You may want to read someone’s texts without their phone for many reasons. Maybe you think your child is texting someone inappropriate messages, or perhaps you want to catch a cheating spouse. While there are many spy apps that you can use to intercept texts in real time, they require you to install them on a person’s phone. In some cases, this is not doable. This begs these questions: can you hack someone’s text messages without installing software? Can you enter a cell number and read texts for free without installing it on the target phone?
The answer is no. Having a phone number isn’t enough to read someone’s text messages. Imagine how hesitant people would be to text if all other people needed was their phone number. But don’t give up. There are different ways to read someone’s text, some of them allowing you not to touch the phone. Let’s look at several methods.
Method 1: Enter a Cell Phone Number to Read Texts for Free Without Installing Software on iOS
You’re in luck if you want to SMS spy on an iPhone. Many spy apps have an iPhone tracker feature that does not require installing software on the phone. This is convenient if you’re unable to get ahold of the phone and want some peace of mind about what’s going on.
This tracking typically comes in the form of an iCloud sync. If the phone has iCloud backup turned on, you can enter the target’s Apple ID and password. While not necessarily the phone number, this technique allows you to spy on SMS messages without installing the software on the phone.
With that said, if the target phone has two-factor authentication turned on, this could be a problem, and you may need to have access to the phone. However, if the person doesn’t lock their phone and 2FA isn’t installed, this is simple to use.
Please note that SMS tracker spy apps only allow remote installation for iPhones. For Android, there is yet to be a way to remote install, and you need to have the phone in your hands to install the SMS phone tracker.
Method 2: How to Read Someone’s Text Messages Without Installing Software on their Phone on Android
Unfortunately, Android phones do not allow you to install software remotely. Therefore, you must download software if you want to read their texts.
Fortunately, it is possible to download several text message tracker apps on Google Play. Android phones backup texts automatically, meaning you are in luck if you want to track them. Google Play has plenty of apps, including free SMS tracker apps that can be downloaded.
However, you should beware of some of them. A free text message spy app can sound tempting, but there’s usually some catch, or the app is junk. Therefore, you should always do your research and read reviews.
Another thing to keep in mind is viruses. You don’t want to install a virus on their phone. If you plan to download software, always read about it before installation to make sure it won’t ruin the phone.
Alternative Methods to Spy on Text Messages
There are some extra ways to spy on someone’s texts as well. Let’s look at them.
- First, you can always look at someone’s phone when they’re not around. As long as you know their screen unlock password (if applicable) you may see what texts they have. However, some messages may be hidden or deleted.
- If the person does not have the phone with them for a long time, they can plug it into a computer and use applications that extract data from the phone. This way, you will read the texts on the PC without them knowing.
- If your phones share the same account, you may also go to your carrier and request the texts. Carriers have texts archived, but they tend to delete them over time, so act fact. Also, this primarily works if you have a child under 18, as they may refuse to give the texts for privacy reasons.
Now, let’s look at several of the best spy apps available.
uMobix: The Best SMS Tracker for Android and iPhone
This app is a favorite for many parents and others who want to track someone’s phone, and it’s easy to see why. Regarding the uMobix phone tracker, it comes with all you would want from a tracking app.
It is possible to see a person’s contact list, read their texts, and even retrieve SMS messages they thought they deleted. If there are any new messages, uMobix will let you know. Overall, it’s one of the best trackers to use.
Cocospy: A Phone Tracker That Lets You Read Text Messages
Cocospy is another app that lets you read text messages. Like uMobix, it gives access to messages the target thought were deleted and attached timestamps. It is also possible to view MMS messages to see what pictures and videos were sent and received. Feel free to monitor a wide range of activities, including call logs, text messages, social media accounts, GPS location, browsing history, and more with Cocospy. The application operates in stealth mode, meaning the target device user will not be able to detect its presence.
Easy to install and use. Once installed, you access the device’s data from a web-based dashboard that can be accessed from any internet-connected device. You can also set up alerts and notifications to be notified of specific activities. Cocospy is designed with user privacy in mind, and it does not disclose it to third parties. All data is only accessible to the user who installed the application.
Hoverwatch: The Best SMS Tracker for Android
Many apps are for both Android and iPhone and work well with either. However, when an app is exclusive, the makers focus entirely on the phone’s technology. With Hoverwatch, you get the most out of Android spying, including SMS tracking. Not only can you track SMS messages but also other messaging applications as well.
As a reminder, many people do not use SMS to communicate nowadays. Many will use apps such as Messenger, WhatsApp, and other apps. Because of this, you want a tracker that can monitor all of these apps and let you access secret conversations.
So, which one is the best out of all of these? It ultimately depends on what you need the tool for and your budget. Several of these solutions offer free trials, albeit limited, and they have several features to track every aspect of your target. However, which one is the best for you depends on the features offered and how much it’s going for now.
Ultimately, we recommend you research these apps to determine the best for your situation. Look at their sites and their features and read some reviews. Then, decide which of them is the best.
How to Spy on Text Messages Without Installing Software Free: A Step-By-Step Guide
The market is full of spy app offers, and some of them can be installed without touching the phone. Let’s look at SpyBubble as an example.
- Go to the top right corner and select “Buy now.” If applicable, sign up for a free trial and cancel when it’s about to expire.
- Pay for a subscription plan if there is no free trial. Once the payment has been processed, install the app.
- You will then be given the option to either install the app through a link physically or by entering someone’s iCloud information. Enter their iCloud information. Ensure they have iCloud backup turned on, and see if they have two-factor authentication.
- Once logged on, go to the dashboard to view text messages.
SpyBubble: Text Spy Features and Other Key Utilities
You may want to try SpyBubble, an app marketed toward those wishing to catch a cheating lover in the act. However, it’s also suitable for other uses, including parental monitoring and catching an employee slacking off.
Let’s look at some of the features.
- On-the-fly text messaging monitoring. Instant access to their texts and deleted messages. In addition to texts, you may also track messaging apps.
- Call monitoring. See who the person is calling and for how long. View their contact list.
- GPS tracking. Are they really with their friends or staying late at work? Learn the truth through SpyBubble GPS tracking.
- Restrict apps. Prevent your target from using specific apps, letting you be in charge.
- View secret apps, meaning your target cannot hide anything from you.
- A simple-to-use and intuitive dashboard.
Conclusion
Can you enter cell number to read texts free without installing on target phone? Not necessarily. However, many spy apps allow you to install them remotely. Also, free trials mean you can read someone’s text messages without installing software for free and fast. When tracking someone, you have several tools at your disposal, so look at your options and see what works for you.
You would want to spy on someone for many reasons, such as a cheating spouse or a child keeping secrets. That said, be sure you are in the legal clear whenever you install spy apps. Look at your privacy laws and keep yourself on the right side of the law. Good luck!
FAQ
Is it possible to read text messages without a phone?
Yes. Many spy apps allow you to install them remotely via iCloud. You will need a person’s login information, but if you have that, you’re all set. With that said, some people may have two-factor authentication. In this case, you will need access to the phone to verify your login. Keep that in mind.
What type of text messages can I read without installing it on the target phone?
Many spy apps allow you to read several types of texts. For example, they will let you read deleted or MMS texts. In addition, spy apps tend to allow you to read messaging apps, which may contain conversations that the target is hiding from you, such as Instagram and Snapchat. Also, they can detect secret messaging apps.
How to choose a free SMS tracker without installing on target phone?
Ultimately, it’s up to you to research these SMS trackers and see which have the best features for your needs. A good SMS tracker will have a free trial for you to assess it from the side. Also, pay attention to compatibility, pricing, and user feedback.