El pecado original de La Malinche.
Root Android: Everything You Need To Know!
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
One of the best things about Android is its customization and flexibility. Android lets you use it the way you want to, whether that means changing the launcher, or setting up a host of unique automatic functions with Tasker. But for some, that isn't enough. You can gain near-total control of the OS if you root Android.
This isn't as common as it once was, but there are still benefits to rooting Android, such as removing bloatware, full system backups, overclocking, specialized settings, and more. If you like the sounds of that, but find yourself feeling a little anxious about "hacking" your much-loved (and probably expensive) device, then read on to learn everything you need to know about rooting Android. It's actually easier than you might think.
Editor's note: Rooting Android devices requires a high level of tinkering and modifying your phone's software. This can be risky, and there is a chance you'll damage your handset. This is terrible news, considering rooting Android may void your warranty. Always do your research and be confident about the steps you're taking, as no one but you will be responsible should anything happen to your device.
What is rooting?
While it might sound scary, rooting refers to obtaining access to commands, system files, and folder locations that are usually locked off. Rooting Android can be thought of as promoting yourself from a system user to an administrator, with the additional freedom and risks that come from more control over the deeper workings of your device. With great power comes great responsibility and all that!
More specifically, adding root to Android means becoming a superuser, which is a Linux function you may be familiar with. In many ways, you could view this more as restoring a function that should have been there, to begin with!
Users can install and run applications on rooted Android phones and tablets that require special privileges, bypass carrier-installed software, and even remove bloatware applications (as opposed to simply disabling them). Root access is even needed if you want to install trivial things like certain custom fonts, and rooting Android can also unlock new features in certain apps and launchers.
Handy rooting terminology:To root or not to root?
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
The next question is whether you should root Android or leave it as it is. That, of course, is a matter of personal preference, but there are some compelling arguments both for and against it.
On the plus side, it gives you more access to several cool apps and customization options. It also lets you upgrade older phones to newer Android versions long after your manufacturer and carrier have stopped supporting it. As mentioned, rooting Android will let you change things that you otherwise Wouldn't be able to, and it will also allow you to use a host of cool apps.
Android root apps and optionsHere are just a few things you can do with a rooted Android device:
For some people, rooting Android is also something of a statement. You paid for this device, so why shouldn't you use it exactly as you wish? Especially if it means removing cynical and unhelpful bloatware. There's also a certain status that comes from it, and a great sense of accomplishment when you achieve root access for the first time.
If you're a developer hoping to create your own root apps, you need to start somewhere!
Will you damage your device?
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
That said, there are also some potential downsides to rooting.
Even once you know how to root Android, some risks are involved. If you get this wrong, there is a chance of bricking your device (it's happened to me). It's easier and safer on some devices than others, but if you're not overly confident with your tech wizardry, you may prefer to leave your phone be.
Furthermore, rooting can cause some issues with official OTA handset updates — but it is usually fine to install new software manually once you're rooted. Updating will often cause root permissions to be lost, in which case the procedure will need to be performed again. Occasionally, an update will block old root methods, and sometimes rooted devices will fail to install updates. If your device stops booting after an attempted root exploit, you can usually restore it to factory specifications relatively easily.
Warranties and legalities — is rooting legal?This leads us nicely onto warranties, which is another grey area in the world of rooting. While carriers don't like you tampering with their hardware and software, some manufacturers have become kinder to rooters and even those who install third-party software. However, few have a clear stance on what software tweaks will void your warranty, and you certainly can't count on having your rooted handset fixed if something goes wrong. Devices with locked bootloaders, the very low-level software that starts up your phone, are explicitly designed to prevent rooting, so don't expect sympathy from these companies.
In the US, rooting is perfectly legal.
Thanks to clues like Knox on Samsung, manufacturers and sellers can often identify rooted devices, even after you unroot them. Note that there are ways to hide evidence of having rooted your device, but these won't always work. There's a kind of arms race between hackers and manufacturers, and your chances of unrooting and covering your tracks will often come down to who is winning at the time! This is why many people only root older phones already out of warranty.
This might also make you wonder whether rooting your device is even legal. This is tough to answer as it depends on your country's laws. Many countries allow for bypassing digital rights management and locks, providing that this is not used for other illegal purposes, such as circumventing copyrights. Rooting has been legal in the USA since 2013.
Security
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
It's also worth noting that some apps and features will stop working once you root. For example, banking apps will often stop working due to the perceived security risk. Even Snapchat and Pokemon Go take issue with root! There are also often countermeasures to these limitations — though your mileage may vary. You can probably tell by now that rooting typically means creating more work for yourself, but it can be enjoyable work!
Rooting your phone can open up your device to more dangerous pieces of malware.Adam Sinicki
The final major point to be aware of is security. With greater control comes a greater level of risk, and rooting your phone can open up your device to more dangerous pieces of malware. This is where governor applications come in, which monitor and control which processes get root permissions. You may be familiar with SuperSU or other similar apps. These are very straightforward to use and simply display a pop-up whenever an app or process wants root access, which you can either deny or allow and save your preference if you trust the app.
Of course, if you aren't automatically receiving the usual updates, it also falls on you to ensure you get all the latest security patches. In theory, you could improve your privacy with the proper root apps. But it's on you. It should also be noted that SuperSU developer Chainfire hung up his root apps, so most rooters have now switched over to Magisk.
So, should you root Android?
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
With all that in mind, should you root your Android device?
Ultimately, that comes down to what you intend to use your device for. Do you even need to root Android? If you have a specific use-case scenario in mind and understand the risks and limitations, then there's nothing to stop you from learning how to root Android and giving yourself that extra freedom.
On the other hand, the argument for rooting isn't as compelling as it once was. These days, one can do many things that were once limited to root users (customizing the UI, recording your screen, and so on). Not to mention that even budget phones are fast these days, so overclocking is no longer an important reason to root Android.
These days, one can do a lot of things that were once limited to root users.Adam Sinicki
Seeing as root might also mean you lose functionality, it's no longer a straight win across the board. It has its benefits, but it's not as helpful as it once was.
For me, the obvious answer is to only root older devices. Keep your daily driver clean while it's still getting new updates and patches, but root secondary gadgets that you want to tinker with. That way, you get to have your cake and eat it, too.
How to root Android devices
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
If you decide to proceed, you'll probably wonder how to root Android. Let's lead you in the right direction!
The bad news is there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution when you root Android phones and tablets. Different brands and even software versions can make the rooting process vary. Even within handset variants, you may find that some techniques work and others don't.
The good news is that rooting is much easier than it once was in many cases. In fact, the easiest method is usually to use a simple root app. These apps let you root Android with a single tap, with some popular examples being KingRoot, KingoRoot, and OneClickRoot. Download your app of choice or access the website for more instructions. The service will check compatibility first, then root your device for you.
This is a minimum-fuss method that will work in many cases. However, it's worth noting that some come with annoying push notifications and ads. I'd advise checking reviews before settling on which one to use. Some would even say that if you can't figure out how to root your device without one of these apps, perhaps you shouldn't be doing it at all (because if you encounter problems during the process, you won't know what to do).
The good news is that in many cases, rooting is much easier than it once was.
If a one-click solution doesn't appeal to you, things get a little more complex, and you'll need to look for specific instructions for your device. This might mean using PC software and connecting your phone via USB. It might also mean using a custom recovery, or downloading additional software like Odin for Samsung devices. The best part about these options is that you learn a lot along the way.
I recommend either Googling "how to root [YOUR DEVICE NAME HERE]" or heading over to XDA Developers, which is a great place to start. Many of the best root apps available today were developed by members of this community. Just be sure to use the search function first before asking noob questions! And don't forget to thank and support the devs that make rooting possible.
Before rooting your device, it's always good to back up your phone first. Then settle in, read a lot, triple-check the instructions, and dive in. Crossing your fingers and holding your breath would be a good idea because you just took the red pill! The world of Android rooting is exciting, empowering, frustrating, and engaging — you'll learn tons about how Android works, what your phone can do, and how awesome Android can be when you get in the driver's seat.
Once you've rooted your phone, it's time to start enjoying the best root apps for Android.
FAQs What does it mean to root a device?
Rooting a device refers to obtaining superuser access to your Android system. It allows you to delve deeper into commands, system files, restricted folders, and more. This will enable you to customize things from a system level.
What can I do with a rooted Android phone?Rooting makes it possible to achieve much more complex customizations than you're used to. You can control your CPU and RAM, customize your UI, remove apps you otherwise wouldn't be able to uninstall, use apps that provide root features, and more.
Will rooting my phone void the warranty?Manufacturers don't like when you tinker with their devices' software. This can create issues, and these wouldn't be their fault. Most manufacturers will likely avoid respecting a warranty claim if you've rooted a device, especially if this was the cause of whatever issue you started the claim for. That said, some argue it's illegal to void the warranty due to rooting, in some jurisdictions. You might be able to argue this in court, but no one really wants to take a company to court for a warranty issue. At the very least, rooting your phone may cause a headache, even if you did nothing wrong.
Is it really less secure to have a rooted Android phone?Technically speaking, a rooted Android phone has access to system files. Regular phones lack this. This makes it possible for hackers and malware to attack you at deeper levels. Additionally, root users like grabbing apps to maximize their experience, which opens the doors to more dangers. While rooting your device can be perfectly secure, it's also very easy to turn it into a vulnerable device. You're no longer sticking with Google and your manufacturer's protective arms. Not to mention, rooting can affect timely updates, which often come with security improvements.
Can you sell a rooted phone?Of course you can. The real question is whether you should. If you are to sell a rooted phone, make sure you tell the new owner about this. He can then decide if he wants to take the risk. Additionally, it's possible to unroot a phone and take it back to its factory settings. This might be a better alternative, unless the buyer strictly wants a rooted phone.
Is rooting worth it in 2023?Rooting is only worth it right now if you have a specific need for it, or if you really want to play around with your Android phone. That said, we advise most users to stick with stock software now. This is because most of the benefits we used to get from root access no longer apply. Phones used to be slow, and now even budget devices are pretty fast, so there is no dire need to overclock. Battery life is also improving, so there is no huge need to underclock. Launchers are better than ever, so custom ROMs are no longer as enticing as before. Bloatware apps can also be turned off, which at least keeps them out of view.
Does a factory reset remove root?No. You will have to flash the stock software to remove root. In fact, this used to be seen as a feature. Some applications are able to stick around, even if you perform a factory reset. This is great for security apps.
Does rooting erase data?Rooting, in and of itself, should not erase any of your data. That said, you might have to give your phone a clean install if anything goes wrong, or if the root process for your phone happens to require a factory reset.
How do I know if my device is rooted?There are multiple ways to check if a device is rooted, but if you can't figure this out, chances are you don't want to deal with complex methods. The easiest way to check if your phone is rooted is through an app. Root Checker is one of the most popular ones.
CommentsMobile Monitoring: When Do You Need It And Why
Mobile monitoring gives you insights into what's happening on someone else's cell phone, which can be useful for a variety of purposes. Employers can use it to track employee activities and make sure they are productive. Parents can keep tabs on their children and protect them from online threats.
On the other hand, mobile monitoring can be a dangerous tool in the wrong hands. Hackers may rely on such software to spy on others without consent, extract sensitive data, and then either sell the data or hold it for ransom.
That said, there are several legitimate reasons to use mobile monitoring applications, and that's what we are going to discuss today. Read on to learn the pros and cons of mobile monitoring, how to install these apps properly, if free tools really work, and how to make the technology worth your time and effort.
What Is Mobile Monitoring?Mobile monitoring is a technology that allows you to remotely view another person's cell phone activities, including social media, calls, SMS, photos, videos, and location.
The technology was developed in the early 2000s when operating systems like Symbian first allowed phones to become "smart." This meant mobile phones could connect to public networks, paving the way for others to monitor the devices remotely.
FlexiSpy – introduced in 2007 – was among the first mobile monitoring apps in the market. It could extract data such as text messages, addresses from your phonebook, and recordings from the target mobile device.
Over time, competitors like xMobi and others emerged to give users more options for their monitoring needs.
Mobile monitoring apps are also known as parental control software and employee monitoring solutions, depending on the use case. Either way, there's a target device where the app is installed, the main app interface where you'll receive the data, and an encrypted connection between the two.
Some mobile monitoring apps need physical access to the target device for installation. Others can be installed remotely by entering certain device credentials into the main interface (e.G., Apple ID details).
Pros and Cons of Mobile MonitoringMobile monitoring may involve ethical questions like consent and responsible data usage. That is why the technology has its fair share of pros and cons. Some countries also regulate mobile monitoring to prevent its illegal use, such as the Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 (ECPA) in the US.
It is important to know the pros and cons of mobile monitoring both at an ethical level and at a basic, operational level so you can use it correctly.
Pros:Mobile network monitoring differs from mobile monitoring because the former requires network access and tracks network-related metrics like who is using your network, while the latter looks at end-user activity.
Mobile network monitoring is a key concept for app testing. It enables app developers and network operators to make sure that mobile software performs equally well under different network conditions.
Network monitoring helps detect security flaws and other abnormalities in the network itself, and this is usually done without direct access to any device connected to it.
In contrast, mobile monitoring is meant for non-technical users such as parents, family members, managers, and team leaders. The goal is to observe user activity on mobile devices and ensure it conforms to certain rules without getting into the technicalities of the surrounding network conditions.
Here's a table that sums up the key differences between mobile network monitoring and mobile monitoring:
Key Differences Mobile Network Monitoring Mobile Monitoring Who is it for? Mobile Virtual Network Enablers (MVNE), Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO), telecom carriers, and mobile app developers. Non-technical users who want remote visibility into a cell phone's activity. How is it done? Network monitoring tools like OpManager or Paessler, load balancers, direct access to router/switch. Mobile monitoring apps like xMobi and mSpy. What does it monitor? Network KPIs like Wi-Fi strength, throughput, network uptime, latency, and connected devices. Sent and received messages, last known location, most frequently contacted number, and more. How many devices can it monitor? The entire network and all devices connected to it. Typically, only one target device can be monitored per app subscription. What access privileges do you need? Admin access to the network. One-time physical access to the target device needed (in some cases). When Do You Need Mobile Monitoring?Is it worth the time and effort to install a mobile monitoring app on someone else's phone and then keep an eye on it constantly?
Fortunately, modern apps make mobile monitoring relatively simple for the end-user when implemented correctly and for the right reasons. Here are some of the most common scenarios where mobile monitoring may be required:
1. Field Service ProfessionalsField service professionals such as door-to-door salespeople, technicians, construction workers, truck drivers, and others spend a lot of their time on the road. Employers can keep tabs on their location without calling them frequently, which would disturb their work day.
Mobile monitoring offers a straightforward and effective way to track your on-field workforce remotely. If you haven't heard from them in a while or you can't reach an employee on the phone, you know exactly where to send help.
2. Remote ProductivityRemote and hybrid working is now common in most workplaces, and often, employees will work from their mobile phones or laptops. For example, a contact center worker may use a company-provided smartphone to answer customer support calls all day.
But how do you guarantee your employees use these company devices for work and not for other things – say, social media or online shopping? Well, mobile monitoring can give you data on the most frequently used apps.
Combining this data with insights from call center software creates a 360-degree view of your employees are doing during work hours, their performance, and productivity levels.
3. Shadow IT MinimizationYou may also need to use mobile monitoring apps where your mobile SaaS sprawl is getting out of hand.
Software as a Service (SaaS) is a type of cloud-based app that's easy to purchase and use. Employees can sign up for a subscription and expense it to your company like any other business cost.
The subscription may continue for months or years on end without proper control from IT. This is known as SaaS sprawl or shadow IT.
With mobile monitoring, you can identify exactly which apps are installed on an employee's mobile phone and which ones are actually used. You will also know if different employees are using two different apps for the same reason, forcing your company to pay twice the cost.
4. Cybersecurity and Insider Threat PreventionAn insider threat occurs when an employee shares proprietary information or company secrets on the sly. These typically happen on company-owned devices, including mobile phones, as these are the machines housing your most sensitive and precious information.
Mobile monitoring can help companies detect insider threat risks. For example, a mobile monitoring app will tell you if an employee is logging into your database at odd hours of the night.
You can also monitor device activity using and find out if they are misusing company property or working with the competition.
If an employee is accessing sensitive data from their mobile phone and then sharing it via personal email (which is outside the reach of corporate cybersecurity), a mobile monitoring app will show that too.
5. Cyber Safety for ChildrenChildren's use of social media has skyrocketed in recent years. Nearly 95% of teens have used YouTube, according to Pew Research Center, two-thirds have used TikTok, and 62% report using Instagram. However, social media isn't always a safe space for children or even young adults.
The research also found that nearly half of parents with teenage children are highly worried that their kids could be exposed to explicit content on social media. Mobile monitoring is an effective way to keep children safe as they navigate the digital world.
Mobile monitoring apps will show you your children's conversations on messaging apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram DMs. You can keep an eye on their most frequently contacted online friends and intervene if there's ever a red flag.
This technology can help you track your family members' location as they go about their daily lives.
Does your spouse have a job that requires them to work in hazardous situations? Is your child going on a road trip for spring break? Are your kids and their friends planning to attend a concert or music festival where their safety might be a concern?
Mobile monitoring can give you peace of mind in such scenarios. In fact, a Wall Street Journal report found that teens and young adults actually want to be tracked when they are driving, going on dates, attending concerts, or participating in large gatherings with strangers.
Mobile monitoring apps come with advanced location-tracking features.
They will reveal the address as well as the full geographic coordinates of the tracked device. As the user moves from one location to another, the app will visually map the full route with near-real-time precision. For instance, xMobi updates the latest known location every five minutes.
7. Remotely Controlling Device Usage PatternsParents might want to use mobile monitoring apps when they see their children spending too much time on their mobile phones.
Remember, these apps don't just give you insights into online activity. They also let you block certain features remotely, such as Wi-Fi access, certain apps, and specific contacts. This means you could remotely switch off the device's Internet connection when your kids have been on social media for too long.
This is an important use case, given that kids' screen time has skyrocketed in recent years. A child between 8-10 years of age spends an average of 6 hours in front of a screen, and those between 11 and 14 spend an average of 9 hours, according to CDC research.
A good parental monitoring app will flag such scenarios so you can intervene on time.
8. Lost Phone SecurityLastly, you can use mobile monitoring apps to protect the target device in case it gets lost or stolen. If you're unable to find your child's or family member's mobile phone, the app will show you its most recent location.
In case the device cannot be recovered at all, the app lets you lock it entirely from any remote location.
Keep in mind that Android and iOS offer their own lost device tracking solutions built into the operating system. However, mobile monitoring is still a nice-to-have for your children's or family member's phones. For instance, if someone hasn't turned on the "Find My" setting on their iOS device, a mobile monitoring app will locate it anyway.
Can Phone Manufacturers Monitor Your Device?Technically, phone manufacturers can monitor your device and they may do so for crime prevention and safety reasons without violating the your privacy.
Mobile activity monitoring by smartphone manufacturers is a topic of much study and debate. Research shows that nearly every manufacturer monitors your activity to an extent – from Apple to Samsung and Chinese ones like Xioami.
However, certain companies are transparent about their ways and reasons for monitoring since they are operating within the law. In other scenarios, the monitoring data is completely anonymized, so it's nothing but machine signals. This allows manufacturers to comply with data privacy laws.
In 2021, Apple announced that it would scan iPhones for child sexual abuse materials (CSAM), for which Microsoft is also developing a detection mechanism. It will use an AI-based technology called NeuralHash to distill known CSAM images into a unique number.
If an image on an iPhone user's device matches the device, Apple will be able to access and analyze the image and plan the next steps with the authorities. Apple assures that this type of monitoring would only pick up CSAM images and nothing else.
Affordable Phones Come at a Privacy CostMonitoring efforts by Chinese manufacturers, like Xioami, are less transparent. A former employee found that data on websites visited was routinely collected by Xioami, no matter which browser you used or even if you switched to incognito mode, as per an exclusive published in Forbes.
Xiaomi later added the option to opt out of browser activity tracking in incognito mode.
Research by the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and Trinity College Dublin notes that several Android manufacturers, including Realmi, Huawei, Xiaomi, and Samsung, were at risk of secret monitoring.
While they don't track user behavior, information like the device's serial number and Wi-Fi address can be monitored.
The bottom line is that it is always possible for smartphone manufacturers to build monitoring capabilities (called backdoors) into their devices. Some of these help test the device and develop effective updates regularly.
But they can also be put to less legitimate use, like spying on people. That is precisely why the US Government has banned approvals for equipment from Huawei Technologies and ZTE since they could be used to spy on Americans.
How to Properly Install Mobile Monitoring AppsTo benefit from mobile monitoring, you need to install and set up the application correctly. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Create Your Account and Obtain ConsentThe first step is to register for the mobile monitoring app of your choice. Simply visit the company's website, enter your email, and purchase a suitable plan. You will receive the installation and setup instructions by email.
Meanwhile, also speak with the owner of the target device and obtain their consent. You need to obtain consent from anyone above 18 years of age, even if they are your children. You can legally skip getting explicit consent if you own your non-adult children's phones.
Employers can legally monitor what employees do using company-owned devices. However, consent for monitoring should be built into the employment agreement so you don't infringe on GDPR and other data privacy laws.
2. Turn Off Google Play ProtectAndroid phones ship with a built-in feature that prevents users from downloading apps that aren't on the Play Store. This is known as Google Play Protect, and if on, it will block the installation of the mobile monitoring app.
To disable it, open the Play Store, go to the left navigation pane, and tap on Play Protect. Disable it and also switch off any related notifications. You can skip this step on Apple devices since you don't need to install an app on iPhones to monitor them.
Open the email you received from the mobile monitoring app provider. You'll see a download link, which you need to open from a browser on your target device. Once open, it'll guide you through the installation process. Tap on OK at every step and turn on all the settings as prompted.
4. Configure the Target DeviceNext, you need to configure the target device so that it collects and sends all the data you want to monitor.
To do this, go to settings, view all apps, and scroll down to the mobile monitoring app installed on the device. The app may be installed under an innocuous name like "Wi-Fi" or "Video" to escape detection.
Tap on the app and make sure all the permissions are turned on. Background data and unrestricted data usage should be on as well. Remember to turn the notifications off (if they aren't off already) if the app does not disturb the device user.
Some mobile monitoring apps may ask you to root the Android device before tracking it, but in our experience, this is rarely worth it.
Rooting lets you obtain developer-level control of a device and modify nearly all of its functionalities. This can be achieved through rooting apps like Dr. Fone and OneClickRoot, but remember that most mobile monitoring software works perfectly well without having to root a phone.
Now, you have successfully set up the target device for monitoring. The next step is to log in to your user interface from a mobile app, a desktop app, or a browser. Simply enter your email ID and the credentials you received in step 1 to get started.
The app will prompt you to select exactly which types of activities you want to monitor. It will also ask you to turn on notifications so you can be alerted to important activity updates. You can open the settings on your phone to double-check if everything is working as expected.
Ideally, the app should be able to send you notifications, and it shouldn't be subject to battery optimization to work properly.
You can now open the dashboard and start viewing the key insights from your target device's ongoing activities.
How to Monitor Your Kids' PhonesBy following these five steps, you can monitor your kids' phones from anywhere in the world. Also, remember these useful tips and best practices:
If you find any objectionable activity when monitoring your kids' phones, it is important to have an honest and transparent discussion about what is and is not permissible.
It's a good idea to complement mobile monitoring with education on cyber safety topics so that your kids, too, stay vigilant.
It may be tempting to use free mobile monitoring tools, but most of them have very limited features, infect your systems with malware, or are simply scams to rob you.
Mobile monitoring apps can be either free or paid, and most fall into the latter category. This is because the technology is expensive to build and maintain. The fee you pay goes towards encrypting and securing your data and keeping the entire experience ad-free.
Fortunately, you can find several affordable options in the market, like xMobi, which will cost you approximately $1 per day to use.
When exploring free mobile monitoring tools, look out for a few red flags that may indicate it's a scam offer:
Scam Red Flag 1: Only Phone Number Needed
It claims to start tracking by just using the target's phone number. In reality, you will either need physical access for Android phones or Apple ID credentials for iOS devices.
Scam Red Flag 2: No App Demo/Screenshots
The website looks unprofessional and doesn't give you any screenshots of the app.
Scam Red Flag 3: Only One Payment Option
The app gives you just one payment option. Legit mobile monitoring apps will support multiple payment options, including card payment and digital wallets.
That said, there are a few free tools that can help you track your kid's phones to an extent, without the granular details you can receive from a powerful paid app.
Google Family Link is one such option. It lists all your children's installed apps, the time spent on each, and activity breakdowns for your family's multiple Android devices. Norton Family Parental Monitoring is another alternative, but it's free for only 30 days.
Mobile Monitoring – Is It Worth Your Time?Mobile monitoring can be definitely worth it if you choose the right app and install it correctly. There are plenty of popular parental control apps available today that can help you monitor each and every aspect of your children's mobile phones.
Benefits include the safety of your loved ones and heightened productivity of employees, in case you're monitoring your team's phones. Don't forget about things like data security, the need for physical access, and obtaining consent, all of which are very important.
As cybercrime becomes increasingly more common and nearly every child has a phone in their hands, mobile monitoring apps can be an invaluable tool for concerned parents. Also, remote and hybrid work makes it necessary to keep a watch on employee activities on mobile devices.
Apps like xMobi, mSpy, and others can reveal important details on the target user's phone – from location history to social media and chat messages – without disturbing their user experience.
FAQsWhat is a mobile monitoring system?
A mobile monitoring system is a wireless connection between an app installed on your phone/desktop and its counterpart installed on the target's mobile phone that relays data on the target's activities (calls, browsing, messaging, social media, location, and media) to you.
How can I monitor another phone?
To monitor another phone, you need to subscribe to a trusted mobile monitoring app. Next, you need to install the app on the target phone. If the target phone is an iOS device, you need to obtain their Apple ID credentials. Open the trusted app on your own device and enter the phone's details to start monitoring.
Can free mobile trackers be detected?
Yes, free mobile trackers can be detected, and even paid tend to leave behind a trail on the target device. To prevent this, delete the browser history after installing the app on the target phone. Also, remove the app icon from the gallery. A good, paid app will install itself under an innocuous name such as Wi-Fi or video to evade detection.
What is mobile real-user monitoring?
Mobile real-user monitoring, or mobile RUM, is an application testing technique that gives developers insights into how their app is performing in real-world conditions. It collects data on app crashes, user journeys, and other aspects of the mobile app's performance. This data is anonymized and sent back to the dev team so they can build updates.
Can phone manufacturers monitor your mobile?
Yes, phone manufacturers can monitor the mobile phones they build by creating backdoors into the system. However, it is illegal to do so without being transparent about why and how you're doing it, such as Apple monitoring for child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Scroll up to read more about this in the section titled "Can Phone Manufacturers Monitor Your Device?"
ReferencesBest Android Apps 2023
The best Android apps can offer incredible things for your device, untapping its potential and giving you the opportunity to do even more. Whether you're talking about health and fitness, productivity, social media apps, or something else entirely — Google Play has more than enough apps to keep you happy.
Best Android apps by category
But with so many apps to choose from, finding the apps that apps that deserve a place on your device can be a challenge. But that's where we come in. We've gone through Google Play to find the best Android apps across a wide range of categories, and give you a hand picking the right ones for you.
Whether you want to fill up one of the best Android phones with apps, or try something new like web browser or some new productivity tool, you may be able to find some of the best Android apps you'd previously overlooked. Don't forget to make some time for fun either, and be sure to check out our picks for the best Android games.
Best Android productivity appsCheck out these apps if you want to turn your Android phone into another device for getting things done. (For more picks, see our selection of the best productivity apps for mobile devices.)
Niagara Launcher (Free)
With Niagara Launcher, you get a lean Android launcher that delivers the customizability that Android users demand. We selected this as the best Android app in our Tom's Guide Awards 2021 because it offers a clean and minimal interface that puts your apps front and center in an alphabetical list.
We also appreciate how Niagara puts notifications front and center, letting you read and respond from the home screen. Distractions are at a minimal with Niagara, which even keeps ads out of the free version of the app. If you like a clean look for your Android phone, get this on your device right away.
1Password ($2.99/month)
The best strategy for keeping your data and identity safe is to use good, strong passwords. And there's no better tool than 1Password for keeping those good, strong passwords straight. The app can store many bits of information — logins to apps and websites, credit cards, bank account info, passports, licenses and more — which you protect with a single master password. End-to-end encryption along with encryption keys that never leave your Android device keep things secure. Try out the service for free for 30 days; after that, a $3.99 monthly subscription helps you stay on top of all those passwords you use every day.
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Automate (Free)
You'll find several Android apps that promise powerful automation options, but they're not always so user-friendly. For something a bit more approachable, consider Automate, which uses a visual, flowchart-based interface for making your own custom-designed scripts.
This top Android app boasts more than 320 different task building blocks that can include actions, event triggers, loops and more; you can arrange those blocks in a flowchart style to easily visualize your creations. Automate is free, with a $2.99 in-app purchase unlocking a Premium mode for creating scripts that require more than 30 blocks.
Solid Explorer File Manager ($0.99)
Android has a glut of free file explorer apps that let you manage your device's external storage, ranging from excellent tools to freemium bloatware. If you're willing to spend a small amount to get an excellent ad-free and bloatware-free app, check out Solid Explorer, a premium file manager that comes packed with features and a clean, hassle-free interface. Drag-and-drop controls, a multi-tab and multi-pane interface, and support for network and cloud storage and compressed archives cover your basics, while more advanced features like a root explorer, plugin support and batch operations are available for power users.
Flud (Free)caracterdesign