How do you spy on someone's texts? You could access their phone physically and read their texts directly. However, this method is dangerous. If they see you, it could destroy your relationship. Also, it's not exactly convenient long-term.
The best alternative is to use a text spy app. These programs are stealthy and made for spying. Once you install a spy app, you can read someone's text messages on the sly.
Further, you can access spy apps remotely from your web browser. You don't need to be near the target phone. As a result, spy apps are the perfect tool for reading someone's texts over a period of weeks or months.
In this buyer's guide, we bring you 10 of the best spy apps for reading text messages available on the market. All the apps featured here are user-verified and trustworthy:
#1 Spyier Text Spy - Gives Professional Spies a Run for Their Money
Have you heard of Spyier? It's a phone monitoring app with a powerful text message reader. A million+ people in 190 countries around the world use the app. Global platforms such as Forbes, CNET, BBC, and TheGuardian have featured it.
Spyier makes it to the top of our list because it offers powerful features and is ultra-discreet. It helps that the app is user-vetted. Spyier runs on both Android and iOS phones and tablets. You don't need any special technical skills to use the app.
1.1 Spyier packs in an advanced stealth mode
One of Spyier's best features is its stealth mode. The user will never know it's there. You can use the app to read the user's texts without worry. How does the stealth feature work?
Spyier's iOS version is a browser-based app. That means you don't need to download or install it on the target device. Also, instead of working with the device directly, Spyier works with its linked iCloud account.
As you don't need to install Spyier on the target iPhone or iPad and as it works with the linked iCloud account, the iPhone or iPad user can't detect it! You can read their texts from your PC or smartphone remotely.
Spyier's Android version is a 2MB app. You download and install it on the target device. Once that's done, you can hide the app. The app runs in the background secretly, without draining the phone's battery.
The app icon is hidden from the app drawer and the installation list. Because Spyier for Android is so small and works in the background without using much system resources, the user can't detect it!
1.2 Receive regular text message and iMessage updates
Once you have set up Spyier, you can read the target's text messages from your PC or smartphone web browser:
Read texts: Spyier allows you to read the user's text messages and iMessages from your web browser. You get regular updates and you can even sync the texts in real-time. Every text is accompanied by a time and date stamp.
Find deleted texts: What if the user has deleted a sensitive text message? You'll still be able to read it. Spyier backs up text messages to your private account in real-time. This allows you to read all texts, even the deleted ones.
Check contacts: Who's texting the phone owner? Spyier allows you to find out. You can receive details like names, occupations, display pictures, addresses, email addresses, and much more.
View media files: Is the user sending or receiving photos, videos, and audio files? You can view them with Spyier. If necessary, you can download them.
1.3 You can install Spyier lightning-quick
Setting up Spyier is very simple. You'll be able to spy on the target's text messages in a matter of minutes. Keep a computer or smartphone ready for the installation.
If you are setting up Spyier on an iOS device, you'll need the iCloud details. If you want to set it up on an Android device, you'll need to access it for 5 minutes physically.
Follow these steps to set up Spyier:
Step 1: Get a Spyier account. You'll need your email ID to sign up.
Step 2: Buy a Spyier monthly plan. You can spy on a single device with Spyier Premium. If you want to read text messages on multiple devices at once, you'll need the Family or Corporate version.
Step 3: Check your email for the install instructions. What you need to do first is choose your target platform: iOS or Android. Afterward, follow the on-screen instructions.
If you want to get Spyier working with an iPhone or iPad, simply enter the target's iCloud credentials in the form field on your screen. Then wait for 10 minutes until Spyier syncs with the device.
For setting up Spyier on an Android device, you'll have to download and install a 2MB app on the target device. Then hide the app. Wait 10 minutes until the app syncs with the device.
Step 4: Congrats! You have set up Spyier successfully. You are now ready to spy on their texts.
Log in to the Spyier dashboard from your PC or smartphone. This gives you an overview of the phone activity. To read their texts (or iMessages), look for the "Messages" (or "iMessages") option in the selection panel on the left.
**Beware: You can read text messages on Android devices only after you physically install software on them. If some Android service or app claims to be able to spy on texts remotely without an app install, it's a scam or an attempt to steal your data!**
1.4 Spyier is the cream of the crop when it comes to text message readers
Spyier is #1 on our list because it offers some amazing features at a pocket-friendly price:
1. You can read text messages without root or jailbreak
Spy apps normally only work on rooted or jailbroken devices. Rooting and jailbreak aren't something we recommend. The processes are tough and can cause data loss. Also, the device owner is bound to get suspicious if you root or jailbreak their device.
Spyier is an advanced spy app, however. It allows you to monitor the target phone without rooting or jailbreaking it first. Not many apps in the market offer this feature.
2. You join a worldwide community
As we mentioned before, Spyier is a super-popular app. Over a million people worldwide use it. The user base includes parents, employers, people in relationships, and cybersecurity experts. You can rely on the app to work as advertised.
3. Spyier offers multiple added features
Spyier does much more than read someone's texts. The app can monitor everything happening on the target phone. You can check call logs, social media, GPS-locations, notes, emails, calendar events, and much more.
4. Spyier is pocket-friendly
How much does it cost to spy on someone's text messages? If you use Spyier, it's not a lot. You pay only about as much as a breakfast meal to use Spyier for a month. In comparison, some spy apps cost two times as much, which makes Spyier a good deal.
5. You don't have to worry about your privacy
Many spy apps use your personal information without your permission. They may also access your saved data. Spyier protects your privacy, however. The app operates under strict privacy policy. Your personal data is never stored on a server nor is it accessible to anyone.
Spyier is easy to recommend because it's powerful, discreet, and easy-to-use. You can read anyone's texts without getting caught.
#2 Spyic Text Spy - As Stealthy as a Ghost
The second solution we have for you is called Spyic. It's #2 on our list of the best text spy apps because it has a solid reputation and offers reliable features. It's also easy to set up, not to mention light on the wallet.
Countless parents and employers use Spyic to monitor their Android and iOS devices. The app is often featured on media outlets online, including some famous ones like The Huffington Post and The New York Times.
2.1 You'll be reading their texts before you know it
With Spyic, you can read someone's text messages from your phone or PC. You just need to set up the app first. Here's an overview of Spyic's text-related features:
Read their incoming and outgoing text messages. Also, read iMessages.
Find any deleted messages and archive them to your account.
Check their exchanged media files such as photos and videos.
View their contact information, including names and display pictures.
2.2 Spyic is a time-tested phone monitoring solution
There are multiple reasons why Spyic is an excellent text message reader:
1. You can use Spyic risk-free
You can use Spyic to read text messages unseen. The iOS version is web-based and works with the linked iCloud account without software. The Android version is a small app that works hidden in the background. As a result, Spyic is 100% discreet.
2. The app is user-friendly
Anyone can use Spyic. The app is super-easy to set up. It works with stock Android and iOS devices, without you needing to root or jailbreak them first. You can conveniently access the app's control panel from any PC or smartphone browser.
3. It delivers every time
You can rely on Spyic. The app has been around for a long time and has been vetted by countless users. You get multiple features with Spyic such as a text message spy, call log viewer, social media access, and the ability to keylog usernames and passwords.
We can recommend Spyic because it's reputable, user-verified, and allows you to read anyone's texts without too much trouble.
#3 Cocospy
The third spot on our list goes to Cocospy. Cocospy is a well-known spy app for Android and iOS. It comes with a nifty text message reading feature. Apart from text message reading, the app also offers a full range of phone monitoring features.
Here are some of Cocospy's highlights:
Install Cocospy and access it from your web browser.
Cocospy is a genuine app that's used by countless people worldwide.
Cocospy is a powerful text message reader
If you use Cocospy, you'll have full access to someone's texts and iMessages:
Read incoming and outgoing text messages.
Access deleted messages.
Check their contact information and media files.
Cocospy is #3 on our list because it's a straightforward app with a great text message reader. The app has a reliable spy mode too, so you can use it to monitor someone's texts in secret.
#4 Fami360
Fami360 is a top parental control solution. The app is designed to allow parents to monitor their children's devices remotely and in secret, including their texts. Many kids are rebellious and don't like being supervised. Fami360 is a good workaround for parents.
Fami360 offers some solid parental control features:
You can monitor your child's device from your PC or smartphone.
The app allows you to monitor calls, social media, contacts, and more.
Fami360 allows you to read your kids' texts discreetly
With Fami360, you can read your kids' text messages without them finding out:
Read your child's texts and iMessages.
Check your child's social media messages.
Thanks to its easy-to-use interface and parental control features, Fami360 makes it to the number 4 spot on our list.
#5 SMS Peeper
If you're looking for a remote text message reader, SMS Peeper is a good choice. The app allows you to read messages on any smartphone from around the world with your web browser.
SMS Peeper has a unique remote reading feature:
You can read the last 100 text messages sent or received from a smartphone.
The app is super-discreet as it works remotely.
SMS Peeper is not a full-fledged spy app
Note that SMS Peeper isn't a complete phone monitoring solution:
SMS Peeper can only read text messages.
The app doesn't work in some countries.
While SMS Peeper is simple to set up and use, it has one serious drawback: it doesn't offer phone monitoring features like call log viewing and social media viewing. The other apps on this list are better in that regard.
#6 SpyBubble
SpyBubble is a multi-platform spy app. It allows you to read text messages on target Android devices. However, the app is also capable of monitoring Mac and Windows computers and laptops, though of course you can't read texts on these platforms.
Here are some of SpyBubble's top features:
The app allows you to read text messages and social media messages on Android.
SpyBubble offers added phone monitoring features.
SpyBubble is only for Android
If you're looking for an iOS phone monitoring solution, look elsewhere:
SpyBubble only works with Android devices.
Some key features are missing.
While SpyBubble is a good text message reader, many other spy apps like Spyic give you a better deal. Also, you pay $24.95 per month to use SpyBubble, which is a significant amount of money.
#7 Appmia
Appmia is a phone monitoring app for Android and iOS. The app is a well-known brand with over 250,000 active users. Of course, the app comes with a good text message reader function.
You can use Appmia to read texts from your smartphone or PC:
Check someone's texts and iMessages.
Read their social media messages.
Appmia has a major problem
We can't fully recommend Appmia:
Appmia works only with rooted and jailbroken devices.
Because of the root/jailbreak, Appmia is hard to set up and use.
Rooting and jailbreak are difficult and can cause problems down the road. While Appmia works, there are other no-root, no-jailbreak solutions that are easier to use.
#8 Auto Forward
Auto Forward allows you to read someone's text messages without touching their phone. You just need to set up the app. It works with both Android and iOS platforms.
Auto Forward offers great features:
Auto Forward allows you to read texts and iMessages.
The app shows you the target's media files and social media activity.
Auto Forward is super expensive
There's a major drawback to using Auto Forward:
You pay $69.99 per month to use the app.
To use it on multiple devices, you pay multiple times the amount.
Auto Forward is a solid, reliable app, but its steep asking price makes it hard to recommend.
#9 iKeyMonitor
On the number 9 spot, we have iKeyMonitor. This is a top app that's known for its social media hacking support. Of course, you can use iKeyMonitor to read someone's texts as well.
iKeyMonitor will work with target Android and iOS devices:
Read someone's texts remotely.
Make screenshots of someone's texts.
iKeyMonitor is difficult to use
Note that iKeyMonitor may not be safe to use:
You will need to root or jailbreak the target device.
If you're using it to read texts without permission, you may be caught.
Rooting and jailbreak are tough and not recommended. Still, iKeyMonitor will work in a pinch.
#10 Copy9
Copy9 rounds up our list of text message spy apps. The app has been doing the rounds for a few years now, making it a dependable, user-vetted tool.
Here are the app highlights:
Copy9 allows you to monitor anyone's text message activity.
The app is free to try initially.
Copy9 works only on Android platforms
Copy9 isn't for everyone:
Copy9 isn't compatible with iOS devices.
It has a somewhat dated interface.
Copy9's somewhat lackluster interface and lack of compatibility with iOS devices put it on the last spot on our list.
Conclusion
That concludes our list of the best text message readers in the market. The apps we featured here are all reliable and stealthy. The top 3 solutions - Spyier, Spyic, and Fami360 - offer the best balance of features vs. price.
