Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about how PhoneSync works

What does PhoneSync actually do?

It pairs two Android phones — one set to Sender, one to Receiver — so SMS messages and call activity on the Sender phone are mirrored to the Receiver in real time. It's built for helping a parent or someone less confident with tech handle scam texts, OTPs, and suspicious calls, with someone they trust one tap away.

What's the difference between Sender and Receiver mode?

Sender is the phone being helped — usually the one whose messages and calls get shared. Receiver is the phone helping — it sees what the Sender chooses to share. A device is set to one mode or the other when you pair it.

Do I need to install it on both phones?

Yes. PhoneSync needs the app running on both the Sender's phone and the Receiver's phone to work — install it on both from the download page, sign in with Google on each, then pair them.

Why isn't PhoneSync on Google Play?

It's distributed directly as an APK for sideloading rather than through the Play Store. You'll need to allow installs from this source when installing on each device.

My phone won't let me install the APK — what do I do?

Android blocks installs from outside the Play Store by default, so you'll need to allow it once:

• Android 8 and newer: open the downloaded file (from your browser's downloads or a file manager) and tap Install. If it's blocked, tap Settings on the prompt, turn on "Allow from this source" for the app you opened it with, then go back and install.
• Android 7 and earlier: go to Settings → Security and turn on "Unknown sources," then open the downloaded file and install.

You only need to do this once per app, and you can turn the permission back off afterward if you'd rather.

Is this safe to use on someone else's phone?

Only with their full, informed consent. Pairing requires the phone owner to actively accept an invite inside the app — there's no silent install or hidden mode. See our privacy & control section and Terms & Conditions for more on this.

What permissions does PhoneSync need, and why?

SMS access to forward messages on a Sender device; phone/call-state access to detect and mirror call events, and to place or reject calls when triggered remotely; and read-only contacts access, used only to autocomplete an email address when sending a pairing invite. Full detail is in the Privacy Policy.

Can I control what the other person sees?

Yes. SMS visibility, call visibility, remote call reject, and remote callback trigger are each switched on or off independently from the Sender's device. Nothing is on by default.

What if I want to stop sharing, or unpair?

Turn off individual permissions at any time from the Sender's device, or remove the connection entirely from within the app to stop sharing completely.

Does PhoneSync cost anything?

PhoneSync is free to use. The free version may show ads; an ad-free option is available from within the app.

How do I report a problem or ask something else?

Use "Contact us" from the About screen in the app, or email developer@phonesync.app directly.