How do I see off-device my child's text messages to non-Apple users?

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Level 1

35 points

How do I see off-device my child's text messages to non-Apple users?

I have a question regarding the ability to read my child’s (they/them) text messages on their iPhone (my child is over age 13 and under age 18). A cursory scan of the support community shows that I am not alone in this quest.

I am moderately proficient with the Apple ecosystem. I already know how to set up our iPhones, Mac mini, and iPad so that my spouse and I can see the Apple Messages between different phone numbers. Based on my experience with the Apple ecosystem and the feedback of other users here, I don’t see any way to view our child’s text messages to users who are off of the Apple ecosystem (e.g., Android device users, etc.).

My spouse and I already implement a plan to review our child’s iPhone physically. We just would like to see all of our child’s messages electronically (not just limited to Apple messages) in order to review messages before our child has the opportunity to delete them.

Our iPhones and iPad are on iOs 16.3. Our 2018 Mac mini is on macOS Ventura 13.2.

I will appreciate feedback from an Apple support employee. So far, the only answer I see in the support community is that my spouse and I need to physically see our child’s iPhone in order to see those text messages to users who are outside of the Apple ecosystem.

Some sites I have already reviewed include:

Add or remove your phone number in Messages or FaceTime - Apple Support

Create an Apple ID for your child - Apple Support.

Use parental controls on your child's iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/254072468?&previousThread=253864978021

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253693687?&followedChain=true&previousThread=254072468021#

Thank you in advance for your assistance!

iPhone 12 Pro Max, iOS 16

Posted on Feb 12, 2023 06:20 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Rob_H1

Community Specialist

Feb 13, 2023 06:57 PM in response to CTSeaDragon

Hey there CTSeaDragon,

Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities. We're happy to provide some assistance.

Since there is not a feature for this, you can submit feedback for future updates here:

Product Feedback - Apple

Have a great day!

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Answer 2

CTSeaDragon Author

Level 1

35 points

Feb 14, 2023 06:08 AM in response to muguy

muguy,

Yes, I can see the Apple Messages just fine since our child is using the common Apple account (Add or remove your phone number in Messages or FaceTime - Apple Support). The issue is that Apple has no way for us to see in real-time non-Apple based text messages (i.e., those texts that are not Apple Messages). Apparently, it's a feature, not a bug! ;-P

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Answer 3

CTSeaDragon Author

Level 1

35 points

Feb 14, 2023 03:47 AM in response to Rob_H1

Rob,

OK, thanks for the prompt response. You confirmed my initial assessment that there is no way to see non-Apple based text messages in real time. I can install applications such as iMazing to see texts saved to the backup file, which still falls short of scratching the itch of seeing the texts in real time from another device on the account.

Thank you for the feedback link. I submitted my feedback to Apple. Feel free to reach out directly to me for any questions or concerns.

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Answer 4

CTSeaDragon Author

Level 1

35 points

Feb 14, 2023 09:54 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

Thanks, Idris! Since we also have Verizon, Message+ may be the answer. Are you able to see all the messages for all phones as long as they have the Message+ app and are registered on the Verizon account? We want to be able to see the texts on-the-go without having to be tied to the desktop client. I just started poking around with Message+.

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Answer 5

Feb 14, 2023 10:05 AM in response to CTSeaDragon

Honestly, it has been so long since I've had cause to use the service that I can't recall. I know that you can log into the messages of a mobile number on a computer if you have access to the phone to do the setup, so, it could be any phone. But I'm not sure I ever used the app.

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Answer 6

CTSeaDragon Author

Level 1

35 points

Feb 14, 2023 10:13 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

OK, thanks! I'm still fumbling with the Message+ app. If I can't figure out the solution, then I may just have to bite the bullet and have a local Verizon store help me out. I was hoping that Apple would have an "easy button" for this dilemma - ha!

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Answer 7

Feb 14, 2023 10:19 AM in response to CTSeaDragon

Well, unless things have changed in the last six years, they probably won't be able to help you. And I say that because, until six years ago, I worked in Verizon (corporate-owned) retail stores. Barely anyone even knew that service/app existed. It mostly doesn't help the salespeople sell more so they don't pay any attention to it.

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Answer 8

muguy

Level 10

90,026 points

Feb 14, 2023 03:58 AM in response to CTSeaDragon

How are you seeing iMessages in real time? Unless you're logged into their account, that's not possible.

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Answer 9

Feb 14, 2023 06:28 AM in response to CTSeaDragon

Depending on who your carrier is, they may have a way of doing that. Verizon has a service that allowed you to access your SMS messages from a computer. It's called Message+.

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How do I see off-device my child's text messages to non-Apple users?

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