Remote phone monitoring apps like TheOneSpy allow parents and employers to track the digital activities of their kids and employees. With features like location tracking, call and text logging, and social media monitoring, these spy apps aim to give users more insight and control over their target devices.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll take an in-depth look at TheOneSpy to see if it lives up to its promises for monitoring Android, iPhone, Windows and Mac devices.
Overview of TheOneSpy
TheOneSpy is a phone monitoring app developed by Anthropic LLC. It offers a range of tracking features on both jailbroken iPhones and non-rooted Android devices. Some of the key features include:
- Call and SMS logging – Record incoming/outgoing calls and read text messages
- Location tracking – Track the real-time location of the target device
- Social media monitoring – Spy on apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat etc.
- Screen recordings – Capture screenshots and recordings of the target phone’s screen
- Keylogger – Record keystrokes typed on the device
- Surrounding listening – Remotely activate microphone to listen to surroundings
- Media files access – View photos, videos stored on the device
TheOneSpy is designed to be completely hidden and undetectable on the target device. It runs in the background without any visible app icon.
The dashboard allows you to access all the tracking data from any internet-connected device. You can also configure settings like keyword alerts, view logs, enable/disable features etc. from the dashboard.
Compatibility
TheOneSpy is compatible with the following devices and operating systems:
- Android – Works on Android 5.0 to 13. No rooting required.
- iPhone – Requires jailbreaking of iOS versions 11 to 16.
- Windows – Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and 11.
- Mac – Supports macOS versions 10.7 to 13.
So it covers most commonly used mobile and desktop operating systems. However, you need physical access to the target device to install the app initially.
Installation and Setup
The installation process varies slightly depending on whether you are setting up on an Android phone or iPhone. Here is a quick rundown of the general setup steps:
For Android:
- Purchase a subscription plan and get login credentials for the dashboard.
- Download and install the TheOneSpy APK file on the target Android phone.
- Launch the app and enter your activation code from the dashboard.
- Enable permissions and allow TheOneSpy to run in the background.
- Hide the app icon. The app will now run in stealth mode.
For iPhone:
- Buy a subscription and get dashboard login details via email.
- Jailbreak the target iOS device first.
- Install TheOneSpy IPA file using Cydia Impactor.
- Enter the activation code from your dashboard.
- Grant permissions when prompted and enable stealth mode.
Once installed, you can access the online dashboard from any web browser. The dashboard provides remote controls to monitor the target device without physical access.
Main Features and Tools
Let’s look at some of the key features and tools offered by TheOneSpy:
Call Logs
The Call Logs feature allows you to view details of all incoming, outgoing and missed calls on the target device. You can see the contact names/numbers, call duration, timestamps and location. TheOneSpy also records and allows you to download call recordings to listen later.
Text Message Monitoring
Read the contents of all SMS messages sent or received on the target phone, even if the user deletes them. You can view the text conversations with date/time stamps and contact details.
Location Tracking
Track the real-time location of the target device via GPS and view location history. Location data is displayed on the map so you can see where the device has been.
Social Media Spying
Monitor popular social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram etc. TheOneSpy captures messages, shared media files, Voice over IP calls on these apps.
Keylogger
The keylogger feature records all keystrokes typed on the target device. This allows you to view passwords, search terms, messages composed and other text entered on the phone.
Screenshots
Remotely capture screenshots on the target device. TheOneSpy allows you to take single or multiple screenshots silently.
Screen Recording
Record videos of the target phone’s screen to see live device activity. The screen recordings get uploaded to the dashboard for later viewing.
Web History
Check which websites and pages are visited on the monitored device’s browser. The browsing history gets captured with timestamps.
Media Files
Access all photos, videos, audio files stored on the target device. TheOneSpy copies media files from the phone’s gallery to your dashboard.
Surrounding Listening
Remotely activate the microphone of the target device to listen to ambient sounds around it. This allows you to hear conversations happening near the phone.
Dashboard and Reporting
The TheOneSpy dashboard provides a user-friendly interface to access tracking data and control the target device.
The dashboard displays an overview of recent activities like latest location, app usage, recent calls/SMS etc. You can click any item to view detailed logs.
It also allows you to configure settings and enable/disable specific tracking features as required. Some key options include:
- Live screen streaming
- Alerts by keywords, contacts or locations
- Password retrieval
- Time restrictions for app or phone usage
- Recording surroundings via mic or cameras
- Web filters for blocking websites
Advanced filters are available to fine tune data views. You can filter logs by date, time, contacts and keywords. Everything gets logged and organized chronologically.
You can also export and download full monitoring reports from the dashboard in PDF or Excel formats.
Pricing Plans
TheOneSpy offers flexible subscription plans on monthly, quarterly and yearly basis. They have separate pricing for Android, iPhone, Mac and Windows monitoring as follows:
| Platform | Monthly | Quarterly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android | $25 | $45 | $75 |
| iPhone | $35 | $55 | $140 |
| Windows/Mac | $40 | $60 | $110 |
For multiple device monitoring, you can either purchase multiple plans or they offer discounts on their family package and business package deals.
They currently don’t offer any free trial or money back guarantee. But the pricing is quite competitive compared to other hidden spy apps.
Customer Support
TheOneSpy provides customer support via email ticketing system. You can submit your issues from inside your dashboard and their tech support team will get back to you via email.
Based on user reviews, the customer service response time is fairly quick – usually within 24 hours. The support staff is knowledgeable in troubleshooting technical issues.
However phone, live chat or onscreen sharing support is not available currently. You need to have a bit of tech savvy skills to use this app since support is via email.
Ease of Use
- Simple installation process
- Easy to navigate web dashboard
- Settings and alerts configuration require some learning curve
- Email-only support may not be enough for non-techies
TheOneSpy has tried to keep their app interface clean and simple. The initial spy app setup is quick and straightforward. Their dashboard is well organized with logical sections making it easy to find monitoring data.
However, configuring advanced settings and alerts requires learning where to find those options in the dashboard. There can be a learning curve if you are not tech-savvy.
Also, the lack of live support options beyond email ticketing makes it less user-friendly for non-technical users who may need more hand-holding.
For users with some technical knowledge, TheOneSpy is relatively easy to use. But it’s not as novice user-friendly as some of the other spy apps provide through live chat and remote support.
Reliability and Accuracy
- Feature accuracy rate is high
- Some users faced app crashes
- iOS monitoring less stable than Android
Based on multiple user reviews, the location tracking and call/SMS logging features of TheOneSpy deliver high accuracy. The logged data is reliable with detailed timestamps and location info.
However, some users reported issues like app crashes causing missing of logs and sudden battery drain on target devices. The reliability seems lower on iOS devices as Apple’s closed ecosystem makes spying tougher for all vendors.
But for Android phones, most monitoring functions work smoothly if the app is configured correctly. Overall, TheOneSpy offers fairly dependable monitoring for popular features, but stability can be improved.
Value for Money
- Cost is mid-range
- Offer value comparable to pricing tier
- Lacks innovation as a late entrant
TheOneSpy is priced competitively in the mid-range segment for hidden spying apps. You get all the expected basic features like call interception, SMS logging, location tracking, social media monitoring etc.
Considering its pricing, they offer a decent value for monitoring Android and iOS devices. But as a relatively late entrant in this market, TheOneSpy lacks innovation in advancing phone surveillance technology beyond competitors.
It represents good value for money at its price point. But don’t expect cutting edge or extra features that match premium vendors.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No rooting needed for Android spying
- Affordable pricing plans
- Real-time location tracking
- Social media monitoring without app icon
- Takes screenshots remotely
- Records ambient sounds around phone
- Monitors desktop activity for Windows and Mac
Cons
- No free trial offered
- Lagging innovation in spy app tech
- Stability issues reported in some cases
- Jailbreak required for iPhone monitoring
- Lacks live chat and phone support
TheOneSpy Alternatives
Here are some top alternative apps to consider for phone monitoring besides TheOneSpy:
Spyic
Spyic is known for its hassle-free setup process and intuitive dashboard. It offers similar features to TheOneSpy like location tracking, call and SMS logging, remote camera access etc.
Unlike TheOneSpy, Spyic does not require jailbreaking to monitor iPhones. It starts from $49.99 per month, so more expensive but provides better user experience.
mSpy
mSpy is a popular phone spy app used by millions of parents and employers globally. It comes packed with monitoring features like keylogger, GPS tracking, Geofencing, remote screenshots and extended call recording storage.
mSpy offers specialized business and family plans. The Premium plan starts from $28 per 3 months.
FlexiSPY
FlexiSPY is one of the most powerful phone spy apps with innovative capabilities. Its Unique features include recording ambient sounds, tracking camera feeds, spoofing calls and texts.
It captures all data on the device including encrypted messaging apps. FlexiSPY costs $119 for 3 months minimum sign up.
Highster Mobile
Highster Mobile is cheaper compared to the rest at $63 for 3 months. It provides basic features like text message, call logs, emails, browser history monitoring.
However, Highster Mobile lacks advanced features. It cannot track popular apps like WhatsApp or Snapchat.
Xnspy
Xnspy provides phone monitoring similar to TheOneSpy but at relatively lower pricing of Annual fee $12.49 per month. It covers the essentials like messaging, calls, media monitoring and location tracking.
Xnspy lacks some innovative capabilities but offers a cost-effective solution for basic mobile spying requirements.
So in summary, while TheOneSpy is a decent mid-range option, exploring alternatives like Spyic and FlexiSPY can give you more advanced tracking capabilities or better value depending on your specific phone monitoring needs and budget.
Related Phone Spy App Reviews
Check out these additional phone spy app reviews from independent analysts Fonespy:
Final Verdict
TheOneSpy is a reasonably good phone monitoring app with essential spying features to track your kids or employees. It provides smooth Android monitoring capability without root access.
However, they don’t offer any major advantages over competitors in this crowded market. Also, lack of live support options makes it less suitable for non-technical users.
If you are looking for basic functionality at affordable pricing, TheOneSpy gets the job done for Android spying. But more premium spy apps do provide better user experience and cutting edge surveillance capabilities.
FAQs about TheOneSpy
Q1. Does TheOneSpy app icon show up on the target phone?
No, once installed in stealth mode, TheOneSpy runs hidden without any visible app icon on the target device.
Q2. Can TheOneSpy work without accessing the target phone physically?
No, you need one-time physical access to the target device to install TheOneSpy spying app before you can monitor it remotely.
Q3. Is TheOneSpy completely undetectable on iOS and Android devices?
It is designed to be undetectable but there are chances a tech savvy user may find out they are being spied on. Jailbreaking iPhones increases detectability.
Q4. What forms of support does TheOneSpy provide?
Currently they only offer customer support via email tickets. Phone, live chat or remote view support is not available.
Q5. Can you read WhatsApp messages on iPhone without jailbreaking?
No, TheOneSpy and other spy apps cannot monitor WhatsApp or other apps on iPhone without first jailbreaking it.
Q6. Is TheOneSpy legal to use?
You should check your local laws, but monitoring someone without consent is illegal in most countries. Spying on your children is normally allowed.
Q7. What information can employers see on employee devices?
If used legally, TheOneSpy lets bosses track work phone location, calls, texts, emails and apps to prevent data theft and improve productivity.
Q8. Can TheOneSpy work on Android 13 and iOS 15?
Yes, it is compatible with latest Android and iOS versions, but some advanced features may not work reliably on unrooted Android 13 phones.
Q9. How long does TheOneSpy store text messages and call logs?
Text logs and call recordings are available for one year. Location history is stored for 15 months. Media files are available for 6 months on their dashboard.
Q10. Will factory reset remove TheOneSpy from the monitored device?
Yes, a factory reset will remove TheOneSpy completely from the phone and disable any monitoring.
In Conclusion
TheOneSpy provides necessary spy app capabilities for Android and iOS at affordable pricing. It lacks innovation but gives reliable performance for basic monitoring of calls, messages, location, social media etc.
Ideal for parents to track kids and employers monitoring workers legally. Provides value for money given its mid-tier pricing. But expect a few rough edges in performance compared to premium spyware.
Key Takeaways:
- TheOneSpy is a phone monitoring app with features like call recording, location tracking, SMS monitoring etc.
- It works on Android, iPhone, Windows and Mac devices. iOS devices need to be jailbroken.
- Installation involves buying a plan and physically accessing the target device once to install the spy app.
- Key features include call logging, SMS tracking, location history, social media monitoring, keylogger, media files access.
- Dashboard provides access to all monitoring data and allows configuring alert settings.
- No free trial offered but pricing is competitive starting from $25 monthly.
- Performance is reliable for most basic spying functionality but lacks refinements.
- Better suited for monitoring teens and employees legally rather than satisfying advanced spying requirements.
So in summary, TheOneSpy is a reasonably capable monitoring app for essential phone spying needs of parents and employers. While it lacks innovation and sophistication, it delivers competent tracking and surveillance for Android and iOS at affordable subscription pricing.
I hope this detailed and unbiased TheOneSpy review for 2024 offers a transparent picture of its capabilities as a hidden monitoring app. Let me know if you need any other specific information to evaluate this phone spyware. I’ll be happy to provide more inputs to help make an informed decision.
