5 Ways to Track Another Phone's Text Messages

Introduction

Text messaging remains one of the most widely used communication methods, even in the age of social media and instant messaging apps. For parents concerned about their children’s safety, employers monitoring company devices, or individuals wanting peace of mind, SMS tracking apps provide a reliable way to monitor text activity.

This guide explores five of the best text message tracker apps, highlighting their features, pros, cons, and pricing. We’ll also share a free method for iPhone users to track text messages without third-party apps.

1. mSpy – Best Overall

mSpy is one of the most popular and comprehensive SMS monitoring apps.

Pricing

• 1 Month – $48.99/month
• 3 Months – $27.99/month
• 12 Months – $11.66/month

Compatibility

• iPhone and Android

Key Features

• Monitor SMS, iMessage, and social media chats.
• View photos and videos shared in conversations.
• Email monitoring.
• Track chats on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Instagram, Skype, Viber, and more.
• Call monitoring.

Pros

• Wide range of monitoring features.
• Operates discreetly.
• 24/7 customer support.
• Secure and encrypted data handling.

Cons

• Requires jailbreaking for full iOS functionality.
• Limited iOS social media monitoring.

Verdict mSpy is reliable and feature-rich, especially for Android users. The cost may be high for some, but its versatility makes it a strong choice.

2. FreeSpy Parental Control – Best for Parents

FreeSpy is designed specifically for parental monitoring, offering SMS and social media tracking.

Pricing

• Monthly – $9.99
• Quarterly – $19.99 ($6.66/month)
• Yearly – $59.99 ($4.99/month)

Compatibility

• iPhone and Android

Features

• Real-time monitoring.
• Sync app notifications.
• Block apps and websites.
• Sync received text messages with contact details.

Pros

• Comprehensive parental control tools.
• Alerts and monitoring features.
• User-friendly and ad-free.

Cons

• Limited free trial.
• SMS syncing currently works only on Android.

Verdict FreeSpy is excellent for parents, though children may detect and disable it if they notice the app.

3. Webwatcher – Best for Multi-Device Monitoring

Webwatcher supports multiple platforms, making it ideal for families or businesses.

Pricing

• $10.83/month for Android, iPhone, PC, or Mac
• $3.33/month for Chromebooks

Compatibility

• iOS 8.0–14
• Android 4–11
• Windows 7+
• macOS 10.8+
• All Chromebooks

Features

• SMS and MMS monitoring (including deleted texts).
• Social media message tracking.
• Call log history.
• Website and app usage monitoring.

Pros

• Works across multiple devices.
• Tamper-proof installation.
• No jailbreaking or rooting required.

Cons

• No web filters or time limits.
• Requires multiple subscriptions for multiple devices.

Verdict Webwatcher is powerful but can be costly if you need coverage across several devices.

4. Snoopza – Best Free Option

Snoopza offers basic SMS monitoring for free, with paid upgrades available.

Pricing

• Basic Plan – Free
• Standard Plan – $14.95/month

Compatibility

• Android only

Features

• SMS monitoring.
• Call history tracking.
• WhatsApp monitoring.
• Call recording.

Pros

• Free basic plan.
• Easy to use.
• Discreet monitoring.

Cons

• Limited features in free version.
• No iPhone compatibility.
• Limited social media tracking.

Verdict Snoopza is a budget-friendly choice for Android users, though advanced features require a paid plan.

5. Spyhuman – Best Budget-Friendly Solution

Spyhuman is a free monitoring app focused on Android devices.

Pricing

• Free

Compatibility

• Android only

Features

• Call logs, recordings, and restrictions.
• SMS tracking with full details.
• Social media monitoring.
• Location tracking.

Pros

• Cost-effective.
• No root required.
• Real-time monitoring.

Cons

• Not available for iOS.
• May be detectable on devices.

Verdict Spyhuman is a solid free option for Android users, though limited in stealth and iOS compatibility.

Comparison Table: Best Text Message Tracker Apps

Free Method: Track Text Messages on iPhone Without Apps

If both you and the target person use iPhones, you can track text messages via Text Message Forwarding.

Steps:

1. On the target iPhone, go to Settings → Messages → Text Message Forwarding.
2. Select the device(s) connected to the same Apple ID.
3. Messages will now forward to your chosen device.

Requirements:

• Both devices must share the same Apple ID.
• Target iPhone must have internet access.
• Works only for SMS/iMessage, not third-party apps.

Conclusion

Each SMS tracker app offers unique features, from parental control to multi-device monitoring. Whether you need advanced monitoring with mSpy, budget-friendly options like Spyhuman, or free solutions like Snoopza, there’s a tool for every situation. For iPhone users, text message forwarding provides a simple, no-cost alternative.

FAQs About Tracking Text Messages

• Is it legal to track someone’s text messages? Legality depends on your country. Parental monitoring of minors is generally allowed, but tracking adults without consent may be illegal.
• Can I track deleted text messages? Yes, apps like Webwatcher can recover deleted texts.
• Do SMS tracker apps work on both Android and iPhone? Most apps support both, but some (like Snoopza and Spyhuman) are Android-only.
• Can I track WhatsApp or social media messages too? Yes, advanced apps like mSpy and FreeSpy include social media monitoring.
• Is there a truly free SMS tracker? Spyhuman and Snoopza offer free versions, though features are limited compared to paid apps.