How to Track Messages and Calls from Another Phone | 3 Easy Ways

Today a major part of the world’s population has a cell phone, and they use them for texting or calling almost every day.

Many people also tend to use social networking apps, instant messengers, and chat rooms online, to meet new people and have fun. While this connectivity brings convenience, it also introduces risks like spamming and harassment.

With over eight billion smartphone users in the world, the importance of safety is getting more and more relevant. If you’re concerned about your safety or that of a loved one, you might wonder, “How can I track messages and calls from another phone?”

In this article, we’ll discuss how to track messages and calls from another phone.

Part 1. Common Reasons for Tracking Messages and Calls from Another Phone

There are several reasons why you should track someone's phone, one of them is for parental control and safety. Here are some reasons why you might want to track texts and calls from another phone.

Protecting your kids

Keeping track of your children’s messages or calls lets you guarantee their online safety from cyberbullying or predatory behavior. For instance, if your child starts interacting with an unknown contact, tracking can help you intervene early.

Managing employees

Tracking company-issued phones helps ensure employees are using the work phones effectively and productively. You can nab them when they are doing texts at working hours which indicates misuse of resources.

Finding lost or stolen phones

If your phone goes missing, tracking recent calls and messages can help locate it. A lot of people have said that they found their lost phone by tracing a call made after it disappeared.

Emergency situations

In an emergency, tracking someone’s phone calls and messages can help locate someone quickly, even if they can't communicate. This is particularly useful for first responders needing to find someone fast.

Relationship concerns

If trust issues arise in a relationship, tracking calls and messages can clarify things. For instance, a person may wonder why a partner is suddenly more secretive or behaves differently, and tracking may help calm them down.

Monitoring elderly relatives

Keeping an eye on an elderly family member’s calls and messages can ensure their safety and well-being, especially if they are prone to confusion or wandering.

Tracking someone's text messages and calls.

Part 2. How to Track Messages and Calls from Another Phone

Now let’s discuss three methods to help you track messages and calls from another phone.

Method 1. By mobile tracker

When you need to track messages and calls from another phone, using a mobile tracker can be a highly effective method. One such solution is Msafely. It's an application that helps monitor smartphones without the fear of being noticed.

What is Msafely

Msafely is a powerful monitoring tool that works silently on a target device, allowing you to track messages and calls without the other person knowing.

Msafely is updated in real-time on the control panel irrespective of the type of device; an iPhone or an Android phone. You are always in the know and no information is lost.

So, if you’re concerned about your kid’s calls and text messages online, Msafely keeps you informed with frequent updates, ensuring you can act quickly if needed.


                        Screenshot of Msafely homepage.

Key features of Msafely

Msafely is packed with features that make it a comprehensive monitoring tool. Here are some of them:

Msafely allows tracking of all the messages (texts) sent or received, even those that may be deleted from the device.

You are able to see information on calls that they missed, the duration of calls received, and the time at which these calls were made.

The engagement on WhatsApp, Facebook, as well as Instagram, and other messaging apps is tracked – calls, as well as messages.

You can also monitor the phone’s location in real-time, which is useful if you’re tracking a lost phone or keeping tabs on your child’s whereabouts.

Msafely lets you monitor all sites that are accessed on the device of interest.

Incoming as well as outgoing emails are also subject to surveillance on Msafely.

Wi-Fi connections of the target phone Msafely are also possible to check.

Steps to use Msafely to track text messages and calls on another phone

Using Msafely is simple and user-friendly. Here’s how you use Msafely to track text messages and calls on another phone:

Step 1. Create a free account

Open the Msafely web page and create a free account using an active email.


Register a free account.

Step 2. Connect the target phone

Pick a type of device you want to track, Android or iPhone, and connect the target device to your Msafely account.


Choose the target phone.

Step 3. Start monitoring

Once within your Msafely control panel, login to trace the messages and phone calls made. The interface is quite simple and as such, all essential information is accessible at a glance.


The Android dashboard of Msafely.

Method 2. Through backup

Learning how to track calls and messages from another phone is easy. Backups are a handy way to access messages and calls from another phone. Every Android or iPhone has some means of Cloud backup.

iCloud backup (iPhone)

When a person wants to track messages and calls for an iPhone, iCloud backup comes in handy. iCloud automatically backs up texts and calls, and with the right credentials, you can access this data from any device.

    To start tracking messages and calls for an iPhone using this method, you need to be prepared with the following:
  • The iCloud backup on the target device is already enabled.
  • You need their Apple ID and password.

Here are the detailed steps:

Step 1. Activate iCloud Messages on target phone by going to Settings> [your name] > iCloud and turn on Messages and calls to back up messages to iCloud.

Step 2. Go to the iCloud website and sign in to the iCloud account with their Apple ID and password.

Step 3. Enable messages and calls in iCloud, and select the most recent backup to restore and view messages and call history.

steps to turn on iCloud backup.

Google backup (Android)

Users who own an Android phone can also keep tabs on their calls and message history by using Google Backup. This approach is possible through the retention of information 

    To start tracking messages and calls on an Android using this method, make sure you have the following ready:
  • Verify Google backup is enabled on the target phone.
  • You need to know the Google account and password.

Here is how to use Google Backup to track and monitor text messages and call history on another phone:

Step 1. On the target phone, go to Settings > Account and backup > Back up data.

Step 2. Save the data to Google Drive by pressing the “Back up Now” button.

Step 3. Access Google Drive from any device logged into the same Google account to view the backed-up messages and call history.


Account and backup.

Method 3. Ask for help from Cellular carrier services

If you don’t want to use cloud backups, there is still a chance that your cellular carrier will assist you. Contact your service provider, such as AT&T or Verizon, and explain your situation. They can guide you in tracking calls and messages, provided they are legal and justified. Follow these steps;

Step 1. Call the carrier's customer service and explain your need to track the phone’s messages and calls. Make sure you give a valid reason to avoid legal issues.

Step 2. Follow the carrier's guidance, which may include visiting a call center or using specific codes and instructions.

Part 3. Is It Legal to Track Someone's Messages and Calls from Another Phone

When you start thinking about tracking someone's messages and calls from another phone, you might ask whether it's legal. The legality of this action largely depends on who you're monitoring and how you're going about it.

If you're trying to track the calls and texts of an adult without their knowledge, you're stepping into illegal territory. This kind of surveillance is generally against the law because it violates their privacy.

However, there are situations where monitoring is legal. This is true for instance for parents who have children below 18 years old and provide them with shelter. Parents are entitled to track their phone activity in this case. Similarly, if you're tracking an adult who is fully aware of and has consented to the monitoring, you're on the right side of the law.

However, be mindful of the fact that the laws surrounding this change from one area to the other so it would be wise to contact legal professionals prior to any intended use of any monitoring app. It’s better to be safe in the first place than sorry.

Part 4. Bonus Tips: Can I Know If Someone is Tracking My Phone Messages and Calls from Another Phone

Yes, you can. If you are concerned that someone is monitoring your phone conversations and text messages, there are several signs and symptoms to watch out for.

4.1. Signs someone might be tracking your phone

In the event that you suspect that your phone messages and calls are being tracked, there are some helpful pointers that may assist in alleviating your worries. These are some indicators that could assist in understanding that your device is tapped:

  • Suspicious apps

Check for applications or programs you do not recall downloading, especially those that can access your calls, messages, or your location. It is likely that these applications could be running in the background harvesting your information.

  • Text or call forwarding

Check if someone has enabled call or text forwarding on your phone. This could allow them to receive copies of your communications.

  • Unusual activity

You should be very keen on things that sound or are unusual when they have a call. For example, your phone might die for no reason, there are ghost sounds as you speak to someone on the phone, or you receive random advertisements. All these activities could suggest that your incoming phone calls or messages and outgoing ones too are being monitored.

A spy trying to steal data from someone's cell phone.

4.2. How to check if your phone is being tracked

If you have a suspicion or a reason to be concerned that someone might be tracking your phone, there are simple steps that can determine if these suspicions are valid.

Dial #62#: This code will show you how to find out whether your calls and messages are being sent to some other number. It is a quick way of knowing in case your information is being diverted.

Monitor data usage: Pay attention to the amount of data the phone has consumed. Whenever there is a spike in data usage on your device. Some of the applications could be leaking your sensitive information out without even notifying you.

Check for unfamiliar devices: Check your phone settings and search for pairs of devices in Bluetooth or Wifi that you cannot recognize. There may be an unknown device linked that is using your phone to intercept activities.

Dial ##002#: Use this code to block all forwarding of calls or messages from the mobile phone. This measure helps to protect the device from loiterers and invasions.

4.3. Simple tips to safeguard your phone from tracking

Preventative measures are key to keeping your phone secure. Follow these steps;

  • Uninstall suspicious apps

Remove any questionable programs that you do not consider trustworthy. Or rather, refrain from using applications that you do not remember having installed.

  • Set strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication

Opt for two-factor authentication. This will help make it difficult for anyone to gain access to the phone.

  • Go through your phone bill 

You will need to call your phone service provider and get them to check the phone bill and ask them to look for something that they are sure is not in their records.

  • Ensure software is updated

Ensure that the software on the mobile phone is up-to-date. These generally contain critical security updates to safeguard against exploitation and tracking.

  • Review app permissions and privacy settings

Be wary of the rights you give apps to use. Regularly review your mobile privacy options and switch off some of the rights and capabilities that you consider unnecessary for the phone.

A person is enjoying safe internet access.

Part 5. FAQs about Tracking Messages and Calls from Another Phone

Q1. Is it legal to track someone's messages and calls without their consent?

No. Tracking someone's messages and calls without their knowledge or consent is illegal and is a violation of their privacy rights.

Q2. Can I legally monitor my child's phone activity?

Yes, If your child is below 18 years of age and stays in your care, then as a parent you have a right to monitor your child’s telephone.

Q3. How can I know if my phone is being tracked by someone?

Check if your phone has unusual apps, calls are being forwarded without you asking and there is an unusual amount of call data being used.

Q4. Is it possible to prevent a person from tracking my phone?

Yes, it is possible to protect your phone from being tracked by removing unnecessary apps, changing the software, and employing strong passwords that have two-step verification.

Q5. Is it possible to track calls and messages without using any app?

Yes, tracking messages and calls without an app can be tricky. But with Msafely, you can monitor someone's calls and messages remotely without needing to install any software.

Part 6. Conclusion

Now, in a society that is glued to a phone at all times, one question stands out: who has access to your private information?

There are a number of reasons for the tracking of text messages or telephone calls and among them is the well-being of your kid or recovering a stolen phone. But before that, it is important to be aware of the legalities and moral concerns about this practice.

So if you're using mobile trackers, backups, or carrier services, always prioritize transparency and legality. Now that you have learned how to track phone calls and messages from another phone, you can protect yourself and your loved ones while staying connected.