Text messages are the number one form of communication in the world today. No matter who you are or where you’re from, there’s a 99% chance that you communicate using text messages. It’s something that is general to everyone. Even if you don’t have Messenger, WhatsApp, or other similar apps, you’re using the text messaging system provided by your carrier.
However, you’re not on this page to learn about what an SMS is. You’re here to learn how you can divert sms to another number. There are hundreds of reasons why you could be looking to do this. Maybe you have a child who seems to be receiving suspicious messages from a stranger, an employer curious about who your workers are in contact with, or maybe you’re just a spouse that’s worried about who your other half is texting all the time. There are tons of situations that could force your hand and make you ‘spy’ on someone. Here are three ways to redirect someone else’s messages to your device.
Forwarding Texts
All modern smartphones have an option called “Call Forwarding” that allows users to forward their calls to voicemails when they’re not available. The call forwarding option can be similar to forwarding calls from one phone to another. Alternatively, instead of calls, you can also use this feature to forward messages. However, this feature isn’t really discreet. Every message that you get forwarded from the target’s phone will charge the regular cost for sending text messages. If someone keeps an eye on their phone credit, they might be able to notice extra messages being sent. And a few minutes of basic investigation will be all it takes to figure out that messages are being redirected to your phone, and if it’s the phone of someone close to you, you’re going to find yourself in hot waters.
Using Diverting Apps
There are a ton of applications on the App Store and Play Store that support text forwarding. They’re very easy and convenient to use. However, these apps have the same disadvantage as text forwarding. They’re not very discreet. The app will be visible in the app drawer of your target’s phone. If they somehow stumble onto it, they will figure it out that they’re being spied on.
There are some workarounds to ensure that the person doesn’t find your app by accident. Every smartphone has a feature to hide apps. This is usually meant to safeguard the privacy of the person in question. But, it can be used against. However, if the person has a passcode on their phone, there’s no way to hide that application since it requires the passcode used to secure the phone.
Spying Application
By far, the safest and most convenient way to spy on someone would be to use applications meant specifically for this purpose. Modern spying apps are not only powerful, but they’re also extremely discreet as well. This means that the person you’re spying on will have no idea what’s happening. The app hides from the drawer as well as the settings. You’ll be the only person that can view or uninstall the app.
The best part about these apps is that they’re not just limited to text messages. They can monitor calls, social media networks, images, locations, etc. They can even turn on the mic and camera of the target device at will. If there’s anything your target is doing on the phone, you’ll know about it.
Unlike the other options on this list, spying apps are a premium service that will require you to pay a monthly fee. They’re not that expensive, but they still require a few. If you can spare the extra bucks, there’s no better option, really.
Is it Legal to Redirect Someone’s Messages?
Short answer? Yes. Long answer? No. It primarily depends on who you are to the person that’s being spied on. If you’re an employee that is spying on a company-bought phone, that is perfectly alright since you’re safeguarding your company’s assets and spying on a device that belongs to you. If you spy on your child, there’s no legal disadvantage of doing so. However, if you’re keeping an eye on a spouse, a co-worker, an ex, or someone that’s not close to you, you could be sued for spying on them. It is highly illegal to spy on someone without their permission.
Closing Thoughts
While we do not condone the action of spying on someone, there’s no doubt that there are scenarios that make it necessary. So, to sum it up, these are the only three ways for you to divert someone’s text messages to your phone. If you can afford to spend money, go for a spy app. Otherwise, you can work with the first two solutions. There is risk involved definitely but if the danger is worth it, go for it.