Spy apps for Android are undetectable licensed software, which can siphon and upload information from a target device.
The siphoned information often includes but is not limited to contacts, SMS, app activity, social media tracking, access to all media forms, and many more.
Most Android spy apps have an online dashboard. The dashboard can be accessed online via any web browser and login credentials. On the dashboard, all the siphoned data is neatly arranged into different categories.
Access to this information enables parents, employers, or law enforcement agencies to have insight into an individual’s daily activities and social life.
How Android Spy Apps Work?
Android spy apps are mostly subscription-based services. There are free trial periods offered with these for users seeking to test drive the app before purchase.
Android cell phone spy apps offer much more level of access and control. With a subscription to any of the popular Android spy apps, you can be up and running in minutes.
Installation instructions are often supplied with the subscription email. Most spy apps have detailed instructions with pictures.
To get a clear picture of how a normal install process looks like, check out this mSpy example:
Step 1: Proceed to the mSpy website and click on TRY NOW
Step 2: Sign Up for a user account using an email and password
Step 3: Choose the correct device
Step 4: Choose a Subscription plan that suits your needs
Step 5: Sign in to your user account
Step 6: Follow the detailed provided instructions to set up your device
How to Choose the Best Free Hidden Spy App for Android?
Many services claim to offer free undetectable Android spying. Be warned that most of these are scams.
Those that are not scams fail to deliver on their claims. Cheap is expensive and this is why we always recommend getting a paid subscription for phone monitoring apps for Android.
Major corporations like Google and Samsung have their version of cell phone tracking apps. They offer some level of parental control but mostly for tracking the Android device if lost or stolen. These are the only free options we can recommend.
The best-paid Android spy app for parental control should have most of these features:
- Screen time control & scheduling;
- Explicit content alerts and filtering
- Detection of suspicious photos and videos
- Device blocking & locking
- Function mostly without requiring root
Can I Use Android Spy Apps without Rooting?
Yes. You can use phone monitoring apps for Android without rooting. The app can be installed just fine and most features will function.
Cell phone spy apps that require rooting can be a deal-breaker. Rooting is very aggressive and poses security concerns to the target device.
We warn our audience to stay clear of rooting. However, if you are confident that you know what you are doing, rooting will open up a whole new world of advanced features.
Root is required by many undetectable spy app for Android. Advanced features such as social media apps and messengers monitoring require the phone to be rooted to work.
Are Android Spy Apps Undetectable?
Yes. Most advanced Android spy apps are “undetectable”. Take that word with a grain of salt, however, because a keen and technical user can easily find the app.
Hidden spy apps for Android are simply renamed. You can always find them going by covert file names like ‘’Service update’’ etc, to cover their tracks.
Others Facebook messenger spy software claim the use of minimal system resources. However, some phone managers will detect the app that misuse resources like battery, data, and system memory which many often do.
Some apps can also not be uninstalled unless the phone is reset to factory. That however only makes them tamper-proof, not undetectable.
Are There Free Undetectable Spy Apps for Android?
No. Most spy apps for Android that claim to be free are scams. Once you register for “free” you will be required to pay to see the collected data. Some free services have been known to be dens for identity thieves and scammers. The only real way to spy on someone’s phone is to use subscription-based tools. These often deliver on their claims and offer a safe and secure environment to monitor your children or employees.
Is Android Spy App Remote Installation Possible?
No. All Android spy apps we have reviewed require the user to have physical access to the target device. The app installation is usually a few minutes process. Other spy app companies we have reviewed offer remote customer support services. Clients can purchase an appointment and be walked through the entire setup process. If this is still inconvenient, others offer a full setup device that ships straight to your doorstep. iOS users have remote installation because their version is web-based.
Is It Legal to Phone Monitoring Apps for Android?
Yes. Many Android smartphones and tablet monitoring software are designed for parents who wish to monitor and control their children under 18 years for safety. You are required to either own the monitored device, or you must have written consent from your child.
It’s illegal to use spy apps for monitoring the digital devices of your spouse, girlfriend/boyfriend, or partner. It is your responsibility to adhere to the local laws of your country or region. Failure to do so could result in severe monetary and criminal penalties imposed on the violator.
What Is the Best Android Spy App Without Rooting?
We recommend mSpy for the best Android spy app without rooting. Cocospy enables parents to monitor SMS messages, call logs, and social site usage, location history, etc. their impeccable security track record also makes customers feel secure with info about their kids’ relationships and whereabouts.