Best iPhone Tracking Apps: Review and Comparison [2023]

iPhone’ users can access a wide range of tracking apps offering more comprehensive features beyond Apple’s native tracking options like Find My or Apple Maps. While these native apps are useful for tracking location when shared, dedicated tracking apps provide additional functionalities for various purposes.

There are numerous reasons to use tracking apps:

• Parental control
  Tracking apps are invaluable tools for parents concerned about their children’s safety.
• Lost phone tracking
  Losing a phone can be a stressful experience, and tracking apps can help locate the device quickly. These apps utilize features like GPS tracking and remote lock.
• Partner tracking
  While controversial, some individuals may track their partners’ iPhones with their consent. This can be done to build trust, ensure safety, or provide peace of mind in certain situations.
• Employee management
  Businesses can benefit from tracking apps to monitor their employees with their consent for better effectiveness and business safety.

To assist you in selecting the best and most trusted apps, we have tested and evaluated different options.

Comparison Table Of Tracking Apps for iPhone

Services reviewed – 26

Services selected – 9

We took some resources from the top reviews of the best, and almost all of them were awful. So trust only verified sources of information or blogs of specialized services related to telecommunications. For example, like our HeyLocate blog.

iPhone Tracker Apps Review

We regularly review different trackers; thus, we know what’s important. Let’s see how they work for iPhones.

uMobix

uMobix is a comprehensive monitoring service that provides advanced features for tracking and managing mobile devices. With a rapidly growing user base, uMobix has gained a substantial following on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.

It has received rave reviews from satisfied customers, earning an impressive average rating of 3.4/5 stars on popular review sites like Trustpilot. uMobix boasts over 1 million downloads, a testament to its popularity and reliability.

Features:

• call and text message monitoring;
• GPS tracking;
• web browsing history viewing;
• camera monitoring;
• social media tracking.

Compatibility:

All iOS devices, and iPads.

User Experience:

When I decided to try uMobix on my iPhone, I was relieved to discover that there was no need to jailbreak the device. Instead, I simply provided the required iCloud credentials of the target device during the setup process.

Although there were some technical aspects to consider, the step-by-step instructions made it relatively easy, and with just a few clicks it took me about 15 minutes to complete. I was able to monitor features like text messages, iPhone location, contacts, browsing history, WhatsApp messages, and app activities.

One of the standout features I appreciated was the quick syncing process, as I didn’t have to wait for 24 hours to see the data on my web dashboard. Additionally, the fact that uMobix operates discreetly and remains undetectable on the target device was a major advantage, allowing me to monitor my child’s device without their knowledge.

Overall, uMobix is an excellent choice for parents seeking to monitor their child’s online activities and ensure their safety in the digital world. It is equally valuable for employers aiming to prevent misuse or maintain productivity among their employees.

Try uMobix

Cocospy

Cocospy is a popular phone tracking and monitoring service with a large user base that includes millions of users worldwide. They have a strong presence on social media platforms like Twitter.

Features:

• location tracking;
• calls & message monitoring;
• download files monitoring;
• social media apps (Instagram, Tinder, WhatsApp) monitoring;
• view browser history.

Compatibility:

All iOS devices, and iPads.

User Experience:

When I made the decision to utilize the Cocospy phone tracker, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I wouldn’t need to jailbreak my iPhone. The app seamlessly functions using iCloud credentials, making the setup process hassle-free.

However, upon logging into the web dashboard, I did encounter a minor delay in data syncing initially. Fortunately, the efficient customer support team promptly resolved the issue, resulting in successful syncing.

I had access to a wide range of features, including messages, calls, application activities, browser history, WhatsApp messages, contacts, and even location history information with a Google Maps timeline. I did encounter some challenges with certain social media apps such as Instagram, and Facebook did not sync the data.

Notwithstanding this limitation, the app discreetly operated in the background, ensuring privacy while providing a comprehensive overview of the monitored activities.

Try Cocospy

XNSPY

XNSPY is a reputable mobile iPhone monitoring service with a large user base that spans across numerous countries. XNSPY has achieved thousands of downloads on both Android and iOS platforms, showcasing its popularity among smartphone users.

Features:

• location tracking;
• calls & message monitoring;
• social media apps (Instagram, Tinder, WhatsApp) monitoring;
• browser history viewing.

Compatibility:

All iOS devices, and iPads.

User Experience:

When attempting to monitor my partner’s iPhone apps using XNSPY, I was pleased to discover that jailbreaking wasn’t required. However, physical access to their phone and their iCloud details were necessary.

Unfortunately, I faced issues with data synchronization. Despite following the instructions and completing the backup process with my partner’s iCloud credentials, data for important features like calls, text messages, and social media apps didn’t sync properly.

To resolve the problem, I contacted customer support, who provided prompt assistance. Although it took some time to resolve, the syncing process took up to 24 hours to sync the iPhone data. I had access to a number of apps, such as text messages, WhatsApp messages, contacts, application activities, current location, and browser history.

Based on my experience, XNSPY can be a valuable tool for parents monitoring their children’s phone activities and tracking specific iPhone apps. However, it’s essential to be patient during the syncing process and to reach out to customer support for any challenges.

Try XNSPY

EyeZy

EyeZy is another popular mobile monitoring software. EyeZy offers monitoring features, including real-time app usage tracking and GPS tracking, and has an average rating of 4.3/5. On several social media sites, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, EyeZy has an active presence. Additionally, EyeZy has received a lot of downloads from consumers, demonstrating its acceptance and appeal.

Features:

• contacts;
• locations;
• emails;
• photos, etc.

Compatibility:

All iOS devices, and iPads.

User Experience:

When I made the decision to give EyeZy a try, I chose to provide my iCloud credentials as it seemed like the convenient and fast option. The syncing process was completed in just about 5 minutes.

However, my experience was disappointing when I logged into my dashboard and discovered that there were very limited features available, and some of them didn’t even sync the data. This prompted me to reach out to the customer support for assistance. I appreciated their quick response, and they explained to me that certain features, like the location feature, only work if the iPhone is jailbroken and the option is limited to iOS compatibility.

As a result, I was only able to monitor and track a few features such as contacts, notes, the calendar, browsing history, and application activities. EyeZy also operates anonymously and cannot be detected.

So, based on my experience, I can say that EyeZy might be suitable for employees who need to monitor specific features like emails, files, contacts, and notes. However, it may not be ideal for parents who want to track their teenager’s iPhone, as the tool offers limited features for iPhones. Here is the full EyeZy review on the HeyLocate blog.

Try EyeZy

Phonsee

Phonsee is an innovative mobile monitoring service that provides cell phone tracking capabilities for both iPhone and Android devices. With Phonsee, users have the convenience of tracking a target device remotely and gaining access to a wide range of activities, including, calls, text messages, and social media interactions.

Despite being a newcomer to the market, Phonsee has garnered positive reviews from its satisfied users, as evidently seen from their site.

Features:

• calls;
• message;
• address book;
• GPS locations;
• screenrecoder;
• social media apps (Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp);
• browser history.

Compatibility:

All iOS devices.

User Experience:

When I decided to give Phonsee a try, I was delighted to discover that I didn’t need to jailbreak the target iPhone. Instead, I simply provided the iCloud credentials, and I gained the ability to track various iPhone features, such as call logs, messages, and GPS locations. What impressed me about this tool was the level of detail it provided, including screenshots of app usage.

Furthermore, Phonsee operates discreetly, ensuring that the target individual remains unaware of their phone being tracked. It serves as an excellent tool for parents who wish to monitor their children’s online activities, or for employers who need to keep tabs on their employees’ device usage. Phonsee offers a comprehensive solution for those seeking to maintain a watchful eye on mobile device activities.

Try Phonsee

Parentaler

This is an advanced software application created to safeguard your children by overseeing their online activities and issuing personalized notifications whenever any worrisome behavior emerges. Despite being a relatively recent addition to the market, Parentaler has received commendable feedback from its initial users, affirming its efficacy and highlighting its potential as an iPhone app tracker.

Features:

• social media & messengers;
• GPS and geofencing;
• calls and SMS;
• photos and videos;
• web filter.

Compatibility:

All iOS devices.

User Experience:

Utilizing this service, I opted for the jailbreak-free option, eliminating the need for invasive procedures and requiring only physical access to my friend’s phone, which I already had. Upon logging into my dashboard, I gained comprehensive capabilities to effectively monitor and track my friend’s online activities. This encompassed tracking incoming and outgoing calls, SMS, and even social media messages.

One particular aspect of the app that impressed me was the availability of around-the-clock support. Whenever I faced installation challenges, I received prompt assistance to overcome them. Additionally, Parentaler operates discreetly in a stealth mode, ensuring that its presence remains undetectable.

Considering my experience, I can confidently affirm that Parentaler is an invaluable iPhone tracking app, contributing to the protection of children and fostering a safe online environment.

Try Parentaler

FlexiSPY

FlexiSPY, a reputable monitoring and iPhone app tracking software, has established itself as a prominent choice among users worldwide over the past decade. With millions of satisfied customers, its popularity has soared. Engaging actively on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

The software has consistently received impressive review ratings of an average of 4.5/5 on Trustpilot, underscoring its reliability and effectiveness. Moreover, FlexiSPY has earned about a million downloads, further emphasizing its extensive user base.

Features:

• call recordings;
• contacts;
• keyloggers;
• photos and videos;
• web activity;
• locations;
• social media apps.

Compatibility:

iOS versions up to 14.

User Experience:

Based on my personal experience with FlexiSPY, I found the tool to be somewhat challenging because it required a jailbreaking process to monitor most iPhone apps. Furthermore, it only supports iPhones running iOS versions up to 14. As a result, I had to test it on my old iPhone 7.

On my FlexiSPY dashboard, I was granted access to various applications on the target device, including text messages, calls, and all downloaded apps. What sets FlexiSPY apart from other tracking services is its extensive range of tracking features, such as having the incoming calls and VoIP recording feature, which I found quite impressive.

One notable feature of FlexiSPY is its ability to operate in stealth mode, ensuring that the target individual remains unaware that their phone is being monitored. This aspect adds an extra layer of confidentiality and discreetness to the tracking process.

Overall, after using this service, I found that FlexiSPY can serve as a valuable tool for parents who wish to monitor their children’s online activities, as well as for employers who have concerns regarding employee productivity.

Try FlexiSPY

Free Tracking Apps for iPhone

Are free tracking apps effective as well?

Famisafe

Famisafe is an advanced free tracking app for iPhone that aims to assist parents in monitoring, tracking, and managing their children’s online activities. With a commendable rating of 4.3 stars on the Apple Play Store, it is highly regarded for its user-friendly interface and dependable performance.

Moreover, Famisafe boasts a significant following on social media platforms, with 162,023 followers on Facebook and 3,264 followers on Twitter.

Features:

• app blocker;
• screen time;
• YouTube content detection;
• photos;
• locations;
• browser history.

Compatibility:

All iOS versions.

User Experience:

I made the decision to give Famisafe a try for monitoring my kid’s iPhone. After installing the app on my kid’s device, I seamlessly paired it with my own iPhone. Famisafe immediately impressed me with its ability to provide a detailed and extensive overview of my child’s online activities.

From screen time management to monitoring YouTube content, browsing history, and even accessing photos from my child’s iPhone, the app offered a comprehensive view of their digital interactions.

One of the standout features, that I liked about this app, was the ability to block specific websites and applications, allowing me to prioritize my child’s safety and well-being. However, the app is not stealthy since the installation process requires physical presence of the phone and can be detected on the phone after installation.

Try FAMISAFE

iKeyMonitor

iKeyMonitor is another monitoring solution and tracking app for iPhone that offers a free plan that enables users to effectively track and monitor activities on smartphones and tablets. This tool has become increasingly popular among individuals and organizations looking to improve digital parenting or implement employee monitoring measures.

With a dedicated Facebook page and a Twitter account, it has garnered a reputable 4 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot, reflecting the positive experiences of its users.

Features:

• keylogging;
• outgoing and incoming calls monitoring;
• website history tracking;
• GPS location tracking;
• social media monitoring;
• app usage monitoring.

Compatibility:

Apple devices with iOS 9-14.

User Experience:

During my experience with iKeyMonitor free tracking app for iPhone, I required physical access to the target device, to complete a jailbreaking process on the target phone to have access to the advanced tracking features.

With iKeyMonitor, I was able to track a comprehensive range of features, including, call monitoring, social media tracking, and GPS location tracking.

Maintaining privacy and discretion is crucial in monitoring applications, and iKeyMonitor excels in this aspect. The app operates discreetly and can be configured to remain undetectable on the target device.

iKeyMonitor free app caters to a diverse range of users, including individuals and organizations seeking effective monitoring solutions. Parents can benefit from iKeyMonitor to ensure the safety of their children in the digital world, while employers can utilize it to monitor employee activities for security or productivity reasons.

Try IKEYMONITOR

Qustodio

Qustodio is a popular parental control and iPhone tracking app that helps families manage and protect their digital lives. Qustodio has established a significant presence on social media platforms like Facebook with 11,000 followers and Twitter, with 2,260 followers. It has also earned 4/5 stars on Apple Store, due to its reliability and functionality.

Features:

• web filtering;
• screen time controls;
• social media monitoring;
• call and SMS monitoring;
• battery life;
• location tracking;
• app blocking.

Compatibility:

iOS 11.0 or later.

User Experience:

Deciding to track my child’s iPhone, I opted to give Qustodio, a free iPhone tracker app, a try. The setup process was simple: I installed the Qustodio kid’s app on my child’s device and linked it to my Qustodio parental account. Once connected, I gained access to a comprehensive view of all the activities on my child’s device through the Qustodio dashboard.

From the dashboard, I could easily monitor various activities such as calls, texts, and web browsing. Qustodio also offers the ability to block inappropriate websites and apps, set time limits for specific applications, and track the location of my child’s device. Furthermore, Qustodio operated discreetly, ensuring that my child remained unaware of being monitored.

Qustodio provided me with a comprehensive set of tools to effectively track and manage my child’s device usage. It can be a valuable asset for parents seeking to safeguard their children in the digital realm.

Try QUSTODIO

Trackers That Didn’t Pass Our Test

We write honest reviews, so for you not to waste your time, here are the apps that we don’t recommend even trying.

• MaxxSpy: MaxxSpy tracking app for iPhone often failed to capture accurate information, it faced frequent crashes, and unreliable data syncing, making it ineffective for monitoring activities on the target device.
• Spyera: This iPhone tracking app often failed to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, we also experienced unreliable data synchronization and limited functionality.
• SpyMaster Pro: The features were limited and failed to provide the level of monitoring expected. Additionally, customer support is inadequate.
• WebWatcher: I was disappointed with the capabilities and promises of Webwatcher. The features did not live up to the functionality that was initially advertised.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the wide availability of tracking apps for iPhones in 2023 offers users enhanced capabilities for reassurance, security, and efficiency. These apps serve diverse purposes, including child monitoring, lost phone tracking, partner tracking, and employee monitoring. Among our top tracking apps in the market, are uMobix, Cocospy, and XNSPY stand out.

uMobix excels as the best iPhone tracking app, providing discreet real-time monitoring for child and partner tracking, thanks to its reliable monitoring features.

Cocospy is a reputable app that offers timely data updates, making it useful for employees who wish to monitor their employees’ devices.

Meanwhile, XNSPY is renowned for its comprehensive features tailored for tracking iPhone devices, serving various needs both for parents and employers.