People are very secretive and protective of their phones, which can be frustrating when you want to keep tabs on your loved ones or employees. In this case, you should learn how to use spy apps and know what people are doing on their phones, which will also help to keep you safe.
A spying tool or app allows a user to obtain direct access to someone’s computer. These apps can work on Android, iPhones, or computers. The best thing about using spy apps is that they remain hidden on the target phone. Therefore, you do not have to worry about the target person knowing that you are spying on them.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look into how to use spy apps, what they are, and how they work. The article is well-detailed to let you know how to use spy apps whether you are a beginner or an expert.
Introduction to Spy Apps
Before we start looking at how to use spy apps, we first need a detailed understanding of what spy apps are as well as their features. A spy app is a tool that will give you direct access to someone’s phone or computer. It is a very useful tool when you want to obtain information from a person’s phone without them knowing.
A spy app goes through a phone and obtains all types of details. This software can access calls, text messages, social media messages, location data, and so much more. Some also come with comprehensive features like recording keystrokes, which let you know what a person is typing on their computer in real-time.
You can find both free and paid spy apps. With some, you can install it without access to the target phone. The functionality of these tools makes it convenient when you are a parent looking to monitor your kids’ online habits, an employer looking to monitor employee activity, and even collecting evidence.
Spy apps can be very invasive and violate the privacy of the target person. Therefore, you must ensure you are using a spy app within the legal limits. Spying on an adult without authorization can land you in legal trouble.
How to Pick the Right Spy App
Now that we understand what spy apps are, we need to look at some factors to consider to get the right spy app. There are very many spy apps in the market today, and getting the right one can be tasking. However, with the below factors in mind, you will have an easy time picking a spy app that best meets your needs.
- Features
Before picking a spy app, you need to evaluate the supported features to ensure they meet your needs. Some features that every spy app is supposed to have include the ability to monitor calls, SMS messages, social media, location, etc. The spy app should also capture keystrokes.
- Compatibility
Some spy apps only work with Android, while some are exclusive to iOS. When picking a spy app, check whether it can work on the device that you want to target.
- Cost
The best spy apps are the ones that come with a paid version. However, you should check the cost of the packages and pick cheap spy apps if you have a budget. As for free spy apps, you should note that the supported features might be limited.
- Reliability
The best spy app should also be reliable. The app should be able to operate in stealth mode without detection by the person that you are spying on. It should also offer customer support to provide you with assistance whenever you need it.
- User-friendliness
Some spy apps can be technical when installing them on the target device. Before getting a spy app, it is prudent that you go through the past reviews from people who have used these spy apps in the past. These reviews let you know the experiences users had with these apps.
Read our detailed guide on the best spy apps for iPhone and Android
How to Install a Spy App
If you have picked a spy app that you know will best suit your needs, the next step is to learn how to use spy apps by installing them on the target phone. Some spy apps require you to have access to the target phone, while with some, you can install them remotely.
The first step in how to use spy apps is creating an account on a spy app website. With most spy apps, you can create an account by simply using an email address. You will also have to select whether you want to spy on Android or iPhone because the installation processes are different.
After creating an account, you will be directed to the checkout page where you have to select a subscription plan. If you are using a free spy app, you will skip this process.
Installing a spy app on Android
To install a spy app on Android, you need physical access to the target phone. After obtaining access, follow the below steps.
- Disable Play Protect – The first step is to disable the Play Protect option for Android phones. To do this, open the Google Play Store app on the phone and go to the profile picture at the top right corner of your screen. You will see Play Protect turned on, and select to turn it off.
- Download the spy app – You should note that many spy apps are not on Google Play Store. You have to download them from their respective official websites.
- Install the spy app – After downloading, you will get a prompt to install the spy app. Agree to the privacy policy, terms, and conditions to start using the app.
- Sign in to the spy app – The next process is to sign in to the spy app. You will do so using the same credentials you used to create the account.
- Set up the spy app – Turn on the accessibility settings and receive updates from the target device. Enable usage access and notifications to receive alerts on your phone.
- Enable permissions – You will get the most information from the target device if you enable permissions. You can enable permissions from the app’s settings on the target device.
- Complete installations – To complete the installation process, click on the “Start Monitoring” icon if available. Some spy apps might give you a different prompt. Remember to select the option of hiding the app’s icon from the target device for stealth monitoring.
Installing a spy app remotely on an Android device
With some spy apps, you do not need physical access to the Android device. Instead, you can simply spy on the activities happening on the target Android phone using the Google account.
You should note that you can install a spy app remotely on an Android device if the phone does not have two-factor authentication enabled. Additionally, you will find that when using a Google account, you will access limited information.
Installing a spy app on iOS
iOS devices rank higher than Android when it comes to security. Therefore, knowing how to use spy apps on an iPhone is only possible when using a jailbroken phone. Jailbreaking a phone involves removing the software restrictions imposed by the phone’s manufacturer.
You should note that jailbreaking a phone will void its warranty. Moreover, it is also not recommended as it might affect the phone’s functionality and expose it to more threats.
Spying on an iPhone remotely
The best thing about spying on an iPhone is that you can simply do so with iCloud credentials. These credentials include the Apple ID and password. Most iPhones save their details on iCloud, giving you a lot of information to access when you know a person’s iCloud details.
If the person you are spying on has enabled two-factor authentication on their phone, you will need physical access to their phone to verify the login on your phone or computer.
Understanding the Key Features of Spy Apps
Now that you know how to use spy apps, the next thing is to understand how these tools work. A clear overview of the features will let you know how they work. The most popular features of spy apps include the following:
- Call monitoring
The first feature that you will find with nearly all spy apps is their ability to monitor calls. A spy app will let you the people that a person is calling. It will also give you access to the call log to see their call history as well as the duration of the calls.
- Text message monitoring
Spy apps also let you monitor text messages. These apps allow you to see the people texting, the content of the messages, and any files that may have been sent with the messages. Some spy apps can also give you access to deleted messages.
- Social media monitoring
Nearly everyone is on social media nowadays. Therefore, if you are spying on someone’s phone activities, it is best that you get a spy app that can also access their social media data. The best spy app should give you access to popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Telegram, etc.
- Internet browsing
If you are using a spy app to monitor your child, it is best to ensure that it can also access the internet browsing history. The internet is filled with predators and dangerous people, and the best spy apps should let you access even deleted search histories.
- App monitoring
This is also another feature that comes in handy with parental monitoring. The best spy app should let you know how your kids are using apps. It should also give you the ability to block apps that might be deemed inappropriate.
- Location and geofencing
The best spy app should also give you access to the location data. It should help you know where a person is in real-time, which is a useful feature in helping to keep kids safe. It should also send geofencing alerts whenever a person goes beyond a certain area.
How to Use A Spy App Legally and Responsibly
Before learning how to use spy apps, you should understand the legal landscape. Using a spy app to spy on someone without their authorization can lead to your persecution. You might be sued for invasion of privacy and posing a threat to people’s safety.
There are several instances where using a spy app is legal. For instance, if you are a parent looking to keep track of your kids’ online activities, spy apps can be of great help. These tools guarantee you can keep your kids safe from the threat of predators and bullies on the internet. Some spy apps will also help you know your kids’ location in real-time.
Spy apps can also be installed on work phones by an employer. By doing this, an employer can monitor the productivity of their employees. They also help an employer protect business secrets and keep track of what employees are doing during work hours.
Spy apps can also be useful in collecting evidence. These apps can collect information from the target phone. However, using a spy app to collect evidence might need court authorization.
Wrapping Up – How to Use Spy Apps
Spy apps are tools that can help someone gain remote access over a target phone. These apps usually operate in stealth mode and it is difficult for the person you are spying on to realize that you have installed a spy app on their phone.
If you are looking for how to use spy apps, you should first understand that different spy apps work differently. Some apps also come with user-friendly features while some are technical and challenging to use.
The best way to learn how to use spy apps is to follow the guide or tutorial given on the spy app’s website. You should also note that when using spy apps, you should do so within the legal landscape to ensure that you are not charged with invasion of privacy.
FAQs
How can I use spy apps on Android?
You can use a spy app on Android by installing the app on your Android phone or gaining access to a person’s Google account. To install a spy app on an Android phone, you have to disable “Play Protect.”
How can I use spy apps on iPhone?
The best way to use a spy app on an iPhone is through a person’s iCloud account, which will give you information stored on the phone. You can also choose to jailbreak the iPhone to install the app, but this is usually not recommended.
Can I use spy apps legally?
You can use a spy app legally if you are using it as a parental monitoring tool. An employer can also install a spy app on work phones. Installing a spy app on someone’s phone without their consent is deemed illegal.
Which is the best spy app?
The best spy app is the one that offers the best features. It should also be user-friendly and price-friendly. You should read past user reviews when choosing the best spy app.
How can I remove a spy app?
You can remove a spy app using an anti-malware program. This program not only uninstalls spy apps but also prevents future compromise.
