Did your friend tell you about mSpy and that they used it to uncover their cheating husband or wife? The app is earning a positive reputation as an effective monitoring service for parents and companies. But can you legally use it to spy on your spouse?

What is mSpy?
The app mSpy was developed as parental control software that helps parents protect their children. The app is free to download, but the monitoring software that you install on your own phone or laptop will cost $30/month and up. Each subscription monitors a single device. There is a family or company plan that lets you monitor multiple devices.

While mSpy is not intended to be used to spy on a cheating wife or husband, many desperate spouses are turning to similar apps to build an arsenal of information to use in divorce court.

How does mSpy work?
When you install mSpy, you permit it to record phone numbers, contacts, pictures, videos, social media use, web browsing, and GPS location. It uploads all of the information to a cloud when the phone does a routine backup. The backup can be scheduled every hour or once a day. You then have access to that information on the monitoring software on your own computer. The user of the phone does not see when you log in to check on the recorded activity.

Is mSpy compatible with both Android and Apple smartphones?
It is completely compatible with Apple devices, as it requires you to log into the Apple account associated with the device to install it. Android devices only give you access to basic information unless you root the phone--which will void the manufacturer warranty. That is because the app is not compliant with all Android security and privacy protocols.

What information will mSpy give me that shows that my spouse is cheating?
You will be able to see where your spouse went throughout the day via GPS coordinates along with accompanying time stamps. It provides you a list of phone calls and the numbers that are called. You will have access to all their SMS messages and social media posts. If they snapped a pic with their romantic partner, you can download a copy.

What if they have another phone?
If your cheating spouse is using a burner or pay-as-you-go phone on a separate account from your joint account, mSpy must be installed on that other phone in order to work. You would have to get their login information to install mSpy on that other phone.

How do I install mSpy on my spouse's phone?
You will need access to the device to install the app on it--you cannot do that remotely. You will need the Apple ID login information for any iPhone. If they have an Android phone, there will be an icon for mSpy displayed in their menu. It is not intended to be hidden from the user of the phone.

Is it legal to install spyware on my spouse's phone?
Some states have laws on the books prohibiting the installation of spyware on anybody's phone without their permission--that includes your spouse. Even though the phone may be considered marital property, the information is not. For that reason, it is generally considered illegal to use an application like mSpy to covertly monitor your spouse's activities. You may be subject to a number of cyber-crimes by installing the app and downloading their private information onto your laptop.

Why is it legal to use mSpy on my kid's phone?
Your child does not need to consent for their parents to install software on a phone that you provide for their use. Their social media accounts are also subject to your supervision, as indicated by the Terms of Use on each social media platform.
Companies using this software on phones that they pay for and issue to their employees can monitor the use of that phone at all times.

Can I use the information collected on mSpy to file for divorce?
If the only source of marital misconduct is proven through the use of spyware, then you cannot use it in divorce court. If you used the information to uncover improper acts through other means, then you can introduce their infidelity in court. It is wise to consult a family law attorney when adultery means you want a divorce to help you sort out what information you can include on the divorce papers and what is best left out.

Ultimately, mSpy can be an effective tool when you are seeking proof of your spouse's infidelity. However, remember that installing the app without their permission is not strictly legal. You may be subject to criminal proceedings. Consulting an attorney or private investigator to help you stay on the right side of the law can bolster your case when you are standing in front of the judge in divorce court.