Best Free Spy Apps For iPhone Without Target Phones [Detailed Review!]

If you are searching for the best free iOS spy apps available, this list will give you all the information you need. We have compiled the best free apps for iPhone without target phones together with detailed descriptions, reviews, and suitability towards their best application:

• Protecting children from online dangers
• Monitoring employee activity
• Tending to loved ones or tracking elderly family members 

Not here for the full breakdown? Then check out our editor’s choice:

Spy Apps for iPhone Without Touching Target Phone

A frequently asked question about spy apps is whether or not users can successfully spy on someone’s iPhone without having to contact the target device physically. In short, the answer is yes. However, should you be unable to touch your child’s phone, for instance, there are two actions you need to perform. Firstly, verify the iPhone credentials of the linked iPhone or iPad, and secondly, enable the iCloud backup on the target device.

It’s possible to track an iPhone without installing any app or spy software onto the target iPhone. However, it’s important to remember that most spy apps will at least require inputting a verification code on the target phone, depending on the method of choice.

Can I Spy on an iPhone With Just the Phone Number IMEI or SN?

The direct answer to this question is no. Proceed with caution if an iPhone tracking app promises to monitor the target phone with only a number, as this is most likely a scam. In truth, an iOS spy app works quite differently from how you might have seen them function in Hollywood movies. You will always need at least one minute of access to the target phone to input the Apple ID or iCloud details.

What Spy App to Choose? (Top 5 Options)

While most of these services are not free, users can test the apps before purchasing by utilizing available trial periods. You must remember that many free spy apps can pose a risk to your personal information, including your passwords and banking details. Suspicious apps will often not provide updates, have poor social media visibility, and need more compatibility across devices. The list below is compiled of our top five free spy apps for iPhone.

#1 – mSpy App

Our go-to recommendation and first up on the list is the mSpy app. With a strong focus on all monitoring capabilities, mSpy allows its users to monitor their kids, employees, partners, and other family members.

Regarding the best parenting app on the market, mSpy comfortably holds the top spot, protecting your children from online harm and providing you with peace of mind. The application offers the ability to keep an eye on your children’s SMS messages, social media activity, calls, and browser history. This includes monitoring all the most popular social media apps like Snapchat, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and more.

Ensure your child is located precisely where you expect them to be with the additional call log tracking and GPS location features.

Receive alerts when your child tries to access a blocked platform or website. mSpy can even assist in cases of potential cyberbullying through its ability to identify any suspicious or inappropriate behavior such as profanity or excessive communication with strangers.

– mSpy App Pro’s

• Easy setup with Apple ID
• Over ten years of operation
• Over 1.5 million satisfied users
• 180 supported countries
• Information about all activities on the device will remotely update every 5 minutes
• All information is securely stored and protected. Only you have access to it
• 24/7 support
• No ‘Jailbreak’ needed for most of its features

– mSpy App Con’s

• There is no option for a free trial; only a live demo can be viewed before purchase.

– mSpy Main Features

• Messenger & Social Apps (WhatsApp, Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, Tinder, Skype, Vibe, Hangout, Line & others)
• Reports of incoming and outgoing calls, including contact name, phone number, time, and call duration details
• GPS location and detailed history of all the routes traveled
• Restrict Incoming Calls by blocklisting specific numbers. The child will never be notified of the incoming call or know that it was received
• Access to photos, videos, audio & other media
• Browser history details like when and how long websites were viewed
• Monitor app usage times
• Sent and received text messages, even if texts have been deleted
• Emails sent and received via all major mail accounts, such as Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, etc.
• Website blocker
• Receive notifications if a blocklisted word has been typed
• Screen recorder, allowing you to record your child’s phone screen remotely and save any recordings to your mSpy dashboard

– mSpy App Price

Like many other available iPhone spy apps, mSpy provides its users with the option of a 1-, 3- or 12-month billing period. This price is inclusive of all flagship features.

• One month — $48.99/month
• Three months — $28/month (the most popular option)
• Annual — $11.67/month

The auto-renewal of your subscription option can be selected at the checkout.

– mSpy App Installation on iPhone

Installation and setup are effortless with the mSpy app. According to user reports, the process takes roughly 5-7 minutes to complete and requires creating a free user account with an email address and selecting a preferred system, iPhone or Android. Next, choose your preferred plan, and once purchased, you will receive an email with further installation instructions.

mSpy currently provides three installation methods for iPhone: iCloud Sync, WiFi Sync, and ‘Jailbreak’ device installation. The easiest of these options would be iCloud Sync, which is set up as follows:

1. Log into your account using your mSpy credentials
2. Enter the target phones’ iCloud credentials
3. You will receive a 6-digit code for 2FA confirmation on the target phone
4. Enter the code provided by the target device to complete the linking process

– mSpy Compatibility

The mSpy app is compatible across most devices; this includes Mac, PC, iPhone, iPad, and Android phones or tablets. To ensure your device is compatible with the mSpy app, check out their website’s compatibility section.

#2 – Eyezy Spy App

Another reliable market option is the Eyezy app, offering its users many valuable features and functions. For example, it has several child monitoring capabilities and the extended protection of loved ones as well as application to businesses, allowing companies to assess employee activity.

– Eyezy App Pro’s

• Easy to set up, with many installation options: iCloud Sync, Wifi Sync, ‘Jailbreak’ device installation or the Eyezy mobile app
• Notifications for geofencing and keyword tracking
• 24/7 live support chat
• No ‘Jailbreak’ needed for most of its features
• No iCloud sync required
• Ability to hide the Eyezy icon
• 14-day, money-back guarantee

– Eyezy App Con’s

• No free trial offer, only a live demonstration
• Does not support live-screen recording

– Eyezy App Features

• Each keystroke is recorded for review in the control panel
• ‘Social Spotlight’ allows you to see your child’s social media activity. This includes any sent or received texts (even deleted ones), incoming or outgoing calls, emails and contacts
• Monitoring of Facebook Messenger, iMessage, Kik, WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, Instagram
• ‘Files Finder’ allows you to assess what files are being sent and received by the target phone
• Location finder
• Geofencing notifications. Eyezy will alert you if the phone location enters a pre-defined danger zone
• Browser history tracking to monitor any websites visited and control controversial sites
• Blocklist creation for suspicious or harmful websites
• Screen recorder provides a clear picture on everything they do
• All incoming and outgoing calls are stamped with time of call, duration and phone number details
• Monitor photos, videos and other saved media
• Monitor the apps installed on the device, with the ability to block any unwanted ones
• Review calendar events, including the event name, location, as well as the date and time with ‘Plans Breaker’

– Eyezy App Price

• One month — $47.99/month
• Three months — $27.99/month
• Annual — $9.99/month (A bargain in comparison to other spy apps)

– Eyezy App Installation

The initial step required is for users to create their own Eyezy account by clicking on the ‘Try Now’ button, selecting their device of preference (iPhone or Android) and choosing the desired plan based on their underlying requirements. Once complete, login credentials for the Eyezy app will be provided via email. These credentials are used to log into your new account, instantly allowing you to keep an eye on those you love the most.

Installing the Eyezy app can be done in different ways: using iCloud Sync, WiFi Sync, ‘Jailbreak’ device installation or the Eyezy app from the App store. The easiest of these is certainly iCloud Sync, as all you need is a single moment of access to the target phone.

1. Navigate to your personal Eyezy iCloud Sync login page and sign into your Eyezy account
2. Enter the iCloud credentials of the target device you wish to monitor
3. Look out for the Apple ID verification code provided by the target phone and enter it onto the Eyezy website when prompted. Please note that an email will be sent to the account owner of the Apple ID

– Eyezy App Compatibility

The Eyezy spy app is compatible across most iPhones, iPads, Android phones and tablets. To ensure that your target devices are compatible with Eyezy, you can input the device model description on their website.

#3 – uMobix App

Specializing in child monitoring for parents, the uMobix app is another popular choice of spy apps for iPhone users.

– uMobix Pro’s

• Best-voted customer service in the industry, based on user reviews
• Monitor up to 41 popular apps and social
  media platforms, including dating apps
• Great for parents – providing robust parental control features
• Easy installation and setup in under five minutes
• Data is updated every 5 minutes on Android devices
• No ‘Jailbreak’ required. However, uMobix does require you to know the iCloud credentials of the target device

– uMobix App Con’s

• No free trial provided, only a live demo
• Cannot monitor Snapchat on iOS
• iCloud ID and Password for the target device required
• Physical access for Two-Factor Authentication code required

– uMobix Main Features

• Streaming – With uMobix, you’ll have access to your child’s smartphone camera and microphone. Regardless of where your child is, you will be able to see and/or hear your child’s current environment
• Full access to deleted information. It’s often the most important content that can get deleted in an effort to hide it from others. With uMobix, you will be able to see every deleted call, contact, or message
• Keylogger – Capture everything that the target user types, including keystrokes and passwords
• Messenger & Social Apps (Tiktok, Reddit, Kik, Zoom, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, Tinder, Skype, YouTube, Viber, Hangout, Line and more)
• Be notified if a new SIM card is installed on a target device
• Detect any recently added or renamed contacts
• Monitor any history of the reddit platform
• Delete unwanted apps from the target device
• Monitor all sent, received, or deleted SMS messages.
• View all incoming and outgoing calls alongside timestamps, duration, and caller information.
• GPS location tracking
• Restrict access to unwanted websites

– uMobix Price

• One month — $49.99/month
• Three months — $29.99/month
• Annual — $12.49/month (Best value for money option)

The prices are very comparable to that of the mSpy app, with the flagship uMobix plan being much the same offering, in terms of features, as the premium mSpy option.

– uMobix App Installation

Press on the ‘Try Now’ button in order to quickly and easily get started with your account creation. Your email address and selection of the target device will be required. Once the subscription plan has been selected and paid for, physical access to the target device is needed for roughly one minute.

In most cases, a Two-Factor Authentication code (2FA) will be required to set up the iOS spy app as there is currently no way to turn off the 2FA authentication on iPhone versions 11 and upwards. As soon as the spy app has attempted to access the iCloud account of the target device, a verification code will be sent to the target iPhone. After providing the verification code to your uMobix app, access will be granted to the targeted iOS iCloud account. You can now setup to monitor the target devices activity. 

– uMobix Compatibility

uMobix is compatible across all iOS iPhones and iPads. You are able to confirm your devices compatibility with uMobix by entering the model description in the relevant field of their website.

#4 – Qustodio Spy App

The Qustodio app is slightly different in that its focus has shifted from providing not only the ability to monitor family and loved ones but to also provide application within school environments to keep students on track when using school computers. Qustodio is also frequently used to monitor employee activity within a business environment.

– Qustodio Pro’s

• Premium plans designed towards families, with available usage for 5-15 devices
• There is a free version available that limits monitoring to a single device, keeping only the last seven days of activity history 
• Over 4 million parents trust Qustodio’s parental control
• Free 30-day trial offer available
• Easy to install and use. Qustodio has two different apps for iOS, one to be installed on your child’s device and the other for installation on your own device to access the dashboard
• The ‘Care Plus’ feature can be added to any premium plan, granting access to mobile support and personalized advice from Qustodio experts. It is available in both English and Spanish
• 30-day money back guarantee

– Qustodio Con’s

• No ability to track social media
• Children can evade web filters by using a VPN
• The ‘Panic Button’ is currently only available for Android
• Calls and messages for iOS require the use of a Mac computer
• The pricing structure is higher than other spy apps

– Qustodio Main Features

• Web filtering monitors any web activity on Safari and Google Chrome. Qustodio can segment your child’s web browsing and provide feedback on web searches and activity without the need for a safe browser
• Time scheduling allows you the use of a calendar to set time limits for your child’s web browsing. This is found under Rules > Restricted times, inside your Family Portal
• Time quotas can be assigned to your child’s web browsing
• Geolocation means that Qustodio can monitor the location of the target device. This is enabled via Rules > Location
• Internet access control means that when it’s bedtime, the internet connection is easily controlled and turned off
• Managing iOS apps allows you to control and report on activity for several popular apps
• YouTube activity can be monitored
• Activity reports will display summaries about your child’s device use, including screen time, accessed sites, used apps, and more
• Set time limits for specific games or block them completely

– Qustodio Price

Offering a different pricing structure to most other spy apps, Qustodio has three options available under annual subscriptions:

• Small, up to five devices— $54.95/year + 12.99$ Care Plus Feature
• Medium, up to ten devices — $96.95/year including the ‘Care Plus’ feature (recommended for a typical family of 4, owning upwards of 10 devices including smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop PC’s)
• Large, up to 15 devices — $137.95/year including the ‘Care Plus’ feature (Best option for schools and businesses)

– How to Install Qustodio on iPhone, iPad or iPod (iOS 12 or Higher)

1. Sign up for your free Qustodio account and decide if you want to upgrade to a premium plan that suits your family
2. Download the ‘Kids App Qustodio’ from the App Store onto your child’s device
3. Log in with your Qustodio account credentials
4. Follow the step-by-step instructions
5. Accept all permissions to ensure full protection and start supervising
6. Download the ‘Qustodio Parental Control App’ onto your own device, or sign in to your account on the web to view your dashboard

– Qustodio Compatibility

Qustodio is compatible with iOS 12 or higher. For an optimal experience, we recommend using iOS 14.

#5 – iKeymonitor App

The iKeymonitor application allows for both parental control and employee monitoring, positioning itself strongly in the latter.

– iKeymonitor Pro’s

• Multi-Language support in English, Russian, Chinese (Simplified), Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, German and Korean
• 24/7 support
• The standard plan offering is free
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Works on most iOS devices, with the paid plan available for desktop Windows or MacOS
• No ‘Jailbreak’ needed for iPhone/iPad with iOS 9.x – 14.x, all other iOS versions require ‘Jailbreak’

– iKeymonitor Con’s

• Limited features included in the free plan. An upgrade is suggested to get the most beneficial features and functions
• No live chat offering
• Physical access to install the iKeyMonitor app for a Two-Factor Authentication code is required
• iCloud ID and password details of the target device are required
• The recording of phone calls and surroundings is not supported

– iKeymonitor Main Features

• Call history
• SMS message reports
• GPS location
• Geofencing
• Contacts control
• Access to calendars and notes
• Access to reminders and voice memos
• Wifi history
• For the paid plan, you get additional features including social media monitoring, recording of phone calls, web browsing history, the ability to listen to live surroundings, capture real-time screenshots, block inappropriate apps/games, as well as set screen time limits

– iKeymonitor Price

‘iKeymonitor Online’ is available to users for free. However, many of the useful features can only be unlocked after upgrading the add-on plan.

Add-on Pricing for Mobile:

• Three days – $9.99
• Monthly – $16.66

Add-on Pricing for Desktop:

• Monthly – $29.99

– How to Install iKeymonitor on iPhone With the No-Jailbreak Edition

1. Sign up to create a free account at iKeyMonitor
2. Login to the ‘Cloud’ panel and follow the guide
3. Add the required iCloud information for the no-jailbreak spy or download the jailbroken edition of iKeyMonitor via Cydia
4. Start spying on the target iPhone for free, using the ‘Cloud’ panel

Summary

There are a number of options available when it comes to spy apps on the market. However, should you be looking for a monitoring software guaranteed to deliver results that you can depend on, we strongly suggest the mSpy app. Personally tested by the Tentechreview team, we recommend it as an extensive and powerful device monitoring app, able to report on almost any level of online activity.

FAQs