In this article, we will show you how to find deleted messages on iPhone using iCloud and iTunes backups, third-party recovery tools, and tips to prevent future message loss.

Have you ever accidentally deleted important messages from your iPhone and wondered if there’s a way to get them back? Whether it’s a crucial conversation with a friend, a work-related chat, or a sentimental message from a loved one, losing messages can be frustrating.

Fortunately, there are several methods to recover deleted messages on your iPhone.

Here, we will guide you through the process of finding and restoring your deleted messages, with simple and practical steps you can follow.

See Also: 15 Best Free Apps to Lock Apps on iPhone

Why Do Messages Get Deleted from iPhone?

Before diving into recovery methods, it’s helpful to understand why messages might get deleted in the first place. iPhones can delete messages for several reasons:

• Accidental deletion: You may have mistakenly swiped or tapped to delete a message or conversation.

• Storage management: iPhones often remove older messages automatically to free up space, especially if you have a lot of conversations stored.

• System updates or glitches: Occasionally, a software update or a system error can cause messages to disappear.

If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, don’t panic. There are a few strategies you can try to retrieve deleted messages from your iPhone.

See Also: 8 Ways to Protect your iPhone from Physical Damage

How to Find Deleted Messages on iPhone

Method 1: Check iCloud and iTunes Backups

Restoring from iCloud Backup

One of the most common ways to recover deleted messages is by restoring your iPhone from an iCloud backup. If you have iCloud Backup enabled, your messages may be stored in your backup, allowing you to restore them easily.

Here’s how to check and restore your messages from an iCloud backup:

1. Ensure a backup exists:

   • Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.

   • Check the date of your most recent backup to ensure that it was made before the messages were deleted.

2. Restore from iCloud:

   • First, ensure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi.

   • Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. This will erase everything on your device, including the current messages.

   • After your phone restarts, follow the on-screen prompts and choose to restore from your iCloud backup.

   • Select the backup that contains the deleted messages.

This method can recover messages if they were backed up to iCloud, but keep in mind that it will overwrite any data added after the backup.

Restoring from iTunes Backup

If you use iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later) to back up your iPhone, you can restore your messages from an iTunes backup.

1. Check if you have a backup:

   • Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later).

   • Click on your device and check for available backups.

2. Restore from iTunes Backup:

   • Choose the backup that was made before the messages were deleted.

   • Click Restore Backup and wait for the process to complete.

This method also restores your iPhone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, so any new data will be lost unless it’s backed up separately.

See Also: 3 Steps to Lock Apps on iPhone

Method 2: Use a Third-Party Data Recovery Tool

If you don’t have an iCloud or iTunes backup, or if you don’t want to overwrite your current data, third-party data recovery tools may be your best option. These tools are specifically designed to recover deleted data from your iPhone, including text messages.

Popular iPhone message recovery tools include:

• Dr.Fone

• iMobie PhoneRescue

• Tenorshare UltData

Here’s a general guide on how to use these tools:

1. Download and Install the Recovery Tool: Choose a recovery tool and install it on your computer.

2. Connect Your iPhone: Launch the recovery tool and connect your iPhone to the computer.

3. Scan for Deleted Messages: The software will scan your device for deleted messages and other data.

4. Preview and Recover: Once the scan is complete, you can preview the deleted messages and choose which ones you’d like to recover.

These tools offer free trials, but most will require a paid version to fully recover your data.

Method 3: Check iMessage in iCloud

If you’re an iMessage user, there’s a good chance your messages are synced with iCloud. Even if you’ve deleted them from your phone, they might still be accessible from another device that has iMessage enabled.

1. Open iMessage on another Apple Device: If you have another Apple device (like a Mac, iPad, or another iPhone) linked to the same Apple ID, open iMessage to see if the deleted conversations are still there.

2. Check on iCloud.com: Go to iCloud.com and log in with your Apple ID. Sometimes, deleted messages can be found in the cloud, but this method may not always work.

See Also: 5 Methods to Record Calls on iPhone

Method 4: Contact Your Carrier

Some carriers back up text messages on their servers, which means it might be possible to retrieve them from your service provider. Contact your carrier’s customer support team to inquire about recovering deleted text messages.

Note: This method usually only works for SMS (text messages), and the ability to recover deleted messages may depend on your carrier’s policies.

Preventing Future Message Loss

While it’s great that you now know how to recover deleted messages on your iPhone, it’s even better to take preventive measures to avoid losing them in the first place. Here are a few tips:

• Enable iCloud Backup: Ensure that iCloud Backup is turned on so your messages are regularly backed up.

• Use Third-Party Backup Apps: There are apps that automatically back up your messages, such as SMS Backup or iMazing.

• Clear Messages Periodically: If you’re running low on space, delete old, unnecessary messages to make room for new ones, but avoid mass deletion of important conversations.

See Also: 3 Ways to Speed Up a Video on iPhone

Final Thoughts

Accidentally deleting important messages can feel like a nightmare, but with the methods outlined in this guide, you have a solid chance of retrieving those lost conversations. Whether you restore from iCloud or iTunes backups, use a third-party tool, or check your iMessage history on another device, there are plenty of options available. Just be sure to back up your device regularly to prevent future message loss.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to find deleted messages on your iPhone and keep your important conversations safe and secure.

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