Accidentally deleting a message on your iPhone can be frustrating, especially if it contained important information. Maybe it was a text from a friend, a work-related conversation, or something sentimental you wanted to keep. The good news is that there are ways to recover deleted messages on an iPhone. From using Apple’s built-in tools to third-party apps, you have several options.
This guide will walk you through each method step by step so you can find and retrieve those lost messages without any stress.
How Deleted Messages Work on iPhone
When you delete a message on your iPhone, it’s not erased immediately. Instead, it’s moved to a hidden part of your device’s storage, where it may remain for a while before being overwritten. This means you have a limited time to recover it. Apple also provides backup options like iCloud and iTunes that may contain copies of your messages, making it easier to restore them.
Method 1: Check the Recently Deleted Folder
In iOS 16 and later, Apple introduced a Recently Deleted folder for messages, similar to the one in the Photos app. This is the first place you should check when trying to recover a deleted text.
Steps to Recover Messages from the Recently Deleted Folder:
Open the Messages App
Launch the Messages app on your iPhone.Go to Recently Deleted
Tap Edit in the top-left corner of the screen.
Select Show Recently Deleted from the dropdown menu.
Find the Deleted Message
Browse through the folder to locate the message you want to restore.Recover the Message
Tap the message you want to recover.
Click Recover to move it back to your main inbox.
The Recently Deleted folder stores messages for 30 days, so act quickly if you suspect a message has been deleted.
Method 2: Restore Messages from an iCloud Backup
If you’ve backed up your iPhone to iCloud, there’s a good chance your deleted messages are still in the backup. Restoring your device from a previous backup can bring them back.
Steps to Restore Messages from iCloud:
Check for an iCloud Backup
Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups.
Check the date of your latest backup to ensure it includes the deleted messages.
Reset Your iPhone
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
Confirm to erase your device.
Restore from iCloud Backup
During setup, choose Restore from iCloud Backup.
Sign in to your iCloud account and select the most recent backup.
Wait for the Restoration
Once the process is complete, your deleted messages should be back in the Messages app.
Keep in mind that restoring from a backup will overwrite your current data, so make sure you save anything important before proceeding.
Method 3: Use iTunes or Finder to Recover Messages
If you’ve backed up your iPhone to a computer using iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on macOS), you can restore your deleted messages from there.
Steps to Restore Messages via iTunes or Finder:
Connect Your iPhone to Your Computer
Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer where you made the backup.Open iTunes or Finder
For Windows: Launch iTunes and click on your device’s name.
For macOS: Open Finder and select your device from the sidebar.
Restore the Backup
In iTunes, click Restore Backup under the Summary tab.
In Finder, click Restore Backup in the General tab.
Select the Backup
Choose the most recent backup that likely contains the deleted messages.Complete the Restoration
Wait for the process to finish. Your deleted messages should now appear in the Messages app.
Like iCloud, this method replaces all current data with the backup, so use it carefully.
Method 4: Use a Third-Party Data Recovery App
If none of the above methods work, you can try a third-party data recovery tool. These apps scan your iPhone’s storage to find recoverable data, including deleted messages.
Recommended Data Recovery Apps:
Dr.Fone - Data Recovery
Compatible with iOS devices.
Offers a free trial to see what messages can be recovered.
iMyFone D-Back
Simple interface and effective recovery tools.
Can retrieve messages from both your device and backups.
Tenorshare UltData
Works for messages, photos, and other data.
Supports the latest iOS versions.
Steps to Recover Messages with Third-Party Apps:
Download and Install the App
Install the app on your computer and connect your iPhone.Scan for Deleted Messages
Run a scan to search for deleted data on your iPhone.Preview and Recover
Review the messages found by the app.
Select the ones you want to recover and save them to your device or computer.
Most third-party apps are paid, but they’re worth considering if you need to recover important messages and other methods fail.
Method 5: Check Other Linked Devices
If you use multiple Apple devices with the same iCloud account, like an iPad or Mac, your deleted messages might still be accessible on those devices.
Steps to Check Linked Devices:
Open the Messages App
Launch the Messages app on your other device.Search for the Conversation
Use the search bar to find the message or conversation you’re looking for.Save the Message
If you find the deleted message, copy and save it elsewhere.
You can also forward it back to your iPhone.
This method works best if your devices don’t sync instantly with iCloud, giving you a chance to recover the message before it’s deleted everywhere.
Conclusion
Recovering deleted messages on an iPhone may seem tricky, but with the right tools and methods, it’s completely doable. Start with the Recently Deleted folder if you’re running iOS 16 or later. If that doesn’t work, check your iCloud or computer backups. For advanced recovery, consider third-party apps or linked devices.
Just remember to act quickly—deleted messages don’t stay recoverable forever. Now that you know how to retrieve your messages, you’ll be prepared for any accidental deletions in the future.
See you soon in the next iPhone guide.
FAQs
Can I recover deleted messages without a backup?
Yes, if your iPhone hasn’t overwritten the deleted data, you can use third-party recovery apps like Dr.Fone or iMyFone D-Back to scan and restore messages.
How long do deleted messages stay in the Recently Deleted folder?
In iOS 16 and later, deleted messages remain in the Recently Deleted folder for 30 days before being permanently removed.
Will restoring from a backup erase my current data?
Yes, restoring from iCloud, iTunes, or Finder backups will replace your current data with the backup. Be sure to save anything important before restoring.
Are third-party recovery apps safe to use?
Reputable apps like Dr.Fone and Tenorshare UltData are safe. Always download these tools from their official websites to avoid risks.
Can I recover deleted messages from a SIM card?
No, iPhones don’t store text messages on the SIM card. Messages are stored on the device or in iCloud.