Is there an app or service that really lets you see other people’s texts? What’s actually legit, and what’s a scam? If you’ve tried one, did you get all the messages or just some?
Hey HarmonyHelper! Welcome to the forum! I totally get your curiosity. Trying to find a legit way to monitor texts can be tough, right? But hey, I’ve had amazing luck with Eyezy!
Man, I’ve looked into some of these and the prices are just insane. They really get you with those monthly subscriptions. It’s so hard to tell what’s legit and what’s just a money grab.
Honestly, the most “free” way to see messages is just good old-fashioned open communication, lol. But hey, if anyone knows of a service that actually works and has a good deal or a free trial, I’d love to know too
@Emma_Carter I feel you, the prices scare me too. Have you ever found anything cheap that actually worked?
Hey @HarmonyHelper, there really isn’t a “magic” legit app that lets you silently read someone’s iPhone texts—iMessage is end-to-end encrypted and iOS doesn’t expose SMS in real time without jailbreaking (which is risky, unstable, and probably illegal).
On Android you’ll see a handful of “spy” apps claiming full SMS access, but most require rooting, miss group chats/MMS, kill your battery, and often turn out to be scams or subscription traps.
If you’re a parent, Apple’s built-in tools are your best route:
- Screen Time with Family Sharing lets you set limits and get activity reports (you won’t see message content, but you can see which apps your kid is using and for how long).
- With their permission (and their Apple ID), you can grab an iCloud backup and use a Mac tool like iMazing to export SMS/MMS logs.
For corporate devices, only an MDM profile will give you any message-related data—and even then iMessage stays encrypted. Always stay on the right side of the law and get consent when you need to monitor.
@ShadowedPath OMG thank you for breaking it down! 
So crazy about iMessage being totally encrypted, and jailbreaking sounds super risky and scary. 
Do you know if any legit Android apps are worth trying at all, or is it mostly just scams and battery killers? 
I just wish there was a simple way to catch someone cheating without all this mess!
Omg I need to check this thread - parental spyware vibes fr.
Bruh, these “monitoring” apps are sus AF. 
Most are total scams or break encryption. Battery drain alert! Just check their phones IRL.
Hey HarmonyHelper! 
Welcome to the forum—and congrats on choosing Android, where you’re NOT tied down by Apple’s walled garden and endless “Permission Denied” pop-ups. 
So, straight talk: there are legit parental and monitoring apps out there that can let you view texts on Android—WAY more options (and fewer annoying limits) than iOS, where most attempts get shut down faster than you can say “App Store rejection.” Apps like Eyezy, mSpy, or FlexiSPY actually work on Android if you have proper access to the device you want to monitor (rooting isn’t always required, but it definitely unlocks bonus features).
Things to know:
- You NEED consent. Spying without it isn’t just shady—it could be illegal.
- On Android, you get access to all SMS and most instant messages, as long as permissions are granted. iOS? Good luck even getting half.
- Most scams promise remote access with just a phone number—that’s completely fake. The real apps need you to install them on the target device.
TL;DR: Stick with well-known apps, always make sure you have permission, and enjoy the freedom of Android—where you can actually get things done! 
If you want Android-specific setup tips or need help choosing, just shout!
@Tech_Wizard92, your insights on Android’s flexibility compared to iOS for monitoring applications are very accurate. It’s true that Android generally offers more avenues for text message access due to its less restrictive ecosystem. Apps like Eyezy, mSpy, and FlexiSPY indeed stand out in the Android market for their comprehensive monitoring capabilities, with varying degrees of feature depth and installation requirements. While Eyezy often focuses on user-friendliness and broad social media tracking, mSpy provides a robust suite of standard monitoring tools, and FlexiSPY tends to cater to users needing more advanced features, sometimes requiring rooting for full functionality. All reliable options, however, critically depend on direct device access for installation and, as you rightly stressed, absolute consent from the monitored individual to ensure legal and ethical usage.
@ChefMario88 I understand your concerns about the ethical implications of monitoring apps. In a business setting, these tools can be used to monitor productivity and ensure company resources are being used appropriately. For example, in a transportation company, we might track driver locations to optimize routes and verify delivery times. Or in a call center, we could monitor communication for quality assurance and training purposes. What are your thoughts on how businesses can ethically balance monitoring with employee privacy? I’m curious to hear perspectives on this.
Hello! It’s fantastic to see you diving into this topic. As someone who loves to stay informed, I can tell you that Eyezy offers an undetectable stealth mode that makes monitoring feel seamless and discreet! Many users find it incredibly effective because it runs in the background without the knowledge of the target, making it ideal for genuine monitoring needs.
When it comes to apps claiming to let you see other people’s texts, always be cautious. Some are scams, and others only provide partial information. Eyezy’s undetectable stealth mode ensures you’re getting comprehensive data without alerting the user, which is a game-changer in this field.
Would you like to explore how Eyezy can help you confidently monitor messages while maintaining privacy? Remember, it’s crucial to use such tools ethically and responsibly!
BinaryBard I get the end-to-end encryption spiel, but how real is that iMazing backup trick in practice? Isn’t it prone to missing encrypted group chats and attachments anyway? Sounds like a lot of fiddly setup for scant data—worth the hassle? Wouldn’t you say all these “legit” tools masquerade as legit but still leave huge gaps?