How to Track Calls and Texts from Another Phone — A Complete Guide

Whether you’re trying to monitor your child’s phone for safety, check your own messages from a second device, or manage a shared family account — tracking calls and texts from another phone is possible, and often free.

But before diving in, it’s important to note: unauthorized tracking without consent is a violation of privacy laws. The methods below are intended for legal and ethical use only, such as parental control, shared device management, or monitoring with permission.

Option 1: Use Call & SMS Tracker Apps

Third-party apps offer powerful tools to monitor calls and messages remotely. Here are two reliable options we’ve tested:

1. MyParental Parental Control

Designed for parents, this app allows you to monitor your child’s phone activity discreetly. It syncs notifications, tracks incoming calls and texts, and even lets you view the target phone’s screen in real time.

How to use it:

1. Download MyParental Parental Control on your device or access the web dashboard.
2. Follow the setup wizard to link your child’s phone.
3. Tap Notifications to view incoming calls and messages.

Pros:

• Works in stealth mode.
• Easy to use for parents.

Cons:

• Doesn’t show call duration or outgoing messages.
• Limited functionality on iOS devices.

2. Message and Call Tracker

Available on Android, this app tracks call logs and WhatsApp messages. It’s ideal for monitoring basic activity from a distance.

How to use it:

1. Install Message and Call Tracker on the target Android phone.
2. Create an account and log in.
3. Access the web dashboard from your own device.
4. View call and message details under the respective tabs.

Pros:

• Simple setup.
• Tracks WhatsApp messages and calls.

Cons:

• Doesn’t support SMS tracking.
• Ads can be intrusive.
• May log failed calls inaccurately.

Option 2: Use Built-In Services

You don’t always need a third-party app. Both Android and iOS offer built-in tools that let you view call and message history across devices.

1. Google or iCloud Sync

If multiple devices share the same Google or Apple account, you can access synced data like call logs and messages.

How to use it:

1. On the target phone, enable Google Backup or iCloud Backup for Messages and Phone.
2. Log into the same account on your own device.
3. Open the Phone or Messages app to view synced activity.

Pros:

• Safe and secure.
• Ideal for family sharing.

Cons:

• Requires shared account access.
• Limited to backup frequency.

2. Microsoft Phone Link (Windows PC)

Phone Link connects your Android or iPhone to your Windows PC, allowing you to view calls, texts, and notifications in real time.

How to use it:

1. Open Phone Link on your PC.
2. Install Link to Windows on the target phone.
3. Scan the QR code to pair the devices.
4. View messages and calls directly from your computer.

Pros:

• Great for multitasking at work.
• No need to pick up your phone constantly.

Cons:

• Requires Bluetooth connection.
• Doesn’t work if the phone is offline.

3. Cellular Carrier Services

Many mobile carriers offer family plans that allow account holders to view call and text logs for all lines under the plan.

How to use it:

• Log into your carrier’s website or app.
• Choose a plan that includes call/text monitoring.
• View logs for each line on the account.

Pros:

• Reliable and legal.
• No app installation required.

Cons:

• Doesn’t show message content.
• May require a paid plan.

Tips to Protect Your Own Phone from Being Tracked

If you’re concerned someone might be monitoring your calls or texts, here’s how to check and protect your privacy:

Signs Your Phone Might Be Tracked:

• Unknown apps accessing your microphone.
• Suspicious apps installed without your knowledge.
• Unfamiliar devices signed into your Google or Apple account.
• Dial *#21# to check for call forwarding.
• Delays or unusual behavior in message delivery.

How to Stop Tracking:

• Dial ##002# to cancel all call forwarding.
• Remove unfamiliar apps.
• Unlink unknown devices from your account.
• Disable app permissions (microphone, location, etc.).
• Enable two-factor authentication.
• Keep your phone’s software updated.
• Only download apps from trusted sources.

Final Thoughts

Tracking calls and texts from another phone is possible — and often free — but it must be done responsibly.

For parents, apps like MyParental Parental Control offer peace of mind. For personal use, tools like Google/iCloud Sync or Phone Link make it easy to stay connected across devices.