How to Monitor an iPhone through Wi-Fi using the mSpy desktop app

 

With the help of the mSpy desktop application, you are able to monitor a child’s iPhone using a charging cable and Wi-Fi.

After the first sync via the USB cable whenever your kid's iPhone and your computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi hotspot, the phone sends text messages, phone calls, and other information to your computer.

 

To set up the app, you need to go through the following steps:
1) Install mStar desktop app on your home computer (Windows or Mac)

2) Connect your kid's iPhone to your computer via the USB cable

3) Let the app download the info from the iPhone 

4) Disconnect the iPhone and enjoy subsequent monitoring over Wi-Fi

 

 Once installed you will be able to monitor the following information:

* WhatsApp messages
*  Text messages
*  Call logs
*  Contact list
*  Notes
*  LINE
*  KiK
*  Browser history
*  Reminders
*  Calendar

 

 

Installation on Windows

1. Login to your mSpy account at my.mspyonline.com

 

2.  Select your language

3.  Confirm, that you have access to the target device

 

 

4.  Select the type of device: "Apple, IOS"

 

5.  Select the "Local Sync" type of monitoring

 

 

6.  Download the installer on your Windows computer

 

Note: The current OS is highlighted in black. Click the button to start downloading the app. Download begins in the background; this delay is normal. If Using a Mobile Device - After selecting the OS, an email with the download link is sent automatically. If download doesn’t start, click the displayed banner and select Download Unverified File.

 

7. Run the installer. If prompted with an unverified publisher warning, click More Info, then Run Anyway. Agree to the terms and click Install. Restart the PC after installation to avoid errors. In your account, you will see a step-by-step manual with a visualization

 

 

 

Installation on Mac

1. Login to your mSpy account at my.mspyonline.com

2.  Select your language

3.  Confirm, that you have access to the target device

 

4.  Select the type of device: "Apple, IOS"

 

 

5.  Select the "Local Sync" type of monitoring

 

 

6.  Download the installer on your Mac computer

 

 

Note: The current OS is highlighted in black. Click the button to start downloading the app. The download begins in the background; this delay is normal. If Using a Mobile Device - After selecting the OS, an email with the download link is sent automatically. If the download doesn’t start, click the displayed banner and select Download Unverified File.

 

Mac installation process

1. Open the mStar.dmg file from the Downloads and drag mStar icon to the Applications folder

 

 

2.  Open "Finder - Applications" and locate "mStar" in the list.

 

 

3. Bring up the context menu for "mStar" by holding down the "Control" key and clicking on it without releasing the key. (Note: On some systems, the "Control" key may be labeled "Ctrl".)

 

4. Press and hold the "Control" (or "Ctrl") key, then click on "Open" in the context menu.

 

5. Launch mStar by clicking "Open" in the popup.

Note: If the "Open" button is not available in the pop-up, please follow the additional instructions that are specific to your MacOS version.

1) Click on the question icon in a warning popup

Then click the "Open the General pane for me" link. 

Or on your Mac, choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, click Security & Privacy , then click General.

2) Click "Open anyway"

 

3) Choose "Open"

Set up

 1. Open the mStar desktop app and login to your account

2. Select the available subscription

3. Connect your kid's iPhone to your computer with the USB cable.

4. Unlock the iPhone and press "Trust" on the pop-up message. Enter the phone's passcode.

5. Wait for a couple of seconds for the app to detect the phone (Until you see the name of the iPhone) and click on it.

6. Create a password (or enter the backup password if it is already encrypted) to secure the backed-up data, confirm it, and click Next. DO NOT FORGET THIS PASSWORD!

 

Note: Unlock the phone to start the backup.

 

7.  Wait till the backup data is downloaded fully to your PC.

8. Once the backup is completed you will get the synced info in your personal mSpy account at my.mspyonline.com

 

Troubleshooting

1. In case you see a blank space while selecting the subscription - restarting the app might help.
2. If you see the message “back up failed” - please, restart the app as well.
3. If the app does not recognize the device:
- If you are connecting through a USB hub, try connecting the device directly to your computer. Make sure the charging cable is good or try a different USB port.
- If the first step doesn't help you can restart Apple Mobile Device Services in the app's settings - сlick on the icon in the lower-left corner and select Restart services (Windows).
4. If the connection status is "disconnected":
- Make sure your iPhone/iPad and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi hotspot.

- On a Windows PC, check the status of the Bonjour service, the service must be running. (Press on Ctrl + Shift + Escape > On the pop-up window press on the "Services" button, then try to find Bonjour Service, it should be in the "Running" status(if no, press on it using LMB and press on the "Run" button)

- Then go to mStar app and click on the icon at the lower-left corner and select Restart services (Windows).

5. If you can’t remember the password for your encrypted backup:

on the target iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset

Tap Reset All Settings and enter your passcode.

Follow the steps to reset your settings. This won't affect your user data or passwords, but it will reset settings like display brightness, Home Screen layout, and wallpaper. It also removes your encrypted backup password.