undetectable spy apps

12 Best Spy Apps for Android Without Access to Target Phone

If you need to spy on a mobile device, there is only one way: installing an undetectable spying app for Android or using hacking apps. However, with so many options on the market, how can you know which ones are worth your buck?

Our experts have tested over 50 spy apps and developed a list of top contenders that bring the most value for the buck. We’ve tested these apps for several months to ensure we’ve covered all the bases.

Too long to read? Here’s a summary of our top 3 spying apps for Android:

🥇 mSpy – Our top pick. A hidden spy app with free sign-up! Completely invisible and can be installed without having access to your target’s phone.

🥈 eyeZy – our second-best phone spying software. Invisible, 5-minute setup without needing physical access. You can screen record the target phone, spy on social media, read messages and more.

🥉 SpyBubble – An impressive spy app with a free trial and 30+ features.

TRY OUR #1 SPY APP

Moreover, many of these best free spy apps for Android and iOS devices have a demo version on their websites, so you can test them before making any decisions. 

Our main criteria were user experience, features, price, updates, invisibility, security, and customer service. The apps in our list below have exceeded our expectations, so we feel comfortable marketing them to our audience. These are the top spying app selections for mobile phones:

mSpy

mSpy Dashboard

Experts deem mSpy the best phone tracker app for Android, with an 87% approval rating in reviews. Compared to many other spy apps on the market, that is way above average.

You can read text messages, get GPS data, track social media, monitor call logs, and more. The application also has a keylogger, allowing you to read every keystroke typed on the targeted device.

Recently, mSpy released a new Android feature allowing users to screen-record everything on the target Android device. This is exciting since only a few spy apps that monitor Android offer this feature.

mSpy Features

The mSpy phone spy software:

  • Record all keystrokes with the Keylogger
  • Block websites 
  • Track phone calls, call logs, and text messages
  • Geo-Fencing
  • Change the settings of the target mobile phone anytime
  • Social media app monitoring and control
By the way, mSpy offers a special 15% discount for CellTrackingApps.com readers. To apply the mSpy coupon, just type in ”cta15” in the promo code box during checkout and that’s it.

mSpy Pricing

Package:1 month3 months12 months
Type:PremiumPremiumPremium
Number of Devices:111
Price:$69.99/month$40.00/month$16.67/month
Pro tip: mSpy offers discounts from time to time. They offered a 50% discount at the time of our research so that you can get these packages at half the prices listed in the table above.

Pros

  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Exceptional multilingual customer support
  • Fair pricing

Cons

  • Fewer monitoring specs than FlexiSPY Extreme
  • Instant Messenger monitoring needs Android rooting

Try mSpy

eyeZy

eyeZy – Best Spy App for Android

For employers and individual users eyeZy certainly ranks top when delivering on performance and reliability. Android’s legitimate cell spying app provides the ultimate way to watch errant employees and troublesome teens using its advanced monitoring specs.

Unlike most mobile phone spy apps you’re likely to come across while searching for the best one, the eyeZy has a stealth camera function that allows you to capture photos and videos of what’s happening on the phone. Now that’s next-level phone spy software.

eyeZy Features

  • Real-time GPS phone tracker
  • Keeps social media activity logs
  • Live control panel 
  • Comprehensive log of incoming and outgoing calls
  • Screen Recorder

eyeZy Pricing

Package:1 month3 months12 months
Number of Devices:111
Price:$68.56/month$39.98/month$14.27/month

At our review, eyeZy offered 30% off these prices, so you may be in luck, too!

Pros

  • No additional cost for upgrades
  • Highly responsive customer support team
  • Stealth camera feature

Cons

  • You can’t delete apps on the target device

TRY eyeZy

SpyBubble

Spybubble

SpyBubble is yet another app for all Android users. It offers over 25 Android spying features that will help you track any device with ease and convenience. You can use it to catch a cheating spouse, monitor your kids’ online activities, or track your employees to ensure high workplace productivity.

It works silently in the background, diligently capturing all phone data and relaying it to your Spybubble account on their website. You can easily access this data through a dedicated control panel, where you can navigate through different sections and check virtually anything that’s going on.

What sets it apart from many other best spy apps on the market is that it offers SMS commands. This feature allows users to send text messages from the target phone remotely, delete phone information, or lock certain phone activities. Another standout feature is alerts, which will enable you to receive notifications when the target users perform activities you had previously flagged.

Features

  • Call monitoring – incoming and outgoing
  • SMS commands – send SMS messages, delete information, lock the phone
  • GPS tracker
  • IM and social media tracking – Facebook, Messenger, iMessage, BB messages, WhatsApp
  • Alerts – receive notifications when the user performs forbidden activities
  • Access all contacts
  • Monitor all photos on the target device
  • App blocking

SpyBubble Pricing

Package:1 month3 months1 year
Number of Devices:111
Price:$42.49/month$25.49/month$10.62/month

Check out the website now, and you may get 15% off.

Pros

  • Advanced monitoring features
  • Ability to execute remote commands
  • Easy and quick installation

Cons

  • You can only monitor 1 phone with 1 license
  • No live chat support

Try SpyBubble

uMobix

uMobix

uMobix is another option on the list of the coolest spy apps that work. The package prices of this spying app are very reasonable, especially compared to its broad set of features.

While discussing the features further in the article, let’s mention a couple of eye-catchers – call spying, SMS monitoring, GPS location tracking, and a keylogger.

Another great thing about uMobix spying software for cell phones is that it’s straightforward to install.

On the other hand, you’ll have to obtain one-time physical access to the device if you’re a user. Their customer support is very responsive, which was reported by many users throughout the internet. With uMobix, spying on Android phone systems has never been easier.

Features

  • Access to the target phone’s gallery and other phone media
  • Integrated keylogger
  • Social media monitoring-Viber, Skype, WeChat, Line, WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram, Kik, Hangouts, Instagram, TikTok, and Zoom
  • GPS location tracking 

uMobix Pricing

Android

Package:1 month1 month3 months1 year
Type:basicfullfullfull
Number of Devices:1111
Price:$29.99/month$59.99/month$33.33/month$14.99/month

iOS

Package:1 month1 month3 months1 year
Type:basicfullfullfull
Number of Devices:1111
Price:$29.99/month$49.99/month$26.66/month$12.49/month

Pros

  • Keylogger
  • Location tracker offers integration with Google Maps
  • Exceptional multilingual customer support
  • Identifies cyber-bullying

Cons

  • Doesn’t display the target phone’s browser bookmarks
  • Social media updates are displayed less frequently

Try uMobix

Cocospy

Cocospy

Cocospy lets you spy on your employees and your kids’ devices. Like the other free hidden spy apps for Android, this app runs anonymously and can control the target device remotely.

While this Android undetectable spying app isn’t free, it offers some advanced target device tracking features that justify the price.

Features

What you can do with Cocospy:

  • Keylogger to identify abusive words on the target device
  • SIM card alerts for any change in the chip
  • Calendar snooping
  • Check all social networking apps and conversations on the target device
  • Video preview feature for adult content 

Cocospy Pricing

Android

At our review, Cocospy offered a whooping (you won’t believe this!) 86% off the premium packages in the table below. Each box also has a 3-month and 12-month plan.

Package:BasicPremiumFamily
Number of Devices:113
Price:$39.99/month$69.99/month$89.99/month

iOS

Package:BusinessPremiumFamily
Number of Devices:2515
Price:$699.99/month$79.99/month$99.99/month

Pros

  • Round the clock customer support
  • Real-time location tracking
  • A wide portfolio of features

Cons

  • Some devices will not work without rooting
  • Doesn’t capture screenshots

Try Cocospy

FlexiSPY

flexispy hidden spy apps for android

If there is one Android spying app with more features than mSpy, it is FlexiSPY.

In addition to all the functions (such as tracking GPS, call history, browsing history, log keystrokes, social media monitoring, and much more), you will also get several FlexiSPY spying features.

This app will let you listen in on calls and record calls, even calls made through WhatsApp, Messenger, and other communication apps on the target phone. You will also get remote access to the target phone camera and microphone. It also has a feature that lets you record everything that is going around in the background.

Another unique thing about the FlexiSPY monitoring app is that you can also order a phone with pre-installed spying software to spy on Android devices, so you don’t have to worry about obtaining access to the current target device.

Features

FlexiSPY will let you do the following things on the target Android phone:

  • Receive call notifications whenever someone calls the device
  • Listen in on calls
  • Record calls
  • Record the surroundings using ambient recording
  • Take remote photos on target cell phones
  • Make remote videos
  • SIM card location tracking on target cell phones
  • Send an SMS from your target phone device to any number
  • Receive screenshots from the Android device

FlexiSPY Pricing

Package:LitePremiumExtreme
Number of Devices:111
Price:$25.95/month$79.99/month$119.99/month

Pros

  • All possible spying features are available
  • Accurate information
  • Runs in stealth mode
  • Cooperative customer support

Cons

  • Pricey

Try FlexiSPY

Hoverwatch

Hoverwatchvice

Hoverwatch is an undetectable spying app for parents. Children will not be able to see it or remove it from the targeted device. You will get constant updates on everything the user does and where they go.

This spying app for Android tracks social media so you know who your kids are contacting while blocking them from accessing explicit websites.

Like many other spy apps, Hoverwatch offers a free sign-up. However, you must purchase a subscription plan if you’d like to use some advanced features.

Features

Hoverwatch will let you:

  • Record SMS on the targeted phone
  • Access phone call history and audio
  • Use camera remotely
  • Track locations
  • Monitor social media apps – WhatsApp messages, Facebook, Snapchat, Skype, Telegram, and Instagram
  • Track phone internet activity
  • Access phone calendar and contacts

Hoverwatch Pricing

Package:PersonalProfessionalBusiness
Number of Devices:1525
Price:$24.95/month$9.99/month$6.00/month

Pros

  • Cost-effective (great functionality for an affordable price)
  • You can monitor multiple devices with the same account (perfect for businesses or families)
  • Invisible

Cons

  • Fewer options compared to mSpy or FlexiSPY
  • Manual installation

Try Hoverwatch

KidsGuard Pro

kidsguard clevguard app control panel

With KidsGuard Pro, you can monitor the activity on a device belonging to your kid or employee. There is so much you can do with this app, but what stands out is the intuitive and user-friendly interface.

With this monitoring app, you can monitor over 30 social media apps alongside Wi-Fi and GPS location tracking on the phone. You can access call logs, social media messages, browser history, app activities, and video thumbnails, among other things.

Features

What KidsGuard Pro does:

  • Records interactions on social media apps
  • Provides insights on web browsing history
  • Tracks GPS location
  • Digs in on contact list, messages, and multimedia content

KidsGuard Pricing

Android

Package:1 month3 months12 months
Number of Devices:111
Price:$29.95/month$16.65/month$8.32/month

iOS

Package:1 month3 months12 months
Number of Devices:111
Price:$39.95/month$19.98/month$9.16/month

Pros

  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • No need to root the device
  • Exceptional customer service support
  • Runs entirely in stealth mode

Cons

  • Lacks call recording option
  • Doesn’t have a free trial

Try KidsGuard

Spyic

Spyic

Spyic is an award-winning mobile tracking app for Android and iOS devices and PCs. It is loaded with a wide range of features that beat competitors. It offers a 60-day money-back guarantee if it doesn’t work as expected.

This spying app offers a free sign-up and an option to try the app’s demo. In this demo, you can see the app’s performance and get an overall feel for the product.

Features

Here are some things you can do with Spyic after it’s installed on the device:

  • Listening and viewing the surroundings using a spy camera
  • Capturing screenshots
  • Email tracking
  • Viewing chats on Instant Messengers.
  • Browse multimedia content and deleted messages

Spyic Pricing

Android

Package:BasicPremiumFamily
Number of Devices:113
Price:$49.99/month$69.99/month$89.99/month

iOS

Package:BusinessPremiumFamily
Number of Devices:2515
Price:$399.99/month$79.99/month$99.99/month

Our research shows Spyic offers 86% of all premium packages, so you may get lucky, too!

Pros

  • You can uninstall remotely
  • Silent syncs
  • It supports several operating systems

Cons

  • Outdated software
  • It is pricey

Try Spyic

Spyrix

Spyrix

You can install Spyrix easily in less than 15 minutes, and there’s no need to root the target. It is discrete and tamper-proof, meaning it will not be easy for your kids to find or remove it.

It is compatible with all modern Android devices. You can sign up for a free trial on their website and test the app before finalizing your purchase.

Features

Spyrix Android, an undetectable spying app, will let you:

  • Read SMS
  • View sent, received, and even deleted texts
  • Get parental alerts about potential issues
  • Track website history
  • Track GPS locations
  • Monitor Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, KiK, Viber, Snapchat, and many more
  • Monitor App Usage

Spyrix Pricing

Package:BasicStandardPro
Number of Devices:111
Price:$38.95/15 days$49.95/15 days$59.95/15 days

Pros

  • Detailed reports of online activity
  • Free trial version

Cons

  • No screen time control features

Try Spyrix

Spyera

Spyera

Unlike several other mobile spy apps that you’ll come across, Spyera injects a new spin on an old classic. Not only is it a free cellphone spying app. But it can also be installed on Android tablets and Mac and Windows computers to monitor the activities there.

The fact that it provides an all-around solution for the different flavors of digital and electronic gadgets that exist is something you don’t often come across.

This spying app allows you to view all instant messaging app activities in real-time, capture keystrokes using the keylogger feature, enable GPS location tracking in real-time, and even activate the camera and microphone on the target mobile device to listen in on the surroundings.

The best part about all this is – it is completely undetectable on the device it is installed on.

Features

  • It supports SMS messages and email monitoring
  • It provides access to all media files on the device
  • You can use the live call listening function for ongoing phone calls
  • It keeps detailed call history and web history
  • It tracks the actual GPS locations of devices in real-time

Spyera Pricing

Package:Android tablet/iPadAndroid/iPhone
Number of Devices:11
Price:$69/month$89/month

Pros

  • Sync speed is great and the connection is reliable
  • No need for rooting
  • Completely undetectable on the target phone in Stealth Mode
  • Offers full access to Facebook and Instagram on iOS.

Cons

  • Users have reported that the call recording feature doesn’t work properly
  • This cell phone spying software for Android doesn’t have live chat support
  • It’s quite pricey compared to other spying apps

Try Spyera

XNSpy

XNSpy

XNSpy is another spying app that safeguards your kids from harm when using cell phone devices. You can use it to fight addiction on Android phones while filtering content and sending alerts straight to a dashboard you control remotely.

XNSpy offers some of the most advanced kid-protection features. One notable upgrade is their TensorFlow Lite Deep function, which scans through the device and detects suspicious images.

Features

Here is what you can do with the XNSpy:

  • Geofencing
  • Block apps not suitable for children
  • Get daily activity reports
  • Set screen limits for your kid
  • TensorFlow Lite Deep detects suspicious pictures

XNSpy Pricing

Package:MonthlyQuarterlyYearly
Number of Devices:11
Price:$59.99/month$33.33/month$12.50/month

XNSpy was offering a 40% discount on all packages during our review, and you may get one if you check them out today.

Pros

  • Flexible subscription going for $9.99 per month, $19.99 quarterly and $59.99 annually
  • Subscriptions support multiple devices
  • Excellent customer support using a ticketing system
  • You can use it without rooting Android

Cons

  • A short trial period of 3 days
  • You can’t track messages and calls

Try XNSpy

Do Spy Apps Work?

Yes, spy apps work. Besides government-issued software, it’s probably the easiest and most effective way to spy on someone’s phone. Such apps are great because they’re so easily accessible and relatively easy to use. You don’t require any previous knowledge and experience to use them.

Is There Any Completely Free Spying App for Android?

The best spy apps presented here are undetectable and let you sign up for free. Besides, many of the best phone spy apps have a live demo or free trial to help you sample the feel of the spyware. Others boast a comfortable refund policy with up to a 30-day money-back guarantee.

But you’ll have to opt for a paid subscription to use them continually on Android and enjoy all the features. Any other providers promising free spyware for Android on the Google Play Store are likely scams seeking to steal your data or inject malware into your devices.

Such apps are dangerous, and you should avoid them. So, if you’re wondering how to spy on an Android free of charge, the answer is – you can’t unless you possess advanced coding knowledge.

What Features to Consider Before Buying a Mobile Spying App for Android?

Before you settle on a particular best spying app, there are some essential features it needs to have. Anything less, and it’s not worth your time or money. Here are the basic ones to consider.

  1. Call history and SMS text messages monitoring with an optional call interception function.
  2. Compatibility with several versions of Android.
  3. Real-time email and social media monitoring through your web portal.
  4. Live GPS Tracker to track phone location with the optional geofencing capability.
  5. Offline backup to store data when the device isn’t connected to the internet.
  6. Stealth mode allows the app to run invisibly in the background of the target it’s installed on.
  7. Browser history viewing with the parental control option to block inappropriate websites.

How to Find Hidden Apps on Android?

If you want to find hidden apps on Android, here are a couple of things you can do:

  • Look for suspicious file names that are similar to system files but out of place
  • Use an antivirus to detect hidden apps and remove them
  • Go through each app separately and remove everything that you didn’t install
  • Find hidden apps on Android by opening the ”Hidden app drawer” in the app menu:
  1. Tap the three dots in the top left corner.
  2. Tap the “hide apps” button.
  3. You will see a list of hidden apps.
  4. See what doesn’t belong there and remove it.

Is It Illegal to Spy on Someone’s Cell Phone?

No, spying on someone’s cell phone isn’t illegal – for the most part. You can only install spy apps for phones on different devices and computers that you own or that your underage kids own. You could get into legal trouble if you want to spy on someone else’s phone without their permission.

So, if you’re looking to monitor what your kids get up to closely, it is well within your rights to install parental control software on a device you bought. There’s no specific law that prohibits you from doing this. Children have a right to privacy, but only to a certain extent.

As a parent, you must keep an eye on them and keep them out of harm’s way. And, if you don’t particularly have an open relationship with them, sometimes monitoring software is the only way to get to know what’s going on in their lives so that you can keep them safe.

On the flip side, if you’re an employer who wants to keep tabs on their staff members, installing spyware apps on company devices is legal. It is, however, illegal to use the installed apps to monitor them through phones and computers they own without them consenting to it.

The same applies to phone surveillance of your spouse or partner. The keyword here is “consent.” Look up your local surveillance laws and see where they stand about spyware.

Why Download Hidden Spy Apps for Android?

Children’s Safety

The millennial generation is tech-savvy; unlike past generations, they know everything about cell phones, so you need to use parental control software to restrict the content they consume. Even though there is good educational and entertainment content, kids tend to explore more about the other features. And we all know how dangerous the internet can be.

They may want to interact with friends, but strangers can also come in, so getting an undetectable spying app to monitor their online activity, track data usage and web browser history, and know their location will be pertinent. There is a wide variety of spy apps to choose from – pick your favorite and select your favorite tracking feature!

Corporate Safety

Spyware apps help employers know the productivity of their employees. Since companies hold sensitive trade secrets and strategies, these spy apps help them detect if an employee leaks information to competitors by reading emails and other external communication, thanks to many tracking feature options.

With these spy apps, you can also start monitoring and understanding each employee’s online account and location by installing them on their phones.

Marriage Security

If you feel your significant other is hiding something, you need to get a spy app to catch your cheating spouse in the act. A spying app for Android will reveal a lot about the honesty of your loved ones. It will show you the dating apps, the details of social networking platforms, monitored data, and all the websites on your loved one’s phone.

Will the Person Know That I Am Monitoring Them with Phone Spy Apps?

Unless you disclose that you’ve installed a phone spy app on their phone, the phone user will never know that you’re monitoring their phone with a mobile spy app. These phone monitoring apps for Android will keep you completely anonymous.

The best phone spy apps come with a stealth mode feature, which, when activated, makes them completely undetectable on the targeted phone. It won’t appear in the application list and is designed to be extremely lightweight. So, it has little to no impact on the target device’s overall performance. mSpy, FlexiSPY, and Cocospy all have this feature.

What Is the Best Hidden Spying App for Android?

The best cell phone spy app is mSpy. This fantastic phone tracker boasts over 20 advanced tracking features, such as SMS spying, chat app monitoring, location tracking, and web browser history tracking. Unlike other best phone spy apps on the market, the mSpy app is the only app that gives you the best quality for the lowest price.

What Is the Cheapest Spying App?

Currently, the cheapest but most powerful monitoring software is Cocospy. However, all of them are in a very similar price range, so choose the one you think has the best features for your needs.

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23 Comments

  1. Mspy is NOT undetectable! Granted there is no icon and you can delete the file from your Downloads folder, however, if you go to settings, then Apps, you will see it there.

    1. Thanks for the heads up! You need to follow the instruction, it has the exact steps on how to make mSpy hidden.

  2. Since a commenter posted that MSpy app will still show up in settings, can you verify which apps can be totally hidden and not show up in settings or anywhere?
    Would all work on Motorola moto g7 power?
    Thank you

        1. We’ve received word from the Highster Mobile developers that you can’t hide their icons. Flexispy and Hoverwatch can though.

  3. Question I can totally see my messages being read by someone, how the hell do u find it or who’s doing it,, and get it off ones phone,, thank u please help

    1. You need to check your settings for all installed software and look for apps like mSpy or Flexispy. If you find any suspicious activity or apps, you can go ahead and delete them. You can find guides on how to uninstall these apps on their official websites.

    1. They refuse to provide us with any information, so we can’t say for sure. You can use software like Umobix which is 100% invisible.

  4. Angelica! How do we find our phone now that it has fallen off the car roof into some undergrowth? We left it on the top of the car when unlocking and got distracted! Problem is that it is switched off still 🙁

    1. Hey Suze, that’s horrible news! If it’s an Android and if it’s turned on, you can just go ahead and wipe it remotely by following Google’s guide. Please, let me know if it works.

  5. Heyy Anjelica!!….how are u…..i wanted to know whether there’s any spy app 100% undetectable and 100% free with maximum features…??

    1. Unfortunately, nothing in this world is free. You can try using the 7$ trial and see if that works for you. All apps are a 100% undetectable.

  6. Can one install spy apps remotely? And are there spy apps which can be remotely installed?

    1. Hey, you can install uMobix remotely if you have iPhone and your target’s iCloud credentials. Read our review to find out how.

  7. Any app that are %100 FREE ANDROID that tracks everything EVEN DELETED stuff?? Monitor live calls etc ? For a smart cheater..

  8. hi, are you able to hide the icon and make most totally undetectable now? I saw that it wasn’t previously but has it been undated? Also, is there a compatible program for androids that doesn’t require rooting and you can still see Facebook and other messaging?
    Where can one get instructions on how to install and rooting before purchasing?

  9. Hi Anjelica,
    I’m reading your great article on the Spyware list (with/without ROOT) and getting the understanding that all these Spywares can be installed either on an unrooted device, which doesn’t give much info, or on a rooted device which must be a new one (rooting a device is forcing a factory reset). So, the target can be either someone that you have access to his device and you know his password (unrooted = little info), or you manage to root/install/infect a new device (rooted = most info) and handle/sell it to someone that highly trust you. Giving that, I can assume that these Spywares are good to spy on your family (close friends) and less on business partners.
    Do you think so?

    1. Hi Assaf, you should indeed have physical access OR iCloud credentials to install spy apps without the person knowing. Some companies install monitoring software on their employees’ phones and inform them about it before handing it out.

  10. Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.

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