Table of contents
- What is spousal spying
- Why do people spy on their spouses
- Is it illegal to spy on your spouse
- Common spouse spying methods
- Signs your spouse might be spying on you
- What to do if your spouse is spying on you
- Conclusion
What is spousal spying
Spousal spying happens when someone secretly monitors their partner's activities. It can range from checking their phone or messages to tracking their location, installing spyware, or using GPS trackers and cameras. In extreme cases, it may even escalate to physical stalking.
Why do people spy on their spouses
Fear of cheating, control issues, lack of trust—spousal spying has many reasons. Here's a closer look at why people spy on their spouses:
- Fear of cheating: Suspicion that a partner might be unfaithful is often a powerful motive for someone to resort to spying to look for proof.
- Control issues: People with manipulative or narcissistic tendencies may monitor their partner to feel in charge of the relationship.
- Lack of trust or insecurity: When someone has been lied to before, they might feel compelled to check on their partner to make sure they're being honest.
- Paranoia and anxiety: Constant fear of dishonesty, even without proof, might lead to obsessive spying. Mental health conditions like OCD, anxiety, or past trauma can worsen this behavior.
- Divorce or legal reasons: Spying may be used to gather evidence before a divorce or custody fight, but this isn't always legal and can backfire.
Is it illegal to spy on your spouse
Laws may differ depending on where you live, but spying on a spouse is generally not legal if done without consent. In most U.S. states, secretly tracking, hacking accounts, or installing spyware (is spyware illegal?) can lead to fines or criminal charges.
Common spouse spying methods
Spouses may use spyware to read messages, listen to calls, or track locations. Other methods include:
- Monitoring social media activity
- Accessing personal accounts without permission
- Using hidden GPS or item trackers (like AirTags)
- Recording conversations with secret microphones
- Installing hidden cameras
Want to know if your spouse is spying on you? Clario Anti Spy is a powerful anti-spyware tool for iOS and Android devices designed to protect your privacy and prevent unwanted tracking. Its Device system check feature can quickly tell if the system software version is secure and that there are no hidden jailbreaks or rooting jeopardizing device security. You can also run a Spyware scan on Android to check for hidden spy tools.
Here's how to check for spyware on Android with Clario Anti Spy:
- Download Clario Anti Spy and subscribe to create an account.
- Tap Scan under Spyware scan.
- Tap Let's fix it and follow the instructions to deal with any privacy-invasive apps.
Another essential feature—Spy cam detector—helps you detect hidden cameras in your vicinity. It's available on both iOS and Android.
Here's how to check for hidden cameras with Clario Anti Spy:
- Open Clario Anti Spy and tap Scan under Spy cam detector.
- Connect to your main Wi-Fi network and wait for the tool to finish scanning for hidden cameras.
- If you see something showing up under Suspicious Devices, tap it and follow the steps to identify it.
Clario Anti Spy can also record anyone unlocking your phone without your permission—just turn on the switch next to Unlock catcher to toggle the feature on. If you have any questions, tap the Messages icon to connect to a security expert 24/7.
Signs your spouse might be spying on you
If your phone is acting strangely or your spouse seems to know things they shouldn't, they might be monitoring you. Here are some warning signs to watch out for:
- Unfamiliar apps or software: A common way to spy is by installing hidden tracking apps or spyware on your devices. If you notice an unfamiliar app or see weird status symbols, do a quick online search to find out what it is.
- Strange device behavior: Spyware requires a lot of resources to run—this can cause mobile devices to lag, overheat, or use up the battery faster than usual. For more information, check our guide on how to tell if your spouse is spying on your phone.
- Suspicious account activity: Your spouse could be snooping around if you receive login alerts regarding unknown devices.
- Your spouse knows too much: If your spouse brings up conversations or details you never shared with them, this is a red flag they might be reading your messages or listening in on your calls.
- You keep running into your spouse: If your spouse always seems to be where you are, they could be tracking your location or even physically stalking you. Learn—can a spouse be charged with stalking?
What to do if your spouse is spying on you
If you have strong reasons to believe that your spouse is spying on you, you must take steps to protect your privacy and ensure your safety. Here's what you can do:
- Check for spyware: Scan your phone for hidden tracking apps or monitoring software. A reliable anti-spyware solution like Clario Anti Spy can help you deal with spyware, jailbreaks, and device rooting. Don't forget your laptop and desktop devices—learn how your spouse is spying on your computer.
- Change passwords: Update your passwords for emails, social media, and financial accounts. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra protection.
- Turn off location sharing: Apps like Find My, Google Maps, and WhatsApp can be easily tampered with to broadcast your location. Check your device's settings and disable location access for these apps to prevent unauthorized tracking.
- Talk to your spouse (if you feel safe): If you're sure your spouse won't react aggressively, try having an honest conversation about privacy and set clear boundaries.
- Get help: Therapy or counseling can help address trust concerns. However, if their behavior makes you unsafe, don't hesitate to ask friends, family, or law enforcement for help.
Conclusion
Spying on a spouse might seem the best way to get fast answers, but it almost always does more harm than good. It breaks trust, invades privacy, and can even lead to legal trouble. If you suspect your spouse is monitoring you, take steps to protect your privacy and seek support if needed. Don't forget that you can also install Clario Anti Spy on your iPhone or Android to protect yourself from spying.
