iPhone Stalkerware: How to Detect and Remove Spy Apps

Fig 2. Finding stalkerware via the Settings app on iPhone.

3. Do a stalkerware scan with Certo AntiSpy

To find hidden stalkerware and other types of spyware on iPhones, run a comprehensive scan with Certo AntiSpy.

This award-winning software is specifically designed to scan deeper areas of the iPhone that conventional security tools cannot access, meaning Certo can detect more threats than any other iPhone security app.

Scan your device in 3 easy steps:

1. Download Certo AntiSpy to your computer.
2. Plug in your iPhone via USB and click Scan.
3. View the results and remove any threats quickly and easily.

Fig 3. Results of a stalkerware scan using Certo AntiSpy.

4. Look out for signs of a Jailbreak

Many stalkerware apps require the stalker to Jailbreak the victim’s device before installing the app. This gives them greater control over the device and allows them to access files that would normally be protected.

Look out for strange apps called “Cydia” or “Sileo” appearing on your home screen, as this can be a sign that your device has been Jailbroken.

Fig 4. Finding the Cydia app on iPhone.

5. Check for custom keyboards

Some stalkerware apps use a custom keyboard as a way of spying on their victim’s activity.

Custom keyboards can be a useful way to add another text input language or more emojis to a device. However, they also have access to everything you type, and this means they can be used to record things like private messages or passwords.

To check for custom keyboards:

1. Open the Settings app and tap General.
2. Tap Keyboard, then tap Keyboards.
3. On a typical device, there will be two keyboards, your usual language (e.g. English US) and Emoji.
4. Swipe left and tap Delete to remove any keyboards you don’t recognize.

Fig 5. Finding and removing custom keyboards on iPhone.

6. Unknown profiles

Configuration profiles are a way to install custom apps on iPhones. These are typically used by software developers or companies who want to install bespoke apps that do not need to be listed publicly on the official App Store.

However, such apps do not need to pass the same strict review process, so some more tech-savvy stalkers are using configuration profiles as a way to infect iPhones with stalkerware.

This method is less common, but it’s relatively easy to check for:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap VPN & Device Management.
4. Check for any Configuration Profiles or Enterprise apps you don’t recognize and remove if required.

Fig 6. Checking for unknown configuration profiles on iPhone.

7. Check Bluetooth devices

If configured to do so, paired Bluetooth devices could see some information from your device, including messages and notifications. We recommend checking for any Bluetooth devices that may have been added by a stalker without your consent.

1. Go to your Bluetooth settings (Settings > Bluetooth > My Devices).
2. Check for any devices you do not recognize. Specifically, look for any device that has the options Show Notifications or Share System Notifications enabled.
3. Tap Forget This Device to unpair it from your iPhone.

Alternatively, if you do not use Bluetooth, turn it off. This will instantly stop any stalkers using Bluetooth to spy on you.

Fig 7. Removing unknown Bluetooth devices on iPhone.

What Is iPhone Stalkerware?

Stalkerware, also known as spouseware, is the name given to a class of spyware that domestic abusers and angry exes commonly use to spy on their victim’s iPhone and gain access to private information.

These spy apps give stalkers access to a huge amount of personal data, including messages, photos, GPS location and some can even turn on your microphone and listen in.

Stalkerware apps like FlexiSpy, mSpy and HelloSpy are readily available to anyone for as little as $14.99 and are often explicitly marketed as a way to catch a cheating husband or wife in the act.

Potential cyber stalkers don’t need to look very hard to find these intrusive apps, with adverts even appearing on X:

Fig 8. X advert promoting mSpy as a partner tracking tool.

Common iPhone stalkerware apps to watch out for

While Apple’s security measures make it harder to install spyware than on Android phones, some stalkerware apps can still target iPhones—especially when the device has been jailbroken or runs outdated software.

These apps are often marketed as tools for “monitoring loved ones,” but they can be used to violate someone’s privacy without their knowledge.

We mentioned some of these apps above, but here is a more comprehensive list of the most common stalkerware iPhone apps to be aware of:

FlexiSpy

One of the most powerful stalkerware apps on the market. FlexiSpy can intercept calls, read messages, track GPS, and even activate the microphone remotely. It requires a jailbreak to run on an iPhone but offers near-total surveillance.

mSpy

Widely advertised as a parental control app, mSpy can be misused to track someone’s calls, texts, and location. It’s often installed through physical access and works in stealth mode once set up.

TheTruthSpy

This app offers remote access to text messages, call logs, browsing history, and more. It has been flagged for unethical marketing tactics and is commonly used by abusers.

HelloSpy

Another app that targets jailbroken iPhones. HelloSpy promotes itself as a tool to “catch a cheating spouse,” but is essentially full-featured stalkerware.

Spyzie

Although it no longer markets iPhone support as prominently, older versions of Spyzie can monitor activity on iOS devices. It was often installed using iCloud account credentials, bypassing the need for physical access in some cases.

If you find any of these on your device—or apps you don’t recognize—it’s a red flag. Use Certo AntiSpy to uncover hidden spyware and take back your privacy.

Could I Have Stalkerware on My iPhone?

A lot of stalkerware victims assume that it would take a skilled hacker to install a spy app on their iPhone. But in fact, it takes practically zero technical skill to install stalkerware—just a brief window of opportunity to tamper with the victim’s phone.

This is something easily possible for most domestic stalkers. For example, many couples know their partner’s PIN code and when the phone will be unattended.

Stalkerware is a growing industry and the companies behind these malicious apps have gone to great lengths to ensure their products are stalker-friendly and easy to use.

So much so that it typically takes under 3 minutes for these apps to be installed, allowing the stalker to monitor the entire device remotely.

Most stalkerware apps even provide instructions on how to make their apps completely invisible, so victims have very little chance of detecting them.

Even legitimate apps available on the official App Store can potentially be misused for stalking purposes. Apps like Life360 are designed with families in mind – helping parents keep track of their children or allowing friends to share locations safely.

However, like any location-sharing app, they can be problematic if someone installs them on another person’s device without proper consent or knowledge.

Wrapping Up

iPhone Stalkerware is a serious privacy threat—often used by abusers or ex-partners to monitor every move you make.

These spy apps can often access your messages, photos, location, and more without your knowledge. The worst part? They’re designed to be hard to detect.

But you’re not powerless. You can take back control of your device by checking for suspicious apps, custom keyboards, unknown profiles, and jailbreaking signs.

For deeper protection, we recommend using a trusted spyware detection tool like Certo AntiSpy. It helps uncover hidden stalkerware that may not show up through manual checks.

If you think you have stalkerware on your iPhone, then don’t wait to find out the hard way. Run a scan today and secure your privacy.

Stalkerware iPhone: FAQ

Can you tell if your iPhone is being monitored?

Sometimes, but not always. Stalkerware is designed to stay hidden, so many victims have no idea their device is being monitored.

Subtle signs—like someone knowing private details they shouldn’t, unusual battery drain, or odd behavior from your iPhone—can raise red flags. For peace of mind, it’s worth using a spyware detection tool like Certo AntiSpy, which scans your device for hidden threats.

What are the signs of stalkerware?

Keep an eye out for these common indicators:

• Your iPhone battery drains faster than usual.
•  You notice increased data usage.
•  The device feels hot even when not in use.
•  The green or orange dot appears unexpectedly at the top of your screen.
•  Someone seems to know your private conversations or whereabouts.

While these symptoms aren’t always caused by stalkerware, they’re worth investigating—especially if more than one shows up.

Can I check my iPhone for stalkerware?

Yes, but it’s not as straightforward as on other smartphones. iPhone stalkerware is often well-hidden and can’t be detected by typical security apps. Still, there are ways to check for signs:

• Look for unknown apps or configuration profiles.
• Check for signs of jailbreaking.
• Monitor unusual behavior or performance issues.
• Run a deep scan with a specialist tool like Certo AntiSpy.

Can someone spy on you through iPhone?

Yes, a stalker could install spyware, use a malicious configuration profile, or jailbreak your phone to bypass Apple’s protections. In some cases, stolen iCloud credentials can also be used to monitor data synced from your iPhone.

Some spyware apps allow access to your texts, call logs, GPS location, and even your microphone—without your knowledge. That’s why it’s important to:

• Use a secure passcode
• Enable two-factor authentication on your Apple ID
• Regularly review your settings for suspicious activity
• Scan your device for hidden threats