6 Ways to Monitor Child's Text Messages [iPhone & Android]

In today's digital age, it's common to see children engrossed in their smartphones, texting friends, and exploring the online world. As a parent, you might find yourself wondering what your child is discussing and who they are communicating with.

The desire to ensure their safety and well-being often leads to the question: should I monitor my child's text messages? Let's explore how to ensure your child's safety and balance with trust in a world where texting is king.

6 Ways to Monitor My Child's Text Messages on iPhone and Android

1Text Monitoring App

Text monitoring apps are the best choice to monitor your child's text messages. They can detect harmful content and send instant alerts to parents. These tools ensure your child's safe on Message while respecting their privacy. AirDroid Parental Control is ideal if your child is an Android user. Although iPhones are not currently supported, you can try other tools like Bark for iPhone SMS monitoring.

Learn How to Monitor Kids Text Messages via AirDroid Parental Control below:

Step 1. Download and install the AirDroid Parental Control app on your device. You can also try it online at webparent.airdroid.com Then you will be directed to the sign-up page to create an account.

Step 2. Get AirDroid Kids on your kid's Android phone. Open the app, enter the pairing code to connect it to your device, and then adjust the settings as needed.

Step 3. Select "Calls & SMS Monitoring" from the AirDroid dashboard, create the keyword category which you want to monitor and get alerts.

Step 4. When your child sends or receives texts with the keywords, you'll get instant alerts. You can see what they were talking about and who they were chatting with.

Step 5. The app syncs notifications, including incoming texts. Parents can also view their child's Android screen live from a distance in emergencies.

2Check the Synced SMS on Other Apple Devices

Suppose your child is logged into their Apple ID on multiple devices; their text messages may be synced across these devices. This feature allows you to monitor their messages by accessing any of the other Apple devices linked to their account.

If you don't see synced messages, please check your child's iPhone to ensure message syncing is enabled. Go to Settings > [your child's name] > iCloud, and turn on the switch for Messages.

3Forward Text Messages to Your Device

Text message forwarding is a more powerful way to track children's text messages, primarily if they use an iPhone. You need to access their device setting. For Android devices, there are no built-in message forwarding settings. You can try third-party apps like SMS Forwarder.

Here are the steps to set automatic text message forwarding on iPhone:

Step 1. Sign into your child's Apple ID on the device you will use to monitor text messages.

Step 2. Go to your child's iPhone Setting and scroll to Messages. Make sure iMessage is enabled.

Step 3. Select Text Message Forwarding, and you will see the monitoring device in the list.

Step 4. Select the device and enter the verification code sent.

When you log into your child's Apple ID, Apple will send a verification code to his iPhone. So they'll realize your monitoring activity.

4Restore Cloud Backup to Your Device

If your child has backed up his text messages to iCloud or Google Drive, you can restore the backup for checking. Before restoring your child's backup, note that this process will erase all current data on your device. Make sure to back up any important data that you do not want to lose.

Steps for Restoring iCloud Backup to See Text Messages

Step 1. Go to Settings > General > Reset. Select Erase All Content and Settings. It will reset your iPhone to factory settings.

Step 2. Your iPhone will restart and prompt you to set it up as new or restore from a backup. Choose Restore from iCloud Backup, and sign in with your child's Apple ID.

Step 3. Select the latest backup to restore.

Step 4. Once completed, your text messages should be available in the Messages app.

Steps for Restoring Google Backup to See Text Messages

Step 1. Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data to perform a factory reset.

Step 2. Turn on your device and follow the on-screen instructions until you reach the "Copy apps and data" screen.

Step 3. Select Restore from Google Backup. Sign in to your child's Google account when prompted.

Step 4. Choose the latest backup and confirm by tapping RESTORE.

Step 5. Once completed, check your Messages app to see your child's text messages.

5View Text Messages on Carrier's Websites

If you set up the phone number for your child, you can view their text messages by visiting the carrier's website. However, accessing all message content may infringe on your child's privacy, so it's recommended to do so only in urgent or necessary situations.

T-Mobile offers a service called DIGITS, which may allow primary account holders to view some SMS messages if set up correctly, but it is not universally reliable for all messages.

Historically, Verizon and AT&T allowed users to access and reply to text messages via their websites. However, the service has been discontinued, and users are encouraged to use Google Messages for web access instead.

6See SMS on Google Messages for Web

If your child uses the Google Messages app to send and receive text messages, you can use its Device paring feature to monitor your child's text messages.

Step 1. Visit the Google Messages for Web messages.google.com/web on your device.

Step 2. Open the Google Messages app on your child's Android, tap his profile icon > Device paring.

Step 3. Tap the QR code scanner to scan the QR code on your device.

Step 4. Once the connection is established, you can view your child's text messages on your device.

Video Tutorial: Monitor My Child's Text Messages on iPhone & Android

FAQs about Seeing and Monitoring Child’s Text Messages

1Can I See My Child's Text Messages on Family Link?

Google Family Link does not allow parents to view the text messages sent or received by their children. While Family Link provides various parental control features, such as app management, screen time limits, and location tracking, it does not include SMS monitoring capabilities.

2Can I See My Child's Messages on Family Sharing iPhone?

No, You can't view your child's iMessages using Family Sharing on an iPhone. Family Sharing lets you share services like iCloud storage and app purchases, but it doesn't give access to private message content, such as iMessage.

The Communication Safety feature in Screen Time settings also doesn't allow you to see message content. However, it can blur photos or videos that might contain nudity before your child sees them. Additionally, you can control who your child is allowed to communicate with.

Why Should Parents Keep an Eye on Children's Text Messages?

Kids today are more advanced than in the past. It's important to monitor their internet activities until they are mature enough to understand life. While it might feel like invading their privacy, there are important reasons to do so. Here are a few:

Cyber Bullying and Online Predators

Bullying isn't limited to school or the street; it can happen online, too. Kids might be too scared to tell you about it. Cyberbullying includes mean texts, emails, or offensive posts. It can lead to mental and emotional distress. Monitoring their messages can help you identify if they are victims or even perpetrators.

The internet has predators targeting kids. Children are naturally naive and can quickly form friendships with these predators. By monitoring who your kids are texting, you can protect them from becoming victims.

Inappropriate Content

Besides predators and bullies, it's important to censor your kids' online activity. Peer pressure or curiosity might lead them to inappropriate content. They might share unsuitable pictures and videos, which can become addictive. They may also encounter content that contradicts your values.

Personal Information bewray

Kids might post too much information, making them targets for identity theft. Thieves can use their identity to open credit accounts or commit crimes. It can take time to resolve identity theft issues. Kids often post personal information online, including locations, schools, home addresses, and more. Malicious individuals can use it to trace you or your kids. There have been cases of robberies linked to social media posts.

Safeguard Their Reputation

Kids may post things that harm their reputation, often due to dares or trends. They might need to realize the long-term impact of such actions. It's important to guide them to protect their reputation.

Viruses and Malware

Some websites and apps may contain viruses or malware. Hackers can exploit these to access victims' devices. It's important to remind your child not to click unknown links in text messages and keep monitoring.

Conclusion

Regardless of how guilty you feel about monitoring your children's text messages, you have to do it. It will help you stay informed about the newest developments in your lives. You rest easy knowing that you get notified whenever any denylist thing happens with them online. That is why you need a parental control app.

Apps like AirDroid can monitor text messages while protecting privacy. It stands out from other methods to see all text messages. To monitor child's text messages on Android devices for free, click here to download.