mSpy : Full Review, Testing, and Presentation (2024)

What is mSpy?

The mSpy monitoring application is a phone tracker that allows you to monitor remotely telephone activities of your child (parental control) or of your spouse (private life)

mSpy can help you keep them safe by giving you an overview of:

• Their call history
• GPS location
• Their incoming or outgoing text messages
• Their activities on social networks
• Photos and videos
• Monitoring the activities of their children or spouses

And the best part is that he does all of this without them knowing it. So you can rest easy knowing that your child is always safe with this monitoring software.

Compatibility

As with all other applications of parental or software control For surveillance, there are a few technical requirements that the target mobile phone must meet before you can install the mSpy software on the target user's cell phone or other device (Android and iOS)

1. android

For an Android mobile phone:

• It must have an operating system of at least Android 4+
• root the cell phone if you want to be able to monitor instant messages like WhatsApp, despite its end-to-end encryption and deactivating Last Seen in the settings; this still allows you to see when the person was online.

mSpy can monitor Snapchat, which means overcoming all limitations to gain complete access and control of the device.

Whether it's jailbroken or not, the device needs to be physically with you to install the mSpy monitoring software.

2. iPhone

For iPhone cell phones, the requirements differ depending on whether you have a jailbroken device or a non-jailbroken device.

Jailbreak

First of all, installing mSpy on a jailbroken iOS device is a bit more difficult than on a non-jailbroken device.

Make sure:

• that it is connected to the Internet.
• to have physical access to the device for at least 10 minutes to complete the installation and configuration of the application.

In contrast, jailbroken iOS devices that have mSpy installed have more parental control features than non-jailbroken devices.

Features like social media monitoring, geo-fencing, email access, call recording, and web blocking, for example, are only available on jailbroken devices. A disadvantage for parental control.

Without Jailbreak

If you don't want to jailbreak your iPhone, don't worry.

In fact, installing mSpy monitoring software on a phone without a jailbreak is much easier. You only need the details iCloud from the owner to install this spy software, provided that two-factor authentication is not enabled.

If they have it, you'll still need to have physical access to the device. Moreover, as mentioned above, this method has a number of limitations.

On top of that, Apple's new security updates added additional limitations to mSpy's features.

According to the mSpy support team, features in the latest iOS versions may be limited to GPS, contacts, geo-fencing, and a Panic button.

Features

The mSpy monitoring software is known for its privacy monitoring and parental control features.

And on that point, it was also very successful for us as well. There were tons of features to choose from. But we mainly focused on the following 10:

• SMS tracking
• Call recording
• Contact tracking
• Media file tracking
• Keylogger
• Location tracking
• Social media monitoring (parents for their children, spouses, etc.)
• Blocking applications
• WiFi monitoring
• Browser history

1. SMS tracking

Perhaps that is what mSpy does very well and without fail.

Its SMS monitoring features are nothing short of amazing.

The first thing you'll notice about mSpy's SMS monitoring is that it uses a conversation view to display messages. It may seem basic, but it's not for everyone.

Several other phone trackers hardly use chat displays. And that means it's a lot harder to navigate to a specific conversation without fumbling.

In addition, each individual SMS also displays useful information such as:

• The name of the contact
• The date
• Any MMS attachment sent with a text

So you can easily navigate to a conversation and then to a specific message that was sent on a particular date.

However, we would also like to highlight the total absence of filtering options. So you can't query for custom dates or even search for a particular expression.

2. Call recording

The mSpy app's call recording feature is also simple and straightforward. But almost a bit too simple at times.

This is one of the features that you really cannot miss when navigating the mSpy dashboard. It will allow you to see all incoming and outgoing calls from the target phone.

In addition to phone calls and call direction, you'll also be able to see:

• The number called (in both directions)
• The name of the caller (if it is in the contact book)
• The duration of the call
• The date the call was made

For most people, that's just about all that's needed. You can easily tell which phone calls have lasted longer and know who your target is in constant contact with.

But on the other hand, that's really all you get. Which means you can't listen in on conversations if you wanted to. And it's a bummer.

It's also worth noting that there are no filtering or search options either.

So you'll have to go through all the records to find the one you're looking for.

3. Contact monitoring

The contact monitoring function is not very useful. After setting up the mSpy app on the target phone, it took a few minutes for all contacts to be downloaded.

In the left pane, you have the names of the contacts and their details are displayed on the right. So, to show the number, you must first click on the name.

Unfortunately, during our test, we realized that the contacts were not sorted alphabetically. This means that it took time to get a specific contact.

But if there are not many contacts on the target phone, you will have a relatively easy time here.

4. Media monitoring

There's no particular feature called “Media Tracking” on mSpy: they've grouped photos and videos into the dashboard.

Pictures

mSpy has been vicious in detecting recently taken photos and uploading them to the dashboard.

In fact, it even uploaded the screenshots we took during the test.

The photos were organized according to the date they were uploaded. We found this to be very interesting, as it is very easy to find photos by date.

Additionally, the photos are delivered with their original file names. This means you could always find the exact time a photo was taken.

Videos

This section also has the same look and feel as the photos section. But the only difference is that mSpy shows a thumbnail of the video clips.

The only actions you are allowed to perform on the videos are either viewing them or downloading them. And by default, these are only downloaded over a WiFi connection.

The videos are also organized by date. However, as with photos, only videos taken after installing mSpy will be uploaded.

5. Keystroke logger

This could very well be one of the other great features of mSpy that takes cell phone tracking to the next level.

Indeed, many other functions depend on the keylogger.

With the keylogger, you get all the raw keystrokes that the target user has entered into the cell phone.

In the screenshot below, you can see how accurate the mSpy keylogger was in its work.

The application records the smallest entries. And that could give you an idea of the target user's thought process as they type.

It's also interesting to note that mSpy shows the application where the keystrokes were recorded.

Keyword tracking

Hidden under the mSpy keylogger, the mSpy application also has an impressive keyword tracking tool that elevates parental control to a higher level.

You can ask the mSpy spy software to alert you every time it detects a set of keywords.

To do this, simply create a rule by specifying:

• The target keyword
• The location/application from which it should be monitored
• Whether to receive notifications when a keyword is detected

This can be useful in a lot of situations, especially when you want to know something specific.

6. Location tracking

Tracking the movements of the target user is also very easy thanks to its motion tracking function(Cell phone location)

Every location that your target has visited is always recorded and updated on the dashboard.

From there, you'll be able to see things like:

• GPS coordinates and accurate location data
• The date and time when the check in was completed
• The overall accuracy of the point in meters

Additionally, mSpy also has a map view if you prefer to see the points visually.

And from it, you can see all the movements of the target.

Geofencing

If you thought geolocation was cool, mSpy geofencing is even better.

That's because you have more control over what needs to be monitored.

Essentially, geofencing allows you to create virtual areas on a map and track everyone on them.

When the target user enters or leaves a particular area, you are notified and can take action.

Creating a virtual zone is also easy. But you will need to specify details such as:

• The department
• The name of the zone
• Whether or not you need email notifications

It's a much easier way to track movements without having to connect to the mSpy dashboard all the time.

7. Social media monitoring

There are tons of things you can do with mSpy's social media monitoring feature.

And they're not limited to just popular apps like mSpy for WhatsApp and Messenger.

The mSpy monitoring software also allows you to monitor the activities of the following applications:

• Snapchat
• instagram
• Telegram
• iMessage
• Tinder
• Viber

The mSpy spy software offers the same neat and easy to use conversation view that we saw in the SMS section. So, you can see pretty much everything at a glance, whether you're using the mSpy Snapchat tracker or the mSpy Instagram tracker.

For apps like WhatsApp, mSpy even has a section that shows outgoing or incoming WhatsApp calls. And all of that really adds to mSpy's unique capabilities.

However, there is a catch.

Social media monitoring is only possible on rooted/jailbroken devices.

8. Blocking applications

Another powerful feature of mSpy is its app-blocking capability.

In fact, it allows you to limit which applications can or cannot be used on the target cell phone.

Since mSpy already has a list of all the applications installed on the target cell phone, you can block pretty much anything. Just press the “Block” button to get it started.

mSpy then displays a black screen when the target attempts to open the blocked application.

However, it didn't always work out as expected.

On one occasion, it was possible to access a blocked application. We therefore recommend that you use this function only if necessary. It could easily blow up your cover.

9. WiFi monitoring and blocking

If you also want to know the exact WiFi networks your child is connecting to, it's possible. And mSpy's WiFi monitoring feature is the perfect spy software for that.

You can access this function by clicking on “WiFi Networks” or “Block WiFi” in the left side menu.

From there, mSpy will show you details like:

• WiFi SSID and BSSID
• Connection time
• GPS coordinates of the WiFi access point

If you want to see everything at a glance, you can also switch to the map view.

But it is only from the list view that you can block a WiFi connection.

Although this function is very convenient, it is also considered to be one of the functions that should be used with care. In fact, mSpy relies on a WiFi connection to send the collected data.

10. Web browser history

The mSpy spy software also allows you to view the target's browsing history.

And that also applies to deleted browsing history.

There's not much to see in the “Browser History” section other than the URL and the date the site was accessed.

For example, mSpy was still able to detect Facebook URLs when I was using the Facebook app or Facebook Messenger.

Pricing

The mSpy spy software offers two main subscription plans that vary in price.

These are the Basic and Premium plans for this tool.

Both plans only allow you to install mSpy and have access to the features of this monitoring application on a single device.

But the Premium plan comes with a few additional advanced features such as:

• Geofencing
• Social media monitoring
• Blocking applications
• Wi-Fi monitoring
• Parental control

However, mSpy does offer a family kit plan, which is ideal for those who want to monitor more than one device.

To get it, you need to contact customer service.

Additionally, mSpy also offers a complementary service called mAssistance that costs $53.99.

This is essentially to help people who are having difficulties during installation, and this service is added to the total price of mSpy.

They also have a priority support line for $12.99 if you need quick support from the tech team, which is also an affordable price.

Installation and configuration

Now that you are familiar with everything that the mSpy monitoring software has to offer, the only real task left is installation.

Android

Installing mSpy spy software on Android is easy.

However, there are a few steps that you need to follow properly before you can start monitoring.

They include:

• Part 1 : Registration and pre-configuration
• Part 2 : Download and install
• Part 3 : Complete the mSpy Setup Wizard
• Part 4 : Hide the mSpy application icon and finalize the configuration
• Part 5 : Start monitoring

Requirements

• Physical access to the Android device
• Active mSpy subscription
• Active internet connection

Step 1 - mSpy Free Trial Registration and Pre-Installation

To get started, you'll need a active mSpy subscription.

You will need to create a free mSpy account and then choose the subscription of your choice.

To get started, here's what you're going to do:

• Step 1 : Go to the website from mSpy and click the green “Try Now” button on the top navigation bar.
• Step 2 : Enter your email address and complete the wizard by selecting the subscription plan of your choice.

• Step 3 : Get your email login credentials and use them to log into the mSpy control panel.
• Step 4 : On the dashboard, select Android as the device and provide the child's device name, age, and model.
• Step 5 : On the target mobile phone, open the Play Store app, then go to Play Protect > Settings (cogwheel icon).
• Step 6 : Disable both options under Play Protect Settings, i.e. Scan apps with Play Protect - Off, Improve harmful app detection - Off.

Step 2 - Installing and downloading mSpy

Also in the mSpy Setup Wizard, you now get the download link to use. Note that you need to download the app on the target phone.

This is how to continue the process:

• Step 1 : Open the browser of your choice, type the download link in the address bar and press Enter.
• Step 2 : Complete the captcha check to download the mSpy APK file.
• Step 3 : Once the download is complete, tap on the APK file and activate “Install from unknown sources” if prompted.
• Step 4 : Press the “Install” button to begin the installation process.
• Step 5 : Click “Do not call me back” if a virus notification window appears on the screen and click “Ignore.”
• Step 6 : Press “Open” to launch the mSpy Setup Wizard.

Step 3 - Finalize the mSpy Installation

mSpy is successfully installed on your phone, but it needs a few permissions to work. It is these permissions that allow it to collect information about the target.

So here's how to proceed with the mSpy Setup Wizard:

• Step 1 : Press the button next to “Enable mSpy Monitoring” to grant mSpy all the basic permissions it needs.
• Step 2 : In the notification that appears, click “Allow” to grant mSpy the required permissions.

• Step 3 : In the main menu, press the “Enable message tracking” button and then activate the switch on the next screen.
• Step 4 : Click “Ok” in the following popup window to activate the “Framework Update Service”.

• Step 5 : Tap “Framwork Update Service” under Downloaded Services, then activate the toggle switch on the next screen. Click Ok in the popup to complete the section.
• Step 6 : In the main assistant menu, tap on “Activate call tracking” and click Ok in the next window.
• Step 7 : Tap on “Update Service” then activate the button to allow access to use. Once complete, you will return to the main assistant menu.

• Step 8 : In the assistant's main menu, tap “Activate social media tracking” and press Ok. When the Update Service pop-up appears, check the “Don't Show Again” box and press “Start Now.”

• Step 9 : Tap “Allow Background Data Use” to go to the battery optimization page. Once here, locate “Update Service,” select it, and then choose “Don't Optimize.”
• Step 10 : Back in the main setup wizard, tap “Make the app undetectable” and deactivate the notification on “Update Service.”

Step 4 - How to hide the mSpy icon on Android

Also in the mSpy Setup Wizard, you will now make sure that the application remains hidden. To do this, check the “Hide application icon” box.

mSpy is running in stealth mode in the background now.

So the target won't know.

Then, here's how you're going to do it:

• Step 1 : Enter the registration code from your dashboard during the final step of the installation process.
• Step 2 : Click on “Complete Installation” then tap on Ok in the notification window that is displayed.

Step 5 - Start monitoring with mSpy

Once mSpy is successfully installed and set up on the target device, you can now proceed to the control panel.

If you're logged in, simply go to the control panel and click on one of the mSpy features in the left sidebar.

After a few minutes, mSpy will start downloading data from the target device.

iOS (iPhone)

As mentioned earlier, installing the mSpy monitoring software is a bit different on iOS 7+.

Unlike Android, the process here is much easier. This is because you only need the iCloud credentials of the target device.

Requirements

• Access to the target iPhone (sometimes)
• iCloud credentials

Part 1 - Create a free mSpy account

First of all, you will need an active mSpy subscription here as well. To get started, here are the steps you need to take:

• Step 1 : Go to the mSpy website and click the “Try Now” button on the top navigation bar.
• Step 2 : Enter your email address and complete the wizard by selecting the subscription plan of your choice.
• Step 3 : Get your email login credentials and use them to log into the mSpy control panel.

Part 2 - Preparing the target iPhone for mSpy installation

While physical access to the target device is not mandatory, it is sometimes necessary. And you'll need that access to set up a few iCloud settings.

Here's how to do it:

• Step 1 : On the target iPhone, go to Settings > iCloud > Storage & Backup.
• Step 2 : Make sure that iCloud backup is enabled by pressing the slider.
• Step 3 : On the settings page as well, make sure two-factor authentication is disabled.

Part 3 - Complete mSpy iPhone Installation

Back on the mSpy control panel, you will now enter the iCloud credentials to complete the setup.

• Step 1 : Select the Apple icon on the mSpy control panel to begin the online setup.
• Step 2 : Enter your child's name and age details, then enter their device's iCloud credentials and click “Continue.”
• Step 3 : mSpy will check the Apple ID and get a list of the devices under their account. You can then select the specific device to monitor and start monitoring.

Part 4 - Start Spying on the Target iPhone with mSpy

Once everything is set up, mSpy will start feeding the dashboard with information from the device. So you can choose which function you want to monitor and see what has been collected.

mSpy alternatives

1. Mobile Spy.

The mSpy spy software can often be confused with another. Android spy software called mSpy. However, the two are not the same. If you want to know how they compare and which one you should choose, the points mentioned below should help you make your decision.

• Reliability : In terms of reliability, mSpy does a much better job with its active and helpful technical support and non-intrusive software once installed on the target device.
• Blocking websites : While Mobile Spy allows you to monitor third-party applications installed on the target device, mSpy spy software allows you to block these applications as well as websites that you do not want the target to access.
• Easy to use interface : Overall, mSpy offers an interface that should be easier to navigate and search for recordings than Mobile Spy.

Overall, even though the differences between the two applications are not very pronounced, mSpy's better reliability and 24/7 customer support make it an ideal choice in a comparison between mSpy and Mobile Spy.

2. MobiStealth.

Another spying application that mSpy is often compared to is MobiStealth.

While both apps offer the usual tracking features like social media monitoring, call and text tracking, location tracking, etc., there are a few areas where mSpy spy software is better.

These areas are as follows.

• A stable and easy to navigate user interface.
• High customer reviews over time
• Advanced features include app and website blocking, live screenshots, trigger word alerts, real-time GPS location tracking, geofencing, and more.
• It also allows you to access all media files stored on the device, including photos and videos.

Additionally, the similar price it offers for Android and iOS monitoring at $29.99 per month makes it the better choice compared to MobiStealth.

mSpy Customer Service

mSpy's customer service is one of the best in the market for tracking and monitoring applications, and there are plenty of online reviews that can attest to that.

1. Supported languages

• French,
• German,
• Italian,
• korean,
• portuguese,
• russian,
• simplified Chinese,
• spanish
• Turkish.

2. Support levels

• If you have taken out the basic package, you will only have access to customer service by email 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• If you have subscribed to the premium package and without a jailbreak, you will have access to customer service by Live chat and by email 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

3. Types of support

The mSpy support team can be reached through a variety of methods including live chat, email, and phone.

4. Money back guarantee

• The mSpy spy software also offers a full money-back guarantee, in case you encounter a problem that cannot be resolved by the company's support center.
• Refunds can be made within 10 days of subscription

How to use the mSpy parental control app

Step 1: Choose a subscription

Open the official site, after completing the mSpy login, choose the subscription plan that best suits you and your family's needs.

Fill in the billing information, after payment is confirmed, you will receive a welcome email with your personal identifying information.

Step 2: Install mSpy on the target device

For installation and settings; Verify your email address Open the mSpy customer support team letter and the mSpy app download link. Once the application is downloaded, follow the installation method above to set up mSpy. It only takes 5 minutes.

Step 3: Start tracking

Once the app is fully installed, you can start monitoring the target device.

You'll see sent and received texts, read them individually, incoming and outgoing calls with full contact details, browsing history, installed apps, and more.

FAQs

Is mSpy detectable?

mSpy runs in the background under the name “Update Service.” This makes it more difficult for the target to know that you are following them.

How do I install mSpy remotely?

mSpy can only be installed remotely on iOS. This is simply because you will need the iCloud credentials of the target device. The same cannot be said for Android devices. You will definitely need physical access to the device as Android requires a few additional settings.

Is it legal to use mSpy?

Yes. Using mSpy to track your child without their knowledge is completely legal.

After all, it is a necessary tool to keep your child safe and monitor activities on social networks, text messages, instant messengers like Facebook Messenger, a website, etc.

However, you should always consult the local legislation. This is to ensure that you can legally follow a person with their consent.

Conclusion

mSpy is one of the safest spying and parental control software on the market.

From my point of view, mSpy deserves the numerous accolades it has received over the years.

This is especially true when it comes to ease of use.

This application can be used by everyone, requires no technical knowledge and works on any Android smartphone or iOS7+.

mSpy may not have all the fancy features of other spy apps. But he does his best for what he has. And that's what excited us.

This is a product to keep for parents who want to monitor their children's online activities more closely.