How to Detect and Stop mSpy on iPhone/Android from Tracking

As a parental control app, mSpy offers a range of monitoring features - but when used without consent, it can easily turn into a spyware nightmare on your phone. The feeling of being watched (or even just suspecting it) can be incredibly stressful - but don't worry, you have the power to take back control.

In this guide, we'll explain what mSpy is, how it works, how to detect mSpy on iPhone and Android, and most importantly, how to remove mSpy from Android or iPhone and secure your device to prevent future spying attempts.

Let's dive in and get your privacy back.

Part 1. What Is mSpy and How It Works

mSpy is a commercial monitoring application marketed to parents and employers. It can track GPS location, monitor calls and text messages, and access certain social media activity like Instagram. However, in the wrong hands (or installed without permission), it functions as spyware.

But how does mSpy work?

Explaining every technical detail can get messy, so let's focus on how mSpy is typically installed according to the mSpy installation guide - that makes it easier to understand how to detect and defeat it.

On Android, mSpy is usually installed directly on the device as an APK file, which requires physical access to the phone. Once installed, it often runs in stealth mode: hiding its icon, running background services, and silently collecting data. Installers frequently use benign-sounding names like Update Service, System Service, or SyncManager to avoid detection. Most core features don't require rooting, though some advanced capabilities may need elevated access.

On iPhone, the method depends on whether the iPhone is jailbroken:

On a non-jailbroken iPhone, mSpy can operate without installing an app by accessing the device's iCloud backups. That requires the target's Apple ID and password - and often access to the device to approve two-factor authentication (2FA). Once authorized, mSpy can continuously download new iCloud backups for the account holder to view. Its reach is limited to whatever data is included in those backups (messages, call logs, photos, etc.).

On a jailbroken device, mSpy can be installed directly via sideloaded package managers (like Cydia), which gives it deeper, more real-time access to the system and user data.

Part 2. How to Detect mSpy on iPhone/Android

Spyware like mSpy is built to stay hidden but even the most discreet tracking apps can't hide all their traces. They often leave behind subtle performance issues, data irregularities, or system changes. Here's how to detect mSpy on iPhone and Android effectively.

1. Pay Attention to Odd Performance Signal

Whether you're on iPhone or Android, these warning signs could suggest the presence of spyware such as mSpy:

• Battery Drains Faster Than Usual: If your phone's battery suddenly depletes quickly, even when idle, it could mean an app like mSpy is constantly running in the background, recording and uploading data.
• Increased Data Usage: Spyware frequently sends captured information to remote servers. If your Wi-Fi or mobile data usage spikes for no clear reason, that's a red flag.
• Overheating: When your phone feels unusually warm, even when not in use, it's likely due to background processes consuming CPU resources.
• Lagging or Slower Performance: Apps might take longer to open, freeze randomly, or the overall system might slow down as mSpy runs silently behind the scenes.

2. Check Suspicious App/Files

On Android, open Settings > Apps > Manage Apps and look closely at what's installed. If you notice unfamiliar names such as Update Service, System Service, or SyncManager, inspect their permissions carefully - these are commonly used disguises for spyware.

Also, check whether Google Play Protect has been turned off in the Play Store's settings. If it's disabled and you didn't do it, that's a strong sign someone tampered with your device's security settings.

On jailbroken iPhones, the presence of apps like Cydia or Sileo indicates that the device has been modified - which opens the door for spyware like mSpy to be installed.

3. Look for Unusual iCloud Sync Activity [iOS]

For non-jailbroken iPhones, mSpy often works by syncing through your iCloud account. While it's difficult to see this directly, you can watch for subtle clues:

• Receiving unexpected two-factor authentication (2FA) codes or login alerts when you haven't signed in yourself.
• Seeing unfamiliar devices linked to your Apple ID (check under Settings > [Your Name] > Devices).
• Frequent iCloud backup prompts or backups appearing at strange times.

If you notice any of these signs, change your Apple ID password immediately and enable 2FA if it's not already active - this cuts off mSpy's remote access right away.

Part 3. How to Remove mSpy from Android/iPhone [7 Ways]

Once you've confirmed mSpy is installed, don't panic - you can take control. Below are seven proven ways to block and remove mSpy from your iPhone or Android device and secure your personal data for good.

#1. Change Apple ID/Google Account Password

This is the most important first step.

For iPhone users, changing your Apple ID password immediately breaks mSpy's link to your iCloud backups, cutting off its access to your messages, photos, and other private data.

For Android users, update your Google account password right away to prevent the spyware from syncing or restoring data from your cloud backups.

#2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds a powerful extra layer of defense to both Apple ID and Google accounts. Even if someone knows your password, they won’t be able to log in without the verification code sent to your trusted device.

Turning on 2FA ensures mSpy (or any other spyware) can't re-establish a connection with your account, effectively blocking remote data access.

#3. Manually Uninstall Suspicious App [Android]

If you've found a suspicious app on your Android phone, here's how to remove mSpy from Android:

Step 1. Reboot your phone into Safe Mode. This disables third-party apps including spyware. Press and hold the power button, then tap and hold "Power Off" until the "Reboot to Safe Mode" option appears.
Step 2. Go to Settings > Apps and locate the suspicious app you identified earlier (e.g., Update Service, SyncManager, System Service).
Step 3. Select the app and tap "Uninstall." If the uninstall button is greyed out, return to Settings > Security > Device Admin Apps and revoke its admin privileges first, then try again.

#4. Mask Your Real Location via Reliable Tool

While this doesn't delete mSpy, it disrupts one of its key tracking features - location monitoring. Using a trusted GPS spoofing tool like TunesKit Location Changer allows you to feed mSpy false location data, protecting your privacy while you work on permanent removal.

TunesKit Location Changer can change your location on Android and iOS devices at system level and offer 5 flexible movement methods, allowing you to simulate real time movement or stay in one spot without being detected.

#5. Factory Reset Your iPhone/Android

If you want a 100% clean slate, a factory reset is your best option to remove mSpy completely. However, before proceeding, remember to back up only essential files like photos, contacts, and documents. Besides, avoid restoring from full system backups, as they might reintroduce the spyware.

Here's how to remove mSpy from Android/iPhone by resetting your phone:

• Android: Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset)
• iPhone: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings

Once the reset is complete, reinstall apps manually from official stores only.

#6. Update iOS to Latest Version [iOS]

If your iPhone has been jailbroken, updating your iOS will remove the jailbreak and any unauthorized apps including mSpy. To update your iOS to the latest version, go to Settings > General > Software Update and Install the latest iOS version available. This simple step restores your iPhone's built-in security and ensures no hidden apps can run in the background.

#7. Turn On Play Protect Feature on Google Play Store [Android]

mSpy's Android installation often requires disabling Google Play Protect - Android's built-in security scanner. Reactivating it helps block similar threats in the future.

Here's how to stop mSpy from spying you by turnning Play Protect back on:

Step 1. Open the Google Play Store.
Step 2. Tap your profile icon and go to Play Protect.
Step 3. Tap the gear icon in the top-right and ensure "Scan apps with Play Protect" is turned on.

Part 4. Conclusion

That's all about how to detect and how to stop mSpy from spying you in detail. Discovering spyware on your phone can be alarming, but now you're armed with the knowledge and tools to fight back and secure your privacy.

Most importantly, protect yourself going forward by following a few simple habits, for example, use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts, avoid clicking suspicious or unreliable links from unknown senders, keep your phone close and never leave it unattended in public, and never share your passcode or verification codes with anyone you don't completely trust.