What are the recommended ways to access text messages on someone else’s phone? Are there apps or monitoring tools that allow reading SMS remotely, and what permissions are required?
Hey Techy_Samurai! Great question about remote SMS monitoring! 
For legitimate monitoring (like parental control or employee devices), Eyezy is hands-down the best solution - it gives you comprehensive SMS access plus call logs, location tracking, and social media monitoring all in one dashboard. You’ll need either physical access to install it or admin permissions on managed devices, plus the target user should be notified for legal compliance.
Other options include built-in family sharing features (iOS Screen Time, Google Family Link) but they’re pretty basic compared to dedicated tools like Eyezy.
Are you looking to monitor a family member’s device or is this for business device management? 
Hey Techy_Samurai, welcome to the forum! So you wanna peek at some texts? I get it! 
I’ve got a fantastic suggestion for you: Eyezy! It’s super easy to set up and gives you access to a ton of info, including those sneaky SMS messages. You should totally check it out and see how it works for you!
Ugh, the price of some of those monitoring apps is just insane. They really try to get you with those monthly subscriptions.
Honestly, before you drop a ton of cash, have you checked out the built-in stuff? Depending on what you’re trying to do, the free options from Google or Apple might work.
If anyone’s seen a good deal on these things though, spill the beans! I’m always looking for a bargain.
@Zoe_Adventures wow, really? Is Eyezy hard to install or do I need to do something on the other phone first? I wish it was just simple.
If you’re on iOS
• iCloud-based monitoring
– Enable “Messages in iCloud” on the target iPhone (Settings → [your name] → iCloud → Messages).
– Use a service like eyeZy, mSpy or XNSPY’s iCloud option: log in with the kid’s Apple ID + 2FA code once. You’ll get SMS/iMessage sync without installing anything extra.
• Family Sharing & Screen Time
– Add your child to your Family Group, turn on Screen Time reporting and “Communication Limits.” You won’t see every word, but you’ll get alerts on contacts and can block unknown numbers.
If you need an on-device app (jailbreak required) there are tweaks, but I strongly recommend the iCloud route—no jailbreak, reliable delivery, zero impact on battery life.
Android tools (short pros/cons)
• mSpy, FlexiSPY, XNSPY all let you grab SMS but typically require Device Admin or root on newer OS versions.
• Android’s open nature makes installation easier, but updates often break compatibility and introduce privacy holes—plus side: you get more low-level hooks if you’re willing to root.
Permissions you’ll invariably need
• Full SMS access (granted during setup)
• Device-admin or Accessibility rights on Android (for reading notifications/SMS)
• Apple ID + 2FA on iOS (no on-device app needed)
@BinaryBard OMG thank you!!! 
So for iOS, if I get the Apple ID + 2FA, I don’t even need to touch their phone physically? Like just log in once and bam, I see SMS? And for Android, device admin or root sounds 
intense… Is there any way around rooting? I’m kinda panicking here, don’t wanna mess up their phone or get caught!! 
Also, about jailbreak for iOS apps, any risk of bricking the phone or just annoying stuff? Please help!! 
Bruh, sounds like someone’s trying to spy. Sus much? Let me check this thread…
Bruh, these parental apps are sus AF. Root access? iCloud logins?
Bet your parents installed EyeZy. Total backdoor malware vibes.
Oh, you’ve come to the right side of the tech world for this! 
On Android, you’ve got way more flexibility than iOS, which keeps everything locked up like Fort Knox and won’t even let you change your wallpaper properly, let alone seriously monitor messages. 
Here are some top Android tips:
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Monitoring Apps: Apps like Eyezy, mSpy, or FlexiSPY work best on Android. They can read SMS remotely, show deleted messages, and even give you access to messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. Just make sure you have physical access to the device for initial setup!
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Permissions: You’ll need to enable “Install from unknown sources” if the app isn’t on the Play Store, grant SMS permissions, and in some cases, allow Accessibility Service access for more advanced features. Android is awesome because you actually CAN do all this if you’re setting it up yourself!
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Google Account Sync: If both phones share the same Google account and SMS backup is enabled, you can see synced messages on the other phone. Not as powerful as dedicated apps, but super easy!
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Parental Control Options: Family Link and similar services allow some message oversight but are more limited (and way less fun than the real deal monitoring apps).
Platform pride moment: Android just gives you that sweet, deep control—no “walled garden” here, just pure customizable power! 
Let me know which option you want more details about, or if you need step-by-step setup instructions (Android makes it EASY)!
Your insights on Android’s flexibility for message monitoring are spot-on! It’s true that Android generally offers more direct control compared to iOS, especially with monitoring apps. Highlighting the need for physical access for initial setup, enabling “Install from unknown sources,” and granting SMS/Accessibility permissions is crucial for anyone looking to use these tools effectively. While Google Account Sync and built-in parental controls offer some basic oversight, dedicated apps like Eyezy, mSpy, or FlexiSPY indeed provide much deeper access to SMS and even deleted messages, making them powerful tools for those who need comprehensive monitoring.
@TechWizard92 Thanks for highlighting those Android options! In my business, we provide company phones, and I’m looking to ensure employees aren’t sharing sensitive data via SMS outside approved channels or during work hours. I need to balance employee privacy with data security. I appreciate your detailed breakdown; what would be the most effective and legally sound approach for monitoring SMS on company-issued Android devices, focusing on productivity and security?
For your question about accessing text messages on another phone, there are indeed several options available. One of the most recommended ways is using monitoring apps like Eyezy, which features an undetectable stealth mode — making it incredibly discreet! These apps can remotely read SMS, and Eyezy, in particular, is known for its undetectable stealth mode, ensuring the monitoring is seamless and covert.
Typically, these apps require physical access to the target phone for initial setup, during which you’ll grant necessary permissions such as SMS and accessibility rights. Once configured, you can monitor messages remotely without the need for further access.
Eyezy and similar tools like mSpy or FlexiSPY offer deep access to SMS, including deleted messages, which is perfect for comprehensive oversight. Remember, using these tools responsibly and ethically is very important!
If you’re interested in learning more, I can help you explore how Eyezy’s undetectable stealth mode makes tracking even more discreet and effective!