Top 10 SMS Tracker Apps to Track Text Messages: Top Picks

There simply are too many smartphones dominating communication today, so SMS message tracking has become a necessity. Parents can use SMS tracker apps to track their kids for safety, and businesses can use them to track business phones and ensure compliance.

There are SMS tracking apps everywhere, so it might be difficult to locate the proper one. That’s why we’ve tested and reviewed the top 10 SMS tracker apps for 2025. In this guide, you’ll discover the best picks to help you stay connected and keep your loved ones or business secure.

Quick Overview: Best SMS Tracker Apps Compared

Before we discuss these apps in detail, let’s look at a brief overview of them;

1. TheOneSpy

TheOneSpy provides parents with peace of mind through complete phone tracking and parental control features. This powerful monitoring app works across Android phones, tablets, Windows, and Mac computers to help you stay connected with your family’s digital activities. With over 250 monitoring features, you can track your child’s location, monitor their conversations through SMS tracker, geo-fencing, browsing, bookmarks, and screen activities to ensure they stay safe online. The app runs quietly in the background, giving you real-time updates about your family’s device usage without interrupting their daily activities.

2. Msafely

Msafely is a reliable SMS tracker that offers full access to sent, received, and even deleted messages. It also provides monitoring for social media chats and location tracking. Best of all, it works without jailbreaking iOS devices, making it a hassle-free option.

3. SpyX

SpyX is a powerful but easy-to-use SMS tracking tool that allows you to monitor text messages and deleted conversations. It supports both Android and iOS without jailbreaking and without rooting, making it ideal for beginners.

4. SpyPhone

SpyPhone has advanced message tracking, including SMS, MMS, and even keystroke in messaging apps. It’s best for advanced tracking, so it’s perfect for individuals who need an extensive report of text activity.

5. KidsGuard Pro

Developed primarily for parental monitoring, KidsGuard Pro allows you to track SMS messages even if they’re deleted. It also has keyword alerts, making it a suitable tool for keeping children safe online.

6. uMobix

uMobix is a premium SMS tracker with real-time monitoring of messages sent, received, and even deleted messages. It has additional features of monitoring social media websites and GPS locations for complete monitoring of a target device.

7. mSpy

mSpy is probably one of the most popular SMS tracking software, offering features like keyword alert, recovered deleted messages, and messaging service access like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. But features beyond that do need jailbreak/rooting.

8. Eyezy

Eyezy combines SMS tracking with artificial intelligence-driven keyword alerts in order to inform users of activity on the device being monitored. It works on both Android and iOS, offering an intuitive and user-friendly interface.

9. Spylix

Spylix provides complete message tracking, including sent, received, and deleted texts. It also includes keyword tracking, which notifies you when specific words appear in conversations.

10 .WebWatcher

WebWatcher allows you to monitor SMS messages, including flagged keyword alerts and deleted texts. It’s widely used for parental monitoring and employee tracking. However, it does not offer a money-back guarantee.

11. Hoverwatch

Hoverwatch is a versatile SMS tracker compatible with Android, Windows, and Mac. It not only tracks text messages but also records calls and monitors social media chats, making it a great option for all-around monitoring.

In-Depth Reviews of the Top 10 SMS Tracker Apps to Track Text Messages

Let’s now discuss the ten best SMS tracker apps to help you track text messages. This is based on our detailed testing.

1. TheOneSpy

Looking for a reliable way to track messages remotely without touching the target phone? TheOneSpy is designed for parents, employers, and individuals. This powerful app gives you discreet access to all text conversations and mobile activities—no rooting or complicated setup required.

Unlike traditional spy apps, TheOneSpy doesn’t require physical installation or rooting. It runs through cloud-based syncing, giving you real-time access to SMS logs, call details, GPS locations, and even social media chats. Best of all, it operates in stealth mode, so the user never knows they’re being monitored.

Complete SMS Access – Read all sent, received, and deleted text messages.

Time & Contact Logs – Know exactly when and with whom conversations happened.

Keyword Alerts – Get instant notifications when sensitive words are used.

Message Backup – Keep a secure record of past SMS conversations, even if deleted.

Monitor Group Chat – Monitor both group conversations and private one-on-one chats for complete message tracking.

Pros

User-Friendly Dashboard for beginners.
Powerful Social Media Tracking – Monitors Snapchat, WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, and more.
Real-Time GPS Tracking – Stay updated with accurate live location details.
Stealth Mode Operation – Works in the background without being detected.
No Rooting Required – Many features available without complex setup.

Cons

No free trial

Required access to the target device

2. Msafely

Msafely is a high-tech monitoring solution and SMS tracker designed for parents, employers, and individuals who need a discreet and remote way to track SMS messages and phone activity.

Msafely works through cloud-based syncing, making it a great choice for those who don’t have direct access to the target phone. This is because you don’t need any physical installation,

Its biggest advantage is that it does not require rooting or jailbreaking for either Android or iOS devices. Instead, it syncs data from the cloud, making it an excellent option for long-distance monitoring. The app collects detailed records of SMS messages, call logs, GPS locations, and even social media chats, all while running in stealth mode, much like how a pro forma invoice receipt template organizes information discreetly and efficiently

[alt: Msafely SMS tracker page screenshot.]

Key Features of Msafely

Full SMS Monitoring: Captures all sent, received, and even deleted text messages from the target phone, ensuring you don’t miss any crucial conversations.
Time-Stamped Message Logs: Displays exact timestamps and contact details, helping you track when and with whom messages were exchanged.
Keyword Alerts: Notifies you when specific words or phrases appear in text messages, making it useful for parental control or relationship monitoring.
Message Backup & History: Stores historical SMS data, allowing you to review past conversations even if the user deletes them.
Multi-Device Syncing: Monitors texts across multiple devices connected to the same iCloud or Google account.

Pros and Cons of Msafely

Pros	Cons
Tracks SMS, calls, and social media in one app.	No free trial.
No physical installation required for iPhones.
Works in stealth mode, making it undetectable.
Real-time alerts and geofencing for security.

3. SpyX

SpyX is an easy-to-use SMS tracker designed to be used by anyone, especially parents to track their child’s phone activity. It provides a detailed report of all the text messages, call logs, and social media activity so that parents remain informed about their child’s online activities.

SpyX does not require rooting or jailbreaking, making it a safer option for those who don’t want to tamper with their device.

[alt: SpyX SMS tracker page screenshot.]

Key Features of SpyX

Complete SMS Capture: Monitors all incoming, outgoing, and deleted messages, ensuring that parents can see their child’s full conversation history.
Contact Information & Message Details: Displays contact names, phone numbers, timestamps, and even message content.
Deleted Message Recovery: Retrieves texts that have been erased, making it easier to catch suspicious activity.
Instant Keyword Alerts: Sends real-time notifications if flagged keywords are used in conversations.
Group Chat Monitoring: Tracks group messages in addition to one-on-one chats, ensuring full coverage.

Pros and Cons of SpyX

Pros	Cons
User-friendly dashboard with easy navigation.	SMS tracking for received messages can be limited.
Strong social media tracking capabilities.	No free trial.
GPS tracking with real-time updates.
Works on both Android and iOS.

4. SpyPhone

SpyPhone is a relationship-focused tracking app designed for couples who want to monitor each other’s phone activity. This app provides full visibility into text messages, call logs, and social media interactions, all while remaining undetectable.

What sets SpyPhone apart is its ability to track SMS messages, calls, and social media chats in near real-time.

SpyPhone provides faster updates, making it a great option for those who need immediate access to information.

[alt: SpyPhone SMS tracker page screenshot.]

Key Features of SpyPhone:

Live SMS Tracking: Provides real-time updates on sent and received messages, unlike cloud-based solutions that sync at intervals.
Deleted Message Recovery: Ensures that erased conversations can still be viewed, helping to uncover hidden communication.
Reverse Phone Lookup: Identifies unknown numbers in SMS conversations, helping to detect suspicious contacts.
Multimedia Message Tracking: Captures MMS messages, including photos and videos sent via text.
Keyword & Suspicious Contact Alerts: Sends instant alerts if specific words or contacts are flagged.

Pros and Cons of SpyPhone

Pros	Cons
Completely undetectable tracking.	Limited customer support for troubleshooting.
Monitors calls, texts, and locations in one app.
No need for installation on iPhones.
Good for rebuilding trust in relationships.

5. KidsGuard Pro

KidsGuard Pro, or ClevGuard for short, is a very powerful phone tracking program. It is designed specifically with parents in mind who want a better idea of what their kid does on the phone.

KidsGuard Pro provides all-around SMS monitoring, call logs, app use, and even browser history. So, no matter if you’re monitoring for safety or simply enforcing responsible use, this application is an overall solution.

One of the best things about KidsGuard Pro is that it operates in stealth mode, which means that the person who is being monitored won’t even notice the app installed in the background. This is a big plus for parents who need both transparency and discretion.

The app works on iPhones as well as Androids, but some of its features are dependent on the type of connection utilized.

[alt: KidsGuard Pro SMS tracker page screenshot.]

Key Features of KidsGuard Pro

View SMS Messages: View all sent and received SMS messages, including timestamps and contacts.
Recover Deleted Messages: Recover deleted messages that the target user may have tried to hide.
Monitor Social Media Apps Messages: Monitor messages from third-party apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram (on jailbroken or rooted devices).

Pros and Cons of KidsGuard Pro

Pros	Cons
Comprehensive phone activity monitoring, including SMS, calls, and social media.	Can be expensive for long-term use.
Real-time location tracking with instant alerts for geofenced areas.	The initial setup might be complicated for non-tech-savvy users.
Operates in stealth mode, ensuring discreet tracking.	Some advanced features require jailbreaking or rooting the device.

6. uMobix

uMobix is a full-featured SMS tracking app designed for parents looking for real-time data on their kid’s mobile activity. uMobix puts more emphasis on live tracking, where parents can monitor texts, call logs, and even app activity in real-time without waiting for an update. It has a user-friendly interface with a dashboard overview of all monitored activity in one place.

uMobix supports both iOS and Android devices.

For iPhones: You’ll need to install the app first and then enter the iCloud credentials of the target phone. This method allows access to SMS tracking.

For Android Phones:

Installing the app directly on the target device is required for SMS tracking and other monitoring features.

[alt: uMobix SMS tracker page screenshot.]

Key Features of uMobix

Track SMS in Real-Time: Track all SMS messages in real-time, including deleted ones.
View Contact Details and Timestamps: See full contact details and timestamps for each message.
Capture Keystrokes: Capture all keystrokes using a built-in keylogger for monitoring typed messages.

Pros and Cons of uMobix

Pros	Cons
Provides real-time tracking of location, calls, and messages.	Feels more like spyware than a parental control app.
User-friendly dashboard for monitoring phone activities.	Lacks customization options for specific monitoring features.
Compatible with both iOS and Android devices.	More expensive than some alternatives.

7. mSpy

mSpy is one of the most well-known SMS tracking apps, designed for seamless monitoring without detection. mSpy offers a relatively straightforward installation process, making it a popular choice among parents.

mSpy also stands out for its stealth mode, which ensures the target user doesn’t see or suspect the app’s presence. It supports SMS tracking, and also provides advanced features like GPS tracking, website blocking, and keylogging. The app works on both Android and iOS, though SMS tracking availability depends on the connection method used.

Key Features of mSpy

Monitor All Text Messages: Track all text messages, including sent, received, and deleted ones.
View Complete Conversation Threads: View full conversation threads with timestamps and contact names.
Recover Deleted Messages: Recover lost or deleted messages for deeper insights.

Pros & Cons of mSpy

Pros	Cons
Provides detailed reports on SMS, calls, and location history.	Only works on one device per subscription.
Excellent stealth mode ensures discreet tracking.	No free trial (only a demo available).
Includes keylogging and screen recording for in-depth monitoring.	Premium pricing may not suit all budgets.

8. Eyezy

Eyezy is a popular SMS tracking software targeting parents and guardians who want to monitor their kid’s phone usage. Eyezy provides a range of monitoring features including social media tracking, tracking of where the phone is, and text message tracking. Nevertheless, SMS tracking is dependent on the connection type used to install it.

For iPhone: The USB connection method allows SMS tracking, but it requires physical access to the iPhone at least once to establish the connection.

For Android: Users need to install an app directly on the target device. Once installed, Eyezy operates in the background and captures all SMS messages, both sent and received. This method ensures continuous tracking but does require initial access to the Android phone for setup.

Key SMS Tracking Features of Eyezy

Real-Time SMS Monitoring: You can access all sent and received messages on Android.
Deleted Message Recovery: You can easily retrieve erased texts for a complete conversation history.
Conversation Screenshots: Capture screen recordings of messages for added insight.
Keyword Alerts: Set alerts for specific words in SMS messages.

Pros & Cons of Eyezy

Pros	Cons
SMS tracking works well on Android.	Initial installation may be confusing for some users.
Provides additional screen capture features.	No automatic activity reports.
Geofencing feature alerts parents about location changes.

9. Spylix

Spylix is a simple yet powerful SMS tracking solution that offers a balance of features without requiring complex installation steps like jailbreaking or rooting. It provides live location tracking, social media monitoring, and SMS tracking, making it a well-rounded tool for parents and employers.

[alt: Spylix SMS tracker page screenshot.]

Key SMS Tracking Features of Spylix

Full SMS Access: You can view all incoming, outgoing, and deleted messages.
Contact Info Display: It shows the sender’s details for each text message.
Time & Date Stamps: Provides a detailed record of when messages were sent or received.

Pros & Cons of Spylix

Pros	Cons
No rooting or jailbreaking required.	Needs to physical assess to the target device.
Easy setup with a simple installation guide.	No free trial available.
Monitors deleted texts for a complete conversation record.	Premium features can be expensive.

10. WebWatcher

WebWatcher is a well-known SMS tracking app that provides detailed tracking across multiple devices, including iPhones, Androids, PCs, and Macs. It is designed for parents and employers looking for a simple way to monitor digital activities, including text messages.

For iPhone: Unlike many other tracking apps, WebWatcher does not rely on iCloud for iPhone monitoring. Instead, users must connect the target iPhone via a USB cable to extract SMS data. This method allows WebWatcher to capture text messages, but it requires periodic physical access to update the data. If you cannot frequently access the target iPhone, SMS tracking may not be continuous.

For Android: WebWatcher supports SMS tracking but requires users to install an app on the target Android phone. Once installed, the app runs in stealth mode, ensuring that all incoming and outgoing text messages are logged and sent to the WebWatcher dashboard.

Key SMS Tracking Features in WebWatcher

Complete SMS Logging: You monitor all text messages, including deleted ones.
Remote Viewing: Access recorded SMS data from a secure online dashboard.
Risk Alerts: Highlights messages flagged as potentially harmful.
Tamper-Proof Design: Ensures that the app cannot be easily detected or removed.

Pros & Cons of WebWatcher

Pros	Cons
Supports SMS tracking on both iOS and Android.	iPhone tracking requires a USB connection.
Provides a web-based dashboard for remote monitoring.	No keylogger feature.
Works in stealth mode on Android.	No geofencing feature for location tracking.

11. Hoverwatch

Hoverwatch is a fully undetectable SMS tracking app designed specifically for Android users. Unlike some other monitoring apps, Hoverwatch does not support iPhone tracking at all, making it an Android-only solution. The app focuses on capturing text messages, call logs, and even taking stealthy photos through the front camera.

Key SMS Tracking Features in Hoverwatch

Track All Texts: Captures all incoming and outgoing text messages.
Real-Time Updates: Provides real-time updates on all monitored messages.

Pros & Cons of Hoverwatch

Pros	Cons
Completely undetectable on Android devices.	Not available for iPhones.
Monitors SMS, calls, and SIM card changes.	Lacks a geofencing feature.
Can track multiple devices at once.	Fewer features compared to competitors.

How to Select the Top SMS Tracker App to Track Text Messages

Selecting the right SMS tracker app requires careful consideration of several factors. Not all tracking apps offer the same features, and some may be better suited to your specific needs. Here are eight key factors to help you choose the best SMS tracker.

Make sure the App is Compatible with the Target Device

Prior to selecting an SMS tracker, make sure it supports the operating system of the phone you want to track. Whereas some applications support both Android and iOS, others are exclusive to either of these operating systems.

Also, check if the app requires rooting (Android) or jailbreaking (iPhone), as these are complicated and dangerous processes.

Check if the App Works in Stealth Mode

If you wish to track text messages secretly, choose an SMS tracker that supports stealth mode.

Most of the quality monitoring apps can run silently in the background so that the target user won’t be able to identify them. This is especially useful for parental monitoring or for monitoring suspicious activity.

Look for Real-Time SMS Tracking and Message Retrieval

An efficient SMS tracker should provide you with real-time received and sent text message information. Some apps even capture deleted messages so that you don’t lose out on any critical discussions. If you need to recover deleted texts, make sure that the app explicitly states that it can recover deleted messages.

Maintain Privacy and Data Security

Since SMS tracking involves the collection of personal and intimate data, ensure the app has top-notch security features.

Choose SMS apps that use encryption to protect your data and shun those that share or sell your data with third parties.

Consider Ease of Use and Installation

The best SMS tracking software must be simple to use with an easy-to-follow installation. Some of these apps need access to the phone physically, whereas others provide setup remotely through iCloud or Google account login.

Compare Prices and Subscription Options

Most good SMS trackers are not inexpensive, and plans vary depending on the quality of features in the app. Some offer free trials, while others charge per month or per year.

Look at the different plans before making a purchase so that you can get a good value considering your requirements.

Step-by-Step Guide on Using the Top SMS Tracker App to Track Text Messages

Among the many SMS tracking apps available, Msafely stands out as one of the best. It provides comprehensive monitoring of text messages, call logs, GPS location, and even social media activity, all from an easy-to-use control panel.

If you need a reliable way to track text messages discreetly, follow these steps to set up and use Msafely on the target phone.

Step 1. Create a Msafely Account

Visit the official Msafely website and click on the Sign Up button.

Step 2. Sign Up for a Free Account

Enter a valid email address and create a strong password.

Step 3. Choose the Target Device Type

After signing up, select whether you want to monitor an Android or iOS device. The setup process varies depending on the operating system, so choose carefully.

Step 4. Select a Subscription Plan

Msafely offers different pricing plans based on your needs.

Step 5. Set Up Msafely on the Target Device

For Android: There are two connection options. One is using the Google Cloud method, which doesn’t require installing any software on the target device but needs you to know the Google account and password of the device. The other option is to install software on the target device. Don’t worry, the installation process is very simple and takes about 2 minutes.

For iPhone: Msafely works using the iCloud sync method, so you don’t need physical access if you have the target user’s iCloud credentials.

Step 6. Start Monitoring from the Msafely Dashboard

Once the setup is complete, log in to your Msafely Control Panel from any device. The data updates in real-time, allowing you to track text messages and other activities remotely.

FAQs

What is the best SMS tracker app?

Msafely is the best—it’s easy to use, works without installation on iPhones & Androids, and even tracks deleted messages.

Can I track text messages without the person knowing?

Yes, apps like Msafely and SpyX run in stealth mode, so the person won’t know they’re being monitored.

Can I see deleted messages with an SMS tracker?

Yes! Msafely and a few others let you recover and read deleted texts.

Is it legal to track someone’s text messages?

It depends on the situation—tracking your child’s phone is usually legal, but spying on someone without consent isn’t.

What else can SMS tracker apps monitor?

Besides texts, they can track calls, location, social media, and even keystrokes, depending on the app.

Conclusion

Choosing the right SMS tracker app can feel overwhelming, but it all comes down to what you need. Whether you’re a parent keeping your child safe or a business owner monitoring company devices, the right tool makes all the difference.

After reviewing the top 10 options, Msafely stands out as the best. It’s easy to use, works without installation on iPhones, and tracks deleted messages—all while staying undetectable.

No matter your reason for tracking, finding a reliable app gives you peace of mind. So, are you ready to start? Pick the best fit for your needs and stay connected effortlessly!