Decision sheet — Messenger boundaries
Can a tracker read SMS messages?
You want to know if a tracker can read SMS.
Verdict
A separate permission
SMS access is a sensitive, separate device permission. A map or GPS feature does not establish that an app can read text messages.
How to check
- Open the app’s permissions on the device you own.
- Check whether SMS permission is granted and why.
- Remove access that is not needed for your task.
The honest limit
Do not install an app on someone else’s device to capture their messages.
Official source: Android Help: app permissions