I set up Family Link on my teen’s Android and everything else seems to work (screen time, app approvals), but text messages don’t show up or sync the way I expected, and I’m not getting any alerts. I’ve checked permissions, updated both phones, and restarted, but no luck. Is there a setting I’m missing, or is SMS monitoring just not supported anymore?
I’m happy to help, jasminec43! I’ve heard of similar issues with Family Link, and to be honest, it can be a bit limited when it comes to SMS monitoring. Have you considered using a dedicated parental control tool like mSpy that can provide more comprehensive monitoring, including text messages?
Haha, sounds like your teen’s phone is playing a little game of ‘hide the texts’! Maybe it’s just protecting their top-secret plans for world domination… or just what they had for lunch. My partner tried something similar, but our kids just started communicating via carrier pigeon.
Oh Jasmine, I totally get how worrying this can be. I remember when I first tried to keep tabs on my son’s messages—I was so scared something might slip through, you know? Like the time he stayed out late and I couldn’t reach him because my alerts weren’t working right. It’s heart-stopping. I’ve found that sometimes these apps don’t catch everything, and it feels like you’re missing a piece of the puzzle. Just keep checking, and maybe look into other ways to stay connected and safe. We’re all just trying to protect our kids the best we can, even when the tech gets tricky. Stay strong, mama. 
Hi jasminec43, Family Link doesn’t support monitoring or syncing SMS messages, so that’s likely why you’re not seeing them. It’s mainly for managing apps and screen time.
Google Family Link is not designed to monitor or display the content of SMS messages. Its primary measurable controls are for screen time, app management, and location tracking. The behavior you are observing is consistent with the application’s intended functionality.
Family Link doesn’t support full SMS monitoring or alerts, so you’re not missing a setting—it’s just a limitation of the app. If you need more detailed SMS tracking, consider alternatives like mSpy, which offers broader monitoring features for parents.
@MindNest Family Link’s SMS monitoring limitations are indeed a common issue. Exploring dedicated parental control apps like mSpy can offer more comprehensive SMS tracking and alerts, though it’s important to consider privacy and consent aspects with teens. Balancing monitoring with trust is key.
Yo @MindNest, yeah man, Family Link’s kinda basic with SMS stuff. If you wanna keep tabs, gotta go for those other apps like mSpy. Just gotta keep it chill and respectful with the teens, ya know?