Cell Phone Spy App Software Reviews

How to Remove Spy Apps from Your Smart Phone or Tablet

How to Remove Spy Apps from Your Smart Phone or Tablet

Users

If you have raised enough suspicion or know for a fact that someone has installed spy software on your phone without your consent, the next step is to try and get rid of it. In this article, we will go over just exactly how you can efficiently do so. Although t can easily be done using a couple of specific methods for which we will go over. Depending on the brand or operating system your phone runs, you don’t need to have very advanced technical skills to get this done. If you are Remove-Spy-Appsuncertain of whether or not someone did indeed install tracking programs on your smart phone or tablet, I would suggest you read the following post on how to detect tracking apps first, and follow up with improving the security of your cell phone in order to avoid future attacks on your privacy.

These basic starting points are directed for people who have been unfortunate victims of espionage or spying being done on their electronic mobile devices without them knowing. If you are simply a user of monitoring software, and want to remove the application from one of your devices, most services allow you to do so remotely right from the web panel page, and you can consult their respective FAQ for more directions. For the rest, let’s move on.

 

Change Your Passwords

 

Change all your passwords! Especially if you share the same password for every account you have. The most common mistake people do with credentials is have one password for all their accounts. Email, Facebook, Instagram, iCloud and so on, should all have unique or slightly different passwords. Why you may ask? Simply because if someone gets a hold of your password, they pretty much have access to all of your accounts, and this person might not even know you, as they can be located anywhere in the world.

You might be suspecting that someone has installed cell phone spy software on your smartphone, but that may not even be close to being the case. First and foremost, the person would need to have physical access to your phone, and the password to unlock it in order to install the spy app in the first place. However, if they have some account passwords, they can simply be stalking you with those. It is possible to monitor cell phones with iCloud accounts, which means that if someone has your iCloud password, they can take your data from that account either by logging in, or by using software that collects your backups. Therefore, changing your passwords is your first line of defense and should not be delayed.

 

factory-resetFactory Reset to Remove Spy Software

 

One of the easiest and most efficient ways to remove and uninstall spy software from your cell phone or tablet, is to run a factory reset on it. For those not familiar with what factory resetting is, this feature allows us to reset electronic devices back to the settings and virgin operating system setup it had when you first took it out of the box. It pretty much uninstalls everything, and re-installs a fresh copy of the software, and is a common way to fix problems with a variety of devices, including smartphones and tablets.

The factory reset will wipe out everything from apps to your contacts and saved settings, and for that reason, it’s one of the best ways to ensure that you get rid of all tracking software that might be present on the device.

It’s a Good Idea to Backup Your Phone First!

Since it’s going to wipe everything out, if you don’t want to say goodbye to your precious address book, pictures and videos, run a backup on everything with the exception of your installed apps! Even when using one of the other methods described below, the best way to avoid regret and permanent data loss, is to back it up before doing any changes! Below are some links to backup guides and tutorials:

How to Factory Reset Your Device

Its’ not very complicated to do a factory reset and the option is usually found under the settings menu. Once you start the reset, it is not reversible, so make sure you have backed up all your wanted files first. The system will wipe itself clean, and restart in the process. It may prompt you for a few things and one to watch out for is; “re-installing or keeping all your apps“. Make sure to select no, or it will most likely save a backup of the hidden spy software as well.  Below are links to step-by-step, easy to use, visual guides for all popular mobile operating systems:

 

mac-os-x-update5Update Your Operating System to Remove Spy Apps

 

This method is not as effective at removing spy software as completely re-installing, but it can still be a good way to stop the app from being able to monitor or track you any longer. By installing a different version of your operating system, there is a good chance that the software will no longer be compatible and cease working.This method is most effective if your phone brand has just recently released a brand new update for the OS. It can also work if you roll-back to an older OS version as a temporary fix.

You might find dated guides suggesting that updating your OS will wipe clean all apps, and although this was once the case for Android, newer versions now backup your apps to Google Drive, and it becomes important to ensure you do not backup your apps with this method. If you’re an iPhone or iOS user, updating your software version becomes a very effective method of removing the tracking program for the reasons covered below.

Updating Your OS will Remove Your Jailbreak or Android Rooting

Rooting of your Android and Jailbreaking your iPhone are against your service agreement with the vendor. Obviously, many people still do this to unlock all possible capabilities and third-party software, but since it’s not allowed, every time you update the operating system, the device will no longer be rooted or jailbroken. You can still unlock your devices by re-doing the process, but it may require you to wait for hackers to release the latest version of software allowing you to do so. But what if you’re using an iOS device?

iOS-Update

Well, this is good news, as all spy software requires your device to be jailbroken in order to be installed. For all iPhones, iPads and iPods, the only apps available are those on the Apple store, unless you jailbreak it, which allows you to install software from any third party company. This is the main reason people jail break their device in the first place! But, if you have been a victim of espionage, and someone installed this software without you knowing, unless you had jailbroken your cell phone yourself, that person had to do it. So, by updating your OS, you will effectively remove the app completely.

 

uninstall-app[1]Manually Removing Software

 

Many people ask – “how can I just uninstall the tracking program and leave my phone as is?” The answer to that question would be very complex and vary from one service to another.  Monitoring software is designed to be stealthy and invisible, in order to remain concealed in case the device is stolen or falls under the wrong hands, and the top providers make it very hard to even find a trace of the application anywhere on the device. Android users are lucky enough to have access to an app called “Anti Spy Mobile” that seems to work well, mentioned further down, but beyond that, manually removing can be very difficult.

It requires going into your directory folders and finding the actual files that belong to the app. Very often they use codenames and cannot be found that easily. In fact, it will often require professional training matched with expensive software forensic tools. In a Forbes article, a forensics expert’s attempt at detecting and removing spy apps was covered, and you can get an idea of how much it takes. Keep in mind that what the expert says to be moderately easy, would be beyond difficult for the average user without the same tools and software used by professionals.

 

Best Way to Delete the Software for Android:

Android has a large selection of software available on the Google Store and that includes an app for the exact purpose of finding and removing any kind of hidden monitoring and tracking software that could be present. The most popular at the moment is Anti Spy Mobile Free – rated 4 stars overall by over 7000 users.

Beyond the app, we would suggest a factory reset, while an update can also work if you do not backup your apps, and remains much easier without all the work that comes with setting up your phone from scratch again, resetting it will ensure that any malware or illegitimate spying and logging viruses are also taken care of.

 

Best Way to Delete the Software for iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod):

Since jailbreak is a requirement for installing third-parting monitoring programs, it becomes very effective to simply update your OS. If you are already using the latest version, you may want to simply backup your essential data and reset the device, as a rollback to earlier iOS versions may be technically difficult.

There is one exception to this jailbreak rule called PhoneSheriff Investigator, which uses iCloud to access and log your data. In this case, securing your iCloud account would do the trick and should be taken as an extra precautionary step. Updating your password and upgrading to 2-Step authentication is vital nowadays, to ensure you don’t fall victim not only to spying but hacking, as we saw with the fappening!

 

BlackBerry and Windows Phones:

Due to various models of BB devices and the early age and small user-base of Microsoft’s Windows Phone platforms, we have yet to test these further and would suggest hard resetting to default, in order to have to most effective results and ensuring you no longer get spied on another minute.

 

Better Safe Than Sorry

 

All of our electronics can be used against us, especially our cell phones, tablets and computers. We are often exposed to online risks, but when it happens to be someone close to us, it becomes that much more personal. If you have any doubts that someone may have added tracking programs on your mobile cell phone in order to see your calls and messages or track your location, follow our guide and steps to detect monitoring software. The best thing to do is build habits around data security and preventing others from violating your privacy.  In our next how to guide, we show you what to do to better secure your mobile device from spy apps and overall general security. This knowledge is simple, but so very useful at keeping you, your family and children safer from here on.

53 Comments

  1. i am very interesting in the knowledge given in your text, however i would like to know specifically how to unlock my Huawei y330 phone or how to flash it. i would like to use a double chip in my phone.

    • WE need good motive

  2. If you suspect someone you know installed spyware on any of your devices you can bring them out in the open with creative and intentional false information. I tried it and they took the bait hook, line and sinker. The tactics I used traumatized them ! What is so hilarious (to me) is they still don’t have a clue what really happened and now look over their shoulder everywhere they go and deserve every minute of it. Spyware is for spineless cowards imo and when it was all said and done that is exactly what they turned out to be.

    • Could you be more specific? I’m hacked

    • Got to agree with you!

      • Joe D.

    • I agreed with Joe D. Someone used Facebook Messenger to install spyware in my phone which enabled them to remote access the cameras, microphone, and speakers. Then they entered my cell number and home address (easy because I work from home) into an SS7 hack/intercept program. This person also has hacking skills, so manually hacked my phone and my computer (the intrusions were visible). All security measures have been taken to minimize this person’s access to my phone, however there is no way to delete my number or address (after changing my number twice even) from their end, unless they decide to delete it. FBI, FCC, phone company, and cable company were all notified. As mentioned, I am also taking a creative approach to clog their data caches with false and incriminating information (about them, not me) which I call “tracers.” Example if you text yourself an offensive photo, they will have it in their cache and that will incriminate them if/when the person is caught by police for illegal surveillance. Doesn’t take long to figure out who it is, and in my case, was not a vengeful ex or anything like that… it was someone playing games on Facebook and choosing random business page owners to target, harass, blackmail, and extort. So my strategy was to annoy them right back and give them nothing interesting to feed off of, meanwhile I let family and friends know what was going on. The theory is eventually the hacker/stalker will get bored and move on to someone else more interesting.

      • How exactly did you do that? That would be so helpful. It seems I’ve gone through the exact same thing seeing as I was just starting to work from home. I know who did it I just need the evidence to incriminate them.

      • I’m currently being spied on can u please tell me how I can find out who it is and how to block them

  3. I’ve factory reset my phone 3 times now an it’s still on my phone whatever has been put on my phone is running thru the apps I use but I don’t use them as much as its reading he will even get this I’m sure I even called my phone company an they can’t even help me he’s running it thru drive an play services I delete those as well as others an it comes right back even after I factory reset an picks rite back off

    • From the research I’ve done, they have to have your phone number to get in, so changing it will help. Immediately change all passwords associated with accounts that might have your phone number on them, such as your carriers account, social media, Google, etc. I had the same problem, called FBI, they said go through IC3.gov, but IC3 gets thousands of complaints a day and seems not to care because he isn’t stealing from me, just stalking me. Another person at the FBI said call the FCC, and when I did he disconnected the call 3 times in a row, so I’m assuming that’s the agency I actually need to speak with. Will be speaking with them Monday. I also emailed my senator and left a tip with my local news agency. Someone will by God listen to me.

      • I truly hope things have taken a positive turn for you. Since your post in March, do you have any new suggestions or knowledge you could share? My whole family is being stalked, including my children. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide. I truly appreciate it more than words can express!!

        • It’s a relief to find somoene who can explain things so well

      • Did you ever have any luck?

      • I’ve read your post and I’m interested if your still having the problem. Because I’m having the same issues. I have contacted the government agency bout it.
        Desperate and looking for help.

      • I am having almost the exact same problem, did you ever get it resolved? If so, how??

      • Any results

    • Im sorry you are going through this with him. Stay Strong and Move On, You ARE Worth It…never ever forget that 🙂

    • I have the same problem, even when I was married to my hacker/stalker he was putting all kinds of key loggers and remote acsess hacks now that i divorced him.its been 7 years since the divorce started and for about 12-14 years of changing passwords following advice resetting phones etc. I feel like the only way I could actually protect myself is if I stumble on a hacker with better skills who hates stalkers and deadbeat Dad’s…until that day I pretty much don’t use my phone for anything that I want to keep private..Any ideas are greatly appreciated
      Lady N

    • when you did your factory reset, did you pick backup apps and reinstall them? because you should not do that! when you do a factory reset, you must wipe out everything!

  4. I reset my phone 3 times but my messages are still being intercepted. My girlfriend tried to remove it after she installed something on my WhatsApp and messenger but cannot find the files.

  5. I did a reset only problem is it backs up Google account and with that the spy app try to stop it he has a password

  6. I GOT MY PHONE AND CRUSHED IT WITH A SLEDGEHAMMER AND THAT TOOK CARE OF ALL SPY SOFTWARE

    • lol

    • LMAO
      I’ve been considering this option for a few years,glad there’s at least one working solution
      Lady N

    • Armando is right. There are five ways to solve the problem: 1) Armando’s way 2) acquire a new phone and strap it to your body ALL THE TIME – it takes two to three minutes to install the software; prepare for exhaustion and eventual failure, he’ll wait for his opportunity 3) learn to laugh at the sorry sucker, set up a “new boyfriend,” park in motel parking lots and read a book for an hour; he’ll assume by the GPS you’re screwing the new guy in room #69 4) encourage him to find a new girlfriend because he won’t leave you alone until he finds a fresh chump and 5) pretend you don’t care (yeah, right). Oh yeah: when someone suggests you “just change your password,” laugh in their face

      • 😃

      • Love your sense of humor! Sounds just like the method I’m going to use!

  7. I have spyware on my phone I found it when I downloaded a video recording app and parent app that won’t let me see what it is or open at it just goes parent app then switch is too can’t access parat app I’m a grown ass man and I don’t need nobody spying on me especially my wife or anyone else can you help me.

    • Hi William, simply follow the steps on this article in order to reset, update and clear your phone of unwanted apps, and change your personal account passwords for good measure.

  8. Facebook, Google accounts are not spyware because we hand our details freely and willingly. Don’t mind teh fact that it’s all “Free” and like sheep, we never question how someone who doesn’t even charge a cent makes his Billions. Off course…it was the advertising.

    FYI: Jailbreak for iPhones was intended to open up Apps which Apple barred so you would have to pay for them.

  9. My call recording apps are not working neither is my GPS updating. I tried to Uninstaller to reinstall it won’t let me.

  10. I recently got an S7 and every time I make a call I hear a few clicks or half a dial tone before the full dial tones begin that would initiate the call. Many times I would hear echoes of myself in the beginning of the call but after a while the call would stabilize and it would be clear. Is this normal or should I be worried about taking further look into this issue?

  11. I did many times recovery but somehow that spy app is still on my phone. Why is that?

  12. Wow!!! Worked like a charm.

  13. It seems like even if you factory reset your phone & change your passwords its still not 100% guaranteed that you’re all clear. My phone is bugged right now. Im afraid that even if I follow your instructions, my phone is just trashed anyways

  14. Nice piece of content

    Thank you for all the mention in the post I would just add this piece of content if I were you : http://www.morethanbig.com/2015/07/how-to-factory-reset-iphone-5.html

  15. how can i remove spy apps from my phone plz help

  16. I have a question plz.
    My phone was hacked surely and I changed the phone (from Samsung grand to J7). Still have the spy on my phone and change the number on Samsung J7 after that I transferred the account to another phone(different bran).
    Still have the same problem.
    How to get rid off and secure myself in the future
    NB
    The first phone had the password of my wifi and IP of the router.

    I noticed that the router reset the configuration itself. I did not do it

    Plz help me solve this problem

  17. I seem to have something on my phone that basically allows screen mirroring, I’m not sure if it is constant or only when near my roomate. I have heard her talking about what was on my screen while i was in a different room, she seems to know when i am opening apps, and I’ve even heard her reading my texts to her while i was still typing them. I have filled the steps in this guide and all have the same issue, any ideas?

  18. I’m hacked by a stalking husband I’m seperated from because HE was a CHEATER, yet he’s STALKING ME! I’ve done hard resets…didn’t stop it. I got another phone (same number and same phone type)…he still has access to my text messages, at a minimum. What else is there for me to do?? I’m going to change my number and all passwords today.

  19. I have an HTC phone and a locked screen, however, I have a friend I’m sure has put something on my phone. He seems to know exactly what I say out loud to myself and when I see him he responds to something I’ve said. Or if I’m thinking out loud to myself and I say something like I wish I’d hear from him or I hope he’s thinking of me, he mysteriously emails me or responds with a message of just to let me know he’s thinking of me. I keep going through the settings but can’t find the spyware. Help!!

  20. Best Way to remove spy app is
    try this
    go to setting
    then apps
    then go to downloaded apps
    then uninstall all unknown and unwanted apps
    the names will be like follows

    Phone
    or
    System

    as of I know

  21. once i install spy phone app in my device and then hidden now how to remove

  22. I believe that I have have been hacked by the same person twice.How do I report them to the law about it.He has done it. Of once but twice.And I wont something done to stop him from doing this to are phone s.

    • The law don’t give two DAMNS! Sad but very very true. I always thought that if children were involved at some point with anything like this it becomes priority because there are predators out there! All they care about is the schmoney! If it’s not being affected they don’t want to hear about it.

  23. Somebodys tracking my phone and watching me through spyware.

    • Factory reset does nothing now. Get a new phone and get a new number. Do not connect your phone to any computers. Do not download any apps as well.

  24. so tonight while I was talking to someone via videochat on messenger I noticed It said the other person was taking a picture. He was not taking a picture as he was across the room at the time. Now we realize that his phone is hacked. If Messenger has been compromised does this mean the whole phone has been??

  25. How can I take this app off my phone

  26. I am fed up with this problem myself. I have a vindictive ex that is just tormenting me to the point where I’m going to loose it. Right now I’m facing domestic charges and a no contact restraining order all implemented while I was working out of town. She cheated on me and this is her sociopathic way of avoiding guilt of questions from people. She had Complete access to my phone along with all passwords she even has ss#’s for my ex wife and children.she has tormented me for 4months under protection from this bogus restraining order which I have violated numerous times just asking her to stop. I have a good attorney but he was clueless about all this spyware so I hired a guy for $2500 and he came back with “I couldn’t find anything with her a attached to it”…. I said are you kidding me???? I’m at the end of my rope!!! This has especially been traumatic because I drive truck and live out I f it up the 6days a week and all my dispatch and gps is electronic so “goung dark”isn’t an option. I’m on my 4th phone in 3 months now. She keeps getting access to each one somehow. She has absolutely gutted me and has a absolutely no remorse and playing her role. The trial isn’t for two more months and I don’t think I can last that long without breaking. Where do I get help? I work 6 days a week to pay for legal fees and bail(arrested twice for false claims) out of my own pocket with no help. And the worst part is the wall it’s creating between me and my daughter who is in her senior year of high school and I’m missing it and possibly could miss a lot more if she can an her this charge to stick. Help please!!!!!

  27. My x has been in my phone for over a year. I can’t make calls they just get dropped I do not receive text messages nor did the text messages I send that to the people I’m sending them to. The police know about this and have done nothing. I want to know who to go to to help me. I have had four new phones five or six different numbers but he keeps getting into my phone. I can’t communicate with the world if all my cars are dropped. Please tell me who can help meGet rid of this horrible problem. It doesn’t matter what it costs I need help I have no privacy and can’t make calls anywhere they just get dropped. Need help badly.

  28. reading all your comments to hopefully be able to successfully find and uninstall hidden spyware my husband has on my phone to track Facebook messages

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