visited, what content they watch and engage in, who they talk to, and where they go in real time.[/su_spoiler]

      Pros pros
      • Designed specifically for monitoring couples
      • Spy on 16 popular messaging apps, including Tinder
      • Monitor your partner’s location in real-time
      • 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
      • No app-blocking features
      • May need to jailbreak the target iPhone to access all features

      3. uMobix — Easy-To-Use iPhone Monitoring App for Beginners

      uMobix logo

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

      Why We Picked It

      I chose uMobix as one of the top spying software for iPhones for its quick setup process, which is perfect for beginners. I also appreciate its compatibility with all iOS devices and versions, ensuring that you can track any iPhone model.[/su_spoiler]

      Features

      During my testing, I found uMobix to be very easy to use and user-friendly, making it a great option for anyone who isn’t particularly tech-savvy. It’s compatible with all iOS devices and versions, ensuring seamless operation across different models and software updates. However, the iOS version lacks some features like keylogging and GPS tracking that are available on the Android version.

      You do get full access to some social media accounts, including Facebook, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram, allowing you to navigate these accounts as if they were your own. This is particularly useful for parents who need to monitor their children’s interactions on social media.

      The iPhone tracker app also tracks calls, iMessages, contacts, and more, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the other person’s activities.

      I found that the quick setup process lets you start monitoring in just about five minutes, and you don’t have to jailbreak the iPhone to use uMobix’s features. You will need the other person’s iCloud credentials, though, and access to their phone in case they have two-factor authentication set up. Data syncing also depends on what the other person has set for iCloud backups, so it can take up to 24 hours before you see the info on your dashboard.

      uMobix Pricing

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

      Duration uMobix Pricing
      1 Month $49.99/month
      3 Months $29.99/month
      12 Months (+ 12 extra months for free) $12.49/month

      You get all uMobix features with any plan, no matter the length. You can try out the demo before subscribing, and it also offers a 14-day refund policy. uMobix offers a great range of features for an affordable monthly subscription rate that’s on par with several other iPhone trackers.

      Who It’s Best For

      uMobix is ideal for less tech-savvy parents or partners who want to monitor iPhone activities, especially on social media platforms. Its quick and stress-free setup process makes things a lot easier when you’re trying to get peace of mind.[/su_spoiler]

      Pros pros
      • Compatible with all iOS devices and versions
      • Comprehensive monitoring of calls, messages, and contacts
      • Full access to some social media accounts
      • Quick setup process
      Cons cons
      • Costlier than similar apps

      4. Scannero — Best for Tracking an iPhone With Just a Phone Number

      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

      I chose Scannero because it can track an iPhone’s location solely through its phone number. This makes it a convenient solution for those who need quick location tracking without the hassle of app installation.

      Features

      Scannero caught my attention because it requires only the target person’s phone number to get started, and no finicky app installation is required. This makes it a great option if you can’t get access to the iPhone you’re trying to track.

      The app works on all iOS devices and requires no specific model information, making it highly accessible. 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 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.[/su_spoiler]

      Scannero Pricing

      One of the pricier spy apps for iPhones on the market, Scannero is a specific type of service that sets itself apart from other offerings on my list. This means that it might not be for everyone, but it does what it claims to do extremely well.

      Duration Scannero Pricing
      1-Day Trial $0.89
      1 Month $49.80

      While Scannero doesn’t offer long-term discounts, you can try it with a one-day trial for $0.89. Don’t forget to cancel your subscription before the 24 hours ends, though, as Scannero will automatically upgrade you to the costly monthly plan.

      While Scannero’s monthly rate is pretty pricy, it’s great for people who want a no-fuss iPhone location tracker and nothing more. Given that you can even click on the location tracking link yourself if you get access to the target phone, it’s a quick and easy solution to get the info you need.

      Who It’s Best For

      Scannero is a great option for tracking iPhones when you can’t get access to the device to install an app since it works through the device’s phone number. It doesn’t do much else, but with its one-day price, it’s a great tool for those who have limited needs or only need the service temporarily.[/su_spoiler]

      Pros pros
      • Lets you quickly locate an iPhone user with just their 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
      • No app installation required
      Cons cons
      • No iPhone monitoring features apart from location tracking
      • Expensive monthly plan

      5. SpyBubble Pro — iPhone Monitoring Software for Deleted and Hidden Content

      SpyBubble logo

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

      Why We Picked It

      I chose SpyBubble for its exceptional ability to recover hidden and deleted content, including messages, photos, and social media interactions.

      Features

      One major feature that makes SpyBubble stand out from the competition is that you can recover hidden and deleted iPhone content. The keylogging feature captures every keystroke, allowing you to also see all typed content, including passwords. With these features, you can monitor all sent and received messages, including those that have been deleted.

      This can be helpful for parents who are concerned about their kids being evasive. Spouses can also find this feature useful if they suspect their partners of infidelity.

      SpyBubble Pro offers other features for recovering deleted content beyond its keylogger. It can retrieve deleted text messages, so you can access conversations that were erased from the device. It also recovers deleted call logs, giving you all the details of phone calls that have been removed from the history.

      SpyBubble Pro can even recover deleted photos and videos from the iPhone’s gallery. If email monitoring is enabled, it can access deleted emails and their attachments.

      In addition, SpyBubble’s GPS location tracker gives you real-time updates, ensuring you know the exact whereabouts of the person you’re tracking and their history of visited places.

      SpyBubble Pro also monitors all content shared on social media platforms. It’s one of the best Instagram spy apps, in particular, giving you full access to the other person’s Instagram profile, along with the ability to block followers, unfollow people, and see DMs.

      Additional features include alerts for SIM card changes, remote access to settings, and the ability to restrict or delete suspicious apps.

      SpyBubble Pricing

      SpyBubble Pro offers a standard plan with pricing that varies based on the duration of your subscription.

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

      SpyBubble Pro offers a 14-day refund policy. While generous, it’s not a money-back guarantee, so you might want to try the free demo first.

      Apart from that, SpyBubble comes in at slightly cheaper than mSpy when comparing its annual plan, but if budget is a real constraint, you may wish to look at Eyezy or Phonsee.

      Who It’s Best For

      Being able to comprehensively monitor iPhones and find deleted content makes SpyBubble Pro a great tool for parents and anxious partners. If you think your kid or spouse might be hiding something from you and deleting their conversations, this app could give you the peace of mind you need.

      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.
      • Undetectable on iPhones
      Cons cons
      • No geofencing capabilities
      • Can’t record phone calls
      SpyBubble Pro

      6. Phonsee — User-Friendly iPhone Spy App That’s Priced Low

      Phonsee logo

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

      Why We Picked It

      I chose Phonsee for its user-friendly interface and affordability. Its quick setup and seamless operation on all iOS devices make it a top choice.

      Features

      Phonsee offers a cost-effective solution for iPhone tracking without compromising functionality. The app is easy to install and also includes discreet real-time GPS location tracking, which lets you easily track a phone’s location without them knowing.

      Additionally, Phonsee monitors social media activities on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, giving you insights into their online interactions. The keylogger captures every keystroke, ensuring that no activity, including login information and search queries, goes untracked.

      Phonsee also features a screen recorder that takes automated screenshots of the device’s screen. The app lets you remotely monitor, block, and restrict any suspicious apps you encounter while monitoring, making it a great tool for parents who want to keep track of what apps their child is using.

      The great news is that you don’t need to jailbreak the iPhone to use most of Phonsee’s features. All you need is the other person’s iCloud credentials. However, one caveat is that you will need to enable Find My iPhone on the device for location monitoring.

      Phonsee Pricing

      Known for its budget-friendly pricing, Phonsee offers advanced features at the best price possible.

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

      Phonsee has a limited demo, which is just a series of screenshots and doesn’t show the true extent of its capabilities. So, if you don’t like the app’s features, you might have to take advantage of the 14-day refund policy.

      While not the cheapest app if you only want to pay monthly, Phonsee comes in as one of the cheapest on the market when you pay for an annual plan.

      Who It’s Best For

      Phonsee is the best option for those who require a user-friendly and cost-effective iPhone tracking solution without compromising on features.

      Pros pros
      • User-friendly interface with quick setup
      • Real-time GPS tracking with geofencing alerts
      • Compatible with all iOS devices
      • 24/7 customer support
      Cons cons
      • No keyword alerts, so you have to frequently monitor the iPhone
      • Requires physical access to enable some features

      7. Eyezy —  AI-Powered iPhone Spy Software for Tight Budgets

      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 low monthly cost jumped out at me when looking at its annual plan. Its iPhone monitoring app is incredibly popular among parents and spouses because of its affordability and AI-powered keyword features.

      Features

      Eyezy’s standout feature is its AI-powered alerts, which notify you of suspicious activities and flagged keywords without the need for constant monitoring. It’s one of the only iPhone monitoring apps with these capabilities, and it’s really impressive.

      Eyezy’s AI analyzes vast amounts of data from the target device, including messages, calls, and social media interactions, to identify patterns and detect specific behaviors. For example, its AI-powered keyword alerts scan communications for predefined terms, instantly notifying you of any potentially dangerous keyword. The AI even looks at the context of these alerts so it can reduce false positives and give you more accurate insights.

      The app also offers real-time GPS location tracking, which lets you pinpoint the iPhone’s exact location on a map, view its route history, and set up geofencing alerts. This is a great option if you have a child who walks home from school alone or a partner who may not be where they say they are.

      In addition, you get detailed insights into the iPhone user’s social media activities, so you’ll be aware of all the interactions that happen on the tracked device. The app runs undetected in the background, providing seamless and discreet tracking without alerting the device owner.

      However, to access the bulk of its features, you will need to jailbreak the iPhone. This will give you access to social media monitoring, the keylogger, location tracking, and more. You do get basic features without jailbreak, though, like seeing who they call and the photos and videos stored on the phone. You can get access to these if you know the other person’s iCloud credentials.

      Eyezy Pricing

      Like other spy apps, Eyezy offers different pricing tiers based on subscription duration.

      Duration EyeZy Pricing
      1 Month $38.39/month
      3 Months $22.39/month
      12 Months $7.99/month

      I like that Eyezy has a demo so you can check out to try its features. If you run into issues after purchasing a subscription, they also offer a 14-day refund policy. When you purchase an annual subscription, it’s literally one of the cheapest iPhone tracker apps you can buy.

      Who It’s Best For

      Eyezy’s advanced AI-powered alerts make it perfect for those who don’t have the time for hands-on monitoring, and you won’t break the bank with its comparatively cheap annual plan.[/su_spoiler]

      Pros pros
      • AI-powered alerts for any suspicious activity and flagged keywords
      • Real-time GPS tracking with geofencing alerts
      • Great choice for budget-conscious users
      • Undetectable operation in the background
      • Bank-grade encryption for data security
      • Responsive customer support
      Cons cons
      • Installation requires physical access to the target device
      • Only one device can be monitored per plan
      • Users report occasional delays in data updates

      8. ClevGuard — Robust Parental Monitoring App for Your Children’s iPhones

      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 a popular parental control app for iPhone. With it, you can monitor your loved ones’ iPhones, iPads, and even desktop devices.

      Features

      ClevGuard’s child monitoring apps, KidsGuard and KidsGuard Pro, made a significant impression on me, as they can be installed on virtually any iOS device without jailbreak. They’re easy to set up and completely undetectable, so your kids will be none the wiser.

      Through my testing, I saw that the apps let you see messages, social media chats, media files, calendars, and entire iCloud Drives. You’ll even see what they watch on YouTube and TikTok, so you can 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.

      ClevGuard Pricing

      Duration KidsGuard Pricing KidsGuard Pro Pricing
      1 Month $9.99/month $49.99/month
      3 Months $25.33/month
      12 Months $4.99/month $11.67month

      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 to monitor their children’s iPhones. With its device monitoring and GPS tracking, you’ll have complete confidence in the safety and security of your family.

      Pros pros
      • iPhone monitoring app specifically for parents
      • Can monitor 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
      • No jailbreaking required
      Cons cons
      • Some advanced features only available to Android users

      The Best Spying Apps for iPhone Compared

      I’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:

      Provider 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 installed apps and device activity 14 Days
      Spynger $9.28/month Full social media and chat access, GPS tracking, access to Wi-Fi networks on device 14 Days
      uMobix Demo $12.49/month Mobile app, easy-to-use UI, impressive remote command capabilities 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 $7.99/month Affordable pricing, custom alerts, custom term/word flagging 14 Days
      ClevGuard Demo $4.99/month Child-focused Kidsguard app with social media access, call recording, and GPS locator 30 Days

      Methodology

      How We Review And Test Spyware 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 applications 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 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 spyware 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 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 spyware 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 seeing what’s happening on the screen, tracking app data input, monitoring apps and browser history, accessing the device’s GPS location, and controlling 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, letting you control the iPhone remotely so they don’t distract from standard device usage.

      Why Do I Need 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 tracker app options can also automatically record conversations between employees and customers or all employee-client conversations. For more, I 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 risk sensitive information and app data falling into the wrong hands.

      iOS 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 connection activity, spouses can have peace of mind.

      Parental Control

      Overall, the most common reason for using an iPhone spy app is as a parental control app 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 top-rated parental control app can offer peace of mind.

      What Can iPhone Monitoring Software Do?

      The best iPhone spyware apps can provide a wide range of tracking and monitoring capabilities. Here are some of the use cases for spy software for iPhones.

      Monitor Phone ActivityRead Text MessagesTrack Social MediaLocation TackerKeyloggerCamera and Microphone Control

      Most iPhone monitoring software will allow you to gain access to call logs, seeing when connections have been made and how long incoming and outgoing calls have 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 iPhone text messages to track correspondence. It should have robust text message monitoring features that work across all major messaging apps.

      The best spy apps for iPhone will let you remotely access all 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 iPhones. It 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 software because the iOS operating system is closed, making accessing data on an iPhone harder.

      Many spy apps for iPhone (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 iPhone, 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.

      Is There Free Spyware For iPhone?

      Opting for free iPhone spy software can be tempting 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, is there a free spy app for iphone, and what’s the difference between a free app and a paid option?

      I completely understand why you might be looking for a free iOS spy app. It can be hard to make a big investment in an app subscription if you don’t know if it’s going to work or if you’re on a tight budget. There are many apps out there that advertise themselves as completely free, but I caution you to look deeper and avoid these altogether.

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

      But more importantly, free iPhone spy apps can be dangerous to both you and the person you’re monitoring. There are plenty of dodgy free iphone spy apps out there that pose security risks due to inadequate encryption and support, including data breaches and malware infections. They might also display intrusive ads or sell data to third parties, so they’re not a great idea if you want to keep your phone secure and protect your sensitive data.

      Opting for a paid iOS spy app over a free option generally means 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. If you still aren’t convinced, keep in mind that 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.

      I personally believe that free iPhone spy apps are not worth your time or risk, and you should avoid unknown apps for iPhone that sound too good to be true or aren’t on my list here. All the apps on my list have been rigorously tested and have a great reputation.

      Do I Need Physical Access to an iPhone to Install Spyware?

      Most spyware for iPhones, 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 app for iPhone tracking 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 Monitoring 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 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 free iPhone tracker apps prioritize user data security and comply with legal standards, protecting personal information.

      Even legitimate 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 trackers or poorly reviewed apps 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 spying 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 person’s consent is illegal and can result in severe penalties.

      However, using legitimate apps to monitor minors or employees might be permissible, provided you own the device and have informed them of the monitoring. Researching and understanding the specific laws in your jurisdiction before using these apps to ensure compliance and avoid legal repercussions is essential.

      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.

      How To Detect Spyware on iPhone Devices

      Whether you’re looking to use iOS spy apps or disable them, it’s important to be aware of how to find and remove spyware on iPhone devices. This includes looking for signs like rapid battery drain, increased data usage, and unusual overheating.

      If you’re looking into how to remove spyware on an iPhone, you’ll also want to check for any suspicious or unfamiliar apps running on your device. For how to find hidden spy apps on iPhone devices, navigate to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management and check for any suspicious apps or profiles there.

      Using reputable iPhone monitoring apps can also help detect and remove spyware and malware and is key to checking for spyware on iPhone devices. It’s also important to keep the operating system patched and up to date, as updates will include crucial security patches. You should also periodically change your passwords, including your Apple ID password and iCloud password.

      This will help ensure no one can gain access to your iCloud account and help you avoid iCloud spyware. If you still suspect spyware or other malware is running on your device, consider performing a factory reset after backing up your data.

      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?

      Can iPhone spy apps be detected?

      How do you remove spyware from iPhone?

      References

      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.