Updated: Aug 2025
Looking for the best iPhone spy apps in 2025 that work – without jailbreaking? After testing dozens of monitoring apps over the years, I’ve narrowed it down to the top 11 apps that deliver real results. Whether you’re a parent, employer, or just looking to track your device, this guide covers tested solutions, pricing, pros and cons, and which ones are undetectable.
Why Trust This Guide?
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Personally tested on iPhone 15 Pro, iOS 17
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Over 6 years in digital parenting & security
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Updated monthly—last reviewed June 2025
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Apps checked for updates and support
Table of Contents
What are iPhone Spy Apps?
iPhone spy apps, also known as iOS monitoring or tracking tools, enable parents and employers to securely monitor a phone’s activity in stealth mode. From GPS location to social media chats, these tools provide access to call logs, texts, browser history, app usage, and more. Updated for 2025, all apps here are compatible with iOS 17.
Are iPhone Spy Apps Legal in 2025?
Using iPhone spy apps is legal under certain conditions, such as:
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Monitoring a minor’s device as a parent or guardian
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Tracking a device you legally own (e.g., work-issued phone)
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With the explicit consent of the device user
Monitoring someone without their consent can violate privacy laws. Always review your local regulations before installing any monitoring software.
Legal Notice: Monitoring should only be used with legal permission, such as on your child’s phone, company devices, or with explicit consent. Unauthorized use may be against the law. Consult local regulations.
Why Do You Need to Monitor an iPhone?
Monitoring an iPhone isn’t necessarily unethical. It can serve many responsible and security-focused purposes:
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Parental Control: Ensure children are safe online and protected from inappropriate content.
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Employee Monitoring: Track company-issued devices to prevent data leaks and maintain productivity.
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Relationship Transparency: Address suspicions in a relationship through mutual agreement.
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Lost Phone Recovery: Track a lost or stolen iPhone.
How Do iPhone Spy Apps Work?
iPhone spy apps work by accessing iCloud backups or, in the case of jailbroken devices, by installing software directly. Once installed or connected to iCloud, these apps send data from the target phone to a secure online dashboard easily accessible from any smartphone or desktop.
Some key methods include:
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iCloud-Based Monitoring: No physical access required, but limited to data stored in iCloud.
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Jailbreak-Based Monitoring: Enables deeper access but requires device access and technical knowledge.
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Stealth Mode: Most apps work invisibly to avoid detection.
Some apps offer more advanced functions like ambient recording or live camera access, but those usually require jailbreaking.
Quick Comparison Table of the Best iPhone Spy Apps
App Name | No Jailbreak | Call Logs | GPS | Social Media | Price (Starting) | Best For |
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XNSPY | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | $4.99/mo | Full features |
mSpy | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | $48/mo | Parents |
FlexiSPY | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | $68/mo | Advanced users |
eyeZy | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | $47.99/mo | UI simplicity |
iKeyMonitor | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | $16.66/mo | Screen time logs |
Spyera | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | $89/mo | Undetectable |
MobiStealth | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | $16.66/mo | Simple tracking |
TheTruthSpy | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | $21.99/mo | Budget spy tool |
Appmia | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | $29.99/mo | Versatility |
Highster Mobile | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | $29.99 one-time | One-time fee |
OwnSpy | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | €19.99/mo | Real-time tracking |
If you search the App Store, you’ll find dozens of apps claiming to track a child’s phone, but only a handful truly deliver. Over the years, I’ve tested numerous iPhone spy apps firsthand, and through continuous use and evaluation, I’ve narrowed down the top 11 that work. While there may be more apps out there, the ones I’ve selected stand out for their features, performance, and customer support, more importantly.
So, in this post, I’m sharing my all-time favorite iPhone spy apps, covering both jailbroken and non-jailbroken devices. These apps have been personally tested and verified by me through years of hands-on experience.
Wondering which app I trust the most? Stick around, I’ll reveal it at the end of this post.
Top 11 iPhone Spy Apps in 2025
1. mSpy
With around 1.0 million+ satisfied users, mSpy is one of the prominent iPhone spying and tracking apps for your kids, loved ones, and employees. I personally like mSpy because its interface is quite user-friendly.
There are two versions of the mSpy iPhone spy.
- mSpy without jailbreak
- mSpy with Jailbreak
mSpy without jailbreak:
Without a jailbreak, you will be able to track contacts, call history, text messages, internet activity, iOS notes, and apps.
One of mSpy’s most notable features is its no-jailbreak, which enables users to monitor and spy on an iPhone without jailbreaking the device. For users who lack technical knowledge of iOS, mSpy also offers support from trained technicians to assist with setup and usage.
Features with mSpy no jailbreak:
With mSpy, no jailbreak, you can track and monitor the following features on your target iPhone.
- Contacts stored on your target device
- Call history
- Text messages
- Internet activity, including websites visited
- iOS notes and apps
What do you need to spy on an iPhone without a Jailbreak?
You need iCloud login details to spy on your iPhone without jailbreaking, along with iCloud backup. If iCloud backup is not enabled on the target iPhone, you will need physical access to the phone.
Steps to Install iPhone Spy mSpy No Jailbreak:
For installing mSpy iPhone with no jailbreak, here’s the step-by-step process
- Get access to your child’s non-jailbroken iPhone to install mSpy software
- Once you get access, you need to purchase the no-jailbreak package
- You will get an email with installation instructions
- Install the software on your child’s iPhone
- Log in to your dashboard, known as the ‘control panel’, and start tracking his/her phone
- Their support is available 24/7, so you need not worry if you need help with the installation
How much does mSpy cost?
mSpy offers several pricing options depending on the plan and duration. The Basic Plan costs around $29.99 per month, while the Premium Plan is priced at approximately $69.99 per month. For long-term users, the 1-year subscription for the Basic Plan is about $99.99, and the Premium Plan costs around $199.99 per year. Prices may vary based on discounts or promotions.
- $29/month (Basic)
mSpy with jailbreak:
To begin monitoring, simply install the app on the target iPhone and activate it using the provided activation key.
This way, you will be able to track the target iPhone activity on the mSpy online portal.
Logging into the online portal, you can easily access the target iPhone’s information, such as phone calls, messages, social site data, and much more.
It also offers advanced features such as a keylogger, parental controls, social media monitoring, and no-jailbreak iPhone spying.
So, mSpy is my personal best spy app for the iPhone. It’s relatively easy to use, and it offers lots of features along with excellent customer support and service.
mSpy Pros:
- 24/7 tech support
- Undetectable and no jailbreak version
- Chat support is available to help you install the spy app remotely
- You can read deleted text messages on the target device
- monthly, quarterly, and yearly subscriptions
- 45+ features
- 14-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied
mSpy Cons:
- Requires jailbreaking to monitor advanced features
- No call recordings, you can just see the call logs
Compatibility:
Make sure your iPhone and iPad:
- Compatible with iOS 11 – 14.8.1* (Also depends on the device model)
- Wi-Fi Sync, iOS version: 13-16 (Connect their phone to a Mac or PC for the first sync, then get updates whenever they’re on the same Wi-Fi)
2. FlexiSPY
FlexiSPY is one of the most advanced and feature-rich phone monitoring apps available, offering a wide range of tools for tracking and monitoring both iPhones and Android devices. It’s often considered one of the top choices for those who need deep-level monitoring, as it provides more extensive capabilities than many other apps on the market.
Key Features:
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Call Interception & Recording: One of FlexiSPY’s standout features is the ability to intercept and record phone calls in real-time.
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Text Message Monitoring: Access both sent and received messages, including those from messaging apps like WhatsApp, Viber, Facebook Messenger, etc.
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GPS Tracking: Real-time location tracking with detailed GPS history, including geofencing features to set location-based alerts.
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Social Media Monitoring: View conversations, photos, and videos shared on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and more.
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Ambient Listening: Listen to surrounding conversations via the target device’s microphone.
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Keylogger: Capture all keystrokes entered on the device, including passwords and search queries.
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App Activity Monitoring: Track installed apps and monitor activity, including any new apps downloaded.
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Browser History: View the entire web browsing history, including bookmarked pages.
Compatibility:
FlexiSPY supports both Android and iOS devices, but features vary slightly depending on the platform.
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iPhone Compatibility: It works with iPhones running iOS 9.0 and higher, and it does not require jailbreaking for some basic features. However, advanced features (like call interception) require jailbreaking the device.
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Android Compatibility: It supports Android versions 4.0 and above, with full functionality available after installation.
Pricing:
FlexiSPY offers a variety of pricing plans based on the features you want:
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Lite Version (Basic Features):
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1 Month: $29.95
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3 Months: $59.95
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12 Months: $119.95
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Premium Version (Full Features):
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1 Month: $68.95
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3 Months: $149.95
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12 Months: $299.95
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Extreme Version (All Features + Call Interception and Ambient Listening):
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1 Month: $199.95
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3 Months: $349.95
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12 Months: $599.95
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Pros:
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Comprehensive Feature Set: FlexiSPY provides a wide range of monitoring options, making it suitable for users who need in-depth tracking.
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Advanced Monitoring: Features like call interception, ambient listening, and keylogging are unique to FlexiSPY and make it one of the most powerful apps available.
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Real-Time Data: The app provides instant updates, allowing you to track the target device in real-time.
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Stealth Mode: Once installed, it runs in the background without being easily detectable by the user.
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Multiple Device Support: You can track more than one device with FlexiSPY, making it ideal for monitoring several devices simultaneously.
Cons:
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Jailbreaking Requirement for Full Features (iPhone): To access advanced features like call interception, the target iPhone must be jailbroken.
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Expensive: The pricing, particularly for the Extreme version, is on the higher end compared to other monitoring apps, which might not justify the cost for some users.
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Complex Setup: While the installation process is fairly straightforward, accessing all features (especially for iPhone) requires more technical know-how, like jailbreaking.
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Battery Drain: As with many tracking apps, FlexiSPY can cause increased battery consumption on the monitored device.
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No Free Trial: Unlike some other monitoring apps, FlexiSPY does not offer a free trial, so you can’t test the app before committing.
Final Verdict:
FlexiSPY is a top-tier phone monitoring solution, offering extensive features that go beyond what most other apps provide. It’s ideal for users who need advanced monitoring capabilities like call interception, ambient listening, and keystroke logging. However, its higher price point and the need for jailbreaking iPhones for full functionality might make it less appealing for casual users.
If you’re looking for comprehensive, deep-level monitoring, FlexiSPY is one of the best in the market, but it’s certainly not the most budget-friendly option.
3. Highster
It is considered the best secret spy app for Android. It merely works by installing it on the target phone you want to spy on. Upon activation, with the license key, you can log in to your account and enjoy its features.
When it comes to the price, Highster Mobile is the most economical spy app with a nominal price of $69.99, which is to be paid once only with no additional recurring fees.
These include Real-time GPS Tracking, access to contacts, calendars, and apps, Text Message Monitoring, Call Logs view, photos, browser history view, and social media monitoring.
So, if you’re in search of a low-cost spy app, Highster Mobile should be the first app to be considered as it is economical, offers a variety of useful features, easy to use with a user-friendly web interface.
Compatibility:
- iOS 7 – iOS 15 (only jailbroken)
4. iKeyMonitor
The iKeyMonitor is a powerful and straightforward hidden spy app for iPhone. It has the provision to record text messages and visited websites, and it logs every keystroke and sends the recorded information to your registered email. The interface of the app is simple. I’ve used iKeyMonitor on my iPhone 7 with iOS 10.1, and it never let me down.
The only disadvantage is that the iKeyMonitor is installed only on jailbroken iOS devices.
The critical features of iKeyMonitor include:
- Capture passwords entered,
- View every keystroke typed,
- Capture screenshots periodically,
- Multi-language support and the most attractive of all, it offers you a Free 3-day trial.
If you are interested in monitoring the activities on the target iPhone, iKeyMonitor is the best spyware for iPhone, in which you can record every single activity performed on the target iPhone.
Compatibility:
- No Jailbreak – iOS 9+ (Require iCloud ID & Password)
- Compatible with all jailbroken iPhones/iPads (Physical Access Required)
5. MobiStealth
6. Spyera
7. TheOneSpy
TheOneSpy is a robust and comprehensive phone monitoring app that allows you to track a wide range of activities on an iPhone, including calls, messages, social media activity, GPS locations, and more. It’s designed for both parental control and employee monitoring, offering a powerful toolset for keeping track of mobile device usage.
The app operates in stealth mode and works discreetly, making it ideal for those who want to monitor activity without the user being aware. It offers extensive monitoring capabilities for iPhones, but some advanced features require jailbreaking the device.
Key Features:
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Call Monitoring & Recording: TheOneSpy allows you to monitor all incoming and outgoing calls on the iPhone. It also offers the ability to record calls and listen to them later.
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SMS & iMessage Monitoring: Track text messages (including iMessages) sent and received on the target device, even the deleted ones. You can also view full details like timestamps and contact names.
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Social Media Monitoring: The app monitors a variety of social media apps including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and others. You can view chats, posts, and shared media.
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GPS Location Tracking: TheOneSpy provides real-time location tracking of the target iPhone and allows you to access the location history. Geofencing alerts can notify you when the device enters or leaves a specific area.
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Keylogger: Records all keystrokes entered on the iPhone, including usernames, passwords, search queries, and messages typed in any app or platform.
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Ambient Listening: With this feature, you can remotely activate the device’s microphone to listen to conversations or surroundings in real-time.
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App Monitoring & Usage Tracking: View which apps are being used on the iPhone and track how much time is spent on each one. This includes third-party apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger.
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Photo & Video Monitoring: Access photos and videos stored on the device or those shared via messaging apps. You can view all multimedia files, including images and videos that may have been deleted.
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Browser History: Track browsing activity on Safari or any other browser used on the device. View the websites visited, including URLs, and check if any sites have been bookmarked.
Compatibility:
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iPhone Compatibility: TheOneSpy is compatible with iPhones running iOS 7.0 and higher. The app works with both jailbroken and non-jailbroken devices.
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Jailbreaking Requirements: While many features (such as GPS tracking, message monitoring, and social media tracking) can work without jailbreaking, advanced features like call recording and ambient listening require the device to be jailbroken.
Pricing:
TheOneSpy offers several pricing plans based on the features you require. The app offers both monthly and yearly subscription options, and prices vary based on the type of monitoring needed.
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Basic Monitoring Plan:
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1 Month: $19.99
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3 Months: $49.99
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12 Months: $99.99
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Premium Monitoring Plan (includes call recording, ambient listening, and more):
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1 Month: $29.99
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3 Months: $79.99
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12 Months: $149.99
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Note: Prices can vary depending on ongoing promotions, and some advanced features might be available only in higher-tier plans.
Pros:
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Comprehensive Monitoring Features: TheOneSpy offers a complete package, including call recording, social media monitoring, keylogging, GPS tracking, and more. It covers almost every type of phone activity.
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Real-Time Monitoring: You can access live updates on the target iPhone’s activity, including calls, location, messages, and app usage.
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Stealth Mode: The app runs discreetly in the background, without showing any signs of being installed, ensuring the target user does not detect it.
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Affordable for Basic Monitoring: The lower-tier plans provide solid features at an affordable price, making it a good option for those who don’t need premium features.
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Remote Monitoring: If the device is connected to iCloud, you can monitor it remotely without needing physical access to the device.
Cons:
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Requires Jailbreaking for Advanced Features: Features like call recording and ambient listening require jailbreaking the iPhone, which may not be ideal for users who want to keep the device secure and under warranty.
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Limited Free Features: Unlike some competitors, TheOneSpy does not offer a free trial or money-back guarantee, so you must commit to the service without trying it first.
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Battery Drain: As with most spy apps, TheOneSpy can drain the iPhone’s battery more quickly when running in the background, particularly when features like location tracking and ambient listening are active.
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Complex Setup for Jailbreaking: Setting up the app and jailbreaking the iPhone (if required) can be more complex than other non-jailbreak solutions, requiring technical knowledge and expertise.
Final Verdict:
TheOneSpy is an excellent monitoring app for iPhone users, offering a wide range of features that cover almost every aspect of phone activity. It excels at social media monitoring, call recording, and GPS tracking, making it a great option for parents or employers who need detailed insights into a target device’s usage.
However, its reliance on jailbreaking for certain advanced features may be a dealbreaker for some users. The app is priced competitively, with affordable plans for basic monitoring, but the lack of a free trial means you’ll need to fully commit before using the app.
If you’re comfortable with jailbreaking and want a comprehensive, feature-packed spy app for iPhone, TheOneSpy is a solid choice. For those who need more basic monitoring without the hassle of jailbreaking, other options might be a better fit.
8. Appmia
The Appmia software has the combined strong advantages of spying apps. It is a presentable application for spying, and it offers the following features.
- It can record the call time and duration.
- It can access emails and messages.
- It can track the GPS location of the target phone.
- It can record web browser history.
- It can access all the media files.
Along with all these features, there are a few disadvantages too.
GPS tracking is only available with internet connectivity.
High software cost
It can be installed only on jailbroken iPhones.
Compatibility:
- Supports devices up to iOS 9.0.x
9. OwnSpy
The OwnSpy tracking and spy app allows you to control not only your personal iPhone device but also your kid’s. OwnSpy was created by a Spanish company, Mobile Innovations, with more than 15 years of experience.
Some features of OwnSpy are:
- Recording of text messages
- Access to contacts and calendars
- Access to call history
- It can be reinstalled remotely
- Access to browsing history
- Keyboard tracking
- Social media monitoring
The disadvantage of the OwnSpy app is that it requires the target iPhone to be jailbroken before installing it. Another problem is that it consumes a fair amount of battery while recording calls, and sometimes it is detectable and visible to the user on the App Manager.
10. eyeZy
11. XNSpy
XNSPY has quietly become a market leader in iPhone monitoring. With over a decade of active development and regular updates, it supports all iPhones from iOS 6 to iOS 17.5. I installed it on a test iPhone 15 Pro Max and had it running in under 10 minutes with live support from their team.
The app dashboard is functional, though not the flashiest, but its powerful features more than make up for that. From call logs and recordings to ambient audio and precise location tracking, XNSPY gives you access to almost everything. It also monitors 13+ social apps, including WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, and Tinder.
Key XNSpy Features:
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Call & ambient recording
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13+ social apps (Snapchat, WhatsApp, Tinder, etc.)
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Accurate GPS + geofencing
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Texts, iMessages, and more in chat view
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Compatible with iOS 6 to iOS 17.5
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From $4.99/month (Basic); $7.49/month (Premium)
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Verdict: Feature-packed and affordable; top choice for serious users
XNSPY Pros & Cons
Pros:
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Full feature set: call recording, GPS, social media, ambient mic
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Works on iOS 6 to iOS 17.5 (excellent compatibility)
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No-jailbreak mode available (via iCloud)
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Quick setup with responsive 24/7 customer support
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Budget-friendly pricing from $4.99/month
Cons:
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The Dashboard UI feels outdated
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Only one device per subscription
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Requires iCloud credentials (non-jailbreak mode)
Jailbreak vs No-Jailbreak iPhone Monitoring
Feature | Jailbreak Required | No Jailbreak |
Call Recording | ✅ | ❌ |
Ambient Recording | ✅ | ❌ |
iCloud Sync Required | ❌ | ✅ |
App Installation | Yes | No |
User Detection Risk | Low | Low |
How to Choose the Right iPhone Spy App
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Purpose: Kids vs employees vs partner?
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Features Needed: Social media, calls, GPS, etc.
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Budget: Some are one-time purchases, others are monthly.
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Compatibility: Make sure the app supports the target iOS version.
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Ease of Use: Choose an intuitive interface if you’re not tech-savvy.
How to Install an iPhone Spy App
Installing an iPhone spy app is simple. It depends on whether the device is jailbroken or not. For non-jailbroken iPhones, all you need are the iCloud credentials of the target device, no physical access required. Just sign up for a spy app, log in to your dashboard, and start syncing data via iCloud.
For jailbroken devices, installation involves downloading the app directly onto the iPhone using tools like Cydia. Once set up, the app runs silently and sends data to your online dashboard in real-time.
No-Jailbreak Method:
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Subscribe to the spy app.
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Enter iCloud credentials of the target iPhone.
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Enable iCloud backup on the target device.
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Access data from your web dashboard.
Jailbreak Method:
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Jailbreak the iPhone.
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Install the spy app via Cydia.
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Configure and hide the app.
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Start receiving data on your dashboard.