How To Ethically Read My Husband’s Text Messages Without Touching His Phone

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If you wish to read your husband’s text messages without touching his phone then you need to install a spy app on his Android phone or iPhone. These apps will allow you to remotely see your husband’s text conversations on his device without him knowing. However, to install an app to read your husband’s message you need to have physical access to your husband’s phone for once which is for installing the spyware on it.

After installing the spy app on the target device, you don’t need to touch it again. With the help of these husband’s text monitoring apps, you can spy on your husband’s text messages which include all his SMS as well as chats shared on various social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and much more.

Although most of the spy apps are paid, I have also listed a free app that will let you see who your spouse is texting for free.

Now, let’s see which apps will be best for seeing your husband’s text messages without his phone.

⚖️ Legal & Ethical Notice

Reading someone’s private messages without their knowledge or consent is a serious violation of privacy and may be illegal in many countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most European nations.

Laws such as the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) in the U.S., the Data Protection Act in the U.K., and various GDPR regulations across Europe strictly prohibit unauthorized surveillance of another person’s private communications.

Violations can result in severe consequences, including civil lawsuits, criminal charges, and hefty fines.

➡️ Before using any monitoring software:

  • Consult with a licensed attorney familiar with your local laws to understand what is permitted.
  • Ensure you have explicit consent from the person being monitored whenever legally required.
  • Use monitoring tools only in ethical and lawful contexts, such as protecting minors or managing devices you legally own.

SpyDrill does not condone illegal surveillance activities and encourages readers to prioritize transparency, consent, and respect for privacy at all times.

Table Of Contents

Quick Summary
It is possible to see who your husband is texting and even read their text messages without touching his phone. However, for that, you will need to secretly install a spy app on their device when he’s not around. There are many apps to see messages on the husband’s phone remotely but I would recommend SpyBubble Pro because it can even show you their deleted messages. SpyBubble is not free but you can see your husband’s text messages without his phone for free with the help of iKeyMonitor. However, iKeyMonitor cannot monitor your husband’s social media messages for free, it can only show you their text messages in its free plan.

My Top 3 Picks

NameKey FeaturesRating
SpyBubble Pro - Best App To See Who My Husband Is Texting Without His Phone

  • Read husband deleted messages and call logs

  • Easy to install

  • Track their exact location

9.2/10
mSpy - Spy On Your Husband's Messages And Social Media

  • Monitor your husband's text and call logs

  • See your spouse's social media activities

  • Stay aware of your husband's whereabout with GPS tracking and GEOfencing

8.5/10
iKeyMonitor - See Who Your Spouse Is Texting For Free

  • Read your husband's SMS for free

  • See who your husband is calling

  • Track their location for free

8.8/10

When It’s Legal To Read Husband’s Text Messages?

Most people want to know can I read my husband’s text messages legally? Well here’s the answer:

  • When it’s justified:
    In some relationships, especially during efforts to rebuild trust after infidelity both partners may agree to transparency measures, including allowing each other to monitor phones temporarily.
  • Key condition:
    The person being monitored must explicitly consent to the arrangement. Ideally, this should be a written agreement or clearly communicated between both parties.
  • Warning:
    Even with consent, limits must be respected. Monitoring beyond agreed-upon boundaries without fresh consent can still be illegal.

Can I Ethically Receive Text Messages My Husband Is Sending To Others?

This is a tricky one too. To receive copies of the messages he’s sending, you’d need his permission.

a) If you share a phone plan like Verizon, you might be able to spy on their Verizon text messages.

b) There are apps that some people use to track messages, but using them secretly without his knowledge is a big privacy issue and probably illegal.

If you feel like you need to know what he’s texting, it’s probably better to have an honest conversation with him about your concerns instead of trying to track his messages. However, if your husband has agreed to use the couple accountability apps aka phone monitoring apps then you can use any one of the following apps to receive text messages your husband is sending to others.

How To See Husband’s Text Messages Without His Phone?

To monitor your husband’s texts, most apps, including SpyBubble Pro, require brief physical access to his phone.

⚠️ Important: Monitoring without consent may be illegal as we already discussed. Always ensure you have lawful grounds before installing any software to spy on your husband’s text messages.

If allowed, SpyBubble Pro is a top choice for its fast setup and ability to see your husband’s text messages even the deleted ones.

Here’s a quick guide to installing SpyBubble Pro.

How To Install The App On His Phone?

create spybubble account

  • After creating your account, it will ask you to choose the device you want to spy on i.e. Android or iPhone. Choose the device your husband owns and then make the payment.

purchase the plan

  • Once you have made the payment you will receive the confirmation email on your registered email ID with your SpyBubble Pro account login details.
  • After logging into your account, it will ask you to link a new device. Follow the online instructions and download the app on your husband’s phone.
  • Once the app is downloaded on your husband’s device, launch it and follow the onscreen prompts to install the app successfully. Choose the Automatic Install option for quick installation.

Note: After the app is installed, delete the app file from the download list and clear the browsing history from your husband’s device to remove any signs of surveillance.

Now you can simply log into your SpyBubble Pro account on your device and see your husband’s deleted text messages remotely without touching his phone ever again.

How To Use It?

SpyBubble is the first hidden spy app that will help you get your husband’s deleted text messages sent to your phone. These can be text messages sent over the cellular network or through social media apps like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, or instant messaging apps like WhatsApp. So with SpyBubble on your side, you will always find out who your husband is texting.

The best feature of SpyBubble is that it can even track messages that were deleted after sending or receiving them. So if you are wondering “How can I see my husband’s deleted text messages?” or “How to get my husband’s deleted text messages?” then SpyBubble Pro is the answer to all your questions.

While exploring the app, I came to know it even highlights the deleted messages so you very well know which are those messages that he doesn’t want you to see.

see husband's deleted text messages

But remember that messages will only reflect on your SpyBubble account when your husband’s phone is connected to the internet either through WiFi or mobile data. Once their phone is connected to the internet, you will start getting your husband’s text messages sent to your phone within 5 minutes.

Apart from the conventional text messages, you can even check your husband’s messages that they share with their confederate over the internet.

The SpyBubble app starts capturing screenshots whenever your husband opens a social media app like Facebook or WhatsApp on their phone. With the help of the screenshots, you will be able to see who my husband is texting without his phone.

view husband's WhatsApp messages

To see the screenshots of a specific app you can select it from the left side panel of your SpyBubblePro dashboard.

read my husband's text messages without touching his phone

Apart from the screenshots, you can also check the keystrokes made on specific apps through the keylogger function of SpyBubble. This will show you all the words typed on the social media apps, browsers, and other apps installed on your husband’s device.

get husband's deleted text messages

Besides reading cheating spouse text messages you can even track their location, browsing history, and call logs using this amazing spy app. With all these advanced tracking features, SpyBubble will surely help you catch a cheating spouse, that too remotely. Besides being a spy app for spouses, this app can also be used as a parental control app to monitor and safeguard your kids online.

If you want to test this app yourself then you need to buy one of their plans.

spybubble pricing

You can dive into the details by going through my in-depth review on our YouTube channel.

What Do I Feel: In my personal experience, SpyBubble Pro is the best app to see who your spouse is texting. I like how it can even track deleted text messages and call logs. Also during my usage, I found that it does equally well when it comes to tracking social media activities and chats. So no matter, if your husband is sending the traditional SMS or new age DMs to his secret lover, SpyBubble Pro will help you read them.
What I Loved
  • Easy to use
  • Can track deleted text messages
  • Monitors each keystroke made on all messaging and social media apps
  • Works in a hidden mode so your husband won’t know you are spying on them
What I Didn't Like
  • The app does not have a free trial

Click Here to Try SpyBubble

How To Spy On Husband’s Text Messages For Free

ikeymonitor sms feature

How to see my husband’s text messages without his phone for free? If this is the question you have then I have an answer to it. iKeyMonitor is the app to read your husband’s messages for free. Once installed on the target device the app lets you snoop into your husband’s SMS without his knowledge.

You can see all the people with whom your husband is exchanging SMS on his phone. Select a particular contact to read the entire conversation thread. So that’s how you read husband’s text messages without his phone for free.

Other than reading cheating spouse text messages for free, you can also monitor the calls, GPS location, contacts, calendar, notes, WiFi history, voice memos, set reminders, and geofence with the free plan of iKeyMonitor.

If you choose the paid plan of iKeyMonitor, your monitoring scope increases even more.

With a paid plan, you can monitor social media and instant messaging sites like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Skype.

skpye messages

The paid plan of iKeyMonitor also allows you to listen to call recordings, capture phone screenshots, use the Android keylogger, and many other features that will be enough to satisfy your curiosity.

You can get the advanced features by purchasing the add-ons by paying $9.99 for 3 days or $16.66/ month. This is cheap compared to the rates of other spy apps. You can also read my iKeyMonitor review to learn more about this app.

What Do I Feel: I like iKeyMonitor very much, simply because it allows you to see your husband’s text messages without his phone for free. However, the shortcoming in its free version is that you can only read your husband’s SMS but not his social media chats and DMs. But the good thing is that you can upgrade at a cheap price and spy on your husband’s social media chats with iKeyMonitor.
What I Loved
  • You don’t have to pay for reading your husband’s text messages
  • It can track each keystroke made on the target device
What I Didn't Like
  • It shows messages received by your husband but may not show the text messages sent by them
  • No Snapchat monitoring for non-rooted devices
  • You can listen to your husband’s phone calls only in the paid version

Click Here to Try iKeyMonitor

Alternative Apps That Can Legally Monitor Husband’s Texts

1. KidsGuard Pro

KidsGuard Pro is a parental control app that can also work as a full-fledged spy app that can not only help you spy on your husband’s text messages but also their other phone activities. These activities include call recordings, call logs, text messages, social media chats, and more.

The highlight of KidsGuard Pro is that unlike mSpy it can show you the chats your husband does on Instagram in the vanish mode.

track husbands insta dms

Unlike other spy apps on the list, KidsGuard Pro can record your husband’s call recording as well. This means you can not just read their messages but also listen to the conversation that they share with their illicit partner.

location tracking

Also, there’s a keylogger feature on KidsGuard Pro that will track every word your husband types on their phone.

Moreover, KidsGuard Pro can help you track the exact location of your husband. This means you will know all the places he visits apart from his office in his daily life.

Although KidsGuard Pro isn’t a free app to see who someone is texting, it is still very affordable. When we compare KidsGuard Pro to mSpy or SpyBubble Pro, it is the cheapest spy app on the list. Overall, in my opinion, KidsGuard Pro is one of the best apps to spy on your husband’s text messages and call recordings legally and ethically.

You can go through the live demo and check how KidsGuard Pro performed when I installed and tested it on my device.

What Do I Feel: I like KidsGuard Pro because it offers all the advanced monitoring features at an affordable price. Besides text messages and social media chats, KidsGuard Pro also records phone calls which no other app on the list can do. In my opinion, if you want to read your husband’s text as well as listen to his phone conversation then you can go with this app.
What I Loved
  • Track the text messages very effectively
  • Can record phone calls
  • It also shows messages that are made in vanish or hidden mode
  • You can track the location of your husband without him knowing
What I Didn't Like
  • Messages deleted instantly after receiving or sending them aren’t traceable

Click Here to Try KidsGuard Pro

2. mSpy

mSpy is a versatile and legal spy app, that offers a comprehensive solution for monitoring your spouse’s activities, including call logs, location, and keystrokes. Crucially, it allows you to track your husband’s texts and calls discreetly. Once installed on his phone, mSpy quietly retrieves daily text exchanges, syncing them to your account for remote access.

This enables you to read messages discreetly. The dashboard organizes message threads under the Text Messages section, allowing you to select any thread and read the entire conversation.

mspy message tracking
During my testing, I discovered that similar to SpyBubble Pro, mSpy can see deleted messages even if they were removed shortly after being read. However, you must note that for the message to appear on your account, the target phone needs an internet connection.

Typically, new messages sync within 10 to 15 minutes, although occasional delays may occur. Additionally, mSpy provides screenshots from the target phone, offering insights into social media activities and text recipients. These screenshots are downloadable, serving as tangible proof for your records.

husband's phone captured screenshots

During my testing, I observed that the app primarily displayed screenshots belonging to WhatsApp and did not extend to other social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. However, if your husband’s phone is rooted, mSpy can efficiently record activities across various applications.

The Keylogger feature further enhances monitoring capabilities by capturing typed messages on specific apps like WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram, and others.

see husband's deleted text messages on iPhone and Android

So with mSpy, you get an all-around view of your husband’s texting history which can help you determine whether he is having an affair or not.

If you want to use mSpy, then you need to sign up on their website and create your account. You can learn the step-by-step procedure to create a mSpy account here. Just a quick reminder again, if you want to monitor your husband’s texts legally and ethically, take consent from your husband before installing mSpy or any other such apps on his phone.

You can see the live mSpy walkthrough and its performance in my detailed review video.

What Do I Feel: I like mSpy for the fact that it can not just track every text message of your husband (even the deleted ones) but it can also record every word typed by him on his phone. So apart from reading his text messages, you can also know what else he’s typing on his phone. However, the thing I don’t like about mSpy is that to track all social media sites you need to root your husband’s phone.
What I Loved
  • Can track messages that were deleted
  • Shows all message threads on the target phone
  • Takes screenshots of all messaging and social media apps
  • The keylogger works well
What I Didn't Like
  • Text Message sync time is slow

Click Here to Try mSpy

3. Eyezy

Is there an app to see who your spouse is texting? The answer to this question is yes, Eyezy is a spy app that can help you read your husband’s text messages.

You can spy on your husband’s cell phone without touching it with the help of Eyezy.  It not only tracks their regular SMS but also the messages that they share over various social media and instant messaging apps.

It can help you check your husband’s text messages with screenshots and a keylogger. This means not even a single message of theirs can go unnoticed by you.

screenshots

Although Eyezy does not have a call recording feature like KidsGuard Pro, it does have a call log feature that shows you who your husband is calling with their name, number, and duration of the call.

phone calls

Regarding location tracking and web monitoring, Eyezy is as good as any other app on the list. Overall, in my test, I found that if you want to spy on your husband’s phone without him knowing then Eyezy is a good option for you. You can learn more about Eyezy features here.

What Do I Feel: I think that Eyezy is overall a good app to check your husband’s text messages. It is easy to use and most importantly does its job well.
What I Loved
  • Lets you track your husband’s SMS and chats
  • Track all their social media activities very effectively
  • Tracks location accurately
What I Didn't Like
  • You can’t listen to your husband’s calls

Click Here to Try eyeZy

If you’re worried your spouse may be hiding something, it’s natural to feel anxious, hurt, or even desperate for answers. However, secretly spying on their phone can backfire legally, emotionally, and relationally.
Instead, here are healthier approaches:

1. ️ Open Communication

Initiate an honest conversation.

Share how you’re feeling without immediately accusing.

Use “I” statements (“I feel worried because…”) rather than blame (“You’re hiding something!”).

Good communication can often clear misunderstandings without the need for surveillance.

2. Relationship Counseling or Therapy

Consider individual therapy if you’re overwhelmed.

Couples therapy can provide a neutral space to discuss trust issues with a professional.

A trained therapist can guide conversations that might otherwise escalate into fights or silence.

Sometimes, outside help is the best way to rebuild trust or make tough decisions.

3. Set Digital Boundaries

Agree on open digital habits if rebuilding trust (like voluntarily sharing passwords or device use for a time).

Boundaries should be mutual and consensual, not forced or one-sided.

Remember: boundaries are about respect, not control.

Resources for Support

Therapy platforms like BetterHelp or Talkspace (online counseling options)

Books like “Not ‘Just Friends‘” by Shirley Glass (rebuilding trust after betrayal)

Local relationship counselors or support groups

In short: Healing a relationship is about restoring trust through openness and respect, not secret surveillance.

Final Verdict

While it is technically possible to monitor your spouse’s text messages using spy apps, it’s important to approach the situation with caution and responsibility. Ethical concerns and legal issues can arise if you monitor someone’s device without their consent. Whenever possible, prioritize open and honest communication to address any doubts in your relationship.

If, after careful consideration, you feel it’s necessary to monitor for your emotional well-being or safety, ensure you are acting within the boundaries of local laws. Spy apps like SpyBubble Pro offer a reliable and discreet option for thorough monitoring, while iKeyMonitor provides a basic free alternative though it may not cover all platforms effectively.

Ultimately, trust and transparency are the foundation of any strong relationship. Use technology responsibly and always prioritize resolving concerns through honest conversations whenever possible.

FAQs

Can My Husband or Wife See My Text Messages?

A spouse cannot legally access your text messages without your consent. Even in marriage, privacy laws protect your communications. Unauthorized access can be considered illegal hacking or invasion of privacy, depending on your country's or state's regulations.

Is It Legal to Read a Spouse’s Text Messages to Gather Evidence?

Reading your spouse’s texts without permission may violate privacy laws and can be illegal. Even if used for evidence in divorce or custody cases, unlawfully obtained messages may be inadmissible in court. Always seek legal advice before gathering evidence.

Are Spouse Spy Apps Legal?

Spy apps are legal to buy but not always legal to use. Installing tracking software secretly on a spouse’s phone without their knowledge usually breaks wiretapping, hacking, or surveillance laws. Consent or device ownership is critical for legal usage.

About the Author

Ankit Prasad, an engineer driven by a passion for digital safety, founded SpyDrill to simplify cybersecurity. With a modest approach, Ankit shares insights on parental control and monitoring apps and effective protection measures. His aim is to empower users with practical knowledge, bridging the gap between technology and everyday understanding. An advocate for digital literacy, Ankit's commitment to demystifying cyber threats underscores his dedication to creating a safer online environment for all.

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