To retrieve deleted messages on an iPhone, you have several options depending on how recently the messages were deleted and whether you have backups:
Recover Recently Deleted Messages (within 30 days)
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap Edit in the top-left corner.
- Tap Show Recently Deleted.
- Select the conversations or messages you want to recover.
- Tap Recover to restore them back to your inbox.
This method works for messages deleted in the last 30 days and does not require a backup
Restore from iCloud Backup
- Go to Settings > tap your name > iCloud and ensure Messages is enabled.
- Check iCloud Backup to confirm you have a recent backup.
- Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
- After the iPhone resets, set it up and choose Restore from iCloud Backup.
- Select a backup made before the messages were deleted.
Note: This will restore the entire backup, potentially overwriting newer data
Restore from iTunes or Finder Backup
- Connect your iPhone to a computer where you have backed up your device.
- Open iTunes (Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later).
- Select your device, then choose Restore Backup.
- Pick a backup dated before the messages were deleted.
This method also restores the entire backup
Use Third-Party Recovery Tools
- Tools like PhoneRescue for iOS can scan your iPhone or backups to recover deleted messages selectively without full device reset.
- Connect your iPhone to a computer, run the software, and follow prompts to recover messages to your device or computer
Additional Tips
- If messages were deleted from the Recently Deleted folder, recovery is only possible via backups or third-party tools.
- You can also try signing into your Apple ID on a Mac and checking the Messages app there if you use iMessage syncing
- Contact your carrier as some providers keep records of text messages and may help recover them
In summary, the easiest way to recover recently deleted messages is via the Messages app's Recently Deleted folder within 30 days. For older or permanently deleted messages, restoring from backups or using recovery software is necessary.
