How to Read Someone text messages from another phone
Liam Hernandez
Find Text by Phone Number
mSpy is a phone tracker software that lets you see view all text messages and social media chats. It also helps block inappropriate websites, apps, and contacts on the target cell phone. You can access all the tracked device’s data through a web-based control panel.
How to Read and Track Someone’s Text Messages Without Their Phone
mSpy is the best tool for this job. Here are steps for tracking SMS from targeted Android Phones:
Step 1) Visit www.mspy.com, enter your email address, and purchase a plan based on your requirements. Once you have done that, you will receive the login credentials in your email.
Step 2) Next, you need to select the type of device you want to monitor. However, you must ensure you have full physical access to the device you want to spy on. Physical access is required ONLY during the installation; later, everything can be monitored remotely.
Step 3) Select your device manufacturer.
You have a wide range of Android options, such as Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, Moto, Google Pixel, LG, or any other manufacturer.
Here, I have selected Samsung.
Step 4) Next, you need to select your Android Version and Disable the PlayProtect option.
Step 5) Download the app on your Mobile then follow on-screen instructions and configure mSpy.
Step 6) Click on the mSpy Dashboard.
Once your mSpy account is set up, allow some time for the mSpy app to record the activity and send it back to the server.
Step 7) Start tracking targeted device SMS messages.
After you have finished the initial app setup, visit the mSpy Dashboard and select SMS Messages.
Step 8) Read text messages of the targeted Phone.
You can now read text messages without the target phone access.
14-Days Money-Back Guarantee
How to Read text messages using Spying tools
I have found many spying tools available in the market that allow you to read someone’s text messages without needing access to the target phone. However, not all the tools are reliable, and some may even compromise your privacy. Hence, here is a handpicked list of top spy apps that helped me access someone’s phone without physically accessing it.
| Name | Supported Platforms | Read SMS | Free Trial/Refund Policy | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 👍 mSpy |
Android and iOS | Yes | 14-Days Money-Back Guarantee | Learn More |
 uMobix |
Android and iOS devices | Yes | 14-Days Money-Back Guarantee | Learn More |
 Spokeo |
Android, iOS, Windows | Yes | 7-Day Trial for $0.95 | Learn More |
 FlexiSPY |
Android, iOS, and Windows PC | Yes | 1-Day Free Trial | Learn More |
 Spynger |
Android and iOS | Yes | 30-Days Money-Back Guarantee | Learn More |
 SpyX |
Android and iOS | Yes | 15-Days Money-Back Guarantee | Learn More |
1) mSpy
Best for sending, receiving, and deleting messages
mSpy delivered a top-notch experience in my review process. I went through different features and found it ideal for individuals who need an efficient way to monitor phone activity. In my opinion, its ability to capture deleted texts using screen snapshots and keystroke logs sets it apart. If you aim to find a solid phone tracker software that balances privacy with security, it is a good idea to consider mSpy. Freelancers with remote teams often use mSpy on company devices to prevent data leaks and inappropriate app usage during client projects.
After installing this spying app, you can access all the tracked device’s data through a web-based control panel. I could also view my target’s phone gallery, shared media content, and GPS coordinates with this app.
Supported Phones: Android, iPhone, iPad
24/7 Support: Yes – Offers a toll-free helpline as well
Refund Policy: 14-Days Money-Back Guarantee
Features:
- Geo-Fencing Alerts: mSpy lets you create virtual zones and instantly notifies you when the target device crosses these boundaries. I found this especially useful when monitoring kids’ movements during my testing. I recommend setting slightly wider boundaries to avoid false alerts from minor GPS shifts that sometimes happen indoors.
- Keylogger Functionality: mSpy captures every keystroke typed on the device, including search terms, messages, and even passwords. When I reviewed logs from a test device, the keylogger gave insights that text monitoring alone missed. While using this feature one thing I noticed is that grouping keystrokes by app helps speed up reviewing large volumes of text.
- Screen Recording: This feature captures periodic screenshots, showing exactly what the target user is doing. I once retrieved crucial browsing evidence through these screenshots when analyzing an Android device. It felt reassuring to have a visual confirmation along with activity logs.
- Multimedia File Access: With mSpy, accessing photos, videos, and audio files becomes very straightforward. I reviewed multiple media files remotely without needing physical access to the device. The tool lets you sort media files by date, which saves a lot of time when trying to pinpoint recent activities.
- Wi-Fi Network Logs: You can see every Wi-Fi network the device connects to, along with connection times and durations. I tracked a test device’s daily movements by reviewing Wi-Fi histories and found patterns matching school and home visits. There is also an option that lets you flag unfamiliar networks for quicker spotting if the user visits unknown locations.
- Contact List Access: mSpy retrieves the full contact list, including names, numbers, and even secondary details like emails. When I reviewed a monitored device, I found several unknown contacts that were missing from message history. This helped create a much clearer communication map of the person being monitored.
Pricing:
- Refund Policy: 14-day money-back guarantee.
- Pricing: The plan starts at $48.99 for a one-month plan.
14-Days Money-Back Guarantee
2) uMobix
Best for reading texts without access to a phone
uMobix impressed me with how quickly I could access message threads. During my analysis, I found it offered me a clean, intuitive interface that gives a full breakdown of messages sorted by contact. It is important to know that it runs in stealth mode, making it a superior choice when discretion is key. I suggest it to anyone needing a simple yet powerful solution to monitor texts. Customer service managers rely on this feature to ensure employee phones are compliant with professional communication standards.
Supported Phones: Android, iOS
24/7 Support: Yes
Refund Policy: 14-Days Money-Back Guarantee
Features:
- Access to Deleted Messages: uMobix lets me retrieve deleted SMS and social media chats, which is vital when users try to hide evidence. I have personally used this to recover erased WhatsApp texts during a project. I recommend checking the deleted messages frequently, as sometimes the platform updates logs faster than expected.
- Call Log Tracking: With uMobix, I could view detailed incoming and outgoing call logs, including caller ID, time stamps, and durations. This feature helped me create accurate timelines when monitoring a target device. While using this feature one thing I noticed is that cross-referencing call times with message logs gives even better context to conversations.
- Stealth Mode Operation: The tool works completely invisibly without showing any app icon or notifications. When I installed it on a test device, even seasoned tech users failed to detect it. This made me trust its stealth mode even more for discreet monitoring needs.
- Live Call Listening: This feature allowed me to listen to real-time calls without delay. Hearing conversations first-hand helped me better understand situations instead of relying on text summaries. I suggest using a strong and private Wi-Fi connection while accessing live calls to avoid potential lags or connection drops.
- Multimedia File Access: Accessing stored photos, videos, and audio recordings through uMobix was straightforward and efficient. I appreciated how even deleted multimedia files remained accessible for some time. This helped when gathering evidence in a secure environment without needing physical access to the phone.
- SIM Card Change Alerts: I received instant notifications whenever the monitored phone’s SIM card changed. This is especially important if someone tries to evade monitoring. You will notice that the alert also includes the new carrier details, which can give you an immediate clue about the user’s new communication patterns.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Refund Policy: 14-day money-back guarantee.
- Pricing: Plans start at $12.49/month. Discounts are offered on yearly payments.
14-Days Money-Back Guarantee
3) Spokeo
Best spy app that always remains invisible
Spokeo proved genuinely helpful when I ran it through a batch of unknown numbers I had saved. What stood out was how easily it provided background details without needing any extra tools. A key takeaway from using this reverse lookup app was how quickly I could spot familiar names linked to suspicious contacts. Based on how effortlessly it works, this is one of the most practical tools for identifying message senders when direct access is not possible. This may help in preventing unnecessary tension in relationships or within a family setup. Educators working with teens often recommend Spokeo to parents as a way to discreetly monitor unknown communication on their child’s phone.
Supported Platforms: Android, Windows & iOS
24/7 Support: Yes
Free Trial: 7-Day Trial for $0.95
Features:
- Address Search: Spokeo lets you dig deep into address histories, providing details about residents, property values, and even neighborhood demographics. I once used it to verify a suspicious contact’s address and it matched perfectly with official property records. I recommend cross-checking the address data with recent property listings, especially when the information seems outdated.
- Social Media Profiles: This feature helps link a person’s phone number or email to their social media profiles. I found it incredibly helpful to spot patterns between messaging behavior and online activity. While testing this feature one thing I noticed is that Spokeo often finds lesser-known accounts like old Twitter or Pinterest profiles, so always check thoroughly.
- Public Records Access: Spokeo aggregates public records such as court filings, marriage licenses, and property deeds. I used this during an identity verification project and confirmed the sender’s background within minutes. It adds another strong layer when trying to verify who exactly is behind text messages.
- Family Tree Data: Spokeo can pull up relatives and familial ties based on available public information. I once identified an unknown number by tracing it back to a family member listed under the contact’s known details. There is also an option that lets you map these connections visually, making it easier to spot close family ties quickly.
- Criminal Records Check: Spokeo helps uncover any available criminal history linked to a phone number or name. When I monitored a questionable contact, a quick Spokeo search revealed prior offenses that regular lookup tools missed. This extra safety check made me feel much more secure when dealing with unknown individuals.
- Employment History: Spokeo offers insights into someone’s current and previous employment information. I once verified a sender’s legitimacy by matching their workplace listed on Spokeo with their LinkedIn profile. You will notice that matching employment dates can help detect fake profiles that list employment without real verification.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Free Trial: Basic Search Results are Free
- Pricing: Plans start at $0.95 for 7-days
7-Day Trial for $0.95
4) FlexiSPY
Best for recording surroundings using an ambient recording.
FlexiSPY became one of my top picks when I tested apps for discreet phone tracking. It offered me full access to text logs, with clear time and sender data, which helped me evaluate message trails with accuracy. If you are looking for one of the best spying apps, this is a great way to do it securely and remotely. It is important to pay attention to software that allows you to deactivate itself remotely—FlexiSPY does that effortlessly. Parents dealing with cyberbullying concerns have started turning to FlexiSPY for its ability to reveal harmful messages on their child’s phone.
Supported Platforms: Android, iPhone, iPad, and PC
24/7 Support: Yes
Free Trial: 1-Day Free Trial
Features:
- Spoof SMS Sending: FlexiSPY lets you send fake SMS messages that look like they were sent from the target phone. I tested this feature to simulate text conversations for an internal security exercise. I recommend clearly labeling test messages during practice runs so you do not confuse them with real communications later.
- Contact Information Access: This feature allows you to see the detailed contact information attached to every SMS, including names and numbers. I found this very useful when trying to trace unknown correspondents linked to suspicious messages. The tool lets you organize contacts alphabetically or by recent activity, which makes managing large contact lists much easier.
- Timestamp Logging: FlexiSPY records the date and time of every SMS message sent or received. I used this feature to create timelines during one of my past investigations and it helped me match communication patterns accurately. Chronological tracking can reveal behavior trends that simple message previews might miss.
- Ambient Listening: With FlexiSPY, you can remotely activate the microphone to listen to what is happening around the target device. I once captured important background conversations that shed light on a case I was handling. While testing this feature one thing I noticed is that activating it during periods of expected activity, like lunch breaks or meetings, yields more useful results.
- Browser History Monitoring: FlexiSPY allows you to view full browsing histories, even if the user tries to clear them. I used this to track inappropriate online activities during a digital safety audit. There is also an option that lets you filter visited websites by frequency, making it faster to spot habitual browsing patterns.
- Remote Camera Activation: This feature lets you remotely turn on the target phone’s camera to snap photos or record videos. During my field testing, I captured surroundings discreetly without alerting the phone user. It proved valuable for adding visual proof alongside data logs.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Free Trial: 1-Day Free Trial
- Pricing: Plan starting at $29.95 per month.
1-Day Free Trial
How to read someone text messages through web
If you want to view someone’s text messages, one possible method is by accessing their instant messaging accounts through a web browser. Here’s how you can do it step-by-step:
- Step 1) Get Login Information: You must know the login credentials for the person’s Messenger, WhatsApp, or other messaging apps. Without access to their username and password, you cannot proceed.
- Step 2) Open a Web Browser: Launch any web browser on your device, such as Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.
- Step 3) Visit the Messaging Platform: Go to the official web page of the messaging service you want to check.
- Step 4) Log In to the Account: Enter the known credentials to log into the messaging platform. Some services may also require two-factor authentication, so you might need temporary access to the target device to approve the login.
- Step 5) View Messages: Once logged in, you can see their conversations and read their messages as they appear in real-time.
Spynger is a powerful SMS spy tool that lets you read all incoming and outgoing text messages on another phone. It captures message details with timestamps, contact info, and any shared multimedia.
How to Read Texts Using Auto-Forwarding
A practical way to view text messages from another phone is by using an auto-forwarding SMS app. These apps are designed to sync messages and notifications across different devices effortlessly.
- Step 1) Install an Auto-Forwarding App: On the target device, download a trusted app that support Auto-Forwarding.
- Step 2) Set Up Forwarding Rules: Configure the app to automatically forward all incoming messages to your phone number or email address.
- Step 3) Start Receiving Messages: Once set up, you will receive copies of all incoming texts without needing direct access to the other phone.
How Did We Choose Best App to Read Someone’s Text Messages?
At Guru99, we are committed to delivering credible, accurate, and objective information that serves real user needs. Our editorial process involves thorough content development and multi-level review to ensure each guide is informative and dependable. When addressing how to read someone’s text messages from another phone, we emphasize tools that are discreet, secure, and technologically advanced. Each solution is carefully selected to maintain device performance and user safety while offering real-time monitoring features. We aim to recommend reliable tools that support responsible use and deliver consistent value. We focus on the following factors while reviewing a tool based on this topic.
- Privacy and Security: Our team chose apps that ensure your data is encrypted and handled securely without compromise.
- Ease of Installation: We made sure to shortlist apps offering hassle-free setup and simple instructions even for non-technical users.
- Compatibility: The experts in our team selected the tools based on how smoothly they work on Android and iOS devices.
- Stealth Mode Functionality: We chose based on features that allow you to track invisibly so users never know they are monitored.
- Text Access Range: Our team looked for apps that consistently cover SMS, WhatsApp, Messenger, and even deleted messages.
- Customer Support: We made sure to include services offering reliable, round-the-clock assistance with rapid issue resolution.
Is it legal to check someone’s text message?
Yes, it is legal to check text messages from someone else’s phone under the following conditions:
- You own the phone and want to hack your children’s phone activities.
- You are notifying the phone’s owner that their phone is being monitored
- Moreover, using Free Phone spying app software on a spouse or another adult is NOT legal unless you notify them.
- You can spy on an employee’s phone if he/she is indulged in any suspicious activities. However, it is legal only if they are using the company phone.
Conclusion
In my review of the tools, I focused on which one truly delivered what users need—and uMobix rose to the top. I appreciated its fast setup and reliable real-time message tracking. Being able to remotely access social media messages and even recover deleted texts without much hassle made a big difference. uMobix impressed me with its stealth mode, ensuring monitoring stayed discreet. The app’s GPS tracking also proved incredibly useful when needing to check locations. If you want comprehensive control over a device’s communication with zero disruptions, I personally recommend uMobix for its performance and smart design.
mSpy is a phone tracker software that lets you see view all text messages and social media chats. It also helps block inappropriate websites, apps, and contacts on the target cell phone. You can access all the tracked device’s data through a web-based control panel.
