In the digital age, keeping track of your child’s smartphone activity is essential for ensuring their safety and well-being. With smartphones being an integral part of children’s social lives, it’s vital for parents to know what’s going on in their kids’ digital world. Text messages are one of the most common ways children and teens communicate, and being able to monitor this activity can provide valuable insights into your child’s social interactions and possible online risks.
In this guide, we’ll review the best apps to track text messages on iPhone for parental control, discussing their features, pros, cons, and overall effectiveness.
SpyX
SpyX is a powerful parental control tool designed to help you track and monitor your child’s iPhone activity, with a particular focus on text messages. With its comprehensive monitoring features, SpyX allows you to view text message conversations, track social media interactions, and monitor your child’s real-time location. It provides a discreet way to ensure your child’s safety while respecting their privacy.
Key Features of SpyX
- Tracks incoming and outgoing text messages
- Monitors call logs and social media activity
- Provides real-time location tracking
- Allows for remote control of the device
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to use with a user-friendly interface
Detailed monitoring capabilities No need for jailbreaking Can track deleted messages |
Occasionally experiences delays in monitoring text messages |
FlexiSPY
FlexiSPY is one of the most advanced monitoring apps available, offering comprehensive tools to track your child’s text messages, calls, and even their surroundings. Known for its robust features, FlexiSPY is ideal for parents who need in-depth monitoring capabilities, including live call interception and microphone activation for environmental listening. This app is especially useful for those looking for more advanced, real-time monitoring options.
Key Features
- Monitors SMS, instant messaging apps, and social media platforms
- GPS tracking and geo-fencing features
- Access to phone’s camera and microphone remotely
- Keylogger functionality
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Extremely detailed monitoring features
Stealth mode to avoid detection Suitable for advanced monitoring needs |
Expensive subscription fees
Can be complex for beginners |
Msafely
Msafely is a straightforward, user-friendly app designed for parents who want to monitor their child’s iPhone without the need for technical expertise. The app offers basic but effective features like text message tracking, location monitoring, and app usage monitoring. Its easy setup and clear interface make it a great choice for parents who prefer a more hands-off approach to device monitoring.
Key Features of Msafely
- Monitors text messages and call logs
- Geolocation tracking with alerts
- Tracks internet usage and app activity
- Daily activity summary sent to parents
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Simple and easy-to-use interface
Offers both real-time monitoring and detailed reports No jailbreaking required |
Only support limited monitoring of social media |
Qustodio
Qustodio offers a great balance between parental control and screen time management. While it provides robust text message tracking, Qustodio’s standout feature is its emphasis on promoting healthy device usage. In addition to monitoring text messages, it allows you to manage how much time your child spends on the phone and set limits on individual apps. It’s a perfect app for promoting digital well-being.
Key Features of Qustodio
- Monitors text messages, calls, and social media platforms
- Real-time location tracking with geofencing
- Web filtering and app blocking capabilities
- Sends instant alerts to parents when concerning activity is detected
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent user interface
Affordable pricing with a free version available Detailed reporting and activity history |
Limited SMS features in the free version
Doesn’t monitor all instant messaging apps |
mSpy
mSpy is one of the most popular parental control apps available, offering a wide range of features that make it easy for parents to track their child’s messages, phone calls, and online activity. Known for its ease of use and affordability, mSpy is a versatile solution for parents who want peace of mind while allowing their children the freedom to use their phones responsibly.
Key Features of mSpy
- Tracks all incoming and outgoing text messages
- Monitors social media messages (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp)
- GPS location tracking and geofencing
- Remote control options (block apps or contacts)
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable pricing plans
Works without jailbreaking the device Great for tracking social media apps in addition to SMS |
Customer support can be slow at times
Not all features work on every version of iOS |
SpyPhone
SpyPhone is a budget-friendly app that offers essential parental monitoring features, making it ideal for parents who want a no-frills solution. While it may not offer the advanced capabilities of some other apps, SpyPhone provides straightforward text message tracking, call logs, and location monitoring, giving parents a simple way to keep an eye on their child’s phone activity
Key Features of SpyPhone
- Tracks incoming and outgoing SMS and iMessages
- Monitors social media activity (Facebook, Snapchat)
- Tracks call logs and contacts
- Provides real-time location tracking
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy setup and user-friendly interface
Detailed activity logs Remote access to phone activity |
Limited reporting features in the free version |
Bark
Bark is a unique parental control app that leverages artificial intelligence to monitor your child’s phone for potentially harmful content. While it provides text message tracking, its primary focus is on identifying signs of cyberbullying, sexting, and other risky online behaviors. Bark’s AI-powered alerts give parents real-time notifications if concerning activity is detected in messages, emails, or social media posts.
Key Features of Bark
- Monitors text messages, emails, and social media
- Real-time alerts for suspicious content
- Provides activity reports and recommendations
- No need for jailbreaking or rooting
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Proactive alerts for harmful or inappropriate content
Excellent for social media monitoring Simple and intuitive user interface |
Limited features on the iPhone compared to Android
Doesn’t support real-time monitoring of text messages on all apps |
MMGuardian
MMGuardian is a parental control app focused on younger children, offering essential features like text message tracking, call monitoring, and web filtering. It also provides excellent tools for managing screen time, making it ideal for parents who want to enforce healthy device usage habits. MMGuardian helps ensure that your child’s phone is used safely while giving parents the control they need.
Key Features of MMGuardian
- Tracks text messages, including deleted ones
- Block inappropriate apps and websites
- Provides daily reports to parents
- Geofencing alerts for location tracking
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent content filtering options
Detailed activity logs and alerts Easy to set up and use |
Some features require a premium subscription
Not as feature-rich as other apps like FlexiSPY |
Which is the Best App to Track Text Messages for Parental Control?
When it comes to selecting the best app to track text messages for parental control, it ultimately depends on what you’re looking for in terms of features, ease of use, and budget. Here are the key factors to consider when making your decision:
Comprehensive Monitoring
If you’re looking for a powerful app with extensive features, SpyX and Msafely are excellent options. Both apps offer detailed monitoring, including the ability to track text messages, phone calls, social media activity, and even photos or videos on the device. If you want to have full control over your child’s phone activity, these apps are top choices.
Ease of Use
For parents who prefer an easy-to-use interface without complex setup processes, SpyPhone and Mspy stand out. These apps offer a more intuitive user experience, with straightforward features that make monitoring your child’s device simple and effective. If you’re new to parental control apps, these might be a better starting point.
Proactive Alerts and Safety Features
If you want to ensure your child’s safety by receiving immediate notifications about risky behavior (such as cyberbullying or inappropriate content), Bark and SpyX are great options. It scans text messages and social media platforms, sending real-time alerts for any concerning activity.
Affordability
SpyPhone and Qustodio are both affordable, with flexible pricing plans that cater to parents on a budget. These apps provide solid functionality without the hefty price tag that comes with premium apps like FlexiSPY.
Why SpyX Is the Best Choice for Parental Controls
After evaluating all options, SpyX stands out as the best app for parents seeking a balance of powerful features and ease of use. It offers real-time text message tracking, social media monitoring, and even checks deleted messages. Its overall reliability, user-friendly interface, and broad functionality make it an excellent choice for most parents. Go to SpyX.
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced in monitoring, SpyX delivers an intuitive experience without compromising features. For comprehensive, effective, and affordable monitoring, SpyX is the top app for tracking text messages on iPhone.
FAQs
1. How does SpyX work for parental control?
SpyX is a phone monitoring app designed to help parents track their children’s online activities. It works by remotely accessing a child’s device, providing real-time monitoring of text messages, calls, location, and social media activity. This ensures parents can safeguard their kids from potential dangers.
2. Can SpyX monitor social media activity?
Yes, SpyX allows parents to monitor social media platforms, including text messages, images, and interactions on apps like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and more. This provides an added layer of security by allowing parents to stay informed about their child’s online interactions and protect them from harmful content or contacts.
3. Is it legal to monitor my child’s phone?
Yes, it’s legal to monitor your child’s phone if they are underage and you are their legal guardian. However, it’s important to comply with local privacy laws and ensure you’re transparent with your child about the monitoring.
4. Why is parental control important?
Parental control helps protect children from online risks such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators. It also allows parents to manage screen time, promote healthy device usage, and ensure their child’s safety while using smartphones.
5. How do parental control apps protect kids from online predators?
Parental control apps track text messages, social media activity, and online interactions, allowing parents to identify suspicious behavior. They also block harmful websites, provide real-time location tracking, and alert parents about risky interactions, reducing the chance of online predators contacting their child.
