How to Spy on a WhatsApp Account in 2026?

Monitor the WhatsApp account of someone always implies a access to the target phone at least once.

An important legal point to note before continuing: accessing someone’s WhatsApp without their consent is illegal in France. Article 226-15 of the Penal Code provides for up to 1 year in prison and A fine of 45,000 euros.

The only truly justifiable use is the parental control of a minor. In other cases, some users begin to spy on their partner's WhatsApp to find out who he or she is chatting with.

Using another phone to monitor the target's WhatsApp account

Want to avoid paying? There are two free methods to read someone's WhatsApp messages without spyware. Both require a physical access to the target phone at least once, even if you follow along remotely after that.

Via WhatsApp Web

With WhatsApp Web, you log in to an account using a web browser. You can then follow all the discussions directly on the website, whether on a computer or a tablet.

Since 2025, there has been Two ways to log in :

• by scanning a QR code from the phone; ;
• by entering the phone number from the account, then confirming with a 8-character code received on the device.

For the QR code method, here are the steps:

• Open WhatsApp Web on your computer (web.whatsapp.com).
• On the target phone, Open WhatsApp, go to «Settings,» then display the QR code next to your profile picture.
• Scan this QR code from your computer screen.

This method has a significant limitation. It only works if the person does not check their connected devices. From its settings, it can see every active session (browser, system, recent activity) and can log out at any time with a single tap.

Two additional conditions are also required to maintain access:

• The owner's phone must stay connected to the Internet ;
• The QR code is unique to each session and expires as soon as you log out.

In practice, maintaining long-term access without the owner noticing remains very difficult.

By linking the target device to another phone

This method consists of Link the target's account to your own device to read their messages and keep track of their activity. However, you must use the person's phone the connection time.

Be respectful the order of the steps, otherwise you'll link your own account instead of theirs:

• Open WhatsApp Web on your phone or computer to display the QR code.
• Take it target phone and open WhatsApp.
• Go to «Settings,» then «Linked Devices» (sometimes referred to as «Connected Devices,» depending on the Android version).

• Press «Link a device» or «Pair as a secondary device.».

• Using the target phone, Scan the QR code displayed on your screen.

The target's account is then connected to your device. For monitoring to be effective over the long term, three conditions are still necessary:

• have access to the phone of the person at the time of the connection; ;
• than his The phone remains connected to the Internet ;
• that the person does not check their linked devices, otherwise it'll log you out right away.

As noted in the introduction, this practice is illegal.

Using apps to remotely monitor WhatsApp activity

For truly comprehensive tracking, free methods quickly reach their limits. A monitoring application A dedicated system uploads all the data to a online dashboard, accessible from any device, at any time.

On android, physical installation on the target phone is still required. On iPhone, Umobix and KidsGuard can be operated remotely using login credentials iCloud, without touching the device.

Umobix

Umobix is a spyware which reads WhatsApp messages and tracks phone activity in real time. It only takes three steps to get started.

💡I discover Umobix💡

• Create an Umobix account.

• Select the target device to monitor.

• Choose your subscription.

A demo is available on the website so you can try out the interface before subscribing.

For more information, see Our in-depth review of Umobix to understand why this software is so popular with parents.

💡I discover Umobix💡

KidsGuard

KidsGuard is a parental control application which lets you monitor your children's activity on their phones. It offers several practical features:

• Location Tracking : You can see your child's location in real time and their travel history.
• Monitoring Calls and Text Messages : You can read text messages and see who's calling whom.
• Blocking Apps and Websites : You block whatever you consider inappropriate.
• Screen Time Limit : You can set a time limit per app or for the entire device.
• Remote Screenshot : You can see what's displayed on your child's screen.

If you're not familiar with the tool yet, start by exploring its website before making a decision.

• Start by Learn more about KidsGuard for WhatsApp.

• Access the information on KidsGuard for WhatsApp.

• Tap «Monitor Now» to open a demo of the dashboard.

• If you like the tool, Click «Buy Now» to view the subscriptions.

KidsGuard installs directly on the’Android device of your child. On iPhone, you can use the login credentials iCloud to avoid manual installation. Once it's set up, you create an account and start tracking WhatsApp.

FamilyTime

FamilyTime is a parental control application which manages screen time, tracks location, blocks apps, and monitors phone usage.

It works with two apps: one on the child's phone, another one as a dashboard on the parent's phone number. Both installations require a physical access on devices. To access the available features, you must first Choose a subscription.

Once the apps are installed, create an account and add your children. You can then set restrictions : screen time, app blocking, location tracking. Here’s an overview of the features included in each subscription plan.

FamilyTime is a robust tool for set limits on screen time and keep track of your children's online activity on a daily basis.

Why spy on a WhatsApp account?

WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps for staying in touch with loved ones. People use it to exchange messages, photos, and moments from their daily lives. Its central role explains why some people want to monitor the account of a child or a partner.

Parents' motivations

As a parent, you worry about online dangers, and WhatsApp is no exception. The app lets you communicate with anyone, sometimes without knowing the other person's true identity.

Here's why parents choose to monitor their children's accounts:

• Protecting Against Cyberbullying and Harmful Content: A child may experience harassment or threats, or coming across violent or adult-only content. By keeping an eye on their conversations, you can spot these dangers and step in before it's too late.
• Monitor time spent on the application: WhatsApp can quickly become addictive for young people. By keeping track of your child’s screen time, you can make sure they aren’t spending hours in front of the screen.
• Checking who your child is hanging out with: Your child may connect with people they don't really know. Monitoring their interactions can help you spot someone with bad intentions.

Partners' motivations

In a relationship, keeping an eye on the WhatsApp account On the other hand, this is a sensitive issue. Certain situations can make it understandable:

• Suspected infidelity: When you have doubts, you might be tempted to check your partner's account to find out for sure.
• Online Dangers: An adult, too, can be a victim of cyberstalking or blackmail. If you have serious reasons to believe that your partner is in danger, you may want to help them.
• Communication failure : When communication breaks down in a relationship, the temptation to check the other person’s messages to figure out what’s going on can arise.

In any case, think carefully about the consequences before installing a spyware on a loved one’s phone. Surveillance without consent remains illegal, and the penalties are outlined in the introduction. It’s often best to talk openly with the person involved.

Surveillance should remain merely a last resort, in truly exceptional cases.