What App Lets You Read Your Child’s Text Messages?

Texting can expose kids to several risks, including explicit images, cyberbullying, and online predators. Using a text monitoring app for parents helps you ensure your child’s digital interactions are safe while respecting their growing independence. But what app lets you read your child’s text messages? Here are a few popular options.

Best parent apps to monitor text messages

Here are the best text monitoring apps for parents, ranked by effectiveness, ease of use, and Apple compatibility. We’re taking iOS into consideration because a majority of teens use Apple devices — so, if you’re an Apple family, you want a parental monitoring app that works well on iOS.

BrightCanary: The best app for monitoring texts on Apple devices

In the world of apps that let you read your child’s text messages, BrightCanary stands out as the most effective and user-friendly option for iPhone and iPad users. 

• Uses AI-powered text analysis to summarize text conversations for skimmable insights.
• Monitors texts, Google searches, YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat (beta).
• Alerts parents to concerning content like cyberbullying, explicit content, and self-harm.
• View full text conversations, including deleted texts.
• Installed on the parent’s device, so kids can’t delete or bypass it.

Download BrightCanary on the App Store and get started for free today. 

Qustodio

Qustodio has a robust set of parental controls and an easy-to-use interface. However, its features are limited on Apple devices.

• Works well for monitoring texts on Android, but has limited Apple support.
• Requires an additional Mac app for iOS monitoring.
• Can be bypassed using a VPN.
• Users report it misses some messages.

Bark

Bark uses machine learning to adapt to the latest slang as it scans your child’s device. It’s optimized for text monitoring on Androids, but falls short when it comes to Apple devices. 

• Uses machine learning to scan messages for concerning content.
• Works well on Android, but has limited capabilities on iPhones.
• Must be installed on your child’s device, but doesn’t include uninstall protection or VPN lock on iOS.
• Requires desktop app to monitor iPhone messages.

Pinwheel

Pinwheel is a smartphone with built-in parental controls and its own operating system. It requires purchasing a Pinwheel phone (an Android device loaded with the Pinwheel operating system). This means Apple products aren’t an option, and iOS-specific apps aren’t compatible, although parents can run the caregiver app from their own iPhone. 

• Parental control smartphone with a custom OS.
• Requires purchasing a Pinwheel phone.
• No social media or internet access, making it ideal for younger kids.
• Not compatible with all major carriers, so you may need to switch phone plans.

mSpy

As the name would imply, mSpy is built around the concept of spying on kids. This intrusive approach is aimed at “catching” kids in the wrong, rather than a more effective and supportive approach built on teamwork and mutual respect. 

• Offers remote monitoring with keyword alerts.
• Lacks contextual analysis, making it easy to miss cyberbullying and predator-related messages.
• No category-based filtering, limiting effectiveness.
• Features keylogging and remote access, making it more invasive than collaborative.

The final word: What’s the best app to read your child’s text messages?

Monitoring your child’s text messages keeps you informed of any concerns so you can help them stay safe from dangers like cyberbullying, online predators, and adult content. 

While many apps allow you some access to your child’s texts, BrightCanary offers the most robust, accurate, and user-friendly monitoring and stands out for its stellar compatibility with Apple products. 

Finally, staying involved helps you ensure their peer relationships are healthy and that they’re not getting into trouble. Your monitoring efforts should adjust over time as your child matures, so it’s important to use a child safety app that lets you stay involved while respecting their growing independence.