xMobi is a mobile monitoring application empowering users to track and monitor activities on mobile devices. It operates by installing the app on the target device, granting users access to various features such as call logs, text messages, browsing history, GPS location, and more. This allows concerned parents to ensure their children’s safety online and employers to monitor company-provided devices.
Monitoring services are indeed invaluable in protecting children from online threats like cyberbullying. About 20% of students’ ages 12-18 experienced bullying nationwide, according to stopbullying.gov.
Apps such as xMobi offer insights to proactively prevent potential dangers such as threats from online predators, and exposure to inappropriate content. Therefore, HeyLocate team decided to test xMobi to see whether it is effective.
Quick Review of xMobi
Our Verdict: xMobi monitoring app claims to have extensive tracking capabilities, but in reality, many of them need to be improved, especially for iOS devices.
Founded: 2020.
Online-rating: 2.2 stars on Trustpilot.
Compatibility: Android 4 or higher phones and tablets, iPhones and iPads.
Last Update: auto-updates.
Price: 49.99 for a monthly subscription, $29.99 per month for a 3-month subscription and $179.99 for a 12-month subscription.
Trials/Coupons: xMobi does not have a free trial.
Refund policy: 14 days after purchase if it does not contradict the Refund Policy conditions.
What is xMobi app
xMobi, developed by ERSTEN GROUP LTD and launched in 2020, is a tool for mobile monitoring. Specifically tailored for concerned parents and security purposes, it delivers phone tracking and insights into smartphone activities.
Functioning discreetly in the background, xMobi offers various monitoring capabilities covering call logs, text messages, browsing history, and GPS location tracking. Its core objective is to empower parents by enabling them to oversee their children’s digital behavior, fostering a safer online experience.
xMobi boasts multilingual support for users’ account including English, Spanish, German, French, Japanese, Arabic, and several other languages commonly used in mobile applications. This diverse language base is aimed at accommodating a broad spectrum of users, ensuring accessibility and usability across various regions and cultures.
Still, there is no option to change English as the main language on the home page: various languages are available only when you already have an account.
Is xMobi legit and safe, or a scam?
xMobi is a trustworthy and secure tool intended for tracking and monitoring mobile device activities. Primarily used for ethical reasons like parental supervision, it has also earned positive feedback from diverse users.
Additionally, reputable sources such as business reviews have verified xMobi’s legitimacy and safety, further affirming its reliability as a monitoring tool. The website does not contain any phishing or malware, according to Scam Advisor. This makes it a trusted and safe tool.
How does xMobi work
xMobi works through setting up an account and installing the app on the target iPhone or Android. It offers remote control on the xMobi web dashboard, then.
We tried to set up the app and test how xMobi works. We evaluated each step and feature while giving scores up to 10 points for each.
Setup & Dashboard – Score 8
I experimented xMobi application on an iPhone. For the installation to proceed successfully and access most of the app’s functionalities, I needed physical access to the target device, along with the corresponding iCloud login credentials and the screen passcode.
How to install xMobi on an iPhone
Step 1: Account Creation
Getting started with xMobi involved creating an account, requiring a valid email address and agreeing to the terms of service.
Step 2: Device Selection
As I installed xMobi on my kid’s iPhone 12 with iOS 17.1, I selected the Apple device option from the available choices.
Step 3: xMobi Installation on Target iPhone
Before downloading the app, I scanned a QR code that directed me to a Safari link for the app’s file.
The download was swift, taking just a few minutes. Following the installation instructions, I located the downloaded file within the settings app.
Step 4: xMobi Setup
After completing the configuration and download, I navigated on my iPhone to General > About > Certificate Trust Settings at the screen’s bottom. Enabling the “iCloud Security” toggle allowed the app to access the phone’s data.
Subsequently, the xMobi tool synced the data, and accessing my xMobi account dashboard, I clicked the “Get Data” icon. This revealed a tab on my dashboard with all the advanced features like calls, location, web history, and messages. The installation process and setup process took about 3 minutes.
xMobi offered a friendly user interface that catered to users of varying technological expertise. However, certain functionalities, like WhatsApp messages and calls, initially did not present the required data after logging in. Accessing this information required an additional step: backing up the target iPhone and entering the iCloud credentials.
The support team’s live chat support was invaluable, guiding me through the iCloud backup and the two-factor authentication (2FA) process seamlessly.
Moreover, the data synchronization process took approximately 24 hours to complete. This was a notable delay in accessing the comprehensive set of data, but once synchronized, it provided an extensive overview of the target device’s activities. Still, this resulted in a bit lower HeyLocate review score for xMobi installation.
How to Install xMobi on an Android
I also installed xMobi on my daughter’s Samsung A33 with the Android 14 operating system. These are steps involved.
Step 1: Create an Account
The first step is similar to that of an iPhone. I created an account and accessed the installation page.
Step 2: Device Selection
I then selected the Android option to install xMobi on a Samsung A33 with the Android 14 OS.
Step 3: Disable Play Protect
Before installing xMobi on an Android, you have to disable Play Protect from the Google Play Store. This step is crucial since xMobi is a surveillance app that will be flagged as a suspicious app if you try to download it without disabling the Play Protect feature on Android phones.
Step 4: Scan the QR Code
xMobi displayed a QR code on the website, which I scanned. It then opened the download option, and I successfully downloaded the app. I was happy that it’s only 11.7MB so it did not take up much space.
Step 4: Install xMobi
Once the download completes, you will be required to install the app by following a few steps. The first one is allowing the keylogger feature to function on the app. This feature allows xMobi to install automatically on the target Android device.
xMobi started installing automatically, while also giving on-screen instructions about allowing various settings on the phone.
These are the settings required for successful installation of xMobi on an Android phone.
- Accessibility
Go to Settings> Accessibility > Installed apps > Play Services and switch it to on. - Restricted Settings
Go to Settings>Apps > Play Services > Three dots at the top right > Allow restricted settings. - Usage Access
Go to Settings > Apps > Three dots at the top right > Special Access > Usage Data Access > Play Services > Toggle the button to the ON position.
Note that these settings are not consecutive. xMobi will give you a prompt when to allow each setting during the configuration process.
After completing the setup, I headed to the online dashboard, which synced the data from the target phone automatically. The settings were well displayed, all the features that it monitors on an Android phone.
Calls & SMS Monitoring – Score 5
While xMobi claims to offer incoming and outgoing calls as well as SMS tracking features, my experience with monitoring my child’s iPhone revealed shortcomings in these functionalities. The tracking text messages feature failed to sync any data from the device, rendering me unable to track incoming or outgoing text messages.
Similarly, the phone calls monitoring on the target device didn’t synchronize any data despite repeated app installations, completing backups, and waiting for 24 hours.
However, the tool did provide an Address Book feature, listing contacts’ names, and phone numbers, and indicating if they were present or deleted from the phone book. This allowed me to stay informed about my child’s interactions with individuals in their contact list.
When monitoring calls on my child’s Samsung, I found the app quite satisfactory. xMobi displayed all incoming and outgoing calls. It showed me whether the call was received or missed. If the call was received, it displayed the call’s time and duration. Additionally, I could block any phone number from my online dashboard. I found this feature helpful for watching unsaved numbers that called my daughter.
As for message tracking, xMobi displayed the most recent messages sent and received on my daughter’s phone. This feature allowed me to open the chat and read the entire conversation. However, it did not show the entire list of messages, which means it can leave out crucial messages from a contact you don’t want your child to communicate with.
Still, as this feature worked well only for Android, HeyLocate gives only half of possible score — 5 out of 10.
GPS Location Tracking – Score 8
Tracking locations via xMobi was a smooth process. By using the place icon on the dashboard, I easily accessed the phone’s real-time and previous locations.
While the GPS tracking through xMobi didn’t provide the precise address of the phone’s location, it did offer coordinates and a Google Maps link, aiding in determining the phone’s whereabouts, even when misplaced.
When tracking location on an Android phone, xMobi updates the location every five minutes. It also provided the coordinates and a view of the tracked location on Google Maps. I noticed that I could only track the phone’s GPS location if it had an internet connection. Thus, the feature is not perfect and gets a bit lower score — 8 out of 10.
Messengers & Social Media Monitoring – Score 4
xMobi claims to offer social media monitoring for various apps, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter(X), Instagram, Skype, Line, and Tinder in iPhone monitoring. However, based on my personal experience, the tool did not meet the expected performance. It only successfully monitored WhatsApp among the listed social media platforms.
Unfortunately, I could not monitor messages from most social media apps on Android either. Although xMobi listed 18 social media apps, it did not have a record of the messages, even though I had sent a message to my daughter’s Facebook, and I was expecting to find it on the app.
For WhatsApp monitoring, xMobi displayed both sides of the conversations, showing outgoing and incoming texts, along with recorded WhatsApp status updates from different users on iPhone.
When monitoring WhatsApp on Android, xMobi displayed screenshots of messages taken from the app. I could see the list of chats and opened chats. Unfortunately, I could not open a single chat since all it takes are screenshots. I had to go through them to see the order of messages between different people.
Despite completing the backup process on my child’s iPhone, xMobi failed to sync any data from other social media apps such as, Twitter(X), Snapchat, and Facebook. xMobi Instagram viewer didn’t work as well. The monitoring tool did not provide access to information from these platforms as anticipated.
xMobi could monitor activity on some social media apps using screenshots. I could see activity on Instagram and YouTube. The app displayed the scroll activity, which allowed me to see the various interactions of the app. Based on my experience, I could use this feature to know the pages and YouTube videos my child watches so that I can offer guidance on online proactiveness.
Still, the feature can be improved a lot, so HeyLocate review score for it is only 4 out of 10.
Control Web Browser – Score 9
xMobi provided browser activity tracking for my child on both iPhone and Android. It allowed me to monitor frequently visited websites and bookmarked pages to protect against inappropriate online content.
One standout feature of xMobi was its capability to capture screenshots of browser activities, housed neatly under the browser section. This displayed the website URL and detailed the browser used. The dashboard organized browsing history and timestamps of visited sites for easy reference.
Moreover, xMobi could record searches made in incognito or private browsing modes, capturing all online activities from the target device, even when users attempted to conceal their browsing history.
Additionally, within its internet monitoring suite, xMobi granted access to uploaded files across various email clients such as Gmail, iCloud Mail, and Microsoft Outlook.
But as there is no option to block sites, we gave this feature 9 scores out of 10 possible.
Media Tracking – Score 5
While xMobi could not track stored media on an iPhone, it could track videos and photos stored on an Android device. xMobi gave me full access to all media on my child’s phone. I could see photos, screenshots, and videos, arranged from the latest. I liked this feature since I could see all the foreign media, which could help me address any concerns about images and videos.
As this feature works only for Android, we give it half of the possible scores — 5.
Other Activity Data Monitoring – Score 9
Another significant aspect of xMobi is its data monitoring capability, which extends to application usage. This feature was instrumental in monitoring my child’s interactions with various apps on her phone.
The app monitoring feature offered a detailed list of installed apps on iPhone and Android. It also provided additional insights, such as the app’s browsing history, cookies, and any downloads initiated while using these apps.
I could also monitor emails on Android. xMobi showed screenshots of all activity from an email company like Gmail or Yahoo. It displayed the inbox, sent messages, and list of email conversations just as it did when monitoring WhatsApp messages.
Still, it would be better to have an option to block apps, not only see the screenshots. Therefore, the score is 9 out of 10.
Is xMobi app detectable?
xMobi operates discreetly on an iPhone, remaining hidden within the list of installed apps for discreet monitoring. Initially appearing as a downloaded profile in the settings, once installed, it becomes undetectable.
However, users might spot a VPN icon in the iPhone control area. It’s important to note that if noticed by a child, this VPN icon could be disabled, potentially disrupting the monitoring process by stopping active updates.
When monitoring an Android device, the app displays a screencast on top of the phone’s screen. While this may not be cause for worry when monitoring a child below 6 years, older and tech-savvy kids may find it odd. This is likely to lead to the child discovering the source of the screencast or reformatting of the phone. Both events would interrupt monitoring on the phone.
xMobi Pricing
xMobi’s pricing model accommodates various needs and budgets, offering flexibility through three plans: $49.99 for a month plan, $29.99/month for a 3-month plan, and $14.99/month for a 12-month option.
xMobi offers payment options via Visa and Mastercard, also ensuring private and secure transactions.
How to Opt Out of xMobi
To opt out of the xMobi app, accessing both the online dashboard and the monitored device’s applications is necessary. Bear in mind, as a parental control app, it’s deliberately designed to be discreet on the target device. Follow these steps:
- Open the “Settings” app on the target iPhone.
- Select “General,” then scroll down and choose “VPN & Device Management.”
- Click on “iCloud Secure Network,” then select “Remove profile.”
- Finally, navigate to the xMobi control panel and select “Settings.” Then, pick the specific device you wish to disconnect and choose “Unlink Device” to stop any additional data transmission from that device.
Like iPhone, you need to access both the online dashboard and target phone to stop monitoring the Android device.
Uninstalling the app from an Android stops data from syncing to the online platform, but it does not erase data that has already been uploaded to the dashboard. You will need to unlink the phone to erase data that’s already collected by the app.
- Go to the app’s online dashboard and tap settings from the top-right corner.
- On the settings page, scroll down to “Unlink.”
- Enter the password and confirm unlinking.
- Go to the phone’s Settings > Apps > three dots on the top right corner > Special Access > Play Services and turn the button off.
- Restart the phone.
- Now, go to Settings > Accessibility > Installed Apps > Play Services > turn it off.
- Go to Apps > Play Services and tap uninstall.
xMobi Customer Service
xMobi ensures top-notch customer support, offering swift assistance via 24-hour live chat and email at support@xmobi.co. This commitment emphasizes a positive user experience, as the responsive team promptly addresses queries and technical concerns, boosting users’ confidence in navigating the tool.
xMobi Reviews
xMobi has garnered a mixed bag of reviews, encompassing both positive and negative feedback. Our research indicates that these reviews originate from both Android and iPhone users. Many of the reported negative reviews highlight the tool’s failure to deliver the promised services.
However, amidst the criticisms, there have also been positive experiences shared by users, particularly regarding the social media monitoring feature, notably the WhatsApp monitoring functionality.
For instance, a Quora user provided a glowing Xmobi review, praising xMobi for its exceptional service in monitoring WhatsApp messages. This positive feedback stands out among the varied user experiences.
However, our findings also uncovered various negative reviews from an anonymous user experience in Trustpilot, pinpointing issues such as inadequate customer service characterized by delayed responses. Additionally, there were complaints about certain features failing to perform as promised, contributing to dissatisfaction among users.
xMobi VS mSpy
Let’s compare the features of xMobi with one of the most popular alternative, mSpy.
Feature | xMobi | mSpy |
---|---|---|
Social Media Tracking | Yes (Not all social media apps) | Yes |
Wi-Fi Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
Compatibility | Android 4.1+, all iOS | Android 4.0+, iOS 7+ |
Location Tracking | Yes | Yes |
Geofencing | No | Yes |
Keylogger | No | Yes |
Browser Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
Call logs and Text Messages Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
See App Activity in Real Time | Yes | No |
Media Monitoring | Yes on Android | Yes |
Access to Address Book | Yes | Yes |
Try xMobi | Try mSpy |
Read a comprehensive mSpy app review on the HeyLocate blog.
xMobi Pros & Cons
Advantages and disadvantages of xMobi are listed below.
Pros:
- operates hidden in the background;
- operates on both Android devices and iPhone devices;
- offers a demo version;
- monitor multiple devices;
- comprehensive monitoring.
Cons:
- no free trial, subscription plans can be expensive;
- requires frequent internet connection to monitor target devices;
- some features may not work as promised, especially on iOS;
- for iPhone data to sync, to the xMobi dashboard, it takes about 24 hours;
- for an iOS device, iCloud credentials and the physical presence of the target phone are needed.
Verdict
xMobi still has a lot to improve, especially for iPhones. For now, one of xMobi prominent features is the WhatsApp monitoring tool. Additionally, attributes like location and web monitoring prove valuable for overseeing a child’s online activities on the xMobi app.
My experience with Android was quite different, since it delivered on most of the promised features. Still, being able to open WhatsApp chats would be an added advantage. The speed of syncing data to the online dashboard could also improve, seeing that it takes long to upload data from some social media apps like Facebook.
Nevertheless, you can always find the best parental or monitoring app on the HeyLocate blog.
FAQ
xMobi, like many other tools, has mixed reviews from users. While some commend its functionality and features, particularly among iOS users, others have encountered limitations. For instance, certain users have faced issues where social media apps didn’t function as intended, leading to concerns and frustration.
However, most of its features work well on Android, including monitoring social media activity, emails, and media stored on the target device.
xMobi is owned by ERSTEN GROUP LTD, a company registered in the United Kingdom.
Yes, xMobi app does work. It is a monitoring tool designed to track and monitor device activities from text messages, calls, social media, location, and web activities. However, its effectiveness can vary based on factors like device compatibility and feature performance.
xMobi costs $49.99 for a monthly subscription, $29.99 per month for a 3-month package, and $179.99 for a 12-month subscription, which is the most valuable pack.
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