10 Cheating Apps Used By Unfaithful Partners

Michelle Wilson - November 9, 2021

Infidelity has been plaguing relationships since the beginning of time, and it’s only gotten worse with the increase in technology. It seems everywhere you look, there’s a new app or program designed to keep secrets, photos, and information from partners. Studies have shown, approximately 25% of marriages and 40% of unmarried couples will see at least one incident of infidelity. Furthermore, one in six people using dating apps are doing so to cheat on their partner. 90% of people who have online affairs get addicted to them. These individuals will start another relationship immediately after ending the first one.

With such alarming statistics, learning how to identify apps and programs often used by cheaters can be an essential first step. To help get you started, here are ten apps often used by unfaithful partners:

WhatsApp

While this program isn’t necessarily an app exclusive to cheaters, it’s a common program among those who have had affairs. The app doesn’t allow private conversations, but it does enable disappearing images from the chat. Contacts must be in the individual’s phone for the name to appear on WhatsApp, but can be used with any phone number. Deleting messages and images is effortless, with a hold and swipe functionality. Users can also set the program to prevent saving multimedia on the device.

Viber

This third-party messaging app allows discreet conversations and secret chats within the program. As a program, the Viper app is a VoIP tool that connects people with voice and video calling globally. Users can share unlimited multimedia messages and can organize multiple contacts into groups too. People can set messages to delete after a specific amount of time and hide the chats they’d like to keep going. Any hidden conversations will require a pin to unlock the chat messages, remaining hidden until the password enters into the program.

Signal

Similar to other apps, Signal automatically allows disappearing messages for specific contacts. Additionally, users can indicate an instant delete functionality, where messages delete after a particular time. Signal brings end-to-end encryption, meaning the only ones seeing the messages on the app are the intended audiences.

Instagram

This popular social media channel is known for sharing pictures, reels, or short stories throughout their day. Still, the chat functionality makes it the prime opportunity to send and receive flirtatious messages. Seeing this app on your partner’s phone doesn’t guarantee they’re using it for illicit conversation. Still, if they’ve suddenly become more active on the network, you may want to investigate it further.

Facebook

It may not be illicit, but connecting with others isn’t complicated with the messenger component. This social media giant is the most popular social media network with over one billion active registered users. Messenger shifted recently to include private conversations, disappearing messages, and their infamous dating section for single individuals. That means anyone with a Facebook status set to “single” or “undisclosed” has the opportunity to connect with other singles without finding anyone on their contact list.

Snapchat

Although this app gears toward social media, Snapchat is a grey area for suspicious platforms. Thanks to the disappearing message’s function, it’s challenging to determine whether your partner uses the network for genuine chats. Although Snapchat has changed the functionality to include a save history setting, it’s not the default arrangement on the platform. If your partner claims never to use the app yet has a Snap score that’s higher than a phone number, proceed with caution. 

Dating Apps

While these apps might be a dead giveaway, it’s important to state that any dating app installed on their smartphone is a definite sign of infidelity. While each dating app has its focus, none of these apps should exist on a cell phone if they’re in a committed relationship. If you’re concerned about cheating, learn the more popular dating apps currently running. Evaluate how long you’ve been together (as sometimes apps just don’t get deleted) and establish a timeline. If the apps continue to sit on the phone for extended periods, have an innocent conversation about defining the relationship between the two of you.

Telegram

Although this app is famous as a messaging app in its own right (meaning thousands of people have the app downloaded for legitimate purposes), it can indicate that something is off. Telegram offers secret conversations that require a pin to reveal and self-destructive chats that will disappear after specific periods like other messaging apps described.

Kik

Kik is another popular messaging app used by plenty of people for innocent purposes. Users can chat through messaging without requiring a phone number. To get started, individuals simply pick a username and connect with others using their handle. From there, you can share pictures, videos, and gifs through the interface. The messages are designed to self-delete after a set period, making them the perfect combination for those trying to hide something.

Vaulty Stocks

This app was created to hide virtually everything from a partner. The platform and interface appear as a regular stock portfolio. The app is actually an online vault where you can keep any illicit photos, videos, or screenshots on your mobile device. With a private gallery, password protection, and online backup, you’ll never have to worry about the security of your phone again. The program also brings ‘mugshot’ functionality, snapping a picture of anyone trying to snoop through your phone with an incorrect password.

How to Confront your Partner if You Find These Cheating Apps?

It’s important to remember that finding these apps on your partner’s phone isn’t guaranteed infidelity. There are plenty of legitimate reasons for using these apps (aside from the dating apps) that aren’t malicious. If you discover these apps, take a few moments to evaluate the relationship. Has your partner been distant or distracted? Do they focus more on their phone than they used to?

If you’re concerned about cheating or infidelity, always approach the conversation carefully. Accusing your partner of cheating without having any proof is damaging to the relationship and builds trust issues.

Always Trust Your Gut Instinct

While these apps are often designed for innocent intentions, there’s likely a reason you’re searching through your partner’s device. If your gut instinct tells you something is off, take a few moments to listen to it carefully. Once you’ve evaluated the entire relationship, approach your partner with caution, or decide what steps you’re going to take moving forward. Cheating and infidelity impact millions of relationships; having a better understanding of the apps they’re likely to use can keep you aware without seeming paranoid.