While it is true that some spy programmes offer powerful features to monitor the activity of a mobile phone, the reality is that it is not possible to install them remotely. You will come across many websites that offer solutions to spy on any smartphone, even if you have no access to the device or if it locked with a password. However, these claims are not to be trusted and any company that states that you can download their software to your own phone in order to monitor someone else’s, is simply not telling the truth.

As tempting as it may sound, any software that tells you that you do not need to have the target phone at your reach to be able to monitor it, is nothing but plain scam. Installing mobile phone spy applications remotely seems like a practical solution and it is an idea that appeals a large number of people, but it not a reality and in a way you should be glad about that. Even if you are the one who is considering the possibility of spying on a mobile phone that you don’t own and to which you have no access, imagine how you would feel knowing that you could also end up becoming a target.

If it was possible to install spy software remotely, everyone would be at risk and paranoia would take over smartphone users. Thankfully for privacy’s sake, installing spy apps on any phone you want is not feasible and would also be illegal. This kind of software requires you to have legal rights over the device you want to monitor. As such, parents of underage children who are keeping an eye on the phones they acquired for their kids are not in breach of the law.

It is also acceptable for business owners to monitor work mobile phones assigned to their employees, as long as they make their staff aware of this surveillance. We will discuss why remote installation of mobile phone spy software doesn’t work and will share some tips that will help you to avoid any company that makes false claims.

Recognize the lies
Generally, the websites that offer software that is supposed to work through remote installation, state that their product would work on any mobile phone or network without requiring any kind of modification on the device. They would lure you with promises of a simple set up process that only requires you to download the application to your own phone and then call the mobile you wish to monitor. According to them, a few minutes later you would get access to all the activity on the target device. It seems incredibly simple, but it is not true.

First of all, configuring these programmes can be quite challenging as they are not exactly modern or user-friendly and if you were to install the software on an iPhone, you would need to jailbreak it. The next issue is that even if you managed to get the software on your device, this remote installation is meant to use Bluetooth tethering. In order for this to work, the two mobile phones should accept the Bluetooth connection (this normally involves turning on Bluetooth on both devices and adding a code to pair them), not to mention that both devices would need to be close.

This means that even if this technology worked, you could not actually install the software remotely without the help of the target mobile phone’s owner. The whole idea of calling someone you want to spy on, asking them to enable Bluetooth and accept your device is absurd. And if you thought that you could secretly install spy software on your partner’s phone while they are on a weekend away with friends, you can forget about it since the maximum range for Bluetooth is around 50 metres. Bottom line, these applications are not practical, do not actually work and their use would be illegal. Any company that says that its product can be installed remotely and that works on any device is simply lying.

Red flags
You may still feel tempted by the extraordinary claims that the provider behind this type of software make, but if you research the programme you will probably find the word scam closely associated to it. Of course, many of these websites rely on fake reviews and would even change the name of their product once their tricks have been exposed. However, there are certain common indicators (apart from the fact that they are offering a product that is a fraud) that will allow you to recognize these con artists. Here are some of the signs to look out for.

The website does not look professional
If the website selling the spy software does not contain enough information about the product and is merely one page with a few headlines, a series of Buy Now buttons and a collection of enthusiastic comments from “customers”, you should be very suspicious. You can expect tutorials, helpful guides, legal disclaimers and a reliable customer support from the leading spy software companies, but scammers are only after your money, so they would not bother providing you more details or assistance.

No monthly charges
Extremely low prices are also a sign that something is not right. Well-established spy software solutions sell the license on a subscription basis (from one month to a full year) because they need to continuously invest on the development of their product. Since new phone models and OS updated are regularly released, reliable software providers aim to keep up with the changes in order to offer features that suit any customer. Avoid any company that only asks for a one time payment and that offers free gifts (CDs, DVDs, toys, etc.) that are not even related to the kind of product they sell.

Payment methods/ Refund policies
Real companies strive to give their customers a wide range of secure payment options and will offer a clear refund policy in case you come across any issues. In contrast, fraudsters would usually only accept credit cards and you may only find vague details on their website about their money back guarantees or policies.

Conclusion
Now that you are aware of the fact that spy software cannot be installed remotely, you can get a sense of relief knowing that the security of your device cannot be compromised by any random stranger. Just make sure that you don’t leave your mobile phone exposed and keep it locked. If you are looking for mobile phone monitoring solutions, knowing that remote installation is an illusion, will help you to avoid wasting money on services that don’t work.

However, due to the invasive nature of this type of technology, there is a chance that it could be used to access your personal data without your knowledge. Luckily, spy software cannot be installed remotely and anyone who wants to monitor your mobile phone usage would need to get their hands on your device. The first step to avoid becoming a target of monitoring software is to keep your mobile phone secure. Lock your device and make sure that is not easily available for those who may want to spy on you.

It is not always easy to confirm that your phone is being monitored, but there are some indicators that would reveal the presence of spy software on your device. While the signs may not be explicit, if you suspect that someone has installed spy software on your phone, you should pay attention to any possible hints. We will reveal some of the things you may experience when dealing with spy software, but keep in mind that some of the issues listed could be caused by something else. Advanced spy software is designed to run stealthily in the background, without leaving any trace on the device, but if you come across many of the signs mentioned below, there is a high possibility that your phone is under surveillance. Here is what to look out for.

Unusual phone behaviour
Keep an eye for any changes on your phone’s performance or strange behaviour. If the device keeps shutting down, lighting up or making beeping sounds without any explanation, it could be due to mobile monitoring software.

Battery life changes
Some mobile phone monitoring applications use up a lot of battery. If you find that your battery life is running down considerably faster than usual, there could be spy software installed on your device.

Increase in data usage
The less sophisticated spy programmes tend to use more data to collect and send reports from your mobile phone. If you notice that your monthly data usage has increased without apparent reason, you may be dealing with spy software. You can keep an eye on your data usage with the help of apps like My Data Manager by Mobidia Technology and Data Usage by Sigterm.

Background noise
While this may be caused by a bad connection, if you notice background noise (clicking sounds, beeping, static or voices) quite regularly, it is possible that your call conversations are being listened to or recorded.

Receiving odd text messages
Receiving text messages that only have strange characters, symbols and numbers may be another sign of spy software. Mobile monitoring programs may issue commands to the targeted phone via text messages and if the software has not been configured correctly, you would be seeing these texts.

What about iPhone?
Spy software can only be installed on jailbroken iPhones, therefore if your phone has not been jailbroken you should be safe. However, if someone is persistent on targeting your phone, they probably won’t think twice about jailbreaking your device to complete the installation. The usual indicator of a jailbreak is the Cydia app, but this can also appear as Icy or as the Installer app on your home screen. Of course, the spy may have hidden any evidence and you would have to look further to find the Cydia app.

Jailbreaking allows installation of software not supplied through Apple, so if you see any apps that you don’t recognize, you should check if they are available in the App store. If you didn’t jailbreak your phone, you can restore your device to default settings and get rid of any possible spy software with one simple step. Just update to the latest iOS to remove the jailbreak and any software not obtained from the App store. Remember to backup your data prior to the upgrade.

Conclusion
Just because your phone is being affected by some of the issues described above, it does not mean that your mobile phone is being monitored. However, if you experience several of these signs regularly, there is a significant risk that spy software is installed on your phone. As usual, prevention is the best weapon so make sure that you find out more about the way spy applications work. Remember that physical access to the device is required, therefore it is more likely that someone close to you install the monitoring software. Use a password lock on your mobile phone and keep your phone secure at all times.

WhatsApp
WhatsApp has millions of users around the world and it is extremely convenient as it allows you to send messages across different platforms (for instance you can send a message from an Android to an iPhone or from BlackBerry to Windows Phone), as long as both parties have the app installed. It can be downloaded for free and after the first year, you would only need to pay $0.99 USD annually.

GTalk
GTalk is also a cross-platform service that lets you stay in touch with your friends, regardless of the device they have.

iMessage
This Instant Messaging application works exclusively between iOS devices and if a message happens to be sent to an Android phone or any other platform, it would appear as a regular text.

BlackBerry Messenger
Similar to iMessage, this service is only designed to work between Blackberry users.

Monitoring Instant Messaging apps

While spy phone monitoring software is catching up with instant messaging services, the technology is still under development and most programs are not able to monitor all conversations effectively. However, parents would be able to get an overview of what is said in most cases, which will help them to become aware of any potential risks for their kids.

The widespread use of instant messaging applications is set to make spy software developers work towards improving their features and ensuring that they can monitor these services seamlessly. By now, you can try any of the below options, which allow you to monitor different messaging applications. Keep in mind that some features are only available for certain devices/operating systems. Check compatibility and support for your device before choosing a service.

mSpy
SnapChat is the latest trend and mSpy gives you the possibility of monitoring its fast paced image and video exchanges. It also supports other options like Viber, Facebook, Twitter, BB Messenger and iMessage.

FlexiSPY
The most complete solution for monitoring messaging applications and social media sites is FlexiSPY, which covers 13 services including WhatsApp, SnapChat, iMessage, Facebook, Viber and Skype.

MobileSpy
With MobileSpy, you can access activity on Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp but if your target phone is an Android, it must be rooted. MobileSpy also allows you to monitor BlackBerry Messenger, Windows Live, GTalk and iMessage for those who are targeting an iPhone.

MobiStealth
It lets you monitor WhatsApp, Skype chats, Yahoo and MSN chats, but these options are not available for every device.

If you are interested in monitoring a particular messaging app, take a look at the options available and make sure that they work with the mobile device that you want to monitor. As the popularity of instant messaging services continues growing, it is expected that the compatibility expands and that the monitoring options get better.

There are countless websites out there that promise to let you track mobile phones free of charge, but these adverts are not to be trusted. These days, everyone is trying to get the best value and getting free software is very tempting so it is no wonder why they make such claims in order to get your attention. In reality, the “free” software could end up costing you more than what you would pay for a good quality premium application. By stating that you can use spy software for free, these misleading ads catch your attention and then trick you into paying for their product.

Bottom line, don’t believe anyone who offers free mobile spy software. It may sound incredibly appealing, but there is no such thing and you need to accept the fact that if you want to use spy software, you will need to pay for it. There are some companies that give you the possibility of trying out their service for a small price or for free, here are some options.

Free Trials and Short-Term subscriptions

When it comes to free trials and subscriptions you should always read the terms and conditions, even if you are dealing with reputable companies.

FlexiSpy has a free trial that allows you to test the service for 24 hours in one device. You will be able to use an account with all the features that FlexiSpy offers and no credit card is required. After the 24 hours trial period expires, you will be redirected to purchase a full license and once your payment is completed, you will be able to continue using the service.

MobileSpy used to offer a 7-day free trial, but it is currently suspended. However, they have short term subscriptions (3 months) for less than $50 USD. If the programme does not work for you, even after they try to solve the issues, you can get your money back. They also have an online demo so you can check the software’s interface before you pay for a subscription.

You could also go for the Basic mSpy service for one month, which costs around $38 USD. This version has limited features, but it may be an option if you want to try mobile software before committing to a longer subscription.

Conclusion
There are many mobile software options available, but you will not be able to find a good and fully operational solution that is free. Even free trial versions are difficult to find, so make sure that when you look for spy software you are prepared to invest on it.

Spy phone with listening device

There are mobile phones that include a listening device and are designed to discreetly record what is said in a conversation. The device is basically a recorder that looks exactly as a mobile phone, which makes it a convenient option to carry anywhere without raising suspicion. Nowadays, it is also possible to find apps that allow you to record sound using your mobile phone without being detected.

Spy phone with hidden camera

This type of spy phone allows you to take pictures or record video and some models also let you record sound. There are spy phones that give you the possibility to catch an extensive view of the phone’s surrounding with the help of special lenses and you can activate the recording option remotely or setting motion sensors. These devices would work well as a discreet nanny cam. Again, with the help of certain apps you may be able to use your regular smartphone as this type of spy phone.

Spy phones for tracking location

There are mobile phones specially designed for tracking purposes and they include the software required. You could also get a tracking device, but this would not be as practical or affordable as using a mobile phone. The most convenient solution would be use an old mobile phone and install the software yourself to save money. The leading mobile phone spy software programmes offer tracking features to help you find out the exact location of the device, using GPS monitoring

Mobile Phone using spy software

Installing spy software on a smartphone would provide access to the activity of the device’s user. There is a wide range of mobile spy apps that can be installed covertly on almost any phone. The options include powerful programmes such as StealthGenie and Flexispy, which offer advanced features to monitor mobile devices. Using spy software programmes would allow you to access text messages, call details, internet browsing history and much more.

Conclusion

A smartphone using spy software is the most complete solution available, but regardless of the type of spy phone chosen, you should always consider the legal implications. Read carefully the information provided by the manufacturer or software developer. While there are legit reasons for using spy gadgets including protecting your children, it is your responsibility to ensure that you do not break the law at any stage or you may face severe consequences.

Why would you need to protect your mobile phone

Our phones have become crucial for everyday tasks and we keep them by our side pretty much all the time. A lot could be said about us through our phones since they keep our conversations, photos, online browsing history and more. Still, many people fail to see the importance of mobile phone security and they only become aware of the risks when it is too late.

If someone gets access to your phone, they would probably be able to see confidential information meaning that your privacy and security can be severely compromised. Unfortunately, mobile spy software programs could be easily used for malicious purposes and since anyone could be exposed to security breaches, it is crucial to consider what you can do to protect yourself.

How to keep your mobile phone protected

There are simple ways to protect your phone and you should keep in mind that even those who are close to you may be tempted to check your mobile phone activity without your authorization. The basic rule is to never let your phone unattended. Some mobile spy apps are very easy to install and even someone without advanced technical skills could set up the programme on your device in only a few minutes.

Protecting your phone with a locking password is an effective option to ensure that your phone is safe. This is a very easy way to prevent unauthorized installation of mobile spy software and while it is a solution available on any phone, you can enhance the security of your device by using a password management or locking app.

Phone locking apps

In order to keep your phone safe at all times, set it to lock automatically. If you want more options than the default mobile phone settings, you can check free apps like Screen Off and Lock or Lock Screen Widget, which enable swift and automatic locking. For an even securer experience, you should opt for apps designed to provide a high level of encryption and advanced features. You can try Mind Wallet or mSecure Password Manager, which is available for $9.99 USD.

Additional security solutions

Another alternative to increase the security of your phone is to use an app like AppNotifier, which alerts you by email when a new app is downloaded to your device. The app is free and it will protect you by making you aware of any unwanted software being installed on your smartphone.

Security for iPhones

Mobile spy apps can only be installed on jailbroken iPhones so if your device has not undergo this process, you can be sure that there is no monitoring software on it. Another security advantage for iPhone users is that even if the device has been jailbroken, the jailbreak will be removed when the Operating System is updated. When you update the iOS you will also get rid of any spy software that could have been installed on your iPhone.

Conclusion

The security tips that we mentioned should be effective in most cases, but you can also invest in premium mobile security apps to increase your defence against spy software. Basic prevention measures like password protecting your smartphone and setting it to lock automatically, should be enough to stop someone from installing mobile monitoring apps on your device.

Skype on mobile devices
For many users, Skype has replaced regular calls and texts since it can be used from smartphones, as well as tablets. Skype is not only convenient but also affordable or even better, free. While there are more competitors in the market these days, Skype is still recognized as one of the best options.

Monitoring Skype monitoring
Not long ago, the possibility of monitoring Skype calls and messages was not available. This was an issue for parents that wanted to ensure that their children were safe and that they were not engaging in inappropriate conversations. It was also challenging for employers that needed to confirm that their staff were not sharing confidential information. Most spy software solutions focused in monitoring conventional calls and texts but activity from services like Skype was off the radar. Thankfully, there are monitoring solutions that have upgraded their technology and that offer the option to access Skype on mobile devices.

Some of the most popular programs such as mSpy, StealthGenie and Flexispy give users the ability to keep track of Skype in Android phones/tablets that have been rooted and Apple devices that have been jailbroken. After installing the monitoring software, you will be able to see all the messages sent through Skype, as well as the files (such as photos) that are exchanged. Even though at the moment it is not possible to record or listen to Skype calls, it should not be long until this option becomes available as monitoring programs become more sophisticated. In the meantime, you can get information about the time and number dialled or from where the call was received.

It is likely that more messaging apps like Skype appear in the market as people are trying to reduce costs and make communication easier. The challenge for mobile monitoring programs is to ensure that they can effectively keep track of the activity that takes place in these apps. Apart from Skype, some monitoring software programs offer the ability to check what goes on apps like Viber, WhatsApp and iMessage. The days in which calls and texts were the only form of communication are gone and that is why mobile monitoring software has stepped up to cover all the apps currently used to stay in touch. By being able to access Skype conversations, you can get a clearer picture of who your children’s friends are or what they are doing. For companies, monitoring Skype can ensure that any mobile phone misuse or data leakage is identified. Monitoring Skype is not the most important feature that spy mobile software offers, but it is a function that is useful in many cases.

What is Jailbreaking
Apple devices are designed to use only apps or software that you acquire from Apple’s App Store. Their operating systems would not allow the installation or use of any third part software. While there are over one million apps available in the App Store, there are many other software options that you may want to get for your iOS device. New third party apps are constantly being developed and they are appealing thanks to the customization and additional features that they can offer. Jailbreaking is free and it gives you more flexibility as it extends the options of what you can do with your iDevice, allowing you to download software outside of the App Store.

How Does it Work
When you jailbreak your Apple device, you are basically changing its operating system in order to allow the use of third party apps and software. First you would need to download a Jailbreaking software and once you run it, it will install an app called Cydia, which works as an alternative to the App Store. In Cydia, you will be able to find third party software packages and install them on your device. The apps for jaibroken devices are created to be compatible with the available iPhone models and the operating systems they run. These are constantly updated to match Apple’s new iOS releases.

Keep in mind that jailbreaking is not the same as unlocking an iPhone. Unlocking would only allow you to use the phone with different mobile service providers. When you buy a mobile phone contract with a company, the device may be locked in to that carrier so you would not be able to change to another one. Unlocking gives you freedom to change the mobile provider you use with your phone but you don’t need to jailbreak the device for this purpose.

Identifying A Jailbroken Phone
The easiest way to tell if an iPhone has been jailbroken is to check if the Cydia App is installed on it. However, Cydia can be hidden, meaning that this is not always a reliable way to find out an iPhone has been jailbroken. The alternative is to try to jailbreak the iPhone and when you try to run the software, you will see a message letting you know that the device is already jailbroken.

Additonal Information
There are aspects of jailbreaking that are commonly discussed and that many users wonder about. Below is a list of the main things you need to know when it comes to jailbreaking.

Contrary to what many believe, Jailbreaking is legal and it will not automatically void your warranty. Jailbreaking is a process that can be reversed so make sure that you restore your iPhone to its default settings before you bring it for repair to an official store.

Even though there are some paid Jailbreaking services, you can get free software. It is possible to find Jailbreaking software for any iOS without any cost. Jailbreaking is not as complicated as many users think. It usually takes only a few minutes and you do not need strong technical skills to do it.

Many people are concerned about the safety of Jailbreaking but as long as you do a full backup of your iPhone and store the data on your PC, there is nothing to fear. In case you have any issues, you can always restore the data and your phone to its default settings.

When you upgrade to the latest iOS version, the jailbreak will be removed. However, jailbreak developers are constantly working to keep up to date with Apple’s releases. Once a jailbreak is available for the last iOS update, you can jailbreak the device again.

Is It Worth Trying
Jailbreaking is not necessary in every case and many users would not even consider the possibility since they count with a large selection of apps in the official store. Others may need more than what Apple has to offer and will recur to Jailbreaking in order to get a wider choice of apps and software. In the end, it depends on the way you want to use your iPhone. If you need mobile monitoring software, Jailbreaking will be required in almost every case. The only solution that does not require Jailbreaking at the moment is PhoneSheriff but you may require features that are not available with this service. If you want to customize your iPhone experience and enjoy additional options that are restricted with a standard device, Jailbreaking may be the way to go.

If you believe that your phone is under surveillance, it is important to think why would someone want to spy on you. Consider if there are any good reasons that would lead someone to monitor your conversations. There are some signs that could alert you of possible monitoring but even if you come across one of them, that doesn’t mean that you are actually being targeted. However, If you identify most or all of them, it is likely that spy software has been installed on your phone. Here is a list of indicators you should pay attention to.

Changes in the way you phone works
If you suddenly find out that your phone does not work as usual, this may be the first sign of possible monitoring. One of the things you may notice is that your battery life doesn’t last as much as it used to. Old versions of spy mobile monitoring use up a lot of battery, which would make them more noticeable. However, a sudden drain in your battery can also be caused by other apps that you have installed.

The phone suddenly starts or shuts down
In some cases, spy software may cause the phone to turn off out of the blue or to light up as if it was in use. If this happens regularly, you can also consider it as a sign of mobile monitoring.

Background Noise
There are mobile monitoring programs that can record and allow others to listen to your calls. You may hear noises while on a call and while this could be caused by a bad connection, if you notice that it happens regularly, it may be due to spy software.

You are receiving strange SMS texts
Some mobile monitoring programs issue commands to the phone that is being targeted, using SMS texts and if the program has not been configured properly, you would be getting these messages. They usually only have numbers and symbols.

Increase in data usage
If you notice that your data use is getting higher, it could be another sign that you have mobile phone software in your device. Spy programs may use your own data plan to send logs of your phone activity and even though the latest versions have addresses this and are harder to notice, if large files such as videos are being uploaded from your mobile, you would still notice this.

Keep an eye on the Mobile Phone Files
You may also be able to find if there is spy software on your phone by looking at the files. It may require a higher level of technical skills but you can get into the phones file system to see if you can identify anything strange. Go to Settings, then Applications, Manage Applications or Running Services and you could find files related to monitoring software. While the best programs would not use terms that could give them away, occasionally you may come across files with obvious names like Monitor or Spy.

While older versions of spy software could be recognized easily, the most advanced programs have addressed all the prominent signs and are more difficult to identify. Only one of the signs described above is not enough to determine that you are being monitored. Look for multiple indicators and if you have a strong suspicion that someone is spying on you, make sure to check our article on How to remove spy software from your phone. (Link).

Remove Spy Software with Factory Reset
In some cases, you may not be able to confirm that there is spy software on your mobile phone but you may still suspect that it is being used. If you have noticed that your phone is not working as usual, hear strange background noises during calls or come across several indicators of possible monitoring, you may want to perform a factory reset on your device to be on the safe side. Performing a factory reset may be a radical solution but it will get rid of spy software and you can do it yourself, if you know what you are doing. Otherwise, you can bring your device to a phone repair expert or a supplier that would likely do it free of charge.

Update the Operating System
Another way to ensure that Spy Software is removed from your phone is to update or reinstall the operating system. This will get rid of the spy software but will not delete your data or the apps you have installed on the phone. Since the spy software is designed to work with the specific OS on the phone, if this is changed or updated, the spy software will be useless. Performing a factory reset is still a more complete solution to remove Spy Software form your phone but updating the OS should also work. Keep in mind that updating your OS will also reverse the Rooting for Android and the Jailbreak process on an iPhone.

Removing Spy Software from an iPhone
To remove spy software from an iPhone, all you need to do is to update or install again the iOS. Spy mobile programs require jailbreaking to work on an iPhone and when you update the iOS, the jailbreak is removed and so is the spy software.

Remove the Spy Software Manually
It is also possible to remove mobile spy software manually but this requires some level of technical knowledge to ensure that the correct files are removed. It is not the most recommendable option since may be challenging to identify the files related to the spy software. They are usually well disguised and if you remove the wrong files, you may end up damaging your phone.

Tips To Secure your Phone
After removing the spy software it is important to take a proactive approach to ensure that you are not targeted again. Since spy software can be installed by someone that has physical access to your phone, you should apply security settings to ensure that your phone is protected. Here is what you can do:
Keep your Phone with you: It is the most simple way to protect your phone and to ensure that spy software is not installed on it, without your authorization.
Use the Password Lock Feature: There may be times in which you may need to leave your phone aside. That is why it is important to set up a strong code and do not share it
Enhance the security of your phone: Apps like Lookout Mobile Security will ensure that you can protect your phone. It can even notify about spy software apps.