5 effective ways to spy on someone’s WhatsApp messages (tested)

The increasing importance of cybersecurity in current times enhances the need to spy on WhatsApp messages for personal device protection and parental monitoring. 

Unauthorized access is not easy on WhatsApp because of its end-to-end encryption system. Tested ethical solutions exist that maintain security while enabling user accountability. 

This article presents five practical monitoring approaches, from device-integrated features to third-party tools that users can employ for responsible WhatsApp oversight.

Why you need a WhatsApp tracker

In today’s interconnected society, spying on WhatsApp messages can be useful and have a positive impact, provided it is done appropriately.

The following are some of the common uses of trackers on WhatsApp.

1. Parenting and child monitoring. The use of WhatsApp trackers is common among parents to keep an eye on their children’s online activities to ensure their children are safe from online dangers, such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, or contact with strangers. WhatsApp, being a popular messaging app among teens, often raises concerns for parents about what their kids are exposed to and who they are communicating with.

2. Business use. Employers might use WhatsApp trackers to monitor the communication behaviors of employees, monitor productivity, and ensure adherence to organizational norms. In some cases, employers can check if someone shares sensitive information via WhatsApp.

3. Catching a cheater in a relationship. A common but sensitive reason people spy on WhatsApp is out of jealousy or suspicion in a relationship. If someone suspects their partner of cheating or being dishonest, they may have to review their messages, looking for signs and evidence of cheating.

How to spy on someone’s WhatsApp messages: 5 free tools

There are several ways in which WhatsApp content can be monitored for legitimate reasons, including parental controls and corporate-owned devices. 

However, it is crucial to note that, in practice, WhatsApp tracking must be done legally and ethically with full disclosure and informed consent from the parties involved.

Here is a comparison table of the 5 ways through which one can easily spy on someone’s WhatsApp messages.

Now, let us explore these effective ways to spy on someone’s WhatsApp messages more profoundly.

1. WhatsApp built-in backup

WhatsApp has a backup system that automatically backs up messages to Google Drive for Android. And iCloud for iPhone can be viewed from another device. 

This method relies on the functionality of the app and is best for tracking your own account or other accounts with the user’s consent.

To set it up:

Check backup settings

• On the target phone, launch the WhatsApp settings icon.
• Look for the option “Chats”  > “Chat Backup.” If backups are enabled and connected to a Google Drive or iCloud account, you can access them.
• Sign into the Google Drive or iCloud account from another device using the same credentials.

Restore to a new device

• Open WhatsApp on another device using the same phone number. 
• When you are asked during setup, select “Restore” to get the backup. This loads the full message history.
• After restoration, chats will be available as they were in the last backup.

With this method, account credentials and access to the phone number are required, which makes it best for personal use or with permission.

2. WhatsApp web

WhatsApp web provides a free and quite easy method to sync phone WhatsApp details on a browser.

It is a convenient way to monitor in real time without the need for additional software. As it is suitable for short-term use or monitoring with the user’s permission.

Below are the detailed procedures for setting it up.

1. Open your computer browser and enter the URL www.web.whatsapp.com. A QR code appears.

2. On the target phone, launch the WhatsApp app and find the menu in the form of three vertical dots.
3. Select “Linked devices,” > “Link A Device.”

4. Use the phone to scan the QR code detected on the computer screen.
5. Once paired, all the chat, media, and call activities are mirrored in the browser in real-time.
6. To prevent detection, go to “Linked Devices” on the phone and click on “Log out from all devices.”

This method, however, will require the use of the same phone number, access to the physical phone for the pairing process, and internet connectivity on both devices.

3. FlashGet Kids parental monitoring app

FlashGet Kids is one of the best and safest parental control apps to monitor WhatsApp legally and ethically for children’s online safety. It is a safe solution that works within the legal framework, which lets parents relax while helping children to become responsible digital citizens.

Here is how it helps.

1. Live monitoring: It enables you to monitor the target’s social media, including WhatsApp chats, calls, and media shared in a conversation, and informs you of any dangerous situations like cyberbullying.

2. App blocker: Parents can even remotely block the use of WhatsApp or any other app during their kids’ study time or sleeping hours.

3. Screen time management: Caps the amount of time a child can spend on WhatsApp in a single day in order to ensure the child has a balanced lifestyle.

4. Usage reports: Provides exhaustive records of WhatsApp usage with time stamps and contact interactions for easier supervision.

To set up FlashGet Kids, you have to install it on both the parent’s and child’s devices, link the accounts, and grant the necessary permission. This reliable app is intended for parents to monitor devices owned by minor children with permission to do so.

4. FlexiSPY

As a premium monitoring tool, FlexiSPY allows you to spy on WhatsApp with advanced capabilities, making it one of the most powerful options. As its numerous features come with serious legal and ethical repercussions. The use of its features remains largely restricted to situations involving specifically consensual agreements.

Some of its features include:

• Social media tracking: It logs all your WhatsApp chats, calls (including VoIP), media, and deleted messages.
• Stealth mode: Runs invisibly on the target device after installation.
• Remote access: See data anywhere through an online dashboard.
• Extras: Also, it records calls, captures keystrokes, and tracks other apps.

Normally, the app needs to be physically installed on the target device, which can take a few minutes. 

It’s best for parental or employer monitoring with consent. Otherwise, any unauthorized use can violate privacy laws.

5. XNSPY

Another high-functionality paid app that can help you spy on WhatsApp with precision and depth is XNSPY. It has an impressive suite of features like FlexiSPY, but people should use it with great care under the legal boundaries for ethical usage.

Irs features include.

• Message monitoring: It tracks all sent/received messages and timestamps, and the contacts.
• Multimedia access: It views photos, videos, and audio files shared on WhatsApp.
• Call logs: It records the call details like duration and participants.
• Deleted data: It syncs before they are deleted and retrieves messages even after deletion.

Installation requires temporary access to the target phone, and use may violate the owner’s privacy or surveillance rights. However, it is most suitable for the purpose of parental control, as long as consent is obtained and documented.

Legal and ethical considerations

The topic of WhatsApp monitoring is surrounded by a highly complex legal background that depends on the jurisdiction.

Monitoring an adult’s communications without the adult’s knowledge is legally prohibited under wiretapping, electronic communication, or computer access laws in most countries.

With kids, generally, parents have the right to monitor their minor children’s communications, but this right diminishes as children get older.

Businesses typically have to give clear notice that company devices are subject to surveillance. And they have legitimate business reasons to surveil.

However, most monitoring methods violate WhatsApp’s Terms of Service. This explicitly states that you cannot access the service in any other way than what the service allows.

In addition, several ethical considerations should be taken into account when deciding to monitor WhatsApp.

1. Respect for privacy. Privacy is a well-recognized human right. This right is necessarily compromised by surveillance and can only be justified by compelling reasons.

2. Trust implications. Often, the discovery of unauthorized surveillance causes more harm than the behavior being monitored. It becomes especially problematic in personal relationships.

3. Proportionality. The extent and method of monitoring should be proportional to the legitimate concern. Total surveillance is rarely justified.

4. Data security. Monitoring information alone generates additional privacy risks if it is not securely managed.

If these factors are ignored, you run the risk of attracting lawsuits, fines, and broken relationships. While a careful use of the tools makes them tools of defense, not intrusions. 

Pro tips on educating kids for digital privacy and safety

Beyond parental monitoring, it is crucial to teach children about digital privacy and security in the present-day world, where technology is widely used. Here are some useful tips that will assist in the promotion of responsible online conduct, highlighting effective communication.

1. Emphasize personal information. Explain to children what personal information is and why one should not share such information with others.

2. Promote critical thinking. Teach children to challenge the content they come across on the internet. Let them learn how to distinguish between an actual news article and fake news, scams and phishing attempts.

3. Set clear boundaries. Set guidelines for acceptable behavior while using the internet. Parents should use control tools to supervise and restrict the child’s use of the internet where necessary.

Discussing parenting concerns with children:

1. Foster transparency. Explain to them why you are monitoring their activities online, and be as truthful as possible. Further explain that your intention is not to spy on them but to keep them safe.

2. Build trust. Encourage children to open up and share their experiences that they have had online. Take time to listen to whatever they have to say and ensure that you respond kindly to them.

3. Promote healthy communication. Promote discussions on the use of the internet and the right way we should interact on it. Do not use monitoring as a form of punishment.

With the help of proper communication, transparency and education, parents can ensure that their children can use the internet safely.

Takeaways

Despite the fact that there exist a number of ways to spy on WhatsApp, it is crucial to do so responsibly and legally. Whether one decides to use the integrated features, such as WhatsApp Web, or third-party apps like FlashGet Kids, the priority should be placed on transparency and informed consent. 

If you really want to spy on someone’s WhatsApp, then make sure that you have all the necessary permissions and use these apps for the right reasons.

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