Receive Text Messages From Another Phone Number: iPhone & Android Options

If you searched for “receive text messages from another phone number” (or even “hack text messages”), you’re not the only one. People usually look this up for a practical reason: they have a second number, a work line, a child’s phone, or a shared family device—and they want messages to show up somewhere safer and easier to manage.

But there’s an important line to draw early. You can’t legally “pull” someone else’s SMS to your phone without ownership or clear permission. The internet is full of pages promising “read texts without them knowing” or “receive someone else’s messages for free,” and most of those are scams, malware, or advice that can get you into serious trouble.

This guide explains what’s actually possible on iPhone and Android, what’s safe, and what to avoid. If your goal is family safety—like helping a child handle risky messages—there’s also a parent-friendly path that doesn’t involve secret spying.

When is it actually possible to receive texts from another number?

In real life, there are only a few legitimate scenarios where texts sent to another number can appear on your phone:

• You own/control the other number (a second SIM/eSIM, work line, old number you still pay for).
• The other person gives clear consent and helps you set up a lawful syncing method (common for families and shared devices).
• Your carrier supports number sharing or multi-SIM for the same number (availability varies a lot).
• You’re syncing your own messages across your own devices (e.g., iPhone → iPad/Mac, Android → browser/PC via official pairing).
• You use a virtual number you control and start using that number going forward.

If none of those apply, there isn’t a safe “shortcut.” And if a website claims there is, that’s a red flag.

Method 1: Add the other number to your phone (best for a second line)

If your goal is literally “texts to that number should arrive on my phone,” the cleanest solution is to add that number to your device as a second line.

On iPhone (dual SIM / eSIM)

Many iPhones support dual SIM (physical SIM + eSIM or dual eSIM, depending on model/region). If you own the second number, you can add it to your iPhone so messages sent to that number appear normally in Messages.

What you’ll need:

• access to the carrier account for that number
• an eSIM QR code or activation steps from the carrier
• a phone that supports dual SIM/eSIM

This method is simple because it’s not “forwarding” or “sharing.” Your phone is genuinely using that number.

On Android (dual SIM / eSIM)

Many Android phones support dual SIM or eSIM. If you own the other number, add it as a second line and you can receive texts for both numbers in your messaging app.

Why this works well:

• it’s reliable
• it doesn’t rely on third-party tools
• it stays within normal carrier rules

Method 2: Sync messages across devices you own (iPhone and Android)

Sometimes people don’t mean “receive messages for someone else.” They mean: “I want my messages available on another device I use.”

iPhone: use Apple’s built-in messaging features (your own Apple devices)

If you want iPhone messages accessible on an iPad or Mac you own, Apple provides built-in features that can sync iMessage and, depending on your setup, allow SMS texts to appear on other Apple devices.

This is great for:

• checking texts on a family iPad at home
• replying from a Mac while working
• keeping one consistent message history across your devices

Android: use official pairing/sync (often free)

On Android, official tools can let you view and reply to messages from another device after pairing (for example, a browser or a PC). This approach is often free and safe because it requires:

• access to the phone
• a pairing step
• permission from the phone owner

If a site says you can do this without access to the phone or without consent, it’s almost always a scam.

Method 3: Ask your carrier about “number sharing” (varies by country)

Some carriers offer features that let the same phone number be used across multiple devices (often marketed for smartwatches or secondary devices). In some cases, this can help you keep one number active in more than one place.

Important reality: carrier capabilities vary widely.

• Some carriers support shared calls/data but not true SMS sharing.
• Some require specific plans.
• Some limit which devices can share a number.

If your use case is business/family convenience, it’s worth checking with your carrier before trying random apps online.

Method 4: Use a virtual number you control (for future texts)

If what you really want is “a number that sends texts to my phone,” a virtual number can be a legitimate solution—as long as you’re using it for your own accounts and communication.

This is useful when:

• you want a dedicated number for sign-ups
• you want a separate number for work or parenting logistics
• you want a number that stays stable across devices

It won’t magically pull texts from an existing number you don’t own, but it can solve the “I need a second number that lands on my phone” problem going forward.

What to avoid: “read texts without them knowing” and other scam patterns

You’ll see search phrases like:

• “how to get other people’s text messages on iPhone”
• “how to read text messages from another phone without them knowing for free”
• “free app to receive text messages from another phone number”

These are high-risk queries because they attract scams.

Common scam patterns:

• “Enter a phone number to see messages”
• “No password, no verification”
• “Install this APK to access texts”
• “Pay a small fee to unlock the results”

If someone claims they can do hidden access without consent, it’s either illegal advice or a con. The safest move is to close the tab.

Parent note: when the real goal is child safety

A lot of parents land on this topic because they’re worried about bullying, sextortion, strangers texting their teen, or unsafe conversations. That concern is valid—and you don’t need shady tools to respond.

The most effective path is transparent, parent-safe supervision:

• clear household rules (what’s monitored and why)
• healthy boundaries (downtime, screen time, app approvals)
• early intervention for red flags (threats, money requests, secrecy pressure, unknown contacts)

If you’re trying to build safer calls-and-text routines in a way that preserves trust, start here:

Troubleshooting: common questions that match what people search

How to receive text messages from another phone number on iPhone

If you own the other number, add it to your iPhone using dual SIM/eSIM so texts arrive normally. If you mean “see my iPhone texts on another Apple device I own,” use Apple’s built-in syncing features.

How to receive text messages from another phone number on Android (for free)

If you own the number, dual SIM/eSIM is the cleanest solution. For “free” viewing on another device, use official pairing/sync tools that require access and permission. Avoid “free spy apps”—they’re commonly scams.

How to get text messages from another phone sent to mine

If it’s your number, move/add the SIM/eSIM or ask your carrier about number sharing. If it’s not your number, you need consent—there isn’t a safe, legal workaround.

“Scan my SMS” — what should I do if I’m worried about scam texts?

Treat these as red flags: urgent threats, money requests, “verify your account” links, unknown attachments, or requests for one-time codes. Never share verification codes, even if the message claims to be support.

Final takeaway

If you want to receive texts from another phone number, the legitimate options depend on ownership, consent, and official syncing—not hacks. And if your real goal is family safety, you’ll get better long-term results with transparent rules, healthier boundaries, and early support when something feels off.