Although spying on a cell phone can present some challenges, it is not as difficult as it seems. You just need to install the relevant spy software on your target’s device. Then, you will be able to monitor their calls, texts, social media interactions and more, through the application’s web-based interface. There are a few things to keep in mind before you start using a cell phone spy application. In this list, you will find the most important information needed before using software to spy on a cell phone.
Make sure to check local laws
The majority of spy products are aimed at parents who want to keep an eye on their underage children. They are are also useful for employers who want to monitor their employees’ work devices, with their permission. It is illegal to install spy software on a mobile device that you don’t own or that you don’t have permission to monitor. Before using spy software, check your local legislation to know what you can and can’t do.
You need to have access to the phone you want to monitor
Bear in mind that you can’t install spy software without having the device in your hands. Some applications promise to allow you to install the spy app remotely, but in reality, you always need to have physical access to the phone or know the iCloud credentials in the case of the iPhone. If you want to monitor an Android phone, you have to download the spy application (APK file) using the mobile browser on the phone. If you want to monitor an iPhone, you have to install the application through Cydia (Jailbreak) or iCloud without Jailbreak. Once you have installed the software, it works in stealth mode in the background and users won’t be able to detect it.
Check the compatibility
In general, spy software only work on Android and iOS devices such as the iPhone and iPad. Before getting a spy application, you need to make sure that it is compatible with the phone. You also need to check that the phone meets the operating system criteria. Here are the mobile operating systems supported.
- Android 2.1 and above
- iOS 6.0 to iOS 9.1 – Jailbreak
- All iOS versions – Without jailbreak. Keep in mind that you will need the Apple ID and password of the target device.
Internet connection is required
In order to be able to download, install and enable the spy application, the phone should have an active internet connection. This can be WiFi or cellular data. Additionally, an internet connection is needed to upload to your online account the data gathered during the monitoring.
Be suspicious of free spy applications
As tempting as it may be to get a free application, it is important to be cautious. It is advisable to search the name of the free spy app on Google and try to find reviews and more information, before considering it. Just make sure that you don’t provide your credit card number or personal information online, unless you know that the company is reliable.
It is better to stick to commercial spy software
Keeping your identity safe and ensuring that the software really works are very important aspects when it comes to using spy apps. The best option is to opt for a company that can be trusted and that is committed to offering high quality service and to keep your security and privacy protected. It is also important that you choose a well-established provider that offers good customer support through multiple channels such as email and phone. Avoid companies that don’t offer contact details.
Don’t go over budget
You can expect to pay between $69 to $399 for Spy software. The prices vary according to the option selected, the length of the plans and the features available. There are providers such as Highster Mobile that apply a one-time free, but others such as FlexiSPY and mSpy apply charges on a monthly or yearly basis. It is advisable to stick to the option that offers the features that you need. This will ensure that you are not paying more for additional features that won’t really use.
Keep in mind your monitoring needs
There are cell phone spy applications for different requirements. You can find a variety of features including those that cover simple monitoring needs such as phone calls, SMS messages and GPS coordinates. It is also possible to find a few options that support call interception and the option to record phone surroundings. In general, if you need to get a large number of features including advanced options, you need to pay a higher price for the spy software.
Keep in mind the risks of rooting or jailbreaking
Jailbreaking means removing the software restrictions that Apple has implemented on iOS devices. When you jailbreak a device, you can install apps that are not available on the App Store. Rooting is similar to jailbreaking but it refers to Android devices. When you root an Android smartphone or tablet, you get root access to the device. By default, all Android smartphones only grant “guest” privileges, but when you root the device, you get “superuser” status. In order to install the spy software on an iPhone, you may need to jailbreak it and if you want to access instant messages on an Android phone, the device will need to be rooted. However, if you don’t know how to complete these processes, you may end up damaging the device. If you opt for jailbreaking or rooting, make sure that you understand the risks and follow the relevant instructions before moving forward.
