To find deleted text messages on an iPhone, follow these key methods:
- Recently Deleted Folder (iOS 16 or later):
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap Edit or Filters in the top left corner.
- Select Show Recently Deleted.
- Choose the conversation and tap Recover to restore deleted messages (available only for conversations deleted within the last 30 days).
- This method only works if your iPhone is updated to iOS 16 or later and keeps deleted messages for 30 days.
- Restore from iCloud Backup:
- Go to Settings > Your Name > iCloud > Make sure Messages is turned on.
- Check iCloud Backup and verify recent backups.
- Erase all content and settings on iPhone: Settings > General > Reset (or Transfer or Reset iPhone) > Erase All Content and Settings.
- After reset, choose Restore from iCloud Backup and select a backup prior to deleting messages.
- Note: This may overwrite current data on the iPhone.
- Restore from Local Backup using Finder or iTunes:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer with Finder (macOS Catalina and later) or iTunes (Windows or older macOS).
- Restore your device from a backup made before the messages were deleted.
- Alternative: Use Third-Party Software (e.g., AnyTrans for iOS) to extract deleted messages from backups without overwriting device data.
- Contact Your Mobile Carrier:
- For SMS messages (not iMessages), your carrier might keep stored copies for a limited time (usually 3-9 months).
- Requesting these can be complicated and requires identity verification.
Summary:
- The easiest and most immediate way is to check the Recently Deleted folder within 30 days.
- Otherwise, restoring from iCloud or local backups will get older deleted messages back but involves resetting the device.
- Carrier retrieval is a last resort for SMS messages.
These steps cover typical ways to find and recover deleted messages on an iPhone effectively.
