Last updated on 15 june 2022 by FAMILYFOCUSEDSOLUTIONS
5 Best Instagram Spy Apps: Tested and Trusted Alternatives to Try Out in 2022
Acquired by Facebook in 2012, Instagram has become one of the world’s most famed social media platforms. Over a billion active monthly users ensure it sits right at the top with the heavyweights.
However, like any popular social network, predators, bullies, fraudsters, and cheaters also use the app for nefarious purposes.
A recent report reveals that about half a million sexual predators are active online each day.
It gets worse. In 2019, the BBC reported that 32% of captured sexual predators used Instagram to conduct adverse acts, the highest social network figure.
How do you shield your loved ones from Instagram’s dark side or get the truth about a cheating partner undetected and remotely?
The answer is Instagram spy applications. We’ve prepared all the data bits needed in this write-up, highlighting how you can monitor an Instagram account and the best apps to achieve this feat.
Give the subsequent sections a read to find out more.
Spying on Instagram: Good or Bad?
Your goal for spying determines if it’s good or bad. If your motive for spying is to protect your loved ones from virtual harm, such an action is legal. However, if your aim to spy on someone’s Instagram account is malicious, such a practice is unethical and illegal.
Keeping track of someone’s Instagram or any other social media accounts in a bid to blackmail, defraud, or harm them could place you in severe legal debacles.
Spying comes to the fore for parents who want to keep their kids safe from the dangers of the Internet. Device monitoring can take center stage if you have reservations about your significant other.
With the legality of smartphone spying out of the way, let’s take a peek at mediums that makes this endeavor possible.
Spy on Instagram for Free
If you aren’t buoyant enough to afford spy applications, you can test out the following methods for free:
Password Stored in the Browser
Browsers often have the option to save your password to various websites automatically. You can check the target’s Instagram logins with this medium. However, it requires you to have the target phone physically and know their smartphone password.
If you have this information, head to their web browser, select settings, then click passwords. Here, you’ll find a list of websites, head over to Instagram to discover the credentials. If you try to unhide the password or copy it, a prompt pops up.
Pros
- It’s free
- Access to all available Instagram chats
- Explore their Instagram page
Cons
- Requires you to know the device password
- The user will get alerted if they have 2FA set up
Fake Account
Sometimes, your partner or child might not have you listed on their friend list, set their account to private, or restrict you from accessing their page or stories.
Yes, you know those media files that disappear within 24hrs of uploading them? Users tend to post the more personal content of their everyday lives here, owing to the temporary and low censorship of Instagram stories.
So, what can you do if you’d like access to your kid or spouse’s story?
Create a fake account. That way, you can access their stories without leaving your footprints.
Pros
- It doesn’t cost a dime
- View the target’s stories without revealing your identity
Cons
- It requires you to spend time managing the fake account
- No access if the user doesn’t follow back
Social Engineering
Social engineering requires you to trick the target and get their Instagram credentials. This medium will work faster if you’re close to the intended user.
Pros
- Only your tact is required
- This method doesn’t require any payment
Cons
- It requires time to gain trust
- Information is limited to what the user reveals
Spy on Instagram With Spy App
Instagram spy applications are vital tools for monitoring an Instagram account remotely and stealthily. You gain access to a target’s messages, shared media contents, and comments using this application with ease.
Pros
- Remote Monitoring: Keep track at a distance and remain undetected.
- User Friendly: Spy apps are easy to use, from installation to real-world spying. Patrons require little to no assistance monitoring an Instagram account.
- Flexible Pricing Options: Instagram spy apps come in multiple pricing options, so you’re sure to find a plan accommodating your budget and needs.
- Excellent Compatibility: Spy apps are compatible with the most popular smartphone OS’s; iOS and Android. Support can start from iOS 6 or Android 4.0 on the latter.
- Media Capture: Gain access to every outgoing or incoming video, photo, or audio file and know what your kid or partner is up to without losing anonymity. You can also take screenshots.
Cons
- Requires Subscriptions: Premium access to top spyware can be expensive, with extensive apps costing even more. Therefore, it can be challenging exercising digital parental control if you’re on a tight budget.
- Invasive: Spy applications help you bypass individuals’ privacy, granting you access to their personal information without approval.
How to Choose the Best Instagram Spy App?
Multiple spy applications claim to be the best for your spouse and kid’s devices. However, what option takes the cake, and how can you tell? What features do the crème de la crème of the spy world bring to the table?
Here are the crucial elements you must consider when choosing an Instagram spy app:
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Compatibility
The best spyware is compatible with an extensive list of smartphones, especially across popular operating systems such as Android and iOS. You wouldn’t want to purchase a spy app and discover that it doesn’t work on the intended target device.
The best spy apps support Android 4.0 or higher and iOS versions 6.0 or newer.
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Stealth Mode
Does the app run in the background? Spy apps offer stealth mode preventing the target user from detecting them when they’re active.
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List of Features
What advanced spyware features does the spy app bring to the table? Top spyware must have a massive library of tracking functionalities, including geo-fencing, Instagram message monitoring, and a keylogger.
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Price
Spy applications often have different pricing options. All variations should be affordable and offer excellent spying functionalities irrespective of price point.
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Ease of Use and Installation
A spy app should be easy to install, taking just a few minutes to set up on the target device. You don’t need to access the device for a lengthy period, and digital tracking should be easy.
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Customer Service
How good is their customer service? What options do they offer? The top shots provide installation support and other assistance to ensure your user experience is always at peak levels.
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Refund Policy
When you purchase a spyware plan and notice it isn’t ideal, you should be able to demand a refund. Check out the application’s policy on its official page to determine if you’re eligible for one.
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Phone Tracking
Get real-time data on your spouse or child’s location with the phone tracking functionality. You’ll get to know exactly where they are always, giving you that desired peace 24/7.
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Blocking Apps
Spy apps should give you access to parental control at a digital level, allowing you to block specific applications you don’t want your child accessing.
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Monitoring
Spyware should give you access to everything from social media activity to call logs. You should be able to use the Keylogger functionality to receive alerts when they type a specific keyword during chats.
The best spy applications let you in on their exchanges via Facebook, Snapchat, WhatsApp, iMessage, etc.
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Read Messaging Apps
Read all exchanged messages with a spy app and get to know who your child or partner talks to in real-time. Find out if your kid is lying to you or your partner is cheating on you with a secret online lover.
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Control Apps and Programs
Control the timeline your child spends on their devices by setting restrictions on applications and programs. Smartphones are essential tools for learning but can distract children with unlimited screen time.
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Record Someone’s Screen
Get a peek at the target’s screen in real-time with this advanced spying feature. This add-on comes in handy, especially if your ward or spouse tries to cover their tracks by deleting IM app or SMS messages.
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View Multimedia Files
Discover and monitor multimedia files on your child’s or partner’s device. Each time they take a video or photo, the spy app uploads it to your account, always keeping you in the loop.
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Monitor Internet Activity
What websites has your child visited recently? Get the answer remotely from the internet monitoring feature, including timestamps for each Wi-Fi login.
Some spy apps also have Internet blocking provisions. Thus, you’ll be able to control the websites your loved ones can access remotely.
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Read Their Emails
Email scams are one of the fraudster’s many methods to contact and trick their victims. Predators also take this route, sending messages to unsuspecting teens.
The spyware you’re investing in should have an add-on that gives you unrestricted access to their emails. Now, you can protect your wards without breaking a sweat.
What Are the Best Instagram Spy Apps?
Scouring the spyware market, we’ve curated the best Instagram spy apps. Our entries deliver seamless while ticking the prerequisites mentioned in the previous section.
Here are our five top picks for tracking your child’s or partner’s Instagram remotely and effectively:
mSpy
Few spy applications come close to the quality mSpy brings to the table. Subscribers get top spying software packed with excellent tracking features at a competitive price.
Compatible with Android and iOS, you can track SMS, social media platforms, emails, enforce digital parental control effectively and access your ward’s or spouse’s location via the mSpy application.
Pros
- Cost-effective pricing
- Multiple spying features are accessible without rooting the target device.
- 24/7 customer support
- Seamless installation process
- Decent refund policy
Cons
- Tracking multiple devices is expensive
Pricing
Here’s how much it costs to get on the mSpy train:
- 1 Month: $48.99 per month
- 3 Months: $27.99 per month
- 12 Months: $11.66 per month
How to Install mSpy?
- Disable Play Protect
- Go to Settings” → “Google” → “Security” → “Google Play Protect.” Now, disable ”Improve harmful app detection” and “Scan device for security threats.”
- Permit installation from unknown sources.
- After downloading mSpy on the target’s device, open the file to commence installation.
- Tick the checkbox to accept the mSpy’s T&C’s and license agreement.
- Proceed to allow all permissions.
- Insert the registration code embedded in your confirmation email.
- Select “complete installation” to end the process.
DID YOU KNOW: mSpy has a decent return policy that grants patrons the chance to seek charge-free refunds if they’re unsatisfied with the service. Note that mSpy’s refund policy is only available within the first two weeks of initial payment.
eyeZy
Signing up to eyeZy is an excellent way to find out the truth, granting you peace of mind. You get to read your spouse or ward’s personal Instagram chats remotely.
With the keylogger add-on available, you can see their keystrokes 24/7. So, if your ward or spouse denies any wrongdoing, confronting them with rock-solid evidence is an increased possibility.
Pros
- Instagram monitoring is available on all plans
- Intuitive user interface
- Round-the-clock customer service
- Decent subscriptions plans
- Friendly Installer to aid installation
Cons
- Jailbreak required to install Instagram tracking on iOS
- iCloud sync is still unavailable
- No free trial
Pricing
Here’s the cost for the eyeZy spy app:
- 1 Month: $47.99 per month
- 3 Months: $27.99 per month
- 12 Months: $9.99 per month
How to Install the eyeZy App?
- Disable Play Protect on your child’s device to prevent the device from halting installation.
- Download the eyeZy installer, then proceed to clear browser history.
- Afterward, install the APK and grant all relevant permissions to enable effective tracking.
- Remember to restrict battery optimization on eyeZy, so the device doesn’t close the app while running in the background.
- Afterward, input the customer registration code accompanying your confirmation email to complete the installation.
FlexiSPY
FlexiSPY is one of the most comprehensive spyware, giving you access to many spying features, including Instagram tracking. It’s excellent for tracking the digital activities of your loved ones and functions on both iOS and Android devices.
Pros
- Extensive range of spying features
- FlexiSPY Express available to deliver spyware themed devices
- Star favorite Instagram messages
- Supports multiple payment methods
- Remote installation service
Cons
- It takes up more storage space
- Expensive plans
Pricing
Here’s the pricing system on the FlexiSPY app:
Lite
- 1 Month: $29.95
Premium
- 1 Month: $68
- 3 Months: $99
Extreme
- 3 Months: $199
- 12 Months: $349
How to Install FlexiSPY?
- Permit installation from unknown sources.
- Disable Play Protect.
- Download the FlexiSPY app using the link from its website to the target device.
- Install the downloaded APK file.
- Proceed to input your activation code.
- You get to select the running status of the app (hidden or unhidden).
- Log in to begin receiving reports.
iKeyMonitor
iKeyMonitor is one of the most popular spy apps, offering monitoring features for free. However, functionality on this plan is rudimentary and doesn’t feature Instagram tracking. Thus, you’re better off purchasing a premium plan to activate its full features.
Pros
- Free plan available
- Support is available 24/7
- Decent feature list
- Fast and easy sign-up procedure
- Seamless synchronization
Cons
- Rooting required for multiple spying features
- The free trial doesn’t cover Instagram tracking
Pricing
iKeyMonitor is one of the few spy apps in the market, offering a decent free package to subscribers.
However, if Instagram or social media spying is the end game, you’ll have to purchase its Add-ons option.
Here’s a list of iKeyMonitor’s plans:
Family – Free Basics + Add-ons
- 3 Days: $9.99
- 1 Month: $16.66
Business – Add-ons Included
- 1 Month: $9.99
How to Install iKeyMonitor?
- Disable Play Protect and its notifications on the target device.
- Enable installation from unknown sources.
- Install the APK file and open the app to launch it.
- Start spying-related acts on the target’s phone.
Spyic
Spyic offers the opportunity to keep your children safe from predators and bullies on the Internet or help you uncover infidelity in your relationship. With less than $10 a month, the software enables you to keep track of your loved ones activities in this popular digital space.
Pros
- Extensive guarantee period, up to 60 days
- Multiple and unique pricing options available to users
- Instagram chats update in real-time and include timestamps
- Easy set-up process
- Accepts multiple payment alternatives
- 24/7 helpdesk
- Operates in 100% Stealth Mode
Cons
- Instagram tracking is unavailable on the basic plan for Android
- Different pricing options for iOS and Android
- Support service could be more responsive
Pricing
Android
Basic
- 1 Month: $39.99
- 3 Months: $59.99
- 12 Months: $99.99
Premium
- 1 Month: $49.99
- 3 Months: $69.99
- 12 Months: $119.99
Family (Up to 3 Devices)
- 1 Month: $69.99
- 3 Months: $99.99
- 12 Months: $199.99
iOS
Premium
- 1 Month: $49.99
- 3 Months: $79.99
- Tw12elve Months: $129.99
Family
- 1 Month: $99.99
- 3 Months: $199.99
- 12 Months: $399.99
How to Install Spyic?
- The installation process starts after registration.
- Insert the basic target data, including name and smartphone OS.
- Enable installation from unknown sources.
- Turn off Google Play Protect if enabled.
- Click the download link on the set-up wizard page and install the APK on the target phone.
Final Thoughts
Instagram spy apps are the most effective methods to monitor an account on the platform. If you’re a parent and need aid with shielding your child from digital harm or suspect your partner of cheating and wish to know the truth, these applications can help you out.
Our top pick goes to mSpy, thanks to a perfect blend of high-end features and well-rounded price plans.
Get any of our five picks and gain access to the digital control you need!