In this guide I want to show you the best tricks for 2022 to spy on Android phones without someone knowing. You will gain access to their major social networks, live GPS locations, call logs, and more. Interested? Keep reading and find out more.
Hi, I’m Frankie Caruso, I’m a messaging app expert and an enthusiast of hacking techniques. I provide everybody tips and tutorials on spying on smartphones, social networks, internet history, and messages. This information helps concerned spouses who believe their partner may be cheating or parents concerned for their child’s safety as they navigate the web.
Today’s guide is all about one thing: spying on an Android phone without getting caught.
The only real alternative to iPhone is an Android device, and for this reason, the use has increased substantially over the past several years.
In most cases, they are cheaper than iPhones as well, making them ideal devices for parents who don’t want to give their kid the most expensive device on the market, or wish to have just a lower budget smartphone available.
Let’s get back on topic.
The reasons that you might have to spy on an Android cell phone are multiple, often they’re more serious in nature such as preventing your child from getting into bad situations or becoming a victim of cyberbullying. Furthermore, you might be looking to collect evidence that your spouse is cheating if you suspect such infidelity.
Let’s not waste more time and answer the one question you really need to know, ‘can you spy on someone else’s Android phone?’
The answer to this is yes, and within the guide, I will share with you some quality techniques to accomplish this. I have tested all of these myself for accuracy and can attest that they do not require vast computer skills or extensive time to achieve.
Specifically, I want to teach you how to:
- Access conversations from your child or partner on networks like Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
- Know where the victim’s phone is at all times with GPS tracking.
- See any calls made and answered.
- And more.
But, surprisingly, that’s not all.
I want to show you everything that I know about this topic, and as such, that means protecting yourself against those that might be looking to spy on your smartphone. A portion of this guide is dedicated to finding spy apps on your Android device.
As you well know, not everyone has the target’s best interests at heart when they are spying on a device. Hackers use these techniques to steal data and bullies can use these pathways to make their attacks more pointed and hurtful. You need to know how to defend yourself.
Let’s not waste more time and get right to it then.
DISCLAIMER: Please note that I wrote this guide to help parent’s keep their children safe from online predators and dangerous situations. It is also intended for wives or husbands that need to find proof their spouse is stepping out. Spying on devices is considered a felony in many states, so I take no responsibility for what you do with the information provided.
3 Best Tactics to Spy on Android Phones
Let me begin by saying that the Android system is quite secure these days. Google works to combat hacking techniques every single day, increasing security and measures to prevent the compromising of their user data. Two-factor authentication is one of these security phases that can block out self-installing apps and software that did not originate on the Google Play Store.
Despite the security improving, the walls are not impenetrable by any stretch.
You have to know the tools and tech to accomplish it – and some of these are:
- Spy Apps for Android
- Social Engineering (Phishing)
- Software Bugs
Let’s take a look at all of these in greater detail.

Frankie’s Take:
Google results will show you hundreds of apps claiming to be the best for spying on Android phones. Be careful, many of these are scams that intend to take your money or spy on you themselves. Often, many of these require rooting the system as well. What I list below will be 100% effective.
1. mSpy: The Best Android Spy Software
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED:
- The target device for a few minutes.
- To purchase mSpy software.
- Ten minutes or so to complete the installation process.
The best possible way to track an Android device is using mSpy software. This is untraceable and gives you unabated access to the entirety of your target’s smartphone and accounts:
- GPS
- Chats on Social Networks (Messenger, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.)
- Internet History
- Incoming/Outgoing Calls
- Image Gallery
- And more
The complete list of features and functions is extensive.
mSpy has become the most-used spy app across the planet, and that’s not just my opinion. You can find write-ups about the software and program in:
One of the features that sets mSpy apart is how you can install the program without rooting the Android operating system.
Allow me to further explain.
Rooting in operating system is when you get rid of limitations and blocks set in place by Google an Android. Simply put, you crack your operating system to allow third party access.
Rooting allows spyware to get in and access apps you installed on your phone like Messenger or Instagram and spy on the content.
It is not entirely simple to root something, though. If you don’t know a lot about computers or have a good bit of time to expend, this is a challenging venture. mSpy put a new feature together called ScreenRecorder. When in place, it takes a screen shot silently whenever the target accesses social media and chat applications.
You can get a look for yourself with a free demo for following this link.
Because of the ScreenRecorder feature, you no longer need to root an Android device to get the information you want.
Cool, right?
Now, let’s take a look at how you are installing this software.
In all, this process should not take more than 10-15 minutes as I mentioned above.
Part of that time is spent navigating the internet on your own device to purchase your license to run mSpy software. This is affordable compared to others on the market with a month-to-month for $25, 3 months of access for $60, or a full year of access for $100. You can unsubscribe at any time without early termination penalties.
Next, you need your target’s phone for a few minutes. This can be difficult because people do not like to relinquish their device, especially spouses or children with something to hide. I put together a video to help you.
This clip gives you five great excuses to get someone’s cell phone without throwing up red warning flags.
Now, all that’s left is to connect the device to your mSpy license.
I put together a detailed tutorial with images and videos to help you through every step of this process, so you are sure to do it right.
If you do need help, mSpy is available 24/7 to answer questions and assist you. You can also opt for the paid mAssistance plan where a tech literally walks you through every step of this process over the phone.
When the software gets connected, you can see everything from a dashboard you can access on any browser.
Note: mSpy made it possible to spy on Android phones from any other type of cellular device, including iPhones. It does not matter what device accesses the mSpy dashboard, just that the target phone is an Android.
PROS & CONS
✅ Remotely spy on the target device and monitor everything from a convenient dashboard interface.
✅ Requires no rooting of the operating system.
✅ Quick and easy to do.
✅ No technical skills necessary.
✅ Free multi-lingual support available 24/7
❌ It is a paid application.
[wpcd_coupon id=6365]

Frankie’s Take:
I have tested more than 50 spy apps for Android to bring you the best, and none have held a candle to mSpy yet. This is what I recommend anyone use if you need to spy secretly on an Android phone.
WHAT DO YOU NEED:
- Email account
- Generated ‘mirror’ website
- HTML and PHP coding skills
- Spare time
I should be very clear that this is a method that can work very well if it is done correctly. The appropriate application takes both time and computer skills, so if you do not have one or both of these, I would redirect you back to mSpy to get you the information that you need.
Now that I have that out there, I should explain a little more about how phishing works.
In short, phishing is like a sleight of hand for internet users. You show them what they recognize so they give you information you want, but do not let them see behind the curtain.
Social engineering such as this is often under a guise that a password needs updated for Google, Facebook, Snapchat, or whatever you wish to access. The email sent contains a link to follow to accomplish this. Instead, they end up at a mirror page of the intended landing page that is coded to store information entered.
Here is a video that can show you how it works more plainly:
We can dig a little deeper and find out how to get you using this technique if you have the skills.
You should create an email account first similar to what you would expect an email from these services to look like.
Some examples might be:
- Newpassword@gmail.com (Google)
- Generatepasswordfb@gmail.com (Facebook)
- Newinstagrampass@gmail.com (Instagram)
It is also possible to purchase domains similar to what you are trying to mimic as well. mail@facenew.com or mail@accountgplay.com can work.
Be mindful: some domain hosting sites do not allow you to use domains too similar to the originals you are mimicking, so get creative.
Next, create a landing page that is identical to the one that users expect to see. You can use this one as an example of what you want a landing page to look like: https://myaccount.google.com/signinoptions/password

This is where the technical skills I discussed are going to come into the equation. You need to know how to use sites like WordPress or directly program with HTML or PHP codes.
Not only does it need to look right, but it also has to be instructed to save inputted information for later reading. You might choose to use a program like hotjar instead to record the screen.
Be Advised: Many screen recording extensions for sites hide sensitive data as a precaution. Make sure you try out the demo versions before you commit to buying something that does not work for its intended purpose.
Once the email and internet mirror page are functional, you need to send off a call-to-action email to your victim. This needs to be written as though Google, Facebook, or any other social media site you are emulating has written it to them. An example might be:
Dear ___________
We are informing you about a regular routine maintenance of our servers. Please verify for email account by clicking below:
Verify Account – **hyperlink to fake landing page**
Thank you,
Gmail Team

The victim will read that and believe it comes from Google directly. Once they enter their information, you have what you need.
You now have access to their Google, Facebook, or whatever intended social media account you emulated.
You should be careful.
Many social networks now encourage two-factor authentication for their users. This protects from phishing attacks.
You can take a look at this short video for more on this:
It is not impossible to get around this authentication, but you do need to have the victim’s phone in hand at that time to confirm you want to grant access to the accounts using the information you recently gathered.
What can you spy on with phishing techniques?
- Downloaded apps
- Facebook account, and all messages on Messenger
- Social media: Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok
- Gmail
- Hangouts
- Pictures saved to Google Photo cloud
- And more.
PROS & CONS
✅ Free (There are even hosting services allowing you to recreate websites for free).
✅ No need to install software on target device or root the system.
❌ Requires computer skills and time.
❌ No convenient dashboard to read information.
❌ Limited to one app at a time.
❌ Often must bypass two-factor authentications.

Frankie’s Take:
This is nowhere near the fastest or most reliable method out there to try. If you want to save money and have some technical prowess, it’s worth giving it a shot. If you want to know more about phishing, I have written a guide to help you in this venture. If you are unsure, just stick with mSpy.
3 – Software Bugs
WHAT DO YOU NEED:
- Access to the victim’s smartphone
- Roughly 10 minutes
This technique is heavily used for a couple of reasons. One, it is easy to use (requiring no technical skills) and two, it is free.
Like all good things, though, it isn’t without some drawbacks. You cannot spy on everything happening on the target device, but rather only a small handful of activity.
Allow me to more plainly explain.
There are certain applications and software coded with vulnerabilities. For example, WhatsApp’s web client requires a user to scan a QR code with the phone where the app is installed.
Sure, it’s convenient when I have to get on WhatsApp on my PC every five minutes.
It stops this convenience when you realize that anyone who manages to scan this code can have unfiltered access to all WhatsApp chats, shared media, and contacts.
And therein lies a vulnerability.
So, what does that even mean?
If you get your hands on a victim’s phone for a few moments (you can use the techniques I showed in the mSpy section) you just have to scan the QR code on a PC or tablet for access to their account.
You never have to install this data on your own device, put a program on theirs, and they will never know their information has been breached.
Be Advised: Because you are accessing their account much like they are, you cannot read messages they have not seen yet. You would risk getting caught. If you are interested in spy on WhatsApp messages Android for free, you should read my guide on hacking WhatsApp.
As I mentioned, not all applications like Facebook and Instagram have these vulnerabilities to hack them.
Fortunately, you can use a similar solution to access social networks to steal passwords.
Let me tell you about it.
Android phones regularly save login information to the device. When you have a few seconds to access the victim’s phone, you just need to unscramble them.
Here is what you do: head to Settings > click ‘Search’ (magnifying glass) and write ‘Password Manager’ > choose Google account > search for the app you want and click it.
You will need the unlock code for access to the passwords.
PROS & CONS
✅ Free.
✅ Easy to put to work without installing third-party software.
✅ Leave no trace for detection
❌ Need access to target device.
❌ Need to know the unlock code for the phone.
❌ Might encounter issues with two-factor authentication.
❌ No dashboard to regulate all information.

Frankie’s Take:
This technique has been able to help parents keep their children clear of the dangers and predators on the internet. Spouses and partners have used this to gain proof of their significant other’s infidelity as well.
In Summation
I have given you three effective techniques for spying on Android phones.
The first, mSpy, is the best of these by a long shot. While it is not free, it is cheap and incredibly user friendly. You can yield the most complete turnaround of information with this method in a convenient dashboard layout.
Phishing is the next one, and you should only be attempting this if you are familiar with PCs and coding. If you do not have these skills, you risk getting caught or wasting your time.
Last, we talked about exploiting some bugs to give you access to specific apps. You can also gain access to the login information for apps using a similar technique.
How to Tell if Someone is Spying on Your Android
It might seem counterintuitive to explain how you can identify if you are getting spied on in an article instructing how to spy on Android smartphone.
Some of this information can be very helpful though, especially for parents looking to keep their children safe and want to know if someone has hacked their phone.
Not everyone hacks phones for noble reasons, and there are many malicious hacking teams installing spyware on phones to steal data (credit card information, photos, messages, etc.) You might also see this with those looking to blackmail or bully the target.
It is very important to know how to defend yourself.
Note: I am giving this advance for parents worried about their children, but it can also be for spouses that suspect their partner might be monitoring their actions on their phone.
Let’s get started.
1. Find Hidden Apps on Android
First, you need to find out if any hidden apps exist on your phone.
Depending on the spy app installed, this might not be an easy task. I’ll be honest.
Option 1: Look in Android Settings
This method allows you to view installed apps on the device (even ones hidden from the app drawer).
Here is what you do: Go to Settings > click ‘Apps’ > tap three vertical dots in top right > Choose ‘Show System Apps’
You will get a look at everything installed on your device. If you find something that seems suspicious, just delete it.
Option 2: Android Downloads
This method encourages you to look at all of the downloads made to your phone (except ones that have been deleted manually).
Accessing this folder is simple. Start by going to ‘My Files’ and choose Downloads. You will see a list of any software that has been installed to the device by choice – so search this folder for any suspicious content.
As I mentioned before, though, finding the spyware might not always be simple. There are some apps, like mSpy or Hoverwatch, that are almost untraceable.
You can often find these using a malware scanner like Avast, however. But, there is a possibility that even this technique might not work the more advanced these programs become.
2. Check Your Battery Status
Your battery can also often provide signals that something is amiss on your phone.
If you find that the battery is getting much warmer than normal, or drains quicker than it used to, this could indicate that malicious software is installed.
This is not a highly reliable method, as normal apps can also cause this phenomenon. It is still worth considering, however.
3. Watch for Login Warnings from Other Devices
Two factor authentications are an added security measure implemented by Google to protect its users from hacking attempts. You can see a video about that here.
There are workarounds in which this same security can grant access to these would-be hackers unintentionally.
The solution is to change your passwords for these suspected compromised sites like Facebook, Google, or Snapchat.

Frankie’s Take:
If you have used these options and still found nothing, a surefire solution is to factory reset your device. Go to Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset.
The Take Away
Now, we have reached the end of this substantial guide. I hope the information I have provided has been helpful.
Before we part ways, let’s take a look at what this tutorial covered.
In short, there are three main ways you can spy on an Android device:
- mSpy – in my opinion, the best of these options. No need for rooting the operating system and you have access to much more data than any of the other listed methods.
- Phishing – Also called social engineering, this tactic is difficult to deploy because it is time consuming and advanced technical skills are necessary.
- Software bugs – Great technique to use when feasible, but you can only utilize it on a handful of possible apps.
That’s not all we discussed.
We also talked about some tactics to help you determine if your own phone has been compromised, so you can defend yourself against nefarious attacks.
If have any questions, concerns, or comments, you can leave it below this post and I will get back with you as soon as possible. You should also take a minute to find me on Pinterest (where you will find awesome infographics), YouTube, and my Facebook page.
A hug as always,
PS – Facebook Messenger is the most used social network in the world for communicating, so you should definitely have use for reading my article about how to hack Messenger.
Hi Frankie,
In the past my soon to be ex husband has installed the mspy software to my devices. I was told that when the device updates the software gets wiped from my device. Is this true? I question this now as recently after being separated in more than the length of time but over 400 miles apart as well he has been able to track my whereabouts naming the places I had visited throughout the day at their relative times. He had not physically had my phone for some time and so now I fear that he has somehow gotten into my email accounts.
Hello Frankie,
Thank you for this article and information; I want to know which hacking techniques that can let the spy to access my camera and record photos and videos ?
Also if I have installed avast for free and he gives me that it scans 164 app and nothing found but when i go t setting>show system apps i found 161 apps only is this normal ?
and more question if i found app called 1021 that consumes 1 MB from wifi in 2 days in a month but this app doesn’t appear when i go to setting>show system app
really your answer is really needed 🙂
I hope u won’t mind answering a question for me. I have twins teenage boys, I’ve tried several spy apps but they find and delete them immediately. Now they have started using knox and I can’t even download anything. Is there a spy app I can install on my phone that will be able to spy both of their phones thru shared wifi? Thanks so much! Have a great day!
Hi, Frankie here! Unfortunately doesn’t exist a spy app like this for Android phones.