How to Spy on a Cell Phone Remotely for Free: 2023 Guide

In today’s world, it is not uncommon for individuals to want to know what their loved ones are doing behind their backs. Parents might want to ensure their children’s safety online, while spouses might question the fidelity of their partners. Companies might also want to ensure that their employees work during work hours. This curiosity can lead to a desire to spy on people’s activities through their cell phones. Whether for safety concerns, trust issues, or simply a desire to know more about someone’s daily activities, there are various reasons why someone might want to spy on a cell phone remotely.

Although parents can spy on their children’s phones as long as they are minors in some countries, there are ethical and legal concerns to consider when spying on someone’s phone is involved. If you choose to spy on someone’s cell phone regardless, there are several practical considerations to keep in mind. These include choosing the right spying app that meets your needs, knowing how to install the spying app remotely, and considering the implications of spying on someone’s phone in your location.

To simplify the process of spying on a cell phone remotely, our experts have spent a lot of time and resources testing out several spy apps that we can use to spy on cell phones remotely. Therefore, in this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to remotely spying on a cell phone in 2023. We’ll cover the best phone spying apps on the market, explain how to install spy software on a cell phone remotely, and explore some ways you can spy on a phone without having physical access to it. We will also discuss the legal implications of spying on someone’s phone remotely.

Best Phone Spying Apps

You can spy on someone’s phone remotely through several methods. While some of these methods come at zero cost, you may have to pay for others to ensure their effectiveness. These methods include social media apps, WiFi connections, or some useful spying apps. Several phone spying apps on the market claim to have the ability to spy on someone’s phone remotely. Each of these spying apps has its own unique set of features and capabilities. We have personally tested numerous phone spying apps available, and we will introduce you to some of the most popular and effective options. These include:

mSpy: Best App to spy on someone’s phone Remotely

mspy dashboard

mSpy is a powerful phone spying app that allows users to monitor someone’s activities remotely through their mobile phones without them ever knowing. Mtechnology LLC developed the app, and it is designed to help parents, employers, and individuals track and monitor the activities of their children, employees, or loved ones through a specific device, such as a cell phone or tablet. mSpy is compatible with Android and iOS devices, and you can install it remotely or directly onto the target device, so if you suspect your spouse of cheating, mSpy will help you to spy on boyfriend’s android phone or spy on girlfriends iphone.

One of the key features of mSpy is its ability to track calls, messages, and social media activity. With mSpy, users can view all incoming and outgoing calls and read and view text messages, instant messages, and social media posts. mSpy also allows users to view photos and videos, track GPS locations, and set up geofencing alerts to notify them when the device enters or leaves a specific location. In addition to its monitoring capabilities, mSpy offers several additional features, including blocking websites and apps, setting up keyword alerts, and remotely locking or erasing the device.

mspy dashboard 1

Apart from its phone spying capabilities, mSpy also offers several other products and services, including a computer monitoring system, a parental monitoring app, and a tracking solution for vehicles.

To gain access to mSpy’s services, you have to first create an account on its website. mSpy is a premium app whose services can only be accessed by its paying users, therefore, you have to subscribe to a pricing plan to use mSpy. mSpy offers three pricing plans – Basic plan, premium plan, and family kit plan, and any of these plans unlocks its remote spying features. You can also purchase several add-on features separately with the mSpy app.

Pros of mSpy

  • Compatibility with Android and iOS: The mSpy app is compatible with both the Android and iOS operating systems and can be installed on devices that run on them., That provides users with the flexibility to monitor a wide range of devices.
  • Comprehensive monitoring capabilities: mSpy allows users to track calls, messages, social media activity, and more, giving them a complete picture of someone’s activity.
  • Additional features: In addition to its monitoring capabilities, mSpy also offers several additional features, such as the ability to block websites and apps, set up keyword alerts, and remotely lock or erase the device.
  • Undetectability: mSpy can be installed on the target’s phone or used remotely. The target cannot know that they are being spied upon with either method because they cannot detect the remote spy app.
  • Easy to install and use: mSpy can be installed remotely or directly onto the target device, making it easy to set up. mSpy is also easy to use because it does not require rooting or jailbreaking a phone before it can be installed or used to monitor a phone.

Cons of mSpy

  • Cost: To access mSpy’s services, users need to subscribe to a pricing plan. While mSpy offers three pricing plans, users may need to subscribe to its premium plan to access features. The subscription plans might be considered expensive. mSpy is not the cheapest remote cell phone spy app, but it is more effective than most free options.
  • Device restrictions: You can only spy on one device at a time with most mSpy subscriptions. To spy on multiple devices at one time with mSpy, you need to subscribe to the family kit pricing plan, which is the most expensive, or buy additional subscriptions.
  • Ethical and Legal concerns: Spying on someone’s phone may raise ethical concerns, especially if done without their knowledge or consent. It is important to consider the ethical implications of using mSpy before setting it up. Also, installing mSpy on someone’s device without their knowledge or consent may be illegal in some jurisdictions. 
  • Potential for misuse: As with any tool, mSpy can be misused or abused. Using mSpy and other spy apps that can be installed remotely responsibly and ethically is important.

Spy on a Cell Phone Remotely Using uMobix

umobix dashboard

uMobix is another spy app that you can use to track and monitor people’s activities through their cell phones. uMobix was developed by uMobix LLC, and the app is compatible with both Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android operating systems, i.e., you can use it to spy on iPhones and Android phones remotely, so uMobix can also help you with question “how to catch cheaters on android or iPhone?”.

uMobix can be used remotely or installed onto the target device, and then it tracks and monitors various aspects of the target device’s activity, such as calls, messages, and social media activity. This information is then sent to a dashboard or control panel that the user can access through the uMobix website or app. uMobix shares similar features with other apps that spy on another phone remotely. Some of uMobix’s features include:umobix dashboard 1

  • Call tracking: uMobix allows users to view all incoming and outgoing calls, including the caller’s name, number, and duration. Users can also view call logs and get notified of specific calls, such as those from unknown or blocked numbers. Also, uMobix allows users to access their target’s contact list (phone book entries, new and existing contacts, contacts’ personal information, deleted contacts, etc.).
  • Message tracking: uMobix allows users to view and read sent and received text messages, instant messages, and social media posts. This includes the ability to view deleted messages and recover them if necessary. uMobix gives its users access to several messaging apps that their targets may use, including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, WeChat, Skype, Hangouts, Google Duo, etc.
  • Social media tracking: uMobix allows users to track social media activity, including posts, comments, likes, and more. Users can view all social media accounts linked to the device and get notified of specific activity, such as posts containing exact keywords. On Android, uMobix offers real-time tracking of social media apps such as Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and even dating apps such as Tinder. On iOS, uMobix offers full access to Facebook and Instagram.
  • GPS location tracking: uMobix allows users to track cell phone location in real time and view a history of the device’s movements. Users can also set up geofencing alerts to notify them when the device enters or leaves a specific location. uMobix can also be used to track a stolen or lost phone.
  • Additional features: In addition to its monitoring capabilities, uMobix offers several additional features, including the ability to block WiFi, block devices, block websites and apps, restrict apps, disable messages, restrict calls, set up keyword alerts, and remotely lock or erase the device. These features allow users to customize and control the device’s activity, helping them to protect their loved ones or employees and ensure their safety.

uMobix, like the most effective spying apps, requires users to pay for a subscription plan before using their services. uMobix has two pricing tiers from which its users can choose according to their needs. Before using the uMobix app to spy on another phone, you must weigh the pros and cons.

Pros of uMobix

  • Versatility: uMobix offers a wide range of features that allow users to track and monitor various aspects of a device’s activity, including calls, messages, social media activity, and more. With uMobix, you can monitor every text, call, and social media action your child, spouse, or employee takes and track their location simultaneously.
  • Customization and control: uMobix allows users to customize and control the device’s activity with features such as blocking websites and apps and setting up keyword alerts. This helps users to protect their loved ones or employees and ensure their safety.
  • Compatibility: With uMobix, you can spy on an Android phone remotely and an iPhone because the app is compatible with both operating systems. This removes limitations and gives users wide access to devices.
  • Remote installation: uMobix can be installed remotely, making it easy to set up and use without requiring physical access to the target device.

Cons of uMobix

  • Cost: uMobix is not the most affordable phone spying app on the market, and users may need to pay a subscription fee to access all of the app’s features.
  • Call restrictions: uMobix does not allow users to record calls made or received by their target.
  • Legal considerations: The use of spy apps such as uMobix may be considered illegal in some locations.
  • Device restrictions: Users can only spy on a single device simultaneously with a uMobix subscription plan. You have to pay for multiple subscriptions to spy on multiple devices.

eyeZy – Remote spyware for cell phone

welcome eyezy

eyeZy is an app that can remotely spy on someone’s cell phone. It allows its users to monitor the online activity of other individuals. This app is particularly useful for parents who want to control their child’s online activity, those who have doubts about their partner and want to know more about their online behavior, and employers who wish to know what their employees are doing online during work hours.

eyeZy has several features that make it one of the best apps to answer the question of how to spy on someone’s phone. One of the standout features of EyeZy is its keystroke tracking capability. This feature captures everything the target user types on their phone, storing the information in a dashboard for the user to access. The app also includes a screen recorder, which allows users to take screenshots of the target device in the background, allowing them to store message history even if texts are deleted.

eyezy dashboard

EyeZy is particularly useful for tracking messages sent and received on the target device. The app supports SMS messaging, as well as email tracking and 11 other messaging apps, including WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, and Skype. Any messages sent or received within these apps are automatically stored by EyeZy, allowing users to see text messages, images, and other files.

In addition to message tracking, EyeZy also offers a phone analyzer feature that allows users to see the entirety of the target’s contact list and call history. The app shows whether calls were incoming or outgoing, accepted or missed, and provides information on when they took place and how long they lasted. EyeZy also includes a GPS tracker, which allows users to track the target device’s location at any given time. The app extracts GPS data from the phone and displays it on a map, allowing users to see exactly where their child or partner is. The GPS tracker’s accuracy depends on the target device’s model, with newer models typically providing more accurate results.

Another unique feature of EyeZy is its ability to access all files on the target phone. This includes photos, videos, installed apps, browser history, and internet bookmarks. If it exists on the target device, EyeZy should be able to access it. EyeZy also offers connection blockers that allow users to filter content on certain web pages, applications, or WiFi connections. This can be useful for preventing the target device from accessing inappropriate content, such as porn sites or age-inappropriate apps. The app provides a full list of installed applications on the device and allows users to block access with a single click.

eyezy web blocker

Pros of EyeZy

  • Offers a range of monitoring and tracking capabilities, including keystrokes tracking, message tracking, phone analyzer, GPS tracker, and access to all files on the target device.
  • Supports multiple messaging apps, including SMS, email, and 11 other popular apps such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and Skype.
  • Allows users to take screenshots of the target device in the background, allowing them to store message history even if texts are deleted.
  • It provides a full list of installed applications on the target device and allows users to block access with a single click.
  • Offers connection blockers that allow users to put content filters on certain web pages, applications, or WiFi connections, helping to prevent the target device from accessing inappropriate content.

Cons of EyeZy

  • Using EyeZy to monitor someone’s activity without their knowledge or consent may be considered unethical and even illegal in some jurisdictions.
  • The GPS tracker’s accuracy depends on the target device’s model, with newer models typically providing more accurate results.
  • EyeZy may be unable to fetch some data from the target’s phone if it is deleted within two minutes.

How to Install Spy Software on a Cell Phone Remotely

Installing spy software such as mSpy, uMobix, or eyeZy on a cell phone remotely can be challenging, as it requires physical access to the phone to install the app. The following are methods through which you can install remote spyware on a cell phone:

  • Purchase a license: To use the services of any effective spy software, you must purchase a license through an active subscription plan on the website of the spy software you intend to use. When paying for a subscription plan, ensure you choose a package that will meet all your needs.
  • Download the app: After purchasing a license, you will receive an email containing your login information and a link to download the spy software.
  • Install the app on your phone: After clicking on the download link, the app will begin downloading. Install the app on your phone to start using it.
  • Install the app on your target’s phone: You need one-time physical access to your target’s phone to spy on them. When you get your target’s phone, install the app on their phone using the download link in the installation guide sent to your mail and log in using the registration code sent. Follow the prompts to complete the setup process, which may include granting the app access to certain features on your target’s phone.
  • Login to your dashboard and start spying: After installing and setting up the spy software on your target’s cell phone, login into your dashboard and start spying.

How Can I Spy on a Cell Phone Without Installing Software on the Target Phone?

You might wonder if using a spy app without the target phone is possible. While installing spy software on a cell phone remotely can be challenging, it is almost impossible to spy on a phone without installing any software on the target device. However, there are some methods that you can consider which can help you with free remote cell phone spy without the target phone. These methods involve exploiting the cloud storage of your target’s devices to spy on their activities. 

Can You Spy on an iPhone Using iCloud?

Yes, it is technically possible to spy on iPhone without installing software using iCloud. iCloud is a cloud storage and cloud computing service provided by Apple Inc. It allows users to store and sync their data across all their devices, including iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac, and other apple devices.

One of the main features of iCloud is the ability to store and access data from anywhere with an internet connection. This includes photos, documents, contacts, and more. iCloud also provides various other services, such as email, online backup storage, and the ability to share and collaborate on documents.

If you have the iCloud login information of your target, you can access their data, including their photos, messages, and other information. You can also use your target’s iCloud to view their real-time location and past location through the “Find my iPhone” feature. How?

  1. Use your AppleID and Password to log in to iCloud.
  2. Click on Find my iPhone.
  3. Click on a lost device from the map that shows all devices linked to your account.
  4. Launch any action- erase memory, alarm sound, or lost mode.

How to Spy on an Android Phone Using Device Manager

Since Android phones do not have iCloud, you might be wondering if there is an Android spy app that is remote installation free. While there is no free Android spy app that does not require installation before you can use it to spy on another phone without other person knowing, you can use the Android device manager to spy on a cell phone without having it. Android Device Manager (also known as “Find My Device”) is a service provided by Google that allows users to locate, lock, or erase their Android device if it is lost or stolen. However, if you have access to the Google account of your target, you can use the device manager to track their phone and view their data. How?

  1. Log in to the Google account linked to the target phone.
  2. You’ll see the target phone’s location on a map if the device is turned on and connected to the internet.
  3. Lock the device or erase all data by selecting either option.

Use a Keylogger

A keylogger is software or hardware that records every keystroke on a computer or device. It is typically used to capture sensitive information, such as passwords or login credentials, but you can also use it to monitor the activity of someone using the device. A keylogger is a very efficient remote spyware for cell phones; however, it requires physical access to the target’s phone before you can install it. If you can access the person’s computer, you can install a keylogger to track their activity and gather information about what they are doing.

Various keylogger software and hardware options are available, each with its features and capabilities. Therefore, it is important to research and compare different options to find the one that best meets your needs. After choosing your preferred keylogger, you will need one-time physical access to your target’s phone to download and install it on their device. After installation, you can customize and configure the keylogger to meet your needs by telling it what type of information to record, how often to record it, and how to access the recorded data.

Can You Spy on a Phone Without Access to It?

If you are wondering if it is possible to spy on a cell phone without having access to the phone, you are correct. While it is generally easier to spy on a phone if you have physical access to it, there are a few ways you can spy on a phone without actually having the device in your possession. These methods include:

Phishing

One way to remotely spy on a cell phone without physical access is to use a phishing attack. Phishing is a type of cyber attack that involves tricking people into giving away sensitive information, such as passwords, login credentials, or financial information. It involves sending the target a fake email or message that appears to be from a legitimate source, such as their bank or a well-known company, to gain their trust. However, the message will contain a link that, when clicked, installs the spy software on the person’s phone. 

Another way that phishing can be used to spy on people’s phones is through the use of phishing websites or fake login pages. These websites or pages may claim to be legitimate websites or services but are actually designed to capture login credentials or other sensitive information when the target enters them.

Sniffing Wireless Networks

You can also use a sniffing attack to spy on a phone without needing an iPhone or Android spy app remote installation. Sniffing wireless networks is to intercept and analyze data transmitted over a wireless network to gather information or monitor activity. That involves setting up a fake wireless network that the target connects to, which allows you to intercept their traffic and install the spy software on their phone, or by intercepting and analyzing the data transmitted by the device, such as internet browsing history, messages, or other personal information. 

Another way sniffing wireless networks can help you spy on someone’s phone is through man-in-the-middle attacks. A man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack involves intercepting communication between two parties to gather information or manipulate the transmitted data.

Can I Spy on a Phone With Just the Number?

You might have once wondered if you could spy on a phone with only number for free.

It is generally impossible to enter a phone number to spy on a phone. To spy on a phone, you will typically need access to the phone itself, the person’s login information for their account or device, or some kind of software installed on the phone that allows you to track its activity.

Is It Legal to Spy on a Phone Remotely?

Generally, it is illegal to spy on someone’s phone remotely in most cases. The laws surrounding phone surveillance vary by country, but it generally violates privacy to monitor someone’s phone activity without their knowledge. However, the legality of spying on someone’s phone still depends on the jurisdiction in which you are located and the case’s specific circumstances. In some cases, it may be legal to spy on someone’s phone if you are a parent monitoring your child’s activity or an employer monitoring your employees’ activity on company-owned devices. Also, it may be legal for law enforcement agencies to intercept phone calls and messages as part of a criminal investigation. However, in other cases, it may be illegal to spy on someone’s phone without their consent or if you are using the information obtained through spying for nefarious purposes.

Is There a Free App to Spy on Someone Else’s Phone Without Touching It?

There are a few free phone spying apps that help to remotely spy on Android phones free available, but it is important to be cautious when using these apps. Many free spying apps are unreliable and may not work as advertised or be infected with malware. It is generally better to pay for a reputable, reliable spying app rather than relying on a free option that may not be reliable or legal.

Conclusion

Spying on a cell phone remotely can be useful for keeping track of someone’s activities and ensuring their safety; however, it might be complex and potentially risky. In this guide, we have explained and simplified the methods through which you can install and operate remote spy apps for Android and iPhone. In addition, choosing a reputable, reliable spying app and being aware of the various methods for installing spy software on a cell phone remotely is important. By following all of our guidelines, you can effectively monitor a cell phone remotely while minimizing the risk of legal or technical problems.

The best part of this whole discussion has to be that you can enjoy these apps for free. However, you enjoy several other benefits if you opt for paid versions. As you already know, these apps have their cons- uMobix has call restrictions and is illegal to own in some locations (same as Eyezy). Eyezy will fail to fetch data deleted from the target phone within two minutes; however, mSpy offers an easy balance with device compatibility, ease of use, and comprehensive monitoring abilities. It’s always the best bet.

Claire York author
Claire York

I am a journalist turned private detective researching most spy apps and their effectiveness. Apps, the internet, technology and cybersecurity have always been of interest to me. I turned this passion into a career after leaving my journalistic career at a well-known firm.

In overseeing all the important content development for this website, I go beyond what is being sold, detailed, advertised, reviewed, and trying to uncover everything there is to know about these applications.