Apple Family Access
Apple offers a Family Access feature that allows parents to control which apps and services their child uses. While you can’t read SMS directly, you can restrict content, track location, and manage App Store purchases.
How to set it up:
- Open Settings → Apple ID → Family Access.
- Add a child and customize the restrictions.
iMessage on Mac (for shared Apple ID)
If you and your child share the same Apple ID, you can set up iMessage so that all messages appear on the Mac.
How to set it up:
Open Settings on iPhone → Messages → Messaging.
Select the devices to which SMS and iMessage will be duplicated.
Important: This method only works with a shared Apple ID, which is not always convenient to use.
Parental monitoring apps
Some services allow you to legally monitor your child’s online activity, including SMS and messengers.
mSpy
- Message monitoring (with user permission).
- Call tracking and GPS location tracking.
- Monitoring of social networks (WhatsApp, Instagram).
Requires installation on iPhone.
Qustodio
- Suitable for parental control.
- Content filtering and time limits.
- Online activity tracking.
Bark
- Analyzes messages for dangerous content (bullying, threats).
- Works with e-mail, social networks and SMS.
- Suitable for children and teenagers.
Conclusion
If you need to control a child, it’s better to use official methods – Family Access and parental apps. For employees, use MDM solutions (e.g. Jamf) to control work devices.
