5 Free Ways and Pro Tips to Track WhatsApp Messages Securely

A few months ago, a friend called me in a panic. He runs a small business, and one of his employees was leaking sensitive company information over WhatsApp. He wanted a way to track conversations on work devices—not to spy but to protect his business.

Similarly, parents worry about who their kids are talking to online. They want to be sure their child isn't chatting with strangers or falling for scams. And then there are people like me—who sometimes misplace their own phones and just need an easy way to access messages from another device.

We use WhatsApp daily, but it's not built for tracking messages. Once a chat is deleted, it's gone. You can't see deleted messages on WhatsApp once a risky contact messages your kid, unless they tell you. And for companies? If an employee wipes their phone, the data disappears.

That's why people look for secure ways to track WhatsApp messages. But here's the catch—you need to do it legally, ethically, and in a way that actually works.

This guide walks through five free ways to track WhatsApp messages, plus some pro tips to make sure you're doing it the right way.

Quick Overview of the Top 5 Ways to Track Messages Securely

1Read Whatsapp Messages from Linked Devices

A few days ago, I found myself troubleshooting a common problem for my friend, Mark. His teenage son had begun sleeping late and invariably waking groggy and snappish. Not that Mark was interested in snooping on his son, but he did want to know what was keeping the lad up.  Was it harmless late-night group chats or something more concerning?

So I showed him the Linked Devices feature of WhatsApp – a feature he would later learn is actually an official feature to access one's account on several devices 

This feature allows four gadgets to be used at once to enter the WhatsApp account with this single number, and when the said messages are sent or received 'here,' they will be visible on other devices as well.

Once linked, chats sync across devices, meaning messages sent or received on one device will also appear on the others. While originally designed for convenience, it has practical applications for those who need to monitor a WhatsApp account responsibly.

Step-by-Step Setup

Follow these steps to learn how to track whatsapp chats on another phone

WhatsApp's built-in feature can be used for:

• Receiving pop up reminders when unfamiliar contacts send messages at odd hours.
• Monitoring company-owned phones to prevent sensitive data leaks. Of course, clear workplace policies must be in place to respect employee privacy.

At first glance, this sounds like the perfect solution, but there's a major loophole — the primary account holder can see which devices are linked and log them out at any time. If someone is actively looking to hide their conversations, they can easily detect and remove linked devices. Don't worry, please continue reading for some more advanced methods.

2Airdroid Parental Control App: Advanced Tracking Method

A few weeks after Mark set up WhatsApp's Linked Devices, he called me again.

"It worked… for a while," he admitted. "But then he figured out he could log me out. I don't want to keep sneaking around—I just want to know if something serious is happening. I want to read encrypted WhatsApp messages."

That's the problem with Linked Devices—it's easy to set up, but just as easy to disable. Mark needed something more reliable, something that would notify him without requiring him to manually check every conversation.

That's when I told him about AirDroid Parental Control. This free WhatsApp tracking app is a tool that monitors WhatsApp activity in real time without needing constant access to the phone. Instead of scanning through messages himself, Mark could set up alerts for unfamiliar contacts, risky keywords, or excessive late-night usage.

However, how to use Airdroid Parental Control?

Setting up AirDroid Parental Control is very easy, and once it's running, you can stay informed without constantly checking your child's phone. Here's how to track whatsapp chat with AirDroid:

Additional Features

• Use Screen Mirroring: If something fishy crops up, you can watch all activities in WhatsApp in real time without actually touching the device.
• Manage Usage: Set time limits, access limits to inappropriate content, and track online behavior, all without breaching their privacy.
• Enable Notifications: Configure alerts for unfamiliar contacts, risky keywords, or late-night activity to receive real-time updates.

With these steps, AirDroid Parental Control helps parents be cautious about the possible dangers while allowing their children the freedom to use WhatsApp in a responsible manner.

A few days later, Mark texted me: "This is exactly what I needed. No more guessing, no more sneaking around—I just know he's safe."

For parents, business owners, or anyone needing non-intrusive, smart monitoring, AirDroid Parental Control makes it easy to stay informed without constantly checking in.

3Walastseen: Chat App Tracker

I tested WaLastseen out of curiosity, wondering how effective a WhatsApp tracker app free version could be for WhatsApp's last-seen status. Setting up this whatsapp tracking free app was easy—just enter a phone number, and the app starts logging online activity.

It claims to offer real-time notifications when someone is online, and while it does deliver alerts, the accuracy isn't always perfect. Sometimes, there was a delay, and in a few cases, it missed brief logins.

One thing that stood out is how WaLastseen allows tracking multiple numbers, which could be useful if you're monitoring usage patterns. But it doesn't provide actual message content—just timestamps of online activity.

If you just need a light kind of tool to trace WhatsApp activity without actually accessing messages, this does the job. However, WhatsApp keeps updating its privacy settings very often so there's no surety whether it would work in the long run or not.

4Flexispy - Monitoring Software for Mobiles & Computers

Tracking mobiles and computer activities of your loved ones has become quite easier with the help of FlexiSPY monitoring software. I tested it to see just how extensive its features really are, and it's clear this software is designed for serious tracking. Unlike basic apps that only log online activity, FlexiSPY provides access to calls, messages, emails, GPS locations, and even keystrokes.

The setup process was more complex than standard monitoring apps, especially for mobile devices. On Android, deep-level permissions are required, and for iPhones, jailbreaking is often necessary. However, once installed, the software runs silently in the background, feeding real-time data to the online portal. 

5Cooby: Best Whatsapp Extension for Work

Cooby isn't your typical WhatsApp tracker—it's built for productivity rather than monitoring. I installed the Chrome extension to test how it organizes chats, and honestly, I wish I had found this sooner.

It automatically sorts conversations into tabs like unread, groups, and personal chats, making it much easier to manage WhatsApp for work. No more scrolling endlessly to find important messages.

A feature I found particularly helpful was the reminders—you can set follow-ups on messages so nothing slips through the cracks.

If you use WhatsApp for business, this can streamline customer support or sales conversations without needing extra tools.

That said, Cooby doesn't offer any tracking or parental control features—it's purely for organization. If you're constantly buried in WhatsApp messages, this extension can help.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Privacy is sacred. That's why WhatsApp locks down conversations with end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the sender and receiver can see their messages. Even WhatsApp itself can't peek inside. They've made it clear—any attempt to crack this encryption or enable traceability goes against their policies.

But the problems don't end there. When does monitoring cross the line? If you're a parent worried about your child's safety or a company securing its devices, tracking might feel like the right move. But is it legal to track someone's messages? You must let the person know they're being monitored. In a corporate setting, this means clear policies that employees agree to upfront.

The real trouble starts when monitoring happens without permission. Privacy laws are strict, and violating them can lead to serious legal consequences. Beyond that, it's a trust issue. The best approach is to be upfront. Transparency builds trust, and ethics ensures accountability. Protecting loved ones or company data should never come at the cost of integrity.

Conclusion

Technology gives us the power to stay connected, but with that power comes responsibility. Whether you're using WhatsApp's Linked Devices, AirDroid Parental Control, or third-party tools, the goal should always be protection, not intrusion.

No monitoring tool should replace open conversations and trust. If tracking is necessary, use it ethically, follow legal guidelines, and be transparent about your intentions. At the end of the day, technology should be used to empower—not control. Keep that in mind, and you'll strike the right balance between security and privacy.

FAQs on Whatsapp Tracker

If Whatsapp Updates Its Encryption Mechanism, Will This Method Become Invalid?

Elsa

It's possible. Encryption on WhatsApp makes sure messages always remain private, and updates may cut down on tracking through third-party apps. However, something like notification monitoring and screen mirroring will still operate because they do not actually mess with encryption. Keeping an eye on WhatsApp's policies is crucial.

Is There Any Difference Between Android and iOs When Tracking Whatsapp Messages?

Elsa

Yes. Some tracking features, like notification logging, function better on Android, with iOS users needing extra permissions or workarounds for effective tracking.

Will My Account Be Blocked If I Use These Methods?

Elsa

It depends. Using WhatsApp's Linked Devices feature is safe, but third-party monitoring tools may violate WhatsApp's terms of service. If detected, WhatsApp could restrict your account or issue a ban, especially if the tool bypasses encryption.

Can I Track Whatsapp Remotely Without Knowing the Other Party?

Elsa

Legally and ethically, no. Monitoring someone's WhatsApp without consent can lead to serious legal consequences. Parental control apps require guardian approval, and businesses must follow local privacy laws when tracking company devices. Always obtain permission before monitoring.

Why Can't I Read the Files or Pictures That the Other Party Has Withdrawn?

Elsa

WhatsApp's disappearing messages and "Delete for Everyone" feature permanently remove files from chats. There's no way to retrieve removed content once it's erased from the sender and receiver's devices.

Do I Need to Jailbreak or Flash the Phone to Track Whatsapp Messages?

Elsa

Not always. Many monitoring apps work without jailbreaking or rooting. They rely on notification access or screen mirroring. However, advanced tracking tools may require system modifications, which can void warranties or pose security risks.