13 Best Hidden Spy Apps for Android [2022 List]

As of 2022 there are over 60 different spy apps for Android phones and tablets. Many of these apps offer VERY similar features, but a few apps work MUCH BETTER than others.

In this article we review the best hidden spy apps for Android devices. Here’s what you’ll learn:

• which is our top pick and why
• the most important spying features
• how to install and use a spy app
• refund policies to watch out for

Phone spyware apps are used to monitor the cell phone activity of a child, employee, or loved one.

To determine the best, we’ve spent more than 150 hours researching and testing the Android spy software on this list so you can quickly find the right app for your needs.

All the spy apps below offer powerful features, simple installation, reliable performance, good customer support, and are completely undetectable. Each app offers either a free trial or a money-back guarantee, so you can test it out risk free.

Product	Why We Like It	Price
#1 Pick	FREE Trial Version Simple install – no root required Powerful – access to the MOST social media apps LIVE phone tech support Best refund policy in the industry	My Rating: 4.9/5.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Click for Best Price
#2 Pick	User friendly Access social media chat apps Totally hidden & simple installation Solid Tech Support & Transparent refund policy	Click for Best Price
#1 for Parents	No Root required Parental controls on screen time Access to most apps Family Plan great for multiple phones	Click for Best Price

What Are Android Spy Apps?

An Android spy app is cell phone surveillance software used to monitor a smartphone running the Android operating system. Spy apps are used for monitoring the phone of a child, employee, or loved one.

Key Features of Android Spying Apps

Below are the most common spying features of Android spy apps:

• GPS location tracking
• social media account monitoring
• sms messages (text messages) monitoring
• see website browsing history
• see photos and videos
• see incoming and outgoing phone calls
• see chat and dating apps

List of the Best Spy Apps for Android

Below is my list of the best undetectable Android spy apps.

1. umobix
2. Geofinder
3. Spybubble
4. SPYIC
5. EyeZy
6. mSpy
7. FlexiSPY
8. Cocospy
9. iKeyMonitor
10. XNSPY
11. WebWatcher
12. Kidsguard Pro
13. Spyera

In-Depth Reviews of the Best Android Spy Apps

Below is a detailed review of each of Android spy app including unique features, pricing, refund policy, and ease of installation.

1. uMobix

The uMobix undetectable Android spy app has more features than any other cell phone spy app. It logs keystrokes, offers social media monitoring for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Snapchat, LINE, Viber, Tinder, TikTok, Kik, WeChat, Skype, Signal, Telegram, and Reddit. This cell phone tracking app also monitors and record the GPS location of the target device.

uMobix is hidden when installed on an Android Smartphone. It will not show up in the app drawer.

The uMobix mobile spy app is compatible with all versions of the Android operating system. It even works with the Google Pixel, which has some of the toughest security of any Android phone.

uMobix functions as a parental control app for parents who needs to monitor a child (or children). It can also be used as a phone tracking system for businesses that need to track their employees.

The installation of the uMobix Android spy app does require a couple minutes of physical access to the target device. It is not available in the Google Play Store, so you must download the app from the company website. It does NOT require rooting the device.

uMobix offers LIVE, US-based customer service and support for any technical issues. The app costs $11.66 per month when you buy one of their annual pricing plans. They offer FREE trial and a 14 day money back guarantee. For more information check out my full uMobix review.

Of all the best spy apps for Android no other app that comes close to the performance of uMobix. The new price is the best deal they’ve ever offered, so you’ll save a ton of money vs competitive products. Just be sure to click the link below to get the deal.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. Geofinder

The Geofinder spy app for Android works without access to the target phone. The only information needed to track the target phone is the number.

After entering the phone number, Geofinder will tell you if they can track the device. Then you will need to create an account.

This spy app uses GPS triangulation to locate the exact location of the Android device. You can find more detailed information about this tracking app in our Geofinder review.

3. SpyBubble

SpyBubble is a cell phone spy app for Androids. This app offers just as features as uMobix. It records keystrokes, social media activity on Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Snapchat, LINE, Viber, Tinder, TikTok, Kik, WeChat, Skype, Signal, Telegram, Reddit, and it includes a GPS location tracking feature.

The SpyBubble spy phone app is completely hidden after installation and will NOT show up in the app drawer of the target Android. The app works with all versions of the Android operating system.

SpyBubble works well as a parental monitoring app, but it can also function as a GPS tracking system for employees.

The installation of SpyBubble is very simple. You will need access to the target device for a couple minutes. It does NOT require rooting the device. The app must be downloaded from the SpyBubble website.

SpyBubble offers LIVE customer service via a U.S. number.

SpyBubble costs $11.66 per month with an annual subscription. They offer FREE trial and a 14 day money back guarantee. For more information check out my SpyBubble review.

4. SPYIC

SPYIC is a phone tracker app that is designed for Android phones. The SPYIC app tons of social media platforms including dating apps like Tinder. They do NOT offer live chat support. If you have a problem during installation you’ll have to submit an email and wait.

The SPYIC app has a GPS tracker, web browser history, phone call logs, contact list, social media tracking, and more.

SpyIC’s Android smartphone spy app includes a keylogging feature, but it also allows you to monitor many of these apps natively, so you can see both sides of the conversation.

Installation of the app requires you to have physical access to monitor the Android device.

This powerful mobile spy phone app allows you to see just about everything that happens on the target device. It’s a great option for monitoring employees, your kids, or whoever. For more details check out my SpyIC review.

5. EyeZy

eyeZy is one of the most powerful mobile spy apps available. It is compatible with all Android devices. eyeZy allows you to monitor spy on mobile phones without the owner ever knowing. The app allows you to spy on everything from text to browser history and all activities performed on your target device.

EyeZy uses artificial intelligence to notify you when specific activities occur on the target device. These “Magic Alerts” will keep you informed about location, keystrokes, and chats.

EyeZy takes data security very seriously. The app uses military-grade encryption to protect all customer data.

Key Features

• Track keystrokes on the target device.
• Social media chat and text message monitoring
• Track the device’s GPS location
• Magic Alerts keep you informed when you’re busy
• No root required for installation

Verdict: eyeZy is a feature-rich phone monitoring app. The AI features make it ideal for parental control. And it is simple to install on Android phones.

Price: $9.99 for 12 months, $27.99 for 3 months, $47.99

6. mSpy

The mSpy phone spy app tracks Android devices. It has a simple interface and is perfect for parents who need to track their kid’s phone activities.

Features include advanced GPS tracking, call monitoring, social media account monitoring — including Facebook Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Snapchat.

Installation of mSpy requires physical access to the device, but it does not require rooting.

For more information about features and installation, read my mSpy review.

7. FlexiSPY Extreme

The FlexiSPY Extreme mobile spyware app is the most powerful monitoring software available for Android devices. This cell phone spy software is capable of recording phone calls and much more.

Accessing these advanced features requires rooting the target phone.

FlexiSPY Extreme allows you to listen to live phone calls in real-time. You can also monitor FaceTime calls, ambient surroundings, multimedia files, block apps, and GPS location tracking.

The easiest way to get FlexiSPY is to buy a phone from them with the app pre-installed. While they don’t offer a specific business plan, FlexiSPY is a great solution for business owners as it makes tracking employee activities very easy.

FlexiSPY does NOT offer live phone support. One software license is needed for each phone. For more detailed information check out my FlexiSPY review.

8. Cocospy

Cocospy is a phone spyware app for Android devices. Cocospy offers VERY similar features to SPYIC.

The web control panel has an easy to use menu that allows you to quickly see all the phone’s information.

Cocospy is a solid phone monitoring solution that offers very similar features to SPYIC. It’s great for monitoring kids, employees, or loved ones.

For a full list of features check out my Cocospy review.

9. iKeyMonitor

iKeyMonitor offers a free spy app for Android phones. Free spy apps don’t offer as many features as paid apps, but they come at no cost.

The iKeyMonitor free Android spy app has the following features:

• Call history
• SMS Messages
• GPS Locations
• Geo-fencing
• Contacts
• Calendars, Notes
• Reminders, Voice Memos
• Wifi history

It has a user-friendly online dashboard for viewing data from the target devices.

You will be required to root the device to get the access to the most spying features. If you are uncomfortable with the jailbreaking process you should use an iCloud option. 

The keylogging feature is quite powerful but requires either rooting or jailbreaking the target device.

iKeyMonitor is another solid smartphone monitoring app. However, it does require you to root or jailbreak (iOS) the device for maximum access.  Bottom line, it offers many of the same great features as the others, but at a cheaper price.

For more information on this mobile spying app, go to https://ikeymonitor.com/ or check out my iKeyMonitor review.

10. XNSPY

XNSPY is a cell phone spying app designed to work on any Android phone. The app is compatible with any version of the Android operating system.

XNSPY monitoring features include social accounts like Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp, Snapchat, call logs, sms tracking, photos and videos, and has a GPS location tracking feature.

This software is designed for parents and employers, but can be used to track anyone and everything on their mobile device. The online interface allows you monitor multiple devices and switch between users.

XNSPY costs $7.49 per month for the Premium Edition. The Basic Edition costs $4.99 per month.

XNSPY’s free customer support is via email. You can also access app information on their website.

11. WebWatcher

WebWatcher is a monitoring app for Android devices. The features of this app include monitoring of emails, GPS location information, instant messages and chats, social media activity, websites history data, Google searches, screenshots and more.

The WebWatcher app is installed directly on the mobile phone you want to track. There is no way to remotely install the app. Installation takes just a few minutes. The app is completely safe to use on Mac, Windows-base PCs, iPhones, and any Android phone.

The WebWatcher app records phone data in real-time, so information is available in your online dashboard interface almost immediately.

WebWatcher is perfect for parents who need to track the phone activities of a child.
The app will alert you when your children visit specific websites or when they type certain keywords. You can also sign up for email notifications that will alert you to all activity on a schedule that you specify.

If you need to monitor multiple devices you will need one license per device. The installation instructions are very detailed and easy to follow.

12. KidsGuard Pro

KidsGuard Pro from ClevGuard is a phone monitoring app designed for parental control. Many of the features are intended for keeping track of what your kids are doing online.

KidsGuard Pro features include screen-time controls and monitoring, location tracking, sms messaging, social media chats, and other phone activities. Check out my Kidsguard Pro review for more information.

13. Spyera

The Spyera spying app is another great solution.

Spyera has many of the same features as other monitoring apps.  Because Spyera is easy to use, install and configure, it is a good choice for those who aren’t as technically savvy.

The online dashboard is very similar to the other cell phone monitoring software we’re covering, but this app doesn’t have some of their advanced capabilities.

Spyera is one of the better budget spy phone apps on the market.  This spying software lacks some of the more advanced capabilities.

Spyera offers a ONE-TIME annual payment.  Yes, it is missing some features like recording calls, ambient recording, and turning on the camera, but it is still a robust package to spy on someone’s online activities.

Other popular apps include Hoverwatch, Mobistealth, PCtattleTale, Highster, and Spyier.

Why Do People Use Android Spy Apps?

Android spy apps have many uses. Spying apps are designed for parents who want to monitor the phone of a child, but can be used anyone’s smartphone.

Parental monitoring

The most common reason to use a spy app is to track a child’s smartphone usage. They allow a parent to track their child’s location, what apps the child uses, who they chat with, and even if the child is being bullied in school.

Some apps offer even more parental monitoring features like:

• monitoring screen time
• internet browsing history
• Youtube videos they watch
• time restrictions
• remote locking of the device

Monitoring an Employee’s Phone

Another common use of spy apps is to monitor and track an employee’s phone usage and productivity. Cell phone spying apps allows employers to ensure that company phones are only being used for activities that are work-related.

They can also be used to monitor employee communication with customers via text messages or phone calls.

Spying on a Spouse

Phone spy software is often used to spy on a spouse who is suspected of cheating. A husband or wife can monitor their spouse’s phone for secret messaging apps or dating apps. They can even use the GPS tracking feature built into phone spy apps to see their spouse’s location.

Installing a Phone Spy App on an Android Device

In this section you’ll find the installation requirements for Android spy software and a step-by-step guide to installing our top pick.

Installation Requirements

Android spyware apps must be downloaded and installed directly onto the targeted device. You CANNOT remotely install cell phone spying apps on an Android phone.

Part of the installation process includes changing the security settings of the device. This is done to ensure the Android operating system will not identify and disable the spy app. Here is a quick look at the security settings that must be changed.

Below is what you will need to install cell phone spyware on an Android device:

• physical access to the target device
• the user’s passcode PIN or pattern password to unlock the device
• internet connectivity to download the spy app

Is Rooting Required for Installation?

Most Android spy apps do not require rooting the phone. Rooting is only required if you need access to advanced features.

Advanced Features Enabled with Rooting

Here is a list of advanced features available on rooted Android devices:

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Below is a step-by-step guide for installing uMobix on an Android device.

Step 1: Create an account at uMobix

To start using uMobix you must sign up for a paid plan. Go to the uMobix.com website and click the “Try Now” button.

Enter your email address and choose Android device. Then choose a subscription plan. Once you have paid you will continue to the installation.

Step 2: Adjust the Security Settings of the Target Android

The next step is to disable certain security features on the target Android phone. This includes:

• disabling Google Play Protect
• allowing Installation of Unknown apps

Step 3: Installation of the uMobix app

The installation of the uMobix app is initiated with a QR code. Use the camera of the TARGET PHONE to view the QR code and click the installation link once it appears. Once the installation is finished you are ready to start monitoring.

Step 4: Start monitoring the target phone

You are now ready to start monitoring the target phone. Go to uMobix.com and log into your account. Now you will be able to see a dashboard containing all of the data from the target phone.

How to Use an Android Spy App

To use an Android spy app you must first install it on the target phone. This requires you to have the following:

• an account with a spy app vendor
• the password or PIN of the target phone
• Internet access to download the app
• a few minutes of physical access to the target phone

Now you are ready to install the spyware app. The steps below walk you through installing our favorite spy app uMobix.

Are Android Phone Spy Apps Legal?

Spy apps are legal when used correctly. In the United States it is legal to monitor someone with a phone spy app with their permission. However it is illegal to install a phone spying app without their knowledge.

Before buying any of the apps recommended above, make sure you understand if it’s legal for you to monitor the target phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Android Spy Apps Really Work?

Yes Android spyware apps work extremely well. They are a very effective way to monitor someone’s smartphone activity without having physical access to the device.

How Does Android Spy Software Work?

Android spy software works by uploading phone data to a remote server using the cellular data connection or WiFi. This data can then be viewed using an online control panel.

Can Android Spy Apps Be Installed Remotely?

No, Android spyware apps cannot be installed remotely. These apps MUST be installed directly on the target phone. There are no Android surveillance apps that allow you to spy on a phone without installing software on the target device.

Do you need physical access to the Android phone?

Android spying apps require physical access to the device to install the app and adjust security settings. Once this is done you will no longer need access to the device.

Do Android Spying Apps Require Rooting the Phone?

No, most spy software for Androids do NOT require rooting the phone. You should only consider rooting the phone if you need advanced features like call recording and live call interception.

Can Android Spying Apps Monitor Social Media Accounts?

Yes, Android surveillance software can monitor most social media accounts including Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. They can also monitor Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Skype, Tinder, KIK, Line, and Viber.

Can You Turn an Android Phone into a Listening Device?

Yes, installing a spy app allows you to turn a smartphone as a listening device. All recordings are stored in an online dashboard.

Are Android Spy Apps Safe?

Android spyware apps are generally safe. But installing a spy app requires disabling certain features of the phone’s security. This can potentially expose the target user’s personal data.

Data Security

All phone spying apps store the target phone’s data on a server. Most companies use powerful encryption to secure this data, but there is a possibility of this data getting hacked. This could expose the target user’s personal information, pictures, and communications. You can learn more by reading my article on Android spy app safety concerns.

Device Security

To function properly on an Android device, spying apps require you to disable several Android security features. This can leave a phone vulnerable to malicious apps, spyware, and malware.

Are Free Android Spy Apps any good?

There are free spy apps for Androids, but they offer very limited features and no customer support. If you only need to monitor a couple features a free spy app may have everything you need. More advanced monitoring features require payment.

Can I Track an iPhone from an Android?

You can track an iPhone from an Android using spy apps for iPhones and iOS devices. All you need to get started is the users iCloud email address and password.

Can someone install spyware on my Android device?

Someone could install spyware on your Android device. They would need physical access to the device and your screen lock passcode.

For more information check out my post on detecting and removing spyware on your phone.

What Are the Signs Someone is Spying on Your Android Phone?

Signs that someone is spying on your Android phone include decreased battery life, high data usage, unusual app behavior, jumpy scrolling, and the inability to install anti-virus software.

Read more: Signs your phone is being tapped, tracked, or hacked

Conclusion

uMobix and SpyBubble are the best Android spy apps for most people They are easy to install and do NOT require rooting or jailbreaking the device. The customer support is the best in the industry and both companies offer a free trial and have a reasonable refund policy.

If you need features like live call interception and call recording FlexiSPY is the best choice. This solution DOES require the extra step of rooting the Android device first.