Nowadays, there are a variety of parental control apps on the market, and understandably so. Instead of playing hide and seek on the streets, more and more children are spending their evenings surfing the internet.
As a result, it is very necessary for parents to monitor their children’s online activities in order to ensure their safety. As a result, parental control monitoring software such as mSpy are becoming more popular.
When it comes to monitoring software, mSpy is a well-known brand. We just had the opportunity to test this software, and to be honest, we went down to its very core to see if it was worth its reputation.
And, to some extent, it lives up to its name. That being said, there is a lot to this tracking app that has to be learned before using it.
We will review mSpy software in the following article to help you make the best decision and determine if it is a good fit for your needs.
What is mSpy?
mSpy is a mobile phone monitoring app that can simply assist you in monitoring the activity on a target mobile phone from a remote place. When you actively use this software, you will receive information about the following activities: locations visited, instant messages, social media activities, phone calls, and more. What’s more, this application operates totally in the background on the target device, making it nearly hard for the user to detect its presence.
mSpy was founded more than a decade ago, in 2010, and has steadily enhanced its capabilities to become one of the most dependable and widely used mobile phone spying apps in the world. Though it is primarily aimed at parents who want to keep an eye on their children’s activities on their mobile phones, the software is also popular among other users, such as corporates, spouses, and anyone who wants to utilize it for their particular needs. In fact, over 1.5 million parents worldwide use this software regularly to protect their children’s online safety.
The app is simple to install, reliable, and compatible with both iOS and Android devices. Aside from that, it provides a complete analysis of the activities performed on the target phone.
How does mSpy Software work?
To install mSpy, you need physical access to the target device. You can remotely monitor and track their phone after it’s installed, no matter where you are. Here’s how you can get started.
Step 1: Purchase a mSpy subscription. Your login name and password will be provided to you shortly after you finish the purchase procedure. The email will include installation instructions.
Step 2: Open the confirmation email on your computer and click on the link provided. This will open the mSpy control panel. Log in to the control panel and follow the on-screen instructions to install the software on the device to be monitored.
Step 3: Downloading and installing the app is simple, and help is available 24/7 by email, online chat, or phone. When the installation is complete, the software will instantly begin monitoring the device. Log in to your account to see all of the data that has been tracked.
mSpy Pricings
mspy for mobile phones
The following is mSpy’s price structure for monitoring mobile phones:
mSpy Basic subscription
- 1 month subscription: $ 26.99
- 3 months’ subscription: $ 59.99
- 12 months’ subscription: $ 99.99
mSpy Premium subscription
1 month subscription: $ 69.99
3 months’ subscription: $ 119.99
12 months’ subscription: $ 199.99
mspy for PCs
mSpy only has a basic subscription option for monitoring PCs. It costs as follows:
- 1 month subscription: $ 26.99
- 3 months’ subscription: $ 39.99
- 12 months’ subscription: $ 69.99
mspy Family Kit
The company also offers a Family Kit, which allows you to monitor the actions of three devices at the same time. It costs as follows:
- 6 months’ subscription: $ 119.97
- 12 months’ subscription: $ 167.97
mSpy Compatibility
Before you can install mSpy on your child’s phone or any device, the target device must meet a few technical requirements, just like any other parental control app. We will also discuss them in our mSpy review.
Androids
For Android devices, the operating system must be at least Android 4+. You’ll also need to root the phone if you want to monitor instant messages like WhatsApp (despite its end-to-end encryption) and Snapchat, which means overcoming all restrictions and gaining full access and control of the device.
Regardless of whether it is rooted or not, the device must be physically present in order for the mSpy app to be installed.
iPhones
Jailbreak
If you have a jailbroken iPhone, the requirements are different than if you have a non-jailbroken iPhone.
To begin with, installing the mSpy app on jailbroken iOS devices is slightly more complicated than on non-jailbroken devices. You must ensure that the device has an iOS version ranging from 7 to 9.1 and that it is linked to the internet. You must also have physical access to the device for at least 10 minutes in order to complete the software installation and setup.
On the plus side, jailbroken iOS devices with mSpy installed have more parental control options accessible than non-jailbroken devices. For example, features like social media monitoring, geofencing, email access, call recording, and internet blocking are only available on jailbroken devices.
Non-Jailbreak
There’s no need to worry if you don’t want to jailbreak your iPhone. Installing the mSpy app on a non-jailbroken phone is actually a lot simpler. If the owner does not have two-factor authentication activated, you simply need the owner’s iCloud information to install mSpy.
Even if they do have it, you’ll still need physical access to the device. Furthermore, as previously said, doing things this way has a number of drawbacks.
Moreover, Apple’s recent security updates have added new constraints to mSpy’s features. According to the mSpy support staff, features for the most recent iOS versions may be limited to GPS location, contacts, geo-fencing, and a Panic button.
mSpy Features
1. Website monitoring and blocking
This mSpy feature allows you to track the websites your child or target device has visited, including any pages they have saved. Not only that, but the software can instantly notify you when a specific keyword is entered into the mobile phone. Such features can be quite beneficial to parents, allowing them to have a better understanding of what their children are searching for and watching on the Internet.
Furthermore, you will be able to block websites of your choice if the monitored individual is using any of the common web browsers such as Safari, Chrome, or a native Android browser.
2. Retrieving Information and Managing Key Functions From/On The Target Device
Through your dashboard, the mSpy software allows you to get vital information on the target phone. The following data is retrievable: phone model, operating system details, memory details, mSpy software version, if the target is rooted/jailbroken or not, cellular service provider, last time the phone was synced with the dashboard, and remaining battery life.
The mSpy app also makes it easier to remotely handle key important tasks on the target device via the mSpy dashboard. These functions include: disabling the mSpy app on the target device, removing all logs, remotely rebooting the target phone, remotely locking the target phone, unlinking the target cell phone from the mSpy service, restarting the mSpy app by sending a ‘777′ text message, exporting the logs to the Control Panel for storage, and wiping off all data from the target device in case it gets stolen or lost.
3. Managing the Settings on the Target Phone
You can modify the target phone’s default behavior using the mSpy control interface. Following that, the application will continue to operate in accordance with the settings you have specified, unless you specifically change them.
For example, if you set everything to ‘Auto Update,’ all reported data will be automatically transferred to the mSpy control panel. Because uploading all information too frequently can have an impact on the target phone’s data usage and battery life, you can specify which all information must be uploaded depending on the internet connection being used. Because videos are huge, they must only be uploaded when the device is linked to a reliable Wi-Fi connection.
Aside from that, you can specify the intervals at which location information and data are updated. The shorter these intervals, the more frequently updates will be made. It’s critical to strike the proper balance to avoid draining the target phone’s battery too quickly. The suggested update periods for general information are 30 minutes and every 2 minutes for location data.
4. Track Text Messages
mSpy allows you to monitor all incoming and outgoing text messages on the monitored phone. The specific phone numbers, timing, and content of the text messages will be displayed on your dashboard. It is also possible to view any deleted text messages from the target phone.
5. Track Calls
Through the mSpy Control Panel, you can also keep track of all incoming and outgoing calls on the target phone. You can keep track of the overall number of calls, names, phone numbers, call durations, and call timings. You can even recover this data if the target user deleted their call logs, as you do with text messages. Not only that, but you can also block phone calls from specific phone numbers or contacts, as well as block all incoming calls for a specific time period. For example, from 10 p.m. until 7 a.m. the next morning, you can block all incoming calls on your daughter’s cell phone. All of this is configurable right from the mSpy dashboard.
6. Access Contacts and Calendar Details
With mSpy, you may view the contact names, email addresses, phone numbers, and physical address information stored on the target mobile phone. You can also view the target device’s calendar schedule, allowing you to remain on top of any scheduled tasks, calendar entries, and/or pre-booked meetings.
7. Monitor Wi-Fi Networks
Paid users can trace Wi-Fi hotspot connections in your child’s smartphone or tablet using the mSpy app for iPhone or Android.
You can use this information to determine where your child goes or to identify possibly unprotected hotspot connections.
8. Track GPS Location
Keeping track of the target user’s physical position is a critical feature provided by the mSpy app. This tracking is done using GPS technology, and the phone’s location can be tracked within 20 meters. Even more impressive is the ability to visualize this location data on a map for a given time period. If the target device is unable to connect to GPS, this information can be received via the nearest wi-fi network.
9. Track Emails
Using mSpy, you can monitor all incoming and outgoing email messages. All of these data are saved in a log file and are available via the mSpy dashboard. You may find out the email address of the receiver/sender, as well as the time and content of the email. It is possible to obtain all of this information even if the monitored person has emptied his emails, just as it is with SMS text log and call log details.
10. Geo-fencing
Geo-fencing, which is regarded as an exceptionally important feature for parents, allows you to set certain banned and safe geographic zones for your children via the monitored mobile phone. There is no limit to the number of such zones that can be created. The target device will automatically notify you of the frequency and timings of occasions when the user enters or exits a fenced-in zone. This information can also be delivered to you by email.
This function is actively used by parents all over the world to safeguard their children from potentially dangerous environments. You may quickly construct safe zones around your child’s school, home, and other places s/he visits on a regular basis with mSpy’s geo-fencing.
11. Monitor Installed Apps
Every application installed on the target phone will be displayed on the mSpy dashboard, allowing you to easily open or limit access to it for the target user. It shows to be a highly helpful tool in ensuring that the children do not use any apps that they are not supposed to use and may be potentially damaging to them.
12. Monitor Multiple Instant Messaging Apps
Nowadays, there are numerous options to contact other mobile phone users, including voice calls and instant messages. We’re talking about popular instant messaging apps like Google Hangouts, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Tinder, Telegram, LINE, Viber, iMessage, and Skype. mSpy allows you to track the data transferred on all such apps, read the text messages exchanged, explore videos and photographs, and generally monitor any activity occurring on the concerned application.
13. Keyword Alerts
How about receiving an alert every time your child puts an inappropriate word into his or her mobile phone, such as keywords like alcohol, porn, drugs, sex, and so on? It can be quite useful in preventing your child from becoming involved in any undesirable scenario or habit. You can simply add as many keywords as you want to track, and the mSpy cell phone spy software will send you quick notifications if any of them are used.
14. Key Logging
When you utilize this mSpy feature, the target mobile phone’s keyboard is replaced with a mSpy keyboard, and the target user has no idea. Following that, the software can retain a track of every keystroke on the target device and keep you informed of all activity on it.
What can parents do with mSpy?
- Factory resetting the data on the target device in the event that it is lost or stolen
- Disconnecting mSpy from the target device
- If mSpy disappears from your control panel dashboard, send the text message “777” to the target device to restart it. This text will not be seen by the user.
- You can remotely clear all call logs from your control panel.
- Logs in the control panel can be saved by exporting them to your dashboard. PDF, XLS, and CSV are all supported formats.
- Without physical access, you can restart or lock the target device.
Pros & Cons of Installing mSpy
I’d like to discuss some of the benefits and drawbacks of using mSpy. I’m trying to be as fair and unbiased as possible with my review, so you’ll have both sides of the mSpy experience provided to you in this review, which isn’t always the case with other mSpy reviews.
Pros
Undetectable
Monitoring software would be useless if the app itself was visible to the user of the target device. In this regard, mSpy excels because it is absolutely undetected. The owner can continue to use the phone without realizing it has been installed. The mSpy software does not appear in either the app list or the app manager. There is also no discernible battery depletion, which could lead the owner to suspect that something else is going on in the background.
Simple to use
mSpy is really simple to use. It only takes a few minutes to install the software on both iOS and Android devices. After you’ve completed installing it, you may use the Control Panel to monitor the target device. Everything is already laid out for you in the web dashboard if you wish to view specific information. You will have no problems as long as the target phone is connected to the internet.
Accessibility
Because of its simplicity, ease of use, and availability on a wide range of devices, mSpy is ideal for anyone who needs to to use a tracking and monitoring app. Even those with limited technological understanding will be able to use mSpy.
There is no need to root or jailbreak. Many monitoring software require the smartphone to be rooted or jailbroken before it can be used. The advantage of mSpy is that you can install it on an unrooted or non-jailbroken phone and still use many of its features. You may also use mSpy to spy on a non-jailbroken iPhone without touching it.
Lots of features available
mSpy includes all of the features you’d expect from a tracking software. As a parent, you’ll appreciate the app’s high level of control. You can monitor your child’s entire device activity, including call logs, messages, multimedia files, location history, and other information. You may also restrict access to suspicious websites, set up geofencing, and restrict use of specific apps during specific time periods, as well as incoming calls from specific numbers. mSpy is also compatible with a variety of social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook.
Customer support
Because of the support team’s skill and professionalism, mSpy’s customer service is highly rated. There are several ways to contact support, including live chat, phone, and email. Even when it comes to technical concerns, support professionals are always quick to respond.
Cons
Expensive
Although the Basic Plan is enough for the most part, you will need to invest significantly more money to obtain more features. The Premium Plan, which includes all of the extra services not included in the Basic Plan, is twice as expensive. Unfortunately, if you want to track social media and email apps, as well as ban potentially hazardous websites and apps, you’ll have to upgrade to the Premium Plan because these features aren’t available on the Basic Plan.
One plan one device
Except for the Family Kit, all mSpy subscriptions can only be used on one device at a time. If you wish to track several devices, you’ll need to purchase either additional memberships or the Family Kit, which allows you to track three devices at once. This can become very expensive if you have a large number of devices to track, as in the case of employers who want to utilize mSpy for work purposes.
Rooted/ Jailbroken device for full features
Although the software can be used on unrooted or non-jailbroken phones, many features will not be available on these devices. If you want full access to all of your phone’s functionality, you must root or jailbreak it. And, of course, you must have physical access to the device in order to do so.
No real-time updates
The Control Panel’s online monitoring does not update in real time. Uploading and downloading data may take a few minutes, depending on the internet connection speed of the target device and the device used to access the Control Panel.
Is mSpy legit?
The support team is continuously working to remedy any issues and ensuring that regular updates to deal with changes to the operating systems are published. Apple and Google are constantly updating their operating systems, particularly iOS and Android. Not all parenting and monitoring programs can keep up with that, but mSpy performs an amazing job of staying on top of changes as they happen and ensuring that the software remains functional and legal even after an update is published.
There may be some minor hitches to work out and technical issues to resolve following an upgrade, but they work rapidly to ensure that things are back up and running as soon as possible, and the mSpy reviews reflect that quick reaction and competent customer service support.
The tracking app also works well on Android and iOS devices such as iPhones and iPads, so no matter what you have, there is an app and a subscription plan designed to function with it. You can even switch phones and still receive support from the same dedicated team.
The answer to the topic of legality and whether the software is legal to use is a little more complicated. In the right circumstances, monitoring apps like this are totally lawful. You must own the phone that you are targeting, therefore whether you buy a company phone or a child’s phone (or the child lives with you and is under the age of 18), you technically own the phone. This is true even if another person is using the phone.
As a result, it is legal for you to jailbreak the device and install the software on it. However, there may be a legal question as to whether you must inform the target user that the app is present and that they are being monitored.
If the targeted user is an employee, you must inform them. You must inform them that their chats will be recorded, their whereabouts will be tracked, their texts will be read, and their browser activities will be monitored by law. In other words, you must have their permission, and if you do not, you are in legal limbo and may be involved in criminal behavior.
If the targeted user is your child, they must be 18 or younger in order for you to install and monitor the app without their permission or knowledge. If they are over the age of 18, they must be informed that the app exists and that you are remotely monitoring them.
You can use the app on any other phone you own, but you must notify the person who is using it in instances other than those stated above. They must be aware that their usage is being tracked.
FAQs
1. Does mSpy really work?
Yes, mSpy keeps its promises. However, the features available to you are determined by the operating system of your device. Furthermore, without jailbreaking or rooting, several advanced features are unavailable. To get the most out of the software, you must complete all of the installation and setup requirements for mSpy.
2. Do I need to have physical access to the phone in order to install mSpy?
Yes, you will need physical access to the phone in order to install the mSpy program. This is due to the fact that you must manually download and install the installer file.
3. Is it safe to use mSpy online?
Yes, both Android and iOS devices are safe to use with mSpy. It does not install any malware on the device, thus your device and the tracked data are absolutely safe.
4. Is mSpy detectable?
If you configure it properly, the target device’s user will not be able to detect any sign of the app’s installation. However, because it is continually running, it may significantly deplete the battery. However, if you show any hint that you are spying on him or her, your child may suspect that you have installed something in the smartphone or tablet.
5. Is it possible to install mSpy remotely?
This software cannot be installed remotely. In some circumstances, you must have the target phone in hand to jailbreak or root the program. You must also physically download the app into the cell phone, but after that, you should not need to touch the phone again to use the software.
6. Can I transfer the subscription license to a different phone?
Licenses can be transferred from one phone to another. If your child receives a new phone or you provide a new phone to an employee, you can always transfer the license to the new phone while keeping the same subscription package.
7. Will mSpy work anywhere?
Yes, mSpy will send information from the target device back to your control panel as long as the device is connected to the internet. Obviously, there will be delays when the gadget is turned off or out of range.
mspy App Reviews Conclusion
To summarize, we believe that mSpy is a fantastic parental control tool that is already assisting a large number of parents across the world in staying on top of their children’s online and mobile phone activities. It has repeatedly shown useful in safeguarding children from behaviors such as cyberbullying, sextortion, internet harassment, and others. If you’re a parent concerned about your child’s phone activity, the mSpy software could be the best purchase you’ll ever make.
I doubt you’ll find a monitoring spy app with more options at such a low, competitive pricing, and don’t forget about all those positive mSpy reviews. Remember that signing up for extended periods of time can save you money. Other spy apps may be less expensive, but they aren’t as well supported and feature-rich as this one, making mSpy my top choice for phone tracking. I believe you will agree once you give it a shot.