How to Stop Someone from Reading My Text Messages from Another Phone (2024)

Can someone view your text messages from another phone?

Yes, people are able to read your text messages from another phone. However, they need to get access to your device or accounts to do so.

There are four main ways that someone can spy on your messages from another phone:

• They can log in to your iCloud or other cloud backup accounts. If you back up your messages to iCloud or another provider, anyone who can sign into that account will be able to see your messages. The same goes if someone else is connected to the same account, like a family member or spouse.
• They’ve installed spyware or monitoring apps on your smartphone. Spyware collects and monitors all of the activities that take place on your phone, including your SMS messages, messaging apps, and call logs. If someone covertly installs spyware onto your mobile device, they may be able to see your messages.
• They have access to your messaging apps: If a stalker can log in to your messaging apps, like WhatsApp, they’ll be able to see your messages. Here’s how to stop someone from accessing my WhatsApp.
• They’ve cloned your SIM card: Technically advanced stalkers might try to clone your SIM card. Once cloned, they’ll be able to intercept any text messages or phone calls that you receive. However, this is pretty rare, and only sophisticated hackers will try this method.

Unfortunately, the answer to the question, “Can someone access your phone remotely?” is yes. This is why securing your device as much as possible is important and preventing untrustworthy people from gaining access to it. Without access to your device or iCloud account, a hacker will find it difficult to access your messages.

How to stop someone from seeing your text messages on your iPhone from another phone

You need to secure your device and your online accounts to stop someone from reading your text messages without your permission. The only way to stay safe is by ensuring that you are the only person who knows your device PIN and account credentials. Here’s what to do to block someone from seeing your text messages on your iPhone:

1. Enable two-factor authentication for your iCloud account
2. Manage paired Bluetooth devices on your iPhone
3. Install an anti-spyware app on your iPhone
4. Turn off lock screen message previews
5. Disable text message forwarding

1. Enable two-factor authentication for your iCloud account

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second layer of security to your accounts. When you try to sign in, you’ll be asked to confirm your identity through a one-time code that’s sent to your device or email address. Without this code, any would-be hacker or spy won’t be able to sign into your iCloud account—even if they know your password.

To turn on two-factor authentication for your iCloud account:

1. On your iPhone, press Settings and select your name.
2. Choose Sign-In & Security.
3. Tap Turn on Two-Factor Authentication and choose your Security key. Designate a phone number where you’ll receive the codes, then enter the first verification code.

2. Manage paired Bluetooth devices on your iPhone

Managing paired Bluetooth devices is important, as unauthorized devices can pair with your phone without your knowledge or permission. These devices may be able to access some functions of your phone and, in some cases, can even read your messages.

To prevent unauthorized Bluetooth pairing and stop someone from seeing your text messages on iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
2. Select Bluetooth, then press the information icon and select Forget This Device.

3. Install an anti-spyware app on your iPhone

Anti-spyware apps are designed to periodically scan your device and keep malicious software (like spyware, adware, and other forms of malware) at bay. Clario AntiSpy can detect and remove all spyware. It also monitors the Dark Web for your passwords, scans your device for security weaknesses, and provides tips to boost your privacy.

Here’s how to use Clario AntiSpy’s Spyware scan to keep threats at bay:

1. Download Clario AntiSpy and create an account.
2. Tap Spyware scan > Run deep scan to unearth hidden spyware on your phone.
3. Follow the prompts.

4. Turn off lock screen message previews

By turning off lock screen message previews, you prevent people from being able to read your text messages without unlocking your iPhone. This is an easy way to boost your privacy and ensure that only you are reading your text messages.

To turn off lock screen message previews on an iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app and choose Notifications > Show Previews.
2. Choose Never or When Unlocked to disable these previews.

5. Disable text message forwarding

You can configure your iPhone to forward SMS messages you receive to other devices. If someone has set this up on your device without your knowledge, it might explain how they’re reading your text messages.

To turn off text message forwarding on your iPhone:

1. Open Settings > Messages.
2. Tap Text Message Forwarding, then toggle off any device you don’t recognize.

How to stop someone from reading your text messages on your Android from another phone

Unfortunately, it’s also possible for Android users to fall victim to someone spying on their messages. To protect yourself, you need to update your text message privacy settings so that you’re the only one with access.

Here are four ways to stop someone from reading your text messages on Android:

1. Check access permissions in settings
2. Lock your messages
3. Disable lock screen preview
4. Install an anti-spyware app on your Android phone

1. Check access permissions in settings

Spyware and monitoring apps need elevated permissions to access your SMS messages. You can check whether any apps have permission to see your SMS messages by going to the Permission manager in your Android settings.

To check and disable SMS permissions on an Android device:

1. Open Settings > Privacy > Permission manager.
2. Scroll down and tap SMS, then deny access to any suspicious apps that have permission to access your SMS messages.

2. Lock your messages

Message-locking apps hide your text messages behind additional layers of security. To access your messages, you’ll need to unlock your phone and then put an additional PIN code or password in to open the Messages app. This helps prevent other people from accessing your messages without your permission.

Unfortunately, this feature isn’t built into the Android operating system, so you’ll have to use a third-party app. The good news is that there are plenty of apps to choose from on the Google Play Store. Simply search for “SMS locker” and download an app that is well-reviewed.

3. Disable lock screen preview

By default, Android will display messages you receive on the lock screen. By tapping the notification, you’ll be able to see the content of the message—even if you don’t know the password for the device.

To disable the lock screen messages preview on Android:

1. Open Settings > Notifications, then scroll down and tap More under “Recently sent.”
2. Find and tap the Messages app, then toggle off Show notifications.

4. Install an anti-spyware app on your Android phone

Clario AntiSpy is an all-in-one anti-spyware app for Android that can detect and remove cyber threats, protecting your privacy with the click of a button.

To find and remove hidden spyware that may be forwarding your text messages to another phone:

1. Download Clario Anti Spy for Android.
2. Under Spyware scan, select Run a deep scan.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to see if Clario Anti Spy can detect hidden spy apps.
4. If it finds any, Clario Anti Spy will help you remove the threat and restore your privacy.

How to secure your text messages

Malicious actors exploit vulnerabilities in your device or unsafe online habits to install spyware and gain access to your text messages. To secure your text messages, you need to be proactive and follow certain safety rules. Here’s what to do:

1. Don’t give your phone to strangers
2. Don’t use public Wi-Fi
3. Only download files from safe websites
4. Use a strong passcode for your phone

1. Don't give your phone to strangers

It isn’t advisable to give your phone to strangers since this opens you up to several privacy and security concerns. Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t share your phone with people you don’t know:

• Privacy risks: Your phone contains a significant amount of personal and sensitive information, including contacts, messages, photos, emails, social media accounts, banking apps, and more. Giving your phone to a stranger could expose this private information and put your privacy at risk.
• Identity theft: Strangers could potentially steal sensitive data that could be used for identity theft purposes. For example, they might find your personal information, login credentials, or financial details, then use these to access your accounts and steal your identity.
• Security threats: Letting strangers use your phone opens up the possibility of security threats like malware installation, data theft, and unauthorized access to accounts. For instance, they might install a monitoring app that forwards all of your text messages to a dashboard they can access.

2. Don't use public Wi-Fi

Using public Wi-Fi exposes you to potential threats and can result in malware being installed on your smartphone. Some threats include man-in-the-middle attacks, Wi-Fi sniffing, and unencrypted connections that let malicious actors steal your data or deploy spyware on your device.

To protect yourself, you should avoid using public Wi-Fi. If you need to access a public Wi-Fi hotspot, here are a few security tips you can use to protect your device:

• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN encrypts your network traffic so that snoopers will be unable to intercept your traffic, protecting you from eavesdropping.
• Don’t access sensitive information: While connected to an unsecured Wi-Fi network, try not to access sensitive information like banking or shopping websites, and don't enter passwords.
• Keep your software updated: Android and iOS software updates usually include security patches that protect your device from the latest threats. Make sure your phone is up-to-date before accessing a public Wi-Fi network.

3. Only download files from safe websites

Files on unsafe websites are often infected with malware. To protect yourself from the risks of downloading files from untrustworthy websites, follow these best practices:

• Verify the website: Before downloading any files, make sure the website is trustworthy. Look for HTTPS encryption, user reviews, and security seals to keep your system protected. Likewise, make sure you’re on the official website, not a fake website designed to look like the real thing.
• Use antivirus software: When downloading files, you should always scan them with a powerful antivirus before opening them. If you’ve already fallen victim to a virus (like an SMS trojan), the antivirus software should remove the malicious files and help show you how to unhack your phone.
• Enable download protection: Your browser may offer a feature called download protection, which can warn you about potentially hazardous files and block them from being downloaded. Enable this option if it’s available to protect your device from unsafe downloads.

Note: Never click a link or download any attachments from suspicious emails and texts, as they could contain malware. This is known as phishing, or in the case of texts, it’s known as “smishing.” What is smishing?

4. Use a strong passcode for your phone

Using a strong passcode is critical if you want to protect your device from prying eyes. Without a good passcode, anyone will be able to access your phone, see your personal information, and forward your SMS messages to your device.

You should avoid easily guessable passwords like “1234” or your birthday and instead use phrases that other people will be unable to guess. Likewise, consider using biometric authentication methods like fingerprint or facial recognition for added security.

By setting a strong PIN code, you can safeguard your device and protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.

Conclusion

It’s a scary reality that a stalker might be reading your text messages from another device. But, as with all things in cybersecurity, you need to be proactive to protect your privacy.

If you use the tips we’ve laid out in this article, you should be able to secure your messages and keep your personal information safe. And don’t forget that Clario Anti Spy can detect and remove spyware from your device with the click of a button.