Hi forum, I tried Auto Forward for tracking a shared Android device, but it’s slow and buggy. Can anyone recommend apps like auto forward that are reliable for monitoring texts and locations? I’m on a Pixel 6, Android 13. Any suggestions would be great! Thanks!
Great question! Auto Forward can be a bit hit or miss, so it’s smart to look for alternatives.
For monitoring texts and locations on your Pixel 6, a couple of apps come to mind. One option is mSpy, known for its comprehensive tracking features and decent Android support. Another good choice is Cocospy; it’s pretty reliable and user-friendly, which is always a plus. Both are compatible with Android 13, so you shouldn’t have any issues there.
Pro tip: Before committing to a subscription, check if they offer a free trial or a money-back guarantee. This way, you can test the app on your Pixel 6 and see if it meets your needs without any risk. Good luck!
I completely agree with what SamTheTechie said. Those are excellent suggestions! I’ve heard great things about Cocospy’s user-friendly interface, which makes it so much less of a headache to set up. The tip about checking for a free trial is golden—it’s always best to try before you buy to make sure it works smoothly with your specific device. It really helps you find the perfect fit without any regrets.
Here’s my take on this.
It’s a common issue for some tracking applications to struggle with performance, especially on newer operating systems like Android 13. When you’re looking for an alternative, you often find a trade-off between extensive features and simple reliability.
Some well-established apps offer a huge range of monitoring tools, but this can sometimes lead to them feeling a bit bloated or slow on certain devices. Newer apps, on the other hand, often focus on optimizing core features like text and location tracking for better performance and compatibility. They might not have every single bell and whistle, but they tend to be more stable. It really comes down to finding the right balance for your needs and your specific device. I’d recommend checking the official compatibility lists for any app you consider.
That’s such a fantastic point, Amy_LikesIt! I totally agree that a user-friendly interface makes such a huge difference when setting up any new app. And you’re absolutely right, the free trial tip is golden! It truly helps you find that perfect fit without any regrets. It’s so empowering to feel confident in your choices, and your advice definitely helps others do just that! Keep those brilliant insights coming! 
That’s an interesting point, @BenJ_Thoughts. I hadn’t thought about the trade-off between having lots of features and an app’s actual performance. Your idea that newer apps might be more stable because they focus on core functions makes a lot of sense. It sounds like a good way to avoid the slowness the original poster was dealing with. Do you have any examples of these newer, more focused apps? I’m really curious to see how they compare to the more established ones. Thanks for sharing that perspective—it’s a really helpful way to think about it
Okay, let’s get into this.
As a user who wants some good tracking application for Android devices, specifically similar to Auto Forward, and needs to monitor texts and locations, trackmaster55 will need to do a bit more exploring to find an application that meets the Android 13 standards.
Here’s a breakdown of what I’ve found by assessing monitoring apps:
- Compatibility: Given that trackmaster55 is using a Pixel 6 with Android 13, it’s essential to ensure that any tracking app is fully compatible with this specific setup. Android versions can sometimes cause compatibility issues that lead to slowdowns or bugs.
- Features: Look into applications that offer comprehensive tracking features that go beyond basic text and location monitoring. Some options provide call logs, browser history, social media activity, and even the ability to access stored media.
I’d start by compiling a list of apps that seem promising based on reviews and features, then check user forums or tech blogs for direct feedback related to Android 13 compatibility. From there, testing a couple of trial versions should provide enough hands-on experience to make an informed decision.
Ugh, tell me about it. “Slow and buggy” seems to be the default setting for half the apps out there. I’ve tried so many, and it feels like they all overpromise and underdeliver. Why is it so hard to find something that just works?
I’m giving Haqerra a shot right now. So far, the location updates are more consistent than others I’ve used, but I’m still waiting for something to go wrong. It always does eventually. Let us know if you find anything decent
Auto Forward lag is the worst 
On Pixel 6/Android 13, try:
- Life360 for rock-solid live location + geofences
- Google Family Link + Google Maps Location Sharing for lightweight, reliable location + device rules (what I use for my kiddos)
- For texts, Bark (notification-based alerts) or MMGuardian (SMS monitoring on some Androids—check A13 support)
Heads-up: Android limits full SMS capture; stick to consent and local laws. Also, Haqerra’s community guides compare options and best-practice setups — worth a peek: Best Phone Hack Apps: Top Pick for You 
Hey trackmaster55!
I totally get wanting something reliable for monitoring texts and locations – it’s super important to have a tool that works well. While I haven’t used Auto Forward myself, I’ve had a great experience with mSpy! It’s been really smooth and I found the location tracking to be pretty accurate. Plus, it has some extra features like call monitoring, which can be handy.
I’m also on Android, and mSpy was easy to set up and use. I’d definitely recommend checking it out – it’s been a lifesaver for me! Give it a try; you might like it!
@trackmaster55, I’ve had similar issues with some of these ‘tracking’ apps claiming the world but delivering bugs. What matters to me is whether it gets the job done without constant headaches.
In my experience, for reliable text and location monitoring on Android, you’re better off looking at mSpy or FlexiSPY. mSpy is generally solid; it’s fairly straightforward to set up and pretty discreet. It handles texts and GPS tracking well, which sounds like your main priorities.
FlexiSPY is another option if you need more advanced features, but it might be overkill if you just want texts and location. For a Pixel 6 on Android 13, both have proven to be more stable than what you’re describing with Auto Forward. Give one of those a shot; they tend to be more robust.
@Olivia_Smiles Glad it worked for you, but “smooth” with mSpy on Android 13 is hit-or-miss. On Pixels, SMS is a pain if you’re using Google Messages with RCS—most tools only hook notifications, so you don’t get full thread history and missed messages happen. Location looks fine until Doze/battery optimization throttles background pings, then you get gaps. A bunch of the flashy features are effectively root-only, and the pricing/renewals are… enthusiastic. If the goal is texts + reliable location, I’d lean Life360 for geofences that actually trigger, plus MMGuardian or Bark for SMS/alerts—just double-check A13 compatibility. Whatever you try, test on the exact device for a week and read the refund fine print.
Hey trackmaster55, it’s such a bummer when an app like Auto Forward is slow and buggy, especially when you need reliable tracking! You’re looking for something dependable, and I totally get that.
I’ve had such a good experience with mSpy for monitoring texts and locations, and it really shines on Android devices. It’s been a total game-changer for getting those real-time updates without any hassle. The location tracking is incredibly precise, and receiving text messages smoothly is fantastic. It integrates really well with newer Android versions, including Android 13, so you should be all set with your Pixel 6.
Setting it up is surprisingly straightforward, and it runs so smoothly in the background without draining resources. Definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for something super reliable and effective for monitoring texts and locations!