There are many reasons why a person may want to access someone else's WhatsApp messages. A concerned parent should monitor their children to ensure responsible behavior online. Keeping an eye on children on the internet also helps protect them from negative impacts.
Lovers may also want to read their significant others' WhatsApp chat history to see if they are cheating. These and other reasons may justify learning how to see others' WhatsApp chats in your phone. Whether you need to check WhatsApp chat history for past conversations or monitor live messages, there are official methods to do so.
There are ways to see others' WhatsApp status. But can you see someone else's WhatsApp messages on your phone, and if so, how? Read this comprehensive guide to find out.
In this article
Important Legal & Privacy Warning
Accessing someone's WhatsApp account without their explicit consent is a violation of privacy and is illegal in most jurisdictions. This guide details official WhatsApp features and is intended for legal use only (e.g., parents monitoring a minor child's phone). We do not condone illegal spying.
Please understand the legal risks before proceeding.
Can Someone See My WhatsApp Messages from Another Phone?
WhatsApp is a safe and secure app. It uses high-end technologies to ensure all calls and messages remain private. Yet, in a few instances, you can get an answer yes to your question: Can someone read WhatsApp messages from another phone? And it is possible for you to be monitored on WhatsApp.
How to See Others' WhatsApp Chats in Your Phone?
As stated, a few methods exist to see others' WhatsApp messages on your phone. You can use WhatsApp Web or make your target phone a companion device via WhatsApp's Linked Devices feature.
You could also restore a previous WhatsApp backup to your phone. Check out the details below to find out which option is best.
As stated, a few methods exist... Here is a quick comparison to help you choose the best option for your needs:
| Method | Access Type | Shows "History"? | Is it Detectable? |
| 1. WhatsApp Web | Live Chats (Real-time) | Only loaded chats | Yes (Notification on target phone) |
| 2. Linked Devices | Live Chats (Real-time) | Yes (Syncs history) | Yes (Listed in 'Linked Devices') |
| 3. Restore Backup | Past Chats (Not live) | Yes (Up to last backup) | No (But target loses access) |
Check out the details below to find out how to use each option.
Method 1: See Live Chats via WhatsApp Web (Real-time)
Looking for the quickest way to open other WhatsApp in your phone? Using WhatsApp Web lets you see messages in real-time.
To adopt this method, you must have physical access to your target device. WhatsApp Web will link the target WhatsApp account to your PC. That will allow you to view messages remotely. Check the detailed steps below:
- Ensure WhatsApp is installed and set up on the target phone and your own phone.
- Open WhatsApp on your target phone. If it's an Android, tap the three-dot button at the top-right corner of the screen. Select Linked Devices> Link a device.
Note: You may need to unlock the device with a biometric authentication or PIN. - If the target device is an iPhone, go to WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device.
- Unlock the iPhone if it's on iOS 26 or later. If biometric authentication is enabled, use Face or Touch ID. Otherwise, you'll see a prompt to enter a PIN.
- Now, grab your phone and open a browser like Google Chrome. Go to the WhatsApp Web webpage. Tap the three dots at the top-right corner and choose Desktop site. A QR code will appear on the screen.
- Point your target device's camera to your phone's screen to scan the code and link both devices.
- Wait a few seconds for the code scanning to complete.
Once the phone scans the QR Code, the WhatsApp Web app will open. Your target device's WhatsApp chats will be mirrored on your phone. The messages you view in the Web app will update as your target device sends and receives new messages.
Method 2: See Live Chats via Linked Devices (Real-time)
First, you must have access to the target device. After that, use the steps that follow to learn "how to see my friend's WhatsApp messages on my phone."
- Uninstall and then reinstall WhatsApp on your phone.
- Open WhatsApp and go through the typical setup process. When you're prompted to enter your phone number, tap the three dots in the top-right corner instead.
- Select Link as a companion device. A QR code will appear.
- Open WhatsApp on your target phone and click the three-dot button (Android) or Settings (iPhone).
- Choose Link Devices > Link a device.
- Scan the QR code displayed on your phone to log in. After that, your target phone's WhatsApp chats will be displayed on your phone.
You don't need to keep the primary (target) phone connected to view chats on your phone. However, you must connect the target phone every 14 days to keep your linked device logged in to the WhatsApp account.
Method 3: Check WhatsApp Chat History via Backup (Past Chats)
Many still ask: Can someone read my WhatsApp messages without my phone? Yes, and cloud storage is one of the ways to do so, as long as your target WhatsApp has an existing backup. You can restore from Google Drive or iCloud.
To use this method, you'll need to have access to the target person's SIM card.
Follow these easy steps to learn "how to see another WhatsApp chat in my phone":
- Insert your target person's SIM card on your phone.
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp on your phone. When prompted to enter a phone number during the setup, enter the phone number of your target person.
- WhatsApp will prompt you to restore backup. Choose Restore Backup.
WhatsApp will automatically restore the messages from the cloud backup. However, this method doesn't give you access to real-time chats. You'll only see messages saved during the recent backup.
[Bonus] Access WhatsApp Chats Discreetly Using WeLastseen
WeLastseen is a user-friendly and versatile online WhatsApp tracking tool that allows you to check the online timeline usage, last-seen information, and current online status of any of your WhatsApp contacts with just a few taps on your screen.
It's powerful Dual WhatsApp functionality takes monitoring to the next level by allowing you to discreetly access and monitor someone else's WhatsApp chat without their knowledge. This feature is particularly useful for parents wanting to protect their children or partners concerned about their relationship.
How to Access Someone Else's WhatsApp Chat History
With WeLastseen's Dual WhatsApp feature, you can secretly access and read the complete WhatsApp chat history of your target person - whether it's your boyfriend, girlfriend, or children. The process is simple and completely undetectable:
Step 1: Prepare the Target Device
Wait until the person you want to monitor is away from their phone. You'll need brief physical access to their device to initiate the connection process.
Step 2: Launch WeLastseen and Access Dual WhatsApp
Open the WeLastseen app on your device and navigate to the Toolbox section. Select the Dual WhatsApp feature and follow the authorization steps to prepare your device for connection.
Step 3: Secretly Scan the QR Code
This is the crucial step. When the QR code scanning screen appears on your device, take the target person's phone (while they're away) and open WhatsApp. Go to WhatsApp Web or Linked Devices in their WhatsApp settings, and use their phone to scan the QR code displayed on your WeLastseen app.
Step 4: Access Complete Chat History Discreetly
Once the QR code is scanned, WeLastseen will silently connect to the target WhatsApp account. The beauty of this method is that the target user will not receive any notification about this new connection. You can now access their entire WhatsApp chat history, read all conversations, view media files, and monitor their messaging activity in real-time - all without them ever knowing.
Why Use WeLastseen's Dual WhatsApp Monitoring?
- Complete Stealth Mode: The target user receives no notifications about your access to their account
- Full Chat Access: Read all private conversations, group chats, and media files
- Real-time Monitoring: See messages as they're sent and received
- Undetectable Operation: Works silently in the background without raising suspicion
- Perfect for Relationship Assurance: Check your partner's faithfulness by monitoring their private conversations
- Parental Control: Protect your children by discreetly monitoring their WhatsApp activity
WeLastseen's Dual WhatsApp feature provides the ultimate solution for anyone who needs to discreetly monitor WhatsApp activity of their loved ones. Whether you're concerned about your relationship or want to ensure your children's safety, this powerful tool gives you the access you need without compromising your stealth.
FAQs
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How to check who my friend is chatting with on WhatsApp for free?
Using Method 1 (WhatsApp Web) or Method 2 (Linked Devices) are the only free ways to see this. Once linked, you can see their chat list, which shows who they are talking to. Method 3 (Backup) also shows this, but it's not in real-time. Note that the "WeLastseen" app mentioned in our bonus section can only track when they are online, not who they are chatting with. -
Can I get the WhatsApp chat history of a number without their phone?
Generally, no. All 3 legitimate methods described require you to have physical access to the target's phone at least once (to scan a QR code or get their SIM card and cloud login). Any service claiming to get a chat history with just a phone number is likely a scam and should be avoided. -
How can I tell if someone is reading my WhatsApp messages?
Yes. On your phone, go to WhatsApp > tap the three dots (or Settings) > Linked Devices. You will see a list of all devices logged into your account. If you see a device you don't recognize, tap it and select 'Log Out'. Also, WhatsApp Web/Desktop will show a persistent notification on your phone that "WhatsApp Web is currently active."
Conclusion
You now know how to see others' WhatsApp chats in your phone. This guide has discussed three methods to do so. One way to read someone else's WhatsApp messages on your device is via the Web.
Another way is to link your phone as a companion device to your target's WhatsApp account. You can also restore a previous backup from Google Drive or iCloud. It's now up to you to choose your best method.
But if you don't want your contacts to know you're spying on them, turn to the WeLastseen. With a tap, you can track their online status and activity on your device without them knowing!
