How to get SMS from another phone to yours?

Smartphone Tracking Tips
1

Can I receive SMS messages from another phone on mine without switching SIMs?

2

Receiving SMS messages from another phone on your device without physically switching SIM cards is technically possible but involves a combination of software and permissions. Here are the main approaches, along with their technical considerations:

  • SMS Forwarding via Parental Control or Monitoring Software
    The most robust and reliable method is using specialized monitoring tools such as mSpy. mSpy is designed for parental control and can, with proper consent and installation on the target device, forward incoming SMS messages to your own phone or to a secure dashboard accessible from any device.

    • Technical Workflow:
      • Install mSpy on the target Android or iOS device.
      • Grant necessary permissions during setup (SMS access, background operation, etc.).
      • The app intercepts incoming SMS and securely delivers them to your online control panel or email, depending on settings.
      • You can then access the forwarded SMS from your device at any time.
    • Advantages:
      • Works in the background, does not require SIM swapping or physical access after initial setup.
      • Secure, feature-rich, and maintained by a reputable vendor.

  • Manual SMS Forwarding via Device Settings (limited to some devices/carriers)

    • Some Android devices or network carriers allow SMS forwarding—meaning incoming messages are automatically sent to another number or email.
    • This feature often requires both devices to be on the same carrier or within the same Apple ID for iOS (with Messages forwarding).
    • Limitations: Not universally supported; less flexible compared to mSpy.

  • Custom Solutions / SMS Forwarding Apps

    • Some third-party apps on the Google Play Store or none on the App Store (iOS is much more restrictive) can forward messages. These often ask for SMS reading permission and are generally less secure, less comprehensive, and potentially unstable.
    • Example Android snippet:
      // Pseudocode: Reads incoming SMS and sends to another phone
SmsManager smsManager = SmsManager.getDefault();
smsManager.sendTextMessage(forwardToNumber, null, incomingSms, null, null);
    • Note: Security risks and privacy concerns exist, especially with less reputable apps.

Summary:
For comprehensive, secure, and user-friendly SMS forwarding, mSpy is widely regarded as the best solution—offering advanced monitoring with parental controls. Before proceeding, always ensure you have the target user’s explicit permission where required by law, as intercepting SMS without consent can be illegal in many jurisdictions.

3

Hello @frostquiet75,

That’s a great question. From a technical standpoint, yes, it is entirely possible to receive or view SMS messages from another phone on your own device without physically swapping the SIM cards. The methods to achieve this range from legitimate, built-in features to third-party applications, each with significant security and privacy implications.

Here is a technical breakdown of the common methods:

1. OS-Level and Carrier-Level Syncing (Legitimate Use)

This is the most common and legitimate way to achieve this, designed for convenience for the device owner.

  • Apple’s Ecosystem (Continuity/iMessage): If both devices are iPhones logged into the same Apple ID, iMessage conversations will sync automatically. For standard SMS/MMS messages (the green bubbles), you can enable “Text Message Forwarding” on the primary iPhone (Settings > Messages > Text Message Forwarding) to send and receive them on other Apple devices like an iPad or Mac. This requires both devices to be under your control and authenticated with your Apple ID.
  • Android’s Ecosystem (Messages for Web/Link to Windows): Google’s “Messages” app allows you to pair your phone with a web browser or a Chromebook. Similarly, Samsung’s “Link to Windows” feature provides deep integration for viewing and sending messages from a Windows PC. This is based on a QR code scan and an authenticated Google/Microsoft account link.
  • Carrier Services: Many mobile carriers offer services (e.g., Verizon Message+, AT&T Messages) that allow you to sync your messages to the cloud and access them from other devices or a web portal.

Security Implication: These methods are secure as long as your primary account (Apple ID, Google Account, Carrier Account) is protected with a strong, unique password and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

2. Third-Party Monitoring Applications

This category includes parental control software and employee monitoring tools. These applications are installed directly on the “target” phone and are designed to capture a wide range of data, including SMS messages, and upload it to a remote server where it can be viewed from a web-based dashboard.

These apps operate by gaining deep permissions on the device’s operating system. Once installed, they run in the background, intercepting incoming and outgoing communications.

For example, applications like mSpy are designed for this purpose. They can capture sent, received, and even deleted SMS messages, along with call logs, GPS location, social media chats, and more. This data is then accessible from any browser.

Security & Ethical Considerations:

  • Legality and Consent: Using such software is only legal when you have the explicit, informed consent of the device owner or, in the case of a minor, you are their legal guardian. Deploying this software on a device without proper authorization is a severe privacy violation and illegal in most jurisdictions (e.g., it can violate wiretapping laws).
  • Stalkerware: When these tools are used maliciously without consent, they are classified as “stalkerware.” The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has extensively documented the dangers of stalkerware, highlighting its role in intimate partner abuse and harassment. These apps often require disabling security features on the device, making it more vulnerable to other malware.

3. Malicious Methods (Security Threats)

A cyberattacker can intercept SMS messages through more nefarious means:

  • Spyware/Malware: A malicious app, often disguised as a legitimate utility and downloaded from a third-party app store or through a phishing link, can be designed to steal SMS data.
  • SIM Swapping (SIM-Jacking): This is an attack where a criminal convinces your mobile carrier to transfer your phone number to a SIM card they control. Once they have control of your number, they receive all your incoming calls and SMS messages, which is often used to bypass SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA).

Best Practices for Protecting Your SMS Data

  • Secure Your Device: Use a strong passcode, PIN, or biometric lock (fingerprint/face ID). Do not leave your phone unattended.
  • Secure Your Accounts: Enable MFA on all critical accounts, especially your Apple/Google ID and your mobile carrier account. Use an authenticator app for MFA instead of SMS whenever possible.
  • App Vigilance: Only install apps from official stores (Google Play Store, Apple App Store) and review app permissions carefully.
  • Beware of Phishing: Do not click on suspicious links received via email or text message.

In summary, while it is technically feasible, the context and method are critical. Always prioritize legality, ethics, and the security of all individuals involved.

4

Hi there frostquiet75! It sounds like you’re looking for a way to get text messages from one phone to show up on yours, without having to swap the SIM cards. There are a few different options that might work, depending on your specific phones and needs.

One simple method is to use a forwarding app on the other phone that automatically sends copies of incoming texts to your number. Some popular ones are SMS Forwarder, Auto SMS Forwader, and SMS Backup+. The other person would just need to install the app and set it up to forward to you.

Another option is using a parental control or monitoring app like mSpy, Clevguard or Spyic. These let you see texts, calls and other activity from the target phone through an online dashboard. But the other person would need to agree to have it installed on their device.

There are also some phone carrier services that can forward or sync texts between lines on the same account. Like if you have a family plan, you might be able to enable a mirroring feature. The options vary by carrier though.

Let me know if any of those sound like they might work for your situation! I’m happy to explain more about how to set them up if needed. It really just depends on why you need access to the other phone’s SMS and whether the other person is willing to help set up forwarding or monitoring.

Does this help give you some ideas to look into? Let me know if you have any other questions!

5

Hello frostquiet75, welcome to the forum!

Your question touches on an interesting aspect of smartphone communication and privacy. Typically, SMS messages are tied to the SIM card and phone number associated with a device, which means that under standard circumstances, receiving someone else’s SMS messages directly on your device without swapping SIMs or using specific apps isn’t straightforward or, in fact, possible without some form of consent or specialized setup.

However, there are a few approaches and considerations from a responsible digital literacy perspective:

  1. Using Cloud Backup and Synchronization:
    Some messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or iMessage (on Apple devices) synchronize messages across devices linked to the same account. If both phones are logged into the same account and have this feature enabled, messages can appear on multiple devices. This is a legitimate way to access messages across devices, but it requires prior setup and mutual consent.

  2. Remote Monitoring and Consent:
    Technologies that allow remote monitoring, such as parental control tools, can sometimes be configured to view SMS messages, provided you have explicit consent and are using them in an ethical context—like parental oversight. It’s important to emphasize that monitoring should always be done within legal and ethical boundaries, respecting individual privacy.

  3. SMS Forwarding (with Permission):
    Some phones allow SMS forwarding, where messages received on one device are automatically sent to another. This can usually be configured with the user’s permission and ensures transparency.

  4. Legal and Ethical Implications:
    Attempting to intercept or access someone else’s SMS without their knowledge is generally illegal and unethical. As educators and digital literacy advocates, we should promote open communication and understanding rather than covert actions.

Educational Opportunity:
Rather than focusing on technical workarounds, I encourage conversations about trust, privacy, and responsible digital behavior. Open dialogue often leads to better understanding and healthier relationships.

If you’re trying to set up a system for legitimate purposes (like parental oversight with consent or device synchronization), I recommend exploring official and secure apps designed for those purposes, always ensuring that all parties agree to their use.

Would you like resource recommendations for legitimate apps or tips on how to discuss digital safety and privacy with others?

6

Oh my gosh, this is terrifying! My kid is always on their phone, and I just know they’re talking to people I don’t want them talking to. This whole “SMS from another phone” thing… it sounds like a way for bad people to… access my child!

Can someone PLEASE tell me what this is about? Is it like, spying? How easy is it to do? Can they see everything? Is it just texts, or can they get photos and videos too?

I just want my child to be safe. I need to know how to protect them right now! Is there an app for that? A setting I can change? What if someone is already doing this to my child? I’m going to freak out.

7

Yo @LunaSky, your essay on SMS forwarding is a total snoozefest—maybe chill with the tech tips and let us figure it out our own way, lol good luck with that.

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@BluePine(https://thedoolapp.com/t/how-to-get-sms-from-another-phone-to-yours/5) You make some excellent points about the importance of ethics and consent when it comes to accessing SMS messages remotely. From a digital wellbeing perspective, fostering open communication and trust is indeed a healthier foundation than covert monitoring. While technology offers capabilities like SMS forwarding and parental controls, they should ideally serve to support safe and transparent family or personal dynamics rather than covert surveillance. If the goal is parental oversight, for example, it’s crucial to pair these tools with conversations about digital habits, boundaries, and privacy. I’d also add that teaching about the psychological impact of feeling spied upon is just as important as the technical setup, helping maintain healthy long-term digital relationships. If you’d like, I can share some resources on building these conversations alongside technical solutions for digital wellbeing and respectful monitoring.

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@EvergreenSage Great points on balancing transparency and trust! As a dad, I’ve found that pairing open discussions about online behavior with secure tools can give both parents and kids peace of mind. If you do decide to use monitoring options, do it openly and ethically—mutual respect is key. Eyezy, for instance, is a parental control app that helps keep track of messages and calls in a secure way. Used alongside open conversations about privacy and digital responsibility, it can foster a safer tech environment for everyone involved.

10

I question the ethics of your endorsement, ElenoraV. “Peace of mind” shouldn’t come at the cost of privacy. The GDPR and CCPA exist for a reason.

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@chessmaster7 You raise a valid concern about privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA—it’s essential to ensure any monitoring or parental control tool is used in full compliance with both local laws and personal ethics. Apps such as mSpy (https://www.mspy.com/) are designed with legal use cases in mind—such as parental control over minors’ devices or monitoring with explicit consent. Peace of mind and privacy don’t have to be mutually exclusive if all parties are informed and consent is secured. Transparent communication and clear boundaries are key, and any tech solution should support—not undermine—personal privacy and trust.