While everyone has the right to privacy, including children, sometimes it can be important to keep a close eye on your child for their safety. Kids with their personal phones might engage with strangers online who could be potential strangers or get into bad habits from their friend circle. If you have tried to communicate and failed to find out why they’re being more secretive with their phone recently, tracking their phone activity can help you find out why. Other than monitoring their activity, hidden screen recorders keep track and update you of the target phone’s activity by taking and sharing screenshots periodically.

We’ve put together the six best hidden recorder apps you can install and connect to the target phone to record their activity and stay updated on their phone activity.

iPhone screen recording

Part 1. Quick Overview: Top 6 Hidden Screen Recorders

 Cloud connectionEase of useFeatures accessibilityPrice per month
Msafely⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐$11.66
SpyX⭐⭐⭐⭐$11.66
KidsGuard ProiOS only⭐⭐⭐⭐limited$7.49
uMobixiOS only⭐⭐⭐limited$12.49
EyezyiOS only⭐⭐⭐⭐limited$9.99
mSpyiOS only⭐⭐⭐limited$11.66

Part 2. Top 6 Hidden Screen Recorders: Our Tested Reviews in 2025

1. Msafely

Msafely is one of the best secret screen recorder apps to keep an eye on your child’s activity and monitor their online activity. It monitors numerous apps on the target phone, including text messages, call logs, contacts, images and videos, and social media, such as WhatsApp, LINE, Instagram, Snapchat, and many more.

While you track your child’s online and offline activity on their phone, the screen recording features allow you to get image proofs of the activities for future reference. If the target device is an iPhone, you can connect it to your Msafely account via iCloud. If the target device is an Android, you have two options: Google Account connection or app installation.

Msafely homepage screenshot.
Target device typeConnection methodAccessible features
iOSiCloud connection

SMS, calls, locations, contacts, browser history, installed apps, WiFi networks, browser bookmark, calendars, notes, reminders, mail, photos, videos, iCloud Drive,

voicemail, WhatsApp, WhatsApp Business, Kik, Wechat, Snapchat, Instagram, Messenger, Telegram, Skype, LINE, Teams, and Facetime

AndroidGoogle Account connection/ App installation on the target deviceSMS, calls, contacts, photos, videos, calendars, WiFi, installed apps, locations, browser history, browser bookmark, live screenshot, live video, live audio, Gmail, Easilydo mail; WhatsApp, Telegram, LINE, Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, Snapchat,Tiktok, Kik, Skype, YouTube, WeChat, Tinder, Teams, QQ, Viber, Discord, and Keylogger

    Pros

    pros

    Works in stealth mode.

    pros

    Compatible cross-platform (iOS & Android).

    pros

    Does not require jailbreaking or rooting the target device.

    pros

    Can be connected online without downloading an app on the target phone.

    Cons

    cons

    Requires iCloud/ Google Account credentials for connection.

    cons

    No free trail.

2. SpyX

SpyX is another popular secret recording app that allows you to record all the activities on your children’s phone. It offers unique solutions for iOS and Android users designed to suit the specific systems. The app operates in stealth mode, ensuring that you can monitor your kid’s activity without them knowing if they do not share details about their life that may be potentially harmful for them.

SpyX homepage screenshot.
Target device typeConnection MethodAccessible Features
iOSiCloud connection

SMS, calls, locations, contacts, browser history, browser bookmark, photos, videos, installed apps,

voicemail, WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype, Instagram, Teams, Facetime

AndroidApp installation on the target device/ Google Account connectionLocations, contacts, photos, videos, SMS, calls, calendars, WiFi, installed apps, live screenshot, live video, live audio, Gmail, WhatsApp, LINE, Facebook, Easilydo mail, Messenger, Instagram, Telegram, Tiktok, Kik, Snapchat

    Pros

    pros

    Specific solutions for iOS and Android.

    pros

    Stealth functionality.

    pros

    No jailbreak required.

    Cons

    cons

    Android users may require app installation.

    cons

    App installation may seem technical.

    cons

    No free trail.

3. KidsGuard Pro

The next on the list of the best hidden screen recorders, KidsGuard Pro is a favorite among parents because of its simple user interface. With KidsGuard Pro, you can monitor your child’s mobile activity and stay updated with screenshots and screen recordings of the target phone. Other than screen recording, you can also monitor their location and other apps on the phone, including social media.

KidsGuard Pro homepage screenshot.
Target device typeConnection MethodAccessible Features
iOSiCloud connection methodPhotos, Videos, Contacts, Calendar, Locations, Notes, Reminders
USB connection methodSMS, Contacts, Browser, Installed Apps, Wi-Fi, Photos, Videos, Calendar, Events, Reminders, Voice Memos, Whatsapp, Line, Kik, Wechat, Notes
JailbreakSMS, Calls,Locations, Screenshots, Browser, Photos, Videos, Contacts, Wi-Fi.
AndroidApp installation on the target phoneLocations, Photos, Videos, SMS, Calls, Calendar, Contacts, WiFi, Facebook, Messenger, LINE, Instagram, Snapchat, Telegram, Tiktok, Skype, YouTube, WeChat, Tinder, Record surround, Record screen, App activities, Keylogger

    Pros

    pros

    Straightforward navigation and user interface.

    pros

    Runs on Windows as well.

    pros

    Multiple options for iOS phone connection.

    Cons

    cons

    Limited iOS functionality.

    cons

    Requires installation on the target Android device.

    cons

    No free trail.

4. uMobix

uMobix is one of the best hidden screen recorders for Android compared to iPhones as it does not offer comprehensive monitoring for iOS. iOS users can track many of the features on the target phone and can get screenshots and screen recording from their child’s device, but they might be limited to apps other than social media. iPhone users can only view the target phone’s social media apps and get visual proofs when they have access to the target device’s social media credentials.

uMobix homepage screenshot.
Target device typeConnection MethodAccessible Features
iOSApp installation on your device first and then enter iCloud account

Files, browser history, browser bookmarks, locations, applications, activities, address book after downloading

Messages, calendar, camera, notes, wifi, calls through iCloud connection

Social media apps access requires their account credentials

AndroidApp installation on the target deviceLocations, photos, videos, contacts, SMS, calls, calendars, installed apps, live screenshot, live video, live audio, WiFi, Gmail, LINE, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Easilydo mail, Messenger, Telegram, Tiktok, Kik, Snapchat, Skype, WeChat, YouTube,

    Pros

    pros

    Comprehensive social media tracking for Android users.

    pros

    Quick setup with app installation on Android phones.

    pros

    Works in stealth mode.

    Cons

    cons

    Limited iOS functionality.

    cons

    Installation requires physical access to the phone.

    cons

    No free trail.

5. Eyezy

When looking for a hidden recorder app, Eyezy can be a good choice for parents who want to monitor their children’s activity even when they’re away. Eyezy’s screen recording feature ensures that you do not miss anything happening on the target phone. The app screenshots conversations, including deleted messages, taking screenshots every 60 seconds. It also gives you insights into text messages, call logs, social media, and other apps on the target phone.

Eyezy homepage screenshot.
Target device typeConnection MethodAccessible Features
iOSiCloud connection methodPhotos, videos, events, contacts
USB connection methodSMS, Wi-Fi, notes, events, Whatsapp, Line, Kik, browser, installed apps, contacts
Jailbreakphotos, videos, browser, notes, events, WiFi, Emails, installed apps, keylogger
AndroidApp installation on the target phoneSMS, location, contacts, screenshots, social media

    Pros

    pros

    Takes screenshots every 60 seconds.

    pros

    Works in stealth mode.

    Cons

    cons

    The timestamp on the screenshot may not match the time of activity.

    cons

    Limited features compared to other apps.

    cons

    No free trail.

6. mSpy

The last secret screen recorder on the list of the best hidden screen recorders in 2025 is mSpy, one of the most popular hidden recorder apps among parents and other users. You can use this app to monitor apps, including social media to observe your child’s online activity and protect them from potential danger. mSpy helps monitor SMS, call logs, and location on the target phone and takes screenshots of all activity on the target device.

mSpy homepage screenshot.
Target device typeConnection MethodAccessible Features
iOSiCloud connection methodPhotos, videos, contacts, events
USB connection methodBrowser, Emails, Photos, Videos, Keylogger, Notes, Installed apps, Events, Wi-Fi
JailbreakPhotos, Videos, Wi-Fi, Browser, Keylogger, Installed apps, Notes, Events, Emails
AndroidApp installation on the target phoneSMS, location, contacts, screenshots

    Pros

    pros

    User-friendly interface.

    pros

    Cross-platform compatibility.

    pros

    Works in hidden mode.

    Cons

    cons

    Limited functionality on iOS.

    cons

    Expensive subscription plans.

    cons

    No free trail.

Part 3. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Hidden Screen Recorder

  • Stealth mode

The most important element of selecting a hidden recorder app is making sure that it works in stealth mode. A parental control app that notifies your child of screenshots and screen recording will inform them of their phone being connected to yours for monitoring their activities. Always opt for an app that works in hidden mode and is not visible on the target phone.

  • Cloud connection

Some apps allow you to connect your account to the target device via iCloud or Google Account, but others require downloading the app on the target phone. Usually, it is difficult to access your child’s phone and install an app on it, especially when they’re preteens or teens. Thus, it is best to opt for invisible recorder apps that can be connected to the target device online.

  • Screenshot frequency

When looking for an app that particularly shares screenshots and screen recording of your child’s device remotely, screenshot frequency is a crucial factor. Select secret screen recorder apps that take screenshots frequently, so you do not miss anything, even if your child deletes the received or sent data immediately. Similarly, high-quality screenshot images will make it easy to see what’s happening on your child's phone screen.

  • Ease of use

Some parental control screen recorder apps may have all the excellent features, but are difficult to install and use. Check online reviews and subscribe to hidden recorder apps that are not only easy to install but also have a simple user interface.

  • Value for money

Budget constraints often make us choose one thing over the other, but it should not stop you from selecting an app that offers extensive features and real-time screenshots of the target phone’s screen. When choosing a hidden phone screen recorder for Android or iPhone, pick the one that offers the best features for your and the target phone’s operating system.

After evaluating all the factors of the 6 best text hidden screen recorders, we rank Msafely as the best choice for both iPhones and Android devices.

Hidden screen recordersRate
Msafely⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
SpyX⭐⭐⭐⭐
KidsGuard Pro⭐⭐⭐
uMobix⭐⭐⭐
Eyezy⭐⭐
mSpy⭐⭐

Part 4. How to Use the Best Hidden Screen Recorder: Step-by-Step Guide

To use Msafely, one of the best hidden screen recorder apps, on your iPhone and Android devices, follow these three simple steps:

Step 1. Visit the Msafely website and create a free account.

Register a free Msafely account.

Step 2. Select a subscription plan and connect the target device to your Msafely account.

Choose the target device.

Step 3. Go to the Msafely Control Panel on your device and monitor your child’s phone activity remotely.


        The Android dashboard of Msafely.

Part 5. FAQs

Q1. What is the best secret screen recording app?

When looking for an app to secretly record your child’s phone activities, Msafely is the best option. It monitors all various apps on your child’s phone and sends you screenshots and screen recordings periodically to keep you updated on their activities.

Q2. What is the screen record app that doesn't notify people?

Apps like Msafely and mSpy do not notify people while recording their screens. Parents can use this app to monitor their child’s phone activity in situations where they believe that their kids might be at risk of potential danger from strangers or a known person.

Q3. Can someone record my phone screen without me knowing?

Yes, someone can record your phone screen without you knowing by installing a monitoring app. However, you can identify an app on your phone by observing changes in your battery consumption and notifications.

Q4. How do I secretly record my screen on Android?

If you want to secretly record your screen on Android, swipe down the top of your phone screen to access your Quick Settings Panel. Swipe across to find out the screen recording icon and start recording the screen. No one except you will know that screen recording is turned on.

Q5. Can I leave my phone recording overnight?

You can leave your phone recording turned on overnight, but your phone might not have enough battery to last all night. You may be able to screen-record throughout the night if you connect a power bank and your phone has enough storage.

Part 6. Conclusion

When you want to keep an eye on your child’s phone activity remotely, a hidden screen recorder can be immensely beneficial. These apps do not only monitor the activity on the target phone but also take screenshots, and record audio and video on your child’s phone. These secret screen recorder apps allow parents to stay updated with their child’s online and offline phone activity. Apps like Msafely, SpyX, KidsGuard Pro, uMobix, Eyezy, and mSpy are among the top secret recording apps that monitor and record the target phone’s screen. Pick the one that suits you the best and ensure your child’s safety remotely.