To recover deleted text messages on an iPhone, you have several options depending on how recently the messages were deleted and whether you have backups:
1. Recover from the Recently Deleted Folder (iOS 16 and later)
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap Edit or Filters in the top-left corner.
- Select Show Recently Deleted.
- Browse the list of deleted conversations or messages (deleted within the last 30 days).
- Select the messages you want to recover and tap Recover.
This method works only for messages deleted within the last 30 days
2. Restore from an iCloud Backup
If you have iCloud backups from before the messages were deleted:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups and check backup dates.
- In Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone, tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- After reset, during setup, choose Restore from iCloud Backup.
- Select a backup dated before the messages were deleted.
Note: This will overwrite current data on your iPhone, so back up any new data first
3. Restore from iTunes or Finder Backup
If you have a backup on your computer:
- Connect your iPhone to the computer.
- Open iTunes (Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later).
- Select your device, then click Restore Backup.
- Choose a backup made before message deletion.
This will also overwrite current data on your iPhone
4. Use Third-Party Recovery Software
There are specialized apps like Doctor for iOS, PhoneRescue, Dr.Fone, and Fonelab that can scan your iPhone or backups to recover deleted messages without resetting your device.
- These tools often allow previewing messages before recovery.
- They can recover messages even without backups in some cases.
- Most are paid software but offer free trials
5. Contact Your Carrier
Some carriers keep records of text messages and may be able to help recover deleted texts, though this depends on their policies and data retention practices
Summary Table
Method| Requirements| Pros| Cons
---|---|---|---
Recently Deleted Folder| iOS 16+, deleted within 30 days| Quick, no data loss|
Limited to recent deletions
iCloud Backup Restore| iCloud backup before deletion| Official Apple method|
Overwrites current data
iTunes/Finder Backup Restore| Computer backup before deletion| Official Apple
method| Overwrites current data
Third-Party Recovery Software| Computer and/or device access| Can recover
without full reset| Usually paid, variable success
Carrier Assistance| Depends on carrier policies| May recover older texts| Not
guaranteed, privacy concerns
By acting quickly and choosing the right method based on your situation, you can maximize your chances of recovering deleted text messages on your iPhone.
