“Call & SMS monitoring” on Android can mean very different things depending on the phone model, Android version, and whether the device uses classic SMS or RCS/Chat features. The best apps don’t just promise “everything” — they stay reliable (syncing, timestamps, contact names) and don’t break after the next Android update.
For parents, call + text monitoring is usually about safety signals: unknown numbers, repeated contact attempts, late-night activity patterns, or conversations that suggest grooming/bullying. If you treat it as a safety tool (not secret surveillance), it can be genuinely useful.
This guide lists the Android call/SMS tracker apps that make sense, what they do well, and where the real limitations are.
Short on time? Quick verdict
- Best overall (most parents): mSpy Calls Monitoring + mSpy SMS & Messages
- Best for a simple dashboard: Eyezy SMS Tracker
- Best Android-first alternative: uMobix Call Monitoring
- Best “family-style” option (texts focus): Bark – Monitor Text Messages
Quick jump: Verdict · Comparison table · What really matters · Best for your situation · Setup tips · Reviews · Legal notes · FAQ
Helpful internal reads: The Best Parental Control & Phone Monitoring Apps · Comparison table · Best Android apps without root · How to use mSpy for calls & texts
60-second decision checklist
- Permission: Are you monitoring a device you own/manage (e.g., your child’s phone) or do you have explicit consent?
- SMS vs RCS: Are “texts” actually classic SMS, or does the phone mostly use RCS/Chat features? (RCS can behave differently.)
- Your goal: Call log visibility, SMS visibility, or both? (Pick an app that covers your priority well.)
- Reliability: Can you access the phone once to set permissions and battery settings properly?
- Best default: Most parents should start with mSpy Calls + mSpy SMS.
- Want simplest dashboard? Start with Eyezy.
Verdict: which call & SMS tracker app should you pick for Android?
Pick mSpy if you want the most reliable “parent default”
If your goal is day-to-day family safety monitoring, mSpy Calls Monitoring paired with mSpy SMS & Messages is the most practical choice. It’s built for a parent workflow and tends to be the most future-proof if your needs expand beyond calls/texts.
Check mSpy Calls Check mSpy SMS
Pick Eyezy if you want a simpler “check-in” dashboard
Eyezy SMS Tracker is a strong pick if you want straightforward visibility without turning setup and troubleshooting into a hobby.
Pick uMobix if you want a solid Android-first alternative
uMobix Call Monitoring is a practical alternative if calls are your main priority and you’re comfortable doing the basic Android setup correctly (permissions + battery rules).
Pick Bark if you want a family-style approach (texts focus)
Bark – Monitor Text Messages is best when your goal is a more “parenting-first” setup (especially around texting signals), not a feature-maximized monitoring dashboard.
If you’re comparing broader tools beyond calls/texts, use: full comparison table and safest parental control apps for younger kids.
Comparison table: best call & SMS tracker apps for Android
This table focuses on real-life parent needs: stable logs, understandable dashboards, and fewer “why did it stop syncing?” moments.
| App | Best for | Calls | SMS | Setup friction | Notes | CTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mSpy | Best overall parent default | Strong call log visibility | Strong for classic SMS | Medium | Best if you want calls + texts + broader monitoring | Calls / SMS |
| Eyezy | Simpler dashboard | Good call visibility (routine use) | Good for classic SMS | Easy–Medium | Best for parents who want less tweaking | Check Eyezy |
| uMobix | Android-first alternative | Good call monitoring focus | Good for classic SMS | Easy–Medium | Best when you prioritize call activity patterns | Check uMobix |
| Parentaler | Balanced basics | Good for call logs | Good for classic SMS | Medium | Straightforward for core needs | Check Parentaler |
| Bark | Parenting-first (texts signals) | Not the primary focus | Strong focus on texting signals | Easy | Best if your goal is family safety, not monitoring | Check Bark |
What really matters for call & SMS monitoring on Android
1) Call logs are usually easier than texts
Most Android phones allow stable call log visibility (numbers, timestamps, durations). If your main goal is identifying suspicious contacts or repeated calls, call monitoring is often the most consistent feature.
2) “SMS monitoring” depends on what your child actually uses
Classic SMS is trackable in many parental monitoring setups. But if the phone primarily uses RCS/Chat features or messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger), “SMS monitoring” alone won’t cover that. In that case, you’ll want broader app monitoring choices from: the best parental control & phone monitoring apps.
3) Reliability is mostly permissions + battery settings
The biggest cause of “it stopped updating” is Android’s battery optimization and background restrictions. You get the best results when you set the app as “not optimized,” allow background activity, and avoid aggressive task killers.
4) Recording calls is a separate (and restricted) topic
Some tools offer call recording features, but Android restrictions vary by version and manufacturer, and local laws can be strict. For most parents, call logs + context are more reliable and less legally risky than recording audio.
Best for your situation
If you want the most “complete parent” solution for calls + texts
Start with mSpy Calls Monitoring and add mSpy SMS & Messages. It’s the most future-proof if you later need more than call/SMS.
If you want the simplest dashboard with fewer headaches
Choose Eyezy SMS Tracker if you want a clean routine: check-ins, patterns, and less troubleshooting.
If calls are your main priority and you want an Android-first alternative
Choose uMobix Call Monitoring for a call-focused approach that works well when setup is done properly.
If you want a balanced, straightforward core option
Choose Parentaler for solid call/text basics without overcomplicating it.
If your goal is “family safety signals” around texting
Choose Bark, especially if you want a more parenting-first approach. For privacy-minded strategies, also read: how to monitor kids without invading privacy.
Setup tips + common issues (Android)
Make monitoring reliable (most important steps)
- Disable battery optimization for the monitoring app (Android often kills background services otherwise).
- Allow background activity and prevent the app from being put to sleep.
- Grant permissions during setup (contacts/call logs/SMS, as applicable).
- Re-check after Android updates (updates can reset permissions and background rules).
Common “why isn’t SMS showing?” reasons
- The phone mainly uses RCS/Chat or messaging apps instead of classic SMS.
- Permissions were denied or partially granted.
- Battery/background limits are blocking syncing.
If you want a broader setup walkthrough, use: Android installation guide (safe setup basics) and best no-root Android apps.
Reviews
mSpy – Calls Monitoring (plus SMS & Messages)
Description
mSpy is the best overall choice for parents who want reliable call monitoring and a practical way to monitor SMS activity as part of a bigger safety picture. It’s designed for routine monitoring (patterns, unknown numbers, timestamps) rather than one-off “monitoring missions.”
Product highlights
- Call monitoring focus with a parent-friendly workflow
- Pairs well with SMS visibility for classic text usage
- More future-proof if you later need broader monitoring
What’s to like
- Best “set up once, use consistently” option for families
- Great for spotting risky contact patterns
- Works well when you treat it as safety signals, not perfect real-time monitoring
What’s not to like
- Text visibility depends on whether the phone uses classic SMS vs RCS/messaging apps
- Reliability depends on correct battery/background setup (normal Android reality)
PROS
- Best overall pick for calls + texts monitoring
- Future-proof family monitoring approach
CONS
- Not a magic solution for every messaging type
Try mSpy Calls Monitoring Add mSpy SMS Monitoring
Eyezy – SMS Tracker
Description
Eyezy is best for parents who want a simpler dashboard and an easy routine for checking SMS-style activity and communication patterns. It’s a strong option when you value clarity over endless configuration.
Product highlights
- Simple parent dashboard
- Good for routine check-ins and patterns
- Lower “setup stress” for non-tech parents
What’s to like
- Easy to keep consistent
- Great for parents who don’t want to troubleshoot constantly
What’s not to like
- If the phone uses RCS/messaging apps instead of SMS, you may need broader monitoring
- Background/battery settings still matter for reliability
PROS
- Best for simplicity
- Good routine-based option
CONS
- Not designed for power-user expectations
uMobix – Call Monitoring
Description
uMobix is a practical Android-first alternative when calls are your main priority. It fits parents who want call activity patterns and are willing to do the basic setup correctly to keep syncing stable.
Product highlights
- Call-focused monitoring approach
- Good for spotting patterns (unknown numbers, repeated contact attempts)
- Works best with correct permissions and battery settings
What’s to like
- Strong fit for call monitoring goals
- Good alternative if you don’t want the “default” brand choice
What’s not to like
- Like most Android tools, reliability depends on background/battery configuration
- Text monitoring depends on whether the device uses SMS vs other messaging methods
PROS
- Good Android-first alternative
- Strong call activity focus
CONS
- Needs proper setup to stay consistent
Parentaler – Call (plus Text Messages)
Description
Parentaler is a balanced, straightforward option for call logs and basic text monitoring. It’s best if you want the core features without trying to build a complex monitoring “system.”
Product highlights
- Call monitoring for parent check-ins
- Pairs well with text message visibility where SMS is used
- Good “keep it simple” setup
What’s to like
- Solid for core call/text needs
- Good for routine use without overcomplication
What’s not to like
- Won’t replace app-specific messaging monitoring if your child uses WhatsApp/Telegram/etc.
- Still depends on proper Android permissions/background settings
PROS
- Good balanced option
- Simple routine fit
CONS
- Not the most “feature-maximized” suite
Check Parentaler Call Check Parentaler Texts
Bark – Monitor Text Messages
Description
Bark is a great choice when your goal is a family safety approach focused on texting signals. It’s best for parents who want monitoring to support healthy boundaries and safety conversations — not secret surveillance.
Product highlights
- Text-focused monitoring for parenting workflows
- Good for safety-oriented check-ins
- Pairs well with a transparency-first parenting approach
What’s to like
- Parenting-first vibe and routine
- Great if your goal is safety + trust
What’s not to like
- If you want a feature-maximized “monitoring dashboard,” Bark may feel too gentle
- Calls aren’t the main focus of this offer
PROS
- Best for safety + trust
- Strong for text-message-focused monitoring
CONS
- Not the best fit if calls are your #1 priority
Legal notes (please read)
Use call/text monitoring legally and ethically.
- Only monitor a device you own or have explicit permission to manage (for example, your minor child’s phone).
- Monitoring adults without consent may be illegal. Laws vary by country and situation.
- Start here if you’re unsure: legal phone monitoring rules and best legal monitoring apps.
FAQ
What is the best call and SMS tracker app for Android?
For most parents, mSpy is the best overall choice because it covers call activity well and pairs with SMS visibility for classic text usage. If you want a simpler dashboard, Eyezy is a strong alternative. uMobix is a solid Android-first option, and Bark is best for a parenting-first approach focused on texting signals.
Do call and SMS tracker apps work without root?
Many parental monitoring tools can work without root, but reliability depends on correct permissions and Android battery/background settings. If you want no-root options, see: best Android apps without root.
Why are SMS messages missing on some Android phones?
Common reasons include: the phone uses RCS/Chat features instead of classic SMS, permissions were denied, or battery optimization is blocking background syncing. Fixing background settings often improves reliability.
Can these apps track WhatsApp calls and messages too?
Call/SMS monitoring is primarily about classic phone calls and SMS. If the main communication happens in apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, you’ll typically need broader monitoring tools designed for app activity, not only SMS features.
Is it legal to track calls and texts on an Android phone?
It can be legal if you own the device or have explicit permission (such as monitoring your child’s phone). Monitoring without consent may be illegal, so check your local laws first.