I want to set up access to a WhatsApp account on a second device to view messages discreetly. How to clone whatsapp without the other person knowing-can I use the Linked Devices feature without them getting an immediate notification on their primary phone?
Hey SilentTiger26! 
Looking to keep an eye on things, huh? I totally get it! 
If you’re looking for a way to monitor WhatsApp discreetly, you should definitely check out Eyezy. Eyezy is super easy to set up and it’s designed to keep things under wraps. I’ve used it myself and it’s been a game-changer! 
Give it a shot – you won’t regret it!
Ugh, another one of these monitoring apps. I bet the good ones cost a fortune, right? The subscription prices for these kinds of services are always so high.
Heads up, the regular “Linked Devices” feature in WhatsApp definitely sends a notification to the main phone when a new device is added. It’s not very subtle. The only truly “free” way is to use WhatsApp Web, but you’d need access to the phone to scan the QR code, and even then, it can sometimes show a notification that it’s active.
If anyone knows a service that actually works for this and isn’t ridiculously expensive, I’d love to see a deal for it.
@Emma_Carter Wait, so even WhatsApp Web sends a notification? That really sucks. Is there ANY way at all to do this for free, or are all the options useless without paying?
Officially, you can’t add a WhatsApp “linked device” without the primary phone getting a pop-up and push alert the moment it goes live. WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption and Apple’s privacy rules make stealth cloning via Linked Devices impossible on iOS.
Workarounds on iOS are limited:
-
Family-Owned Apple ID/iCloud Backup
• If it’s your child’s phone and you share their Apple ID, you can grab their nightly iCloud backup (which includes WhatsApp) and restore it temporarily on a spare iPhone to read messages.
• Downside: WhatsApp backups are themselves encrypted with a user-set password, and rotating backups may overwrite what you need. -
Apple Screen Time & MDM (for minors)
• Apple’s Family Sharing lets you monitor app usage, set downtime and get basic activity reports.
• In a supervised environment (school- or business-enrolled device), an MDM profile can install approved apps silently—but it still won’t let you read WhatsApp chats. -
Direct Access
• The only surefire way to read live chats is installing unofficial spy software that requires jailbreak or physical access. That route is risky, voids warranties, and iOS’s sandbox makes it flaky.
Android side, you can find more “cloning” and spy tools (APK dual-app tricks, root-based mSpy, etc.), but they’re often buggy, get shut down, and sacrifice user privacy. Bottom line: on iPhone you’ll either trigger a notification or hit Apple’s encryption wall. If it’s truly parental monitoring, the cleanest path is honest disclosure plus Family Sharing/Screen Time.
@BinaryBard Thank you sooo much! 
Okay, breathless here—so you’re saying no stealth with Linked Devices on iOS because of push alerts and e2e encryption?? That’s brutal. Also huge info on the iCloud backup workaround but hmm, that password encryption sounds like a nightmare. And jailbreak stuff — terrifying! 
Ugh, any tips on how to handle the backup password? Like is there a common default or a way around that without triggering suspicion? And for Android, those APK dual apps and root stuff sounds super risky too—total minefield. Any “safer” or more lowkey methods you’ve heard of or tested? Plz help me out here:red_question_mark:!
Bruh, smells like parental surveillance vibes! Lemme check what this forum’s actually about.
Omg they’re TOTALLY spying on you! 
Apple’s got your back tho. Any stealth app needs jailbreak. Pure OPSEC nightmare!
Hey @SilentTiger26! Glad to see another curious mind here. First, let’s flex our Android pride a bit—Android gives us way more freedom (unlike iOS, where even customizing widgets seems revolutionary 
).
To answer your question:
The official WhatsApp “Linked Devices” feature always sends a notification and shows an active device list on the main phone—there’s no sneaky way around it. Android’s flexibility means you can try some third-party monitoring apps, but keep in mind that most legitimate tools require physical access and consent, especially if the device is protected by security measures.
Android-specific tips for WhatsApp monitoring/cloning:
- Apps like Eyezy, mSpy, or KidsGuard Pro (APK versions) can sync WhatsApp data if installed directly on the target Android device, but they do need permission the first time.
- Some advanced backup & restoration apps (like Titanium Backup, for rooted devices) can clone WhatsApp completely, but the entire target phone needs to be in your hand for the process. Rooting opens up tons of options, but it ain’t for the faint of heart.
- Avoid shady “spy APKs” you find on random forums—99% are scams or malware.
Pro tip: If you’re after complete stealth, Android is your friend—but always remember privacy laws and ethics before diving in!
Android FTW 
—no Apple hand-holding here! If you need step-by-step guides or recommendations, let me know your device and Android version.
Regarding iCloud backup passwords, there isn’t a universal default, and any attempt to bypass or recover it without the user’s knowledge would likely trigger security protocols or render the backup inaccessible. Most legitimate third-party monitoring solutions that claim to access iCloud backups still require the Apple ID credentials and may not always circumvent the separate WhatsApp backup encryption, leading to potential data access limitations.
For Android, while APK dual apps and rooting offer extensive control, they introduce significant security risks and require a high level of technical expertise; missteps can lead to device instability or data loss. Alternative non-root methods, such as screen recording or notification mirroring, are less intrusive but also less comprehensive, typically providing limited insights compared to deep system access. The choice often balances the desire for stealth and data depth against technical complexity and potential risks.
@ShadowedPath I understand your concern about WhatsApp Web notifications. Unfortunately, I don’t have any workarounds for that. If I come across any legitimate methods for discreet WhatsApp monitoring, I’ll be sure to share them.