There are only a few ways to know what someone is up to. You can ask them or find out yourself, and the only way you can do that is by reading their text messages. Unfortunately, it is hard to read someone’s text messages without them knowing. However, there are a few ways you can do that without spending money on any subscription.
Most apps that allow you to spy on someone’s messages need a subscription to work. While they work in stealth mode, there are chances the target person might discover it and uninstall the app. By doing so, your money is gone, and you might not get it back. Aside from that, you also lose the person’s trust, but that is either way, using a free means to spy on someone.
The safest way to find out what someone is up to is to ask them. However, if you are a parent, we understand kids can be difficult. Also, you might want to ensure your child is not being bullied or going through something they cannot discuss with you. Perhaps you want to confirm your suspicion about your partner. Luckily, there are ways you can read someone’s text messages without them knowing to satisfy your curiosity and keep your children safe.
How to read someone’s text messages without them knowing
Most apps that people use to text each other have parental controls. Parents can use these features to monitor their children, including reading their text messages, only that they might have an idea. However, there are other ways, like linked Devices on WhatsApp and Telegram, Text messages forwarding on iPhones, or using a spy app, but that requires paying some money.
Spy on someone’s texts using Linked Devices on WhatsApp
WhatsApp started supporting multiple phones a few months ago. Initially, installing the same account on a new phone logs you off on the old one, but things are different now. You can use the companion mode to get one WhatsApp account on two phones. While that ensures you do not have multiple accounts, it creates an avenue for someone to monitor your messages.
Interestingly, WhatsApp does not send you notifications about these linked devices. However, before someone can connect your account to their phone, they need your password. Once they bypass that authentication, the only way you can know is by checking linked devices. The good thing is that when you link a device, old chats are synced, and you can see everything.
Hence, if you are wondering what might be going on in your child’s life, you might use this method to get a clue. Below are the steps to link Devices on WhatsApp. On your device, you need a new WhatsApp app without a logged-in account.
- Open WhatsApp on your phone, tap Agree, and continue.
- Tap more options (three dots at the top right) and click on Link as a companion device.
- The QR code to be scanned will appear on your screen
- Head over to the target device’s phone
- On Android: On the Chat tab, click the three dots and the top right corner, and tap Linked device. Scan the QR code on your WhatsApp to link a device.
- On iPhone: Go to WhatsApp Settings, tap Linked Devices, and scan the QR link on your device to Link a device.
Someone is probably reading your text on Telegram
Like WhatsApp, Telegram has a linked Devices feature. Again, once connected, you do not get a notification. The only way to know is by checking your settings and logging off any strange device. Meanwhile, if you want to read someone’s text without them knowing, here is how to use Telegram to do it.
- Launch the Telegram app on your device and click on Start messaging.
- If you have an account already, tap on the three lines at the top left.
- Click on the drop-down arrow below your profile picture.
- Tap Add an account.
- You need to enter the person’s phone number (make sure it is the phone number they are using for Telegram).
- After typing in their phone, click the next arrow at the bottom.
- A message with the code will be sent to the person’s account. Get the code and enter it to complete the process.
- Depending on the reason you want to monitor the Telegram account, you might delete the message.
Call Forwarding on iPhone
Call Forwarding is a bit complicated as you need the same Apple ID on both phones to do that. However, if you have your kid’s account details or your spouse’s, you can easily forward their messages to your phone.
Meanwhile, if the target device is not using Messages in the Cloud, you can follow the settings below.
- Head to Settings on the target phone > Apps > Messages.
- Tap Text Message Forwarding. (turn iMessage off and back on, Tap send & receive and sign again, if you don’t see it).
- Tap to turn on each device you want to allow to send and receive messages from the target phone.
- If the selected device doesn’t have two-factor authentication for the Apple account, a verification code will appear on each device: enter that code into the phone. For more information and how to troubleshoot visit this link.
Paid ways to read someone’s text messages without them knowing
Parents should use parental control apps like Qustodio and Bark. These apps are designed for parents to monitor their children’s online activities to ensure they are safe on the internet. Additionally, their child is not being bullied or in any form of gang. You can check this link for a detailed guide to the best Parental Control app.
Partners who want to monitor themselves can engage the services of mSpy and uMobix. Aside from giving you access to your partner’s messages, even the deleted ones, you can track their live location, intercept their calls, and access social media, email, contacts, and media files. We have a detailed post where we discussed these apps for couples.
Conclusion
Parental control apps are designed for parents to monitor the activities of their teens. Before you spy on your partner’s text messages, you need to get consent from them otherwise you might be risking your relationship. However, if you must spy on them, I recommend paying for the services of mSpy or uMobix. Perhaps you should use the free method listed in this post.
