In this article, we will show you how to recover deleted messages on iPhone using iCloud backups to third-party recovery tools to retrieve lost texts quickly and easily.

Have you accidentally deleted an important message on your iPhone? This can be very frustrating, especially if they contain vital information like addresses, phone numbers, or cherished memories.

But don’t worry! There are ways to recover deleted messages on your iPhone, and we’re here to guide you through the process.

Whether you’re using the latest iOS or an older version, here’s how you can get back your lost messages.

See Also: 3 Steps to Take a Screenshot on iPhone

Can Deleted Messages Be Recovered on iPhone?

Yes, deleted messages can often be recovered on an iPhone. When you delete a message, it’s not immediately erased from the device. Instead, the data is marked as “deleted,” and the space it occupies is available for new data. So, if you act quickly, you might still be able to retrieve your messages before they get overwritten.

Methods to Recover Deleted Messages on iPhone

There are several ways to recover deleted messages on your iPhone. Let’s dive into each of them:

1. Check Your Recently Deleted Folder

Apple added a “Recently Deleted” folder for messages in iOS 16 and later. This folder temporarily stores deleted messages for 30 days, allowing you to restore them easily. Here’s how to check:

1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll to the bottom of your message list.
3. Tap on the Edit button in the top-left corner.
4. Choose Show Recently Deleted.
5. Browse through the deleted messages, and if you find what you’re looking for, select it and tap Recover.

This is the quickest method to recover messages that were deleted within the past 30 days.

See Also: 6 Ways to Block Your Number on iPhone

2. Restore from an iCloud Backup

If you’ve been regularly backing up your iPhone to iCloud, restoring a previous backup can bring back your deleted messages. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Go to Settings > General > Reset.
2. Tap Erase All Content and Settings. This will reset your iPhone to factory settings.
3. After the reset, when the iPhone restarts, choose Restore from iCloud Backup.
4. Sign in with your Apple ID and select the most relevant backup from the list.
5. Wait for the restore process to complete, and your deleted messages should reappear.

Note: Keep in mind that restoring from an iCloud backup will replace your current data with the data from the backup, which could mean losing new content that wasn’t backed up.

3. Restore from an iTunes (or Finder) Backup

If you prefer backing up via iTunes or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later), you can also restore your iPhone from an earlier backup. Follow these steps:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes (or Finder on macOS).
2. Select your iPhone from the list of devices.
3. In the Summary section, click Restore Backup.
4. Choose the backup that was created before your messages were deleted.
5. Wait for the process to finish, and your deleted messages should be restored.

Note: As with iCloud, restoring from an iTunes or Finder backup will replace your current data, so make sure to back up any new information before proceeding.

See Also: 6 Steps to Turn Off Find My iPhone

4. Use a Third-Party iPhone Data Recovery Tool

If you don’t have an iCloud or iTunes backup, third-party data recovery tools may help. Some popular tools, like Dr.Fone, iMobie PhoneRescue, and Tenorshare UltData, offer solutions to recover deleted messages directly from your iPhone, even without a backup. Here’s how to use one of these tools:

1. Download and install a data recovery tool on your computer.
2. Launch the software and connect your iPhone to the computer.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your device for deleted messages.
4. Once the scan is complete, preview the recoverable data, select the messages you want to restore, and save them.

These tools typically offer a free trial, so you can see if they find the deleted messages before committing to a purchase.

5. Contact Your Carrier

Some mobile carriers store copies of your text messages for a limited time. If you’re unable to recover deleted messages using the methods above, you may want to contact your carrier and ask if they can retrieve the messages. Some carriers, like AT&T and Verizon, offer messaging backups or logs, but the availability of this service depends on your carrier and location.

Tips to Prevent Future Message Loss

While it’s great to know how to recover deleted messages, prevention is always better than cure. Here are a few tips to keep your messages safe:

1. Enable iCloud Backup: Ensure that your iPhone automatically backs up to iCloud. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup, and toggle on iCloud Backup.
2. Use Third-Party Backup Apps: Consider using third-party apps like Google Drive or WhatsApp for message backups.
3. Avoid Overwriting Data: If you delete a message by mistake, stop using your phone immediately to prevent new data from overwriting the deleted message.

See Also: 4 Steps to Clear Cookies on iPhone Safari and Other Browsers

Conclusion

Accidentally deleting messages on your iPhone can be distressing, but with the right approach, recovery is often possible. Whether you use the Recently Deleted folder, restore from a backup, or turn to third-party tools, there are multiple ways to get your deleted messages back. And remember, regularly backing up your iPhone will ensure that you have a safety net for future message recovery.

Share This Post: