Can Family Link See Text Messages? Get the Answers Here

When it comes to monitoring children's digital activity, parents often look for tools that ensure safety while respecting privacy, such as Google Family Link. A common concern is whether Google Family Link can see text messages on a child's device. In this post, we'll discuss this question and explore other solutions. 

Can Google Family Link See Text Messages?

The short answer is no.

It's understandable that parents want to check their children's text messages to ensure they aren't receiving inappropriate content. However, due to privacy concerns, Google Family Link doesn't offer this feature. So, even if you're set up as a guardian in Family Link, you can't view your child's texts through the app.

So, what's the solution then? Keep reading to learn the authentic and secure solution. 

2 Best Text Monitor Apps to See Text Messages on a Child's Device

While Google Family Link doesn’t allow you to view your child's text messages due to privacy concerns, there are other tools available that can help you monitor these communications effectively and responsibly. In this section, we'll introduce you to two of the best text monitoring apps designed to give parents peace of mind by providing insight into their child's messaging activities on their device. 

1AirDroid Parental Controls - Best for Instant Notification Sync and Phone Screen Mirroring

AirDroid Parental Controls provides a powerful solution for parents who want to get instant text message notifications and real-time insights into their children’s digital activities.

One of its standout features is instant notification sync, which ensures that any text message your child receives is promptly notified to your device. This real-time syncing allows you to keep track of conversations and identify any potentially concerning conversations.

Additionally, the phone screen mirroring feature provides an extra layer of oversight by allowing you to view your child's phone screen as they use it. This means you can see not just the messages they're sending and receiving, but also the context in which they're communicating.

Steps to Use It

Step 1. Simply download AirDroid Parental Control on your device and the kids version, AirDroid Kids, on your kid's device. Then bind your child's phone to your AirDroid account.

Step 2. Follow the on-screen instructions to bind your child’s phone to your AirDroid account.

Step 3. After that, you will receive notifications whenever your child receives a text message, you can open AirDroid Parental Control & Notifications to view the details, including the received texts and the contact.

Step 4. Also, if you want to view the complete conversation, you can go to Screen Mirroring to view the screen of your child's phone to see their real-time interactions.

2MoniMaster Pro - Best Comprehensive SMS Tracker

MoniMaster Pro stands out as a comprehensive SMS tracker, ideal for parents who want a straightforward way to read text messages on their child's device. One of its key features is the intuitive interface that provides a clear overview of all text messages. By simply clicking the Messages button, you can access an organized preview of messages, including the full conversation between your child and their contacts. This makes it easier to understand the context of each exchange.

Steps to Use It

Step 1. Download the kid's end of MoniMaster Pro on a child's device, then follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.

Step 2. After that, you can go to your MoniMaster Pro dashboard and tap Phone Files & Messages to see the whole conversations of the messages.

Extra Tips: What Else Can Google Family Link Monitor?

Though Google Family Link does not provide an SMS monitoring feature, it is still worth a try with other features:

App Activity Monitoring

Google Family Link provides the app activity monitoring option to parents, allowing them to see on which app their child is spending time. Not just the app name, but the time will also be shown.

Screen Time Management

With the Google Family link, parents can set proper time limits on that device, so that children can't use them for longer periods of time.

Location Tracking

Google Family Link helps parents keep track of their kid's current location to avoid any kind of stress. 

Privacy Concerns and Ethical Considerations

No doubt your reasons for monitoring your child's device are valid, but it's your moral responsibility to let them know if they are being tracked or not. Also, as your child's digital data will be shown to you, you need to make sure no one else has access to your child's personal data.

Discuss Consent and Trust

Consent is important. No need to spy on your kids. Just let them know if you're going to monitor their online activity and also teach them why it's important, and how long they are going to be monitored like that. Win their trust.

Educate vs. Monitor

No one likes to be controlled, so it's better to teach your kids politely why their online activity should be monitored.

Open Communication

Instead of hiding everything from your kids, let them know why the online world is dangerous. Openly communicate with them about all the cyber cases and issues that innocent people have faced and why they need to be protected.

Bottom Line

Google Family Link is undoubtedly effective for parents wanting to monitor their children's digital activities. However, like many efficient apps, it has limitations, including the inability to track a child's text messages.

That's why we've introduced two SMS monitoring options: AirDroid Parental Control and MoniMaster Pro. We recommend checking user reviews for both apps to determine which one best suits your needs.

Finally, remember, keeping things secret can backfire. If your child finds out without you discussing it first, they might remove the apps and lose trust. Open conversations are key to keeping trust intact.