mSpy Review 2023: Startling Revelations! 🕵️‍♂️🌟

⏳ Are you in a hurry? Then here’s your short mSpy Reviews snapshot

Name: mSpy

Description: mSpy is a versatile monitoring solution offering real-time access to messages, calls, GPS locations, and browsing history. Keep your loved ones safe and informed, fostering responsible digital behavior.

Offer price: 11.66

Currency: $

www.mspy.com

Personal Summary Conclusion

After testing mSpy Parental Control for more than a month, I can tell you the roubust features like remote monitoring of calls, texts, and social media activity were impressive. The app allowed me to easily track my child's phone usage and ensure their safety online. I particularly liked the geofencing feature, which alerted me whenever my child entered or left a designated area. Overall, mSpy Parental Control provided me with peace of mind and a sense of control over my child's digital activities.

• 🎛️ Complete Control: No half-measures. mSpy gives you the keys to the kingdom.
• 📱 Wide Compatibility: Syncs with Android and iOS. No more “will it work on my device?” worries.
• ⏰ Time Management: Schedule their day the tech-savvy way!
• 🚫 Content Filtering: Keep the creepy stuff out. mSpy filters are no joke.
• 🕵️ Usage Tracking: GPS, calls, texts—know what's up 24/7.
• 🌙 Bedtime: mSpy makes bedtime non-negotiable.
• 💤 Pause the Internet: Power down the ‘net with a tap. How cool is that?
• 💼 Safe Search: Safe search is on the menu.
• 🔐 Privacy Focused: Your family's data is Fort Knox-level secure.
• 👥 Profile Customization: Different settings for each kiddo? Easy peasy.
• 📞 Customer Support: 24/7 helpline. Yes, they're that dedicated.
• 💵 Flexible Pricing: Budget-friendly? Premium? They've got it all.
• 🆓 Free Trial: Sorry, no free trial. But a free demo and their money-back guarantee is solid.
• 🎉 Promotional Deals: Seasonal offers make the deal even sweeter.

Overall

4.3

• Features & Functionality
• Ease of Use
• Performance & Reliability
• Compatibility
• Privacy & Security
• Customization Options
• Customer Support
• Value for Money

Pros

• mSpy provides extensive monitoring features, such as call tracking, text message monitoring, and GPS location tracking, offering a comprehensive view of the target device's activities.
•  The software has an intuitive interface, making it relatively easy for users to navigate and access the desired information.
• mSpy allows users to remotely control certain aspects of the target device, enhancing parental control or device management.
•  It's compatible with various platforms, including iOS and Android, ensuring broader device coverage

Cons

•  Monitoring someone's activities without their consent can raise ethical and legal privacy concerns, potentially leading to misuse.

• Try For Free

Introduction to my Review of mSpy Parental Control

Online privacy is one of the top worries for parents in the twenty-first century, and mSpy can assist with this concern. I created this in-depth evaluation of one of the top parenting applications for combating online bullies, scammers, and sex predators to save you from reading many mSpy reviews.

Why are you checking mSpy and reading reviews of it? If you want to know what your spouse or children are doing on their devices, smartphone spy applications might be helpful. This mSpy review will help you to determine whether it's a suitable fit.

You can be assured that your kid uses the internet securely and productively using mSpy. A child's computer usage can be watched, but it's far more difficult to adequately supervise their phone use without constantly watching over their shoulder. Once mSpy is installed on the gadget, this surveillance is done secretly and remotely.

An Overview of the mSpy Software

mSpy is a surveillance application rather than an actual parental control software. Although it just lacks some essential functions for parental control software, including creating schedules, limited web filters, location monitoring, monitoring YouTube usage, and setting device usage limits.

mSpy, on the other hand, includes a wide range of solid surveillance functions, including calls and messages monitoring, social media app monitoring stealth mode, email tracking, keylogger, screen loader, activity reports, and access multimedia files. 

mSpy can track iOS and Android devices, including tablets and mobile phones (although the app for iOS is minimal). Parents may access their dashboard by simply connecting to their account on mSpy's web page without having to download/install anything. The dashboard is clear and straightforward, even if you have never used the parental control program.

mSpy Features and Functionalities

This section of my mSpy Review will answer about the functions of mSpy and tell you how does mSpy really work to protect online presences.

Contacts Monitoring Feature of mSpy

There needs to be more around the contacts tracking function. After installing the mSpy app on the target device, it took a few minutes for all contacts to be uploaded. The contacts' names appear on the left pane, while their data appear on the right. As a result, to see the number, you must first click on the name.

Unfortunately, the contacts were not alphabetically ordered. It meant that locating a particular contact took some time. However, if few contacts are on the target phone, you'll have an easier time here.

Call Logging Feature of mSpy

This function is easy and basic. However, it may need to be revised at times. It's one of the elements you can't afford to overlook when exploring the mSpy dashboard. It will also show you all outgoing and incoming calls from the target device.

In addition to the phone calls and call directions, you'll be able to see the following:

• The number dialed (both directions)
• The caller's name (if they're in your address book)
• The date when the call was made
• The time of the call

For most people, it’s all that is required. You can readily identify which phone conversations took longer and which individual your target is always in contact with. It's also worth noting that no filter or search options are available here. As a result, you'd have to scroll through all the records to discover the one you wanted.

SMS Monitoring Feature of mSpy

mSpy consistently performs the best SMS monitoring. Its SMS tracking features are just incredible. And not only because it works.

The first thing you will notice about mSpy's SMS monitor is that it displays texts in a conversation format. It may appear simple, but it is only for some. Other phone monitors rarely use the conversation view. Furthermore, each SMS contains helpful information such as:

• The date,
• The name of the contact,
• Any MMS attachments sent with a text message

Thus, you may click on a conversation and then on a single message delivered on a given date. However, I'd like to point out that no filter choices exist here also. As a result, you can't run custom date searches or search for a specific keyword.

Media Files Tracking Feature of mSpy

There is no “Media Tracking” on mSpy. That's because I combined Photos and Videos. Because images are uploaded under “Photos” on the dashboard, they both function similarly. The same holds for videos.

Photo Uploads Feature of mSpy

mSpy quickly found newly taken images and uploaded them to the dashboard. It even submitted screenshots that I took throughout this mSpy review. The photos were arranged in chronological order based on the dates they were posted. The pictures also came with their original file names. It meant that you could always determine when the image was taken.

Videos Upload Feature of mSpy

This section has the same appearance and feel as the pictures section. The main difference is that mSpy displayed a thumbnail of the video clips.

The only things you can do with the videos are watch or download them. And, by default, they are only posted through wifi. Videos are also organized chronologically. However, only videos made after installing mSpy will be uploaded like images.

Keylogger and Screen Recorder Feature of mSpy

These functions of mSpy provide different methods to monitor your child's conversations and phone activity on Android devices. Every time the screen recorder identifies an update in an application (such as a new message), it captures a screenshot of your kid's phone.

However, the list of compatible applications is limited. It only includes WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, Telegram, and Instagram. The keylogger, on the other hand, is not restricted to particular apps. It monitors anything your child types on their cell phone, whether in chat applications or web search bars.

You may also configure the keylogger to notify you if a specific word or phrase is recognized, allowing you to address a possible issue as soon as it arises. Compared to parental control programs with similar monitoring functions, such as Bark, mSpy provides strict restrictions – with Bark, you cannot select which words or phrases would trigger an alert.

Location Tracking Feature of mSpy

Monitoring the target user's movements is also simple. Every location your target visits is constantly recorded and updated on the dashboard. You will be able to see things like

• The precise GPS coordinates and location information,
• The date and time of the record,
• The total accuracy of the location in meters.

Furthermore, mSpy provides a map view if you like to see the points graphically. It allows you to view all of the target's motions.

One of the notable features is “geo-fencing,” which allows you to create virtual zones on a map. Setting up a geo-fence is easy, requiring only the radius, zone name, and optional email notifications. It is a much more convenient approach to following movements without checking in to mSpy's dashboard constantly.

Social Network Monitoring Feature of mSpy

There are several uses for mSpy's social network monitoring function. They are not confined to popular programs like mSpy for WhatsApp and Messenger. mSpy also allows you to monitor activity from the following apps:

Snapchat, Instagram, KIK, LINE, hangouts, skype, Telegram, iMessage, Tinder, and Viber.

Furthermore, it offers the same neat and simple chat view as the SMS section. As a result, whether you use the mSpy Instagram tracker or the mSpy Snapchat tracker, you can see nearly everything at a glance.

mSpy features an option that displays incoming or outgoing WhatsApp calls. All of this adds to mSpy's distinct abilities. There is, however, a catch. Monitoring social media is only feasible on rooted/jailbroken smartphones.

App Blocking Feature of mSpy

Another valuable mSpy feature is its ability to block apps. It lets you specify which applications can and cannot be utilized on the target device. You can restrict everything because mSpy lists all installed apps on the target phone. For this, just touch the “Block” button.

When the target tries to launch the blocked application, mSpy will show a black screen. It, however, sometimes went differently than expected. In one case, a blocked app could still be accessed. As a result, I recommend that you only utilize this feature when necessary.

Wifi Monitoring Feature of mSpy

You could also find out which wifi networks your kid connects to. And mSpy's wifi monitoring function is ideal for this purpose.

You may access the function by selecting “Wifi Networks” or “Block wifi” from the left sidebar menu. From there, mSpy will provide information such as 

• Wifi SSID and BSSID 
• GPS coordinates of the wifi access point
• Connection time 

Furthermore; you may switch to the map view to see everything at a glance. However, only from the list view can you block a wifi connection. While the function is helpful, it is also one of the features that should be used cautiously. It is because mSpy uses a wifi connection to send gathered data to you.

Browser History Feature of mSpy

You may also see the target's browsing history using mSpy. It also goes for previously removed browsing history.

, There is little to see in the browser history area, only the website's URL and the date it was viewed. Yet, this information might still provide you with valuable insights. For example, when using the Facebook app, mSpy could still identify Facebook URLs. Furthermore, it displayed how often they visited the sites.

Activity Reports Feature of mSpy

The primary screen of the mSpy web app, where you can view data on your child's activity, could be more beneficial. The page's color-coded bars and graphs are visually appealing but provide little meaningful information.

For example, it would be more helpful to know when your kid made a phone call instead of how many times they called someone. The colors used for contact messages and text message activity could be clearer. The page might be improved to make it more valuable and understandable.

Ease of Use

Through my mSpy Review, i found most things are correctly labeled, so even a novice should be fine utilizing them. However, the activity reports on the home page could be more helpful. Despite being your primary way of navigating the dashboard, the sidebar's expanding menus could be clearer. 

When you open a menu with several items beneath it (such as the General Features or Social Networks menus), it pushes all the other menus down, requiring you to scroll to reach them. Finally, the entire interface could be a little more compact. Many pages have a lot of space that might be filled with meaningful content or removed to lessen the amount of scrolling needed.

Installation and Setup Process

You can install and set up mSpy by following the steps:

For Android,

Step 1: Purchase a mSpy subscription

1. Create an account on “mSpy.com” with a valid email address.
2. Select the type of device to monitor (iOS or Android).
3. Choose a subscription plan (1, 3, or 12 months).
4. Pay for your purchase to complete it.

Step 2: Disable Play Protect

1. Navigate to the Play Store on the target device.
2. Tap on the three horizontal lines or the profile icon.
3. Find and choose Play Protect.
4. Select the Settings (cogwheel) option.
5. Turn off “Scan apps with Play Protect.”

Step 3: Download mSpy Installer

1. Open the “Google Chrome browser” on the target device.
2. Copy the link supplied by the wizard and paste it into the address bar.
3. Pass the captcha security check, then click Download.
4. Allow installation from the source if asked for.

Step 4: Install mSpy

1. When asked, grant the app the necessary permissions.
2. In the wizard, enter the “Registration Code.”
3. Select Complete Installation.

Step 5: Start Monitoring

1. Navigate to the Control Panel of your mSpy account.
2. You may monitor the target device's web pages, social media applications, and calls from there.

For Non-Jailbroken iPhones,

You have two options for installing mSpy on a non-jailbroken iPhone: wifi Sync and iCloud Sync.

Method 1: iCloud Sync

1. Purchase a mSpy.com subscription and choose iOS as the targeted device.
2. Using your credentials, sign in to your mSpy account.
3. Enter the iCloud credentials for the iPhone to be monitored.
4. You will receive two notifications: one to your iCloud email address and another to the target phone, with a 6-digit number.
5. To finish the linking procedure, enter the code from the target device into your mSpy account.
6. Depending on the quantity of data on the device, wait 10 to 20 minutes to collect data.
7. When finished, you can access the target iPhone's contacts, calendar notes, events, pictures, files, reminders, tasks, and emails (if synced with iCloud).

Method 2: wifi Sync

1. Install the wifi sync software with your subscription to mSpy on your PC or Mac.
2. Connect the target iPhone to your computer using a USB cord.
3. Allow the application to back up the target phone's data.
4. You may access the data in your mSpy account when the backup is finished.
5. Remove the iPhone from your PC and begin monitoring through wifi.
6. You will not need to link the target phone to your computer for subsequent backups. However, the targeted iPhone and your PC or Mac must be connected to the same local wifi network.

You can monitor text messages, WhatsApp chats, call logs, photographs, videos, notes, contact lists, Viber messages, LINE messages, reminders, calendar events, and browsing history after installing mSpy using any method you want.

mSpy Performance Review

I have found during my mSpy Review that mSpy is undoubtedly one of the fastest systems I've used. On Android, the installation process is short and to the point, guiding you through all the procedures required to activate mSpy. I installed my test device less than 10 minutes from when I got it.

Following that, the mSpy surveillance app needs to be more inconspicuous. It did not create any apparent slowness on our testing devices, but I discovered that battery usage might rise by 6 to 10% depending on how frequently the user is on the phone. Excessive use of some monitored applications will likely cause the battery to drain quicker, as switching between these apps results in more screen captures.

Does mSpy offer real-time monitoring?

mSpy parental control provides real-time monitoring with regular updates to data recorded on the device. The software displays a history of social media activity, phone conversations, and texts, with updates every five minutes at the very least. The update frequency may be set to your preference, ranging from every five minutes to once every 24 hours. On the contrary, more frequent updates might drain the device's battery faster.

Users may handle GPS updates and geo-fencing individually, allowing them to establish alternative update periods for position monitoring and data synchronization. mSpy geo-fences using OpenStreetMap, providing a bird's-eye view and the possibility to create custom zones. While customization possibilities are restricted compared to specialized geo-fencing applications, mSpy enables users to specify inclusion or exclusion zones.

Compatibility of mSpy

mSpy is compatible with Android 4.0 and later, as well as all iOS versions.

mSpy should be compatible with all the iPhone, Huawei, Samsung, LG, Xiaomi, and Motorola handsets after 2011. However, to be confident, check out the Compatibility Checker to see if your target mobile devices and tablets are compatible with the app.

However, i found during my mSpy Review that not all mSpy functions are available on Android and iOS but Mspy lite can be used reliably on Android and iOS.

Address Books Scanning

Once installed, mSpy could scan the address book of the attached device and monitor new and current phone numbers.

mSpy Price and Subscription Plans

Plans Overview:

mSpy Premium:

The mSpy Premium subscription, which costs $48.99 a month, offers access to the entire spectrum of parental control options. Notably, only Premium users have access to geofencing and the ability to restrict applications and websites. 

Family Kit:

The Family Kit plan ($50.00/month) is the best value for parents with more than one kid.

Initial Vs. Renewal Rates:

There is no difference in Initial vs Renewal rates, you will be able to renew the subscription at the same rates as you bought it initially.

Comparison to Industry Standard:

Compared to its competitors, mSpy is a bit on the higher side of the spectrum, both in terms of price and features, you pay a premium price for it, but for that, you are getting some cool features to try.

Additional Costs:

mSpy offers two add-ons: mAssistance for $53.99 and Support Priority Line for $12.99. Each of them has a one-time mSpy charge. Once acquired, either add-on is permanent. Even if you cancel your mSpy subscription and rejoin in the future, you will not be charged a price to use mAssistance and Support Priority Line.

Payment Options:

You can use your Credit/Debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, and GPay to pay for your subscription.

Contract Terms:

There are no hard and fast contract terms, the only thing you have to take care of is not to share your subscription with other people out of your family, because once your account is flagged for being used by multiple people who are not authorized by you, it ca cause a bit of trouble for you.

Free Trial:

Unfortunately, mSpy has ended its free trail a few weeks ago, so hard luck for you there but the free demo should sufice.

Refund Policy and Money-Back Guarantee:

Their refund policy is quite strict. You will only be eligible for a refund if you encounter a technical issue that its support cannot resolve. mSpy's website has a “Demo” that you may use to get an overall idea of how its features work, but it is not a replacement for actual, hands-on use with the app.

Promotional Deals or Discounts:

There is a 30% discount running right now on the deal, you can get this discount on this page.

Customer Support & Resources

How Responsive and Helpful Are They?

During my mSpy Review i found that mSpy has one of the best supports I have ever seen in my life, they are very quick and well-trained in what they are doing, and they exactly know how to treat a customer and how to do stuff.

The staff is very friendly and always looking for ways to help you in the best possible way.

What Resources Are Available?

This smartphone monitoring app is known for providing various options for customer support. 24/7 Customer support is available with multiple means to get in touch with the company.

Live Chat

When you tap the floating Chat icon on the website, you may talk with a live mSpy representative. If the Help button appears instead, perform a search and then click Live Chat.

Aside from chatting with a customer support representative, the Live Chat feature lets you attach files, change your contact information, send an email transcript, switch on and off audio notifications, and create a support request.

Self-Service

The mSpy knowledge base is divided into three sections: FAQ, Blog, and Help.

• The FAQ section contains general, purchase, and installation-related questions. It has its page, although it may also be found on the homepage.
• The mSpy Blog has many interesting readings regarding parenting advice, mobile phone tracking techniques, industry news, app updates, and reviews of mSpy alternatives.
• The Help section features a search engine that can get articles based on keywords. Although Help gives a restricted number of results (a sign of a limited database), it can load relevant information on its floating window rather than starting a new browser tab.

Email Support

If you need more time to speak with a mSpy representative, email instead. You can communicate with the company using a third-party email provider and send a support request through the mSpy website or dashboard.

For technical support, sales, billing, media and press queries, and affiliate program issues, mSpy creates dedicated email addresses.

Phone Support

mSpy offers several phone support options, such as

Toll-Free Hotlines for Payment Issues

mSpy offers users a toll-free hotline for payment-related problems in the United States and Canada.

International Sales Hotlines

Suppose you want to talk with an mSpy sales representative in your local language. Special hotlines are available in Turkey, the Czech Republic, Portugal, France, Brazil, Mexico, and the United States. The only countries where callers may reach a representative 24/7 are the United States and Czechia.

Support Priority Line

You may get personalized phone support from mSpy with this premium service. You can install and configure both iPhone and Android monitoring applications with expert assistance every step of the way. You do not need to be a native English speaker to use mSpy because it supports other languages.

Social Media

You can stay updated and interact with the company on its official Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Privacy and Security

People look for privacy policies to know if is mSpy safe to use. Well, yes, Mspy is completely safe to use as the extensive privacy policy on the official website provides information about data usage and processing. The Data is collected by users to improve their experience. The claims no part in the collection or processing of third-party data is expected in some specific scenarios.

Mspy also uses data encryption and run security hardware, software, and software update and also scan network procedures to keep the data safe. the software also claims to implement measures in order to maintain payment security. The best thing was through my usage experience, I never felt any kind of data breach.

The most amazing thing about the privacy policy is that mSpy also collaborates with third-party vendors that utilize data encryption so that the information remains confidential. Therefore, when it comes to privacy and security you do not have to worry about any data leakage or misuse.

Limitations and Drawbacks

Here are some limitations and drawbacks i have found during my mSpy Review:

• It lacks numerous advanced parental control options.
• It can only be used on one device at a time.
• Tracking is limited to only three devices.
• All plans lack all features.
• Certain features may change.
• Certain advanced functions will still require root access.
• If the device is cleaned, the mSpy data is lost.
• The price could increase in the future.
• There is no officially approved desktop version.
• Older kids can locate and uninstall the software.
• Extra support necessitates additional charges.
• It is challenging to filter gathered records.
• The main disadvantage is that you must jailbreak or root the target device to utilize most of the mSpy's functions. It is not only tricky for non-technical people, but it could also risk the device's security.

User Reviews and Testimonials

Mspy customer reviews shed light on some common questions such as whether is mSpy trustworthy and if is mSpy good. mSpy has a rating of 4.17 stars means that most clients are satisfied with what they got. mSpy Reviewers who are happy with mSpy, highlight social media and SMS messages. mSpy is the most popular Mobile Applications website.

mSpy Trustpilot

According to the mSpy software review on Trustpilot, some customers find the mSpy's features and performance good, while others complain about poor customer service, installation problems, and difficulties receiving refunds. 

For example, one customer said, “It is straightforward and fast, works quickly, and supports every operating system.” Others said, “Great transparency.”

mSpy Reddit

According to mSpy reviews on Reddit, some customers have had positive experiences, showing efficacy in tracking and monitoring target device activity is satisfactory. They like its features and how simple it is to use. However, there are also negative comments about their privacy, installation issues, and customer service.

For example, one customer said, “Took a bit to get set up but worked well,” while another said, “They offered me no refund.”

Conclusion and Personal Recommendation to my mSpy Review

mSpy is a trustworthy monitoring software for text messages, messaging applications, and emails, but i found during my mSpy Review that it lacks all parental control features. While it provides essential functions like location tracking, geofencing, and app and website blocking, it lacks advanced functions such as screen time limitations and website filtering.

When compared to Android, the iOS app also lacks essential features. mSpy installation might be complex, needing root or jailbreak, and customer support needs to be improved. This mSpy app review will help you decide whether you should buy mSpy.

Personal Experience

As a parent of two, using mSpy is generally satisfying. It’s a top brand and is primarily useful for monitoring social media, calls, and message tracking. I can see the videos and photos sorted on the dashboard and use it effectively. I never felt any major glitches in the app nor did I fear any kind of data breach.

I can always see what my kids type and whom they contact. The call logs and text messages are also sorted in the setting so I can see everything in front of my eyes. The app installation was also very snappy and whenever I was stuck somewhere the customer support was there to help.

What is mSpy best used for?

The best feature of this software is that it can be utilized without the other person knowing. It may operate quietly and discretely in the background, noticing your data without others' knowledge. GPS tracking is also one of mSpy's most powerful features. With its built-in GPS technology, you can trace a phone's location within 20 meters.

What is mSpy not best used for?

mSpy has a track record of failing to secure client data and, more importantly, data secretly obtained from mobile phones being spied on by their software.

mSpy Alternatives

Here is a complete comparison of mSpy with other parentla Control/Spy apps:

Final words to my mSpy Review

Unlike other spying apps, mSpy doesn't provide a free trial. Instead, if unsatisfied with its services, it offers a fourteen-day risk-free testing period with a money-back guarantee. Overall, I am quite satisfied with the service and quality of support. But I would recommend you to make sure if you really need this software before investing in it.

FAQs

That's All For Now;

Thank you for reading our comprehensive mSpy review; we hope it helped you make an informed decision regarding monitoring and protecting your child's internet activity. Return to our other evaluations for the most recent updates on parental control software and apps. Remember that staying proactive in safeguarding your child's safety in the digital world is critical. Please contact us if you have any further questions or require assistance in determining the best option for your specific needs. We can all work together to make the Internet a safer place for our children.

Kevin Bong

Kevin Bong was formerly the Director of Corporate Security for Johnson Financial Group, and currently works as an Information Assurance Consultant for SynerComm, Inc.  Kevin has a BS in Physics and Computer Science from Carroll University, an MS in Information Security Engineering from the SANS Institute, and has earned multiple certifications including PMP and GIAC GSE.  Kevin is also an amateur astronomer, beekeeper, an author and instructor, and a pretty neat dad. Prior to Impulsec, Kevin worked a Penetration Testing “Drop Box” project similar to the Pwnie Express called the MiniPwner.