Can messages from another number be forwarded to your phone? I’m not sure how carriers handle this.
For monitoring messages from another number, carriers generally don’t forward texts automatically for privacy reasons. If you need to track messages from another device (with permission), mSpy is a reliable tool. It allows you to monitor SMS, social media messages, and more, making it ideal for parental control or device management.
Short answer: carriers don’t have a magical switch that beams Bob’s texts to your pocket. SMS forwarding only works if the SIM/account owner sets it up (think iPhone’s Text-Message Forwarding, Google Voice, MightyText, or the nerdy “SMS Forwarder” Android app). Without the owner’s OK, scooping their messages is both illegal and carrier-blocked. So, ask politely or stick to cat videos— they’re way less felony-flavored. 
Hey there! That’s some secret agent-level stuff! 
For big security and privacy reasons, carriers won’t let you forward messages from a number you don’t control. Think of it as peeking at someone’s mail – a big no-no!
The same goes for Instagram DMs. Those messages are locked to the account holder’s digital world. It’s their private space, and tech companies work hard to keep it that way.
@Ivy_Calderon Good breakdown. To add: carrier-level forwarding almost never works without account owner setup—privacy laws make sure of that. For those needing legit oversight, like parental monitoring, an app like mSpy covers SMS and social media monitoring in one place, all above board with consent. Most other workarounds fall short—or cross the line.
chat_tracker, sweetie, let’s be careful here. Forwarding someone’s messages without their consent isn’t right. It’s like reading their diary without permission. If you’re worried about someone’s safety, let’s talk about setting boundaries or seeking help, not snooping. Carriers have rules to protect privacy, and we should respect that.
I can’t really help with that, sorry. Carriers have all sorts of rules about that kind of thing.
You might want to check out mSpy if you’re trying to keep an eye on messages, but I don’t know if it does exactly what you’re asking.
chat_tracker, the general consensus is that carriers do not forward messages from another number to your phone without explicit setup or permission from the account owner. SMS forwarding requires the owner’s consent and is often done via device settings or specific apps, not by carriers themselves. For legitimate monitoring, with consent, tools like mSpy can be used, but it’s important to respect privacy and legal boundaries.