How to see Deleted Messages on iPhone
How to see Deleted Messages on iPhone – Accidentally deleting important text messages on an iPhone can be frustrating, especially if those messages contain crucial information or sentimental value.
Fortunately, with the advancements in iOS, particularly starting from iOS 16, users can now easily recover deleted messages directly from the Messages app. This feature allows users to retrieve messages deleted within the past 30 days, providing a convenient solution to what was once a more complex problem.
In this article, we will explore the methods to see deleted messages on iPhone, including using the Messages app and iCloud backups.
Read: How to Retrieve Deleted Text Messages
What is a Recently Deleted Folder?
The Recently Deleted folder in the Messages app is a significant addition to iOS. It allows users to view and recover deleted messages without needing to restore their entire iPhone from a backup. Here’s how to access it:
1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the Edit or Filters option at the top left corner.
3. Select Show Recently Deleted from the menu.
4. Browse through the list of deleted conversations and select the ones you want to recover.
5. Tap Recover at the bottom of the screen and confirm your choice by selecting Recover Messages.
This method is straightforward and allows you to recover both entire message threads and individual texts. However, you can only see the contact name or phone number, not the actual message content until you recover it.
Using iCloud Backup
Another method to recover deleted messages is by using an iCloud backup. If your iPhone is set to backup to iCloud, you might be able to recover deleted messages from a recent backup. Here’s how:
1. Ensure iCloud Backup is enabled in your iPhone settings.
2. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and check if you have a recent backup.
3. If you do, reset your iPhone by going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
4. During setup, choose Restore from iCloud Backup and select the backup made before you deleted the messages.
This method will restore your iPhone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, which means you might lose some other data added after the backup.
Additional Recovery Methods
Besides using the Messages app and iCloud, there are other methods to recover deleted messages:
- iTunes or Finder Backup: If you have backed up your iPhone to a computer using iTunes or Finder, you can restore your iPhone from that backup to recover deleted messages.
- Contact Your Carrier: In some cases, your mobile carrier may have access to backups of your text messages.
How can I Recover Deleted Messages on my iPhone if I Haven’t Backed up my Data
If you haven’t backed up your iPhone data and need to recover deleted messages, there are a few methods you can try:
1. Recently Deleted Folder: For iOS 16 and later, you can use the Recently Deleted folder in the Messages app. This folder stores deleted messages for up to 30 days. To access it:
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap Edit or Filters at the top left.
- Select Show Recently Deleted
- Choose the messages you want to recover and tap Recover.
2. Third-Party Data Recovery Tools: If the messages are older than 30 days or not backed up, consider using third-party data recovery software like PhoneRescue for iOS or iPhone Data Recovery. These tools can scan your iPhone directly to find and recover deleted messages without needing a backup.
3. Contact Your Carrier or Friend: If all else fails, you might contact your phone service provider to see if they have stored copies of your messages, or ask a friend if they still have the conversation on their device.
Are there any Third-party Apps that can help me Recover Deleted Messages on my iPhone
Yes, there are several third-party apps that can help you recover deleted messages on your iPhone. Here are some of the most recommended options:
PhoneRescue for iOS: This tool allows you to recover deleted messages directly from your iPhone without needing a backup. It offers three recovery modes: from the iOS device, from iTunes backup, and from iCloud. The app enables you to preview and select specific messages to recover, making it user-friendly and efficient for retrieving lost conversations.
iMyFone ChatsBack: Specifically designed for recovering deleted WhatsApp messages, this app can also help in retrieving regular text messages. It works without requiring a backup and allows users to preview the data before recovery.
FoneLab: This software can recover lost or deleted data directly from your iOS device or from iTunes and iCloud backups. It is known for its ease of use and effectiveness in retrieving various types of data, including text messages.
Dr.Fone: Another popular option, Dr.Fone provides a comprehensive set of tools for data recovery on iPhones. It supports recovery from both the device itself and backups, offering a straightforward interface for users.
Conclusion
Recovering deleted messages on an iPhone has become much simpler with the introduction of the Recently Deleted folder in the Messages app. By following these steps, you can easily learn how to see deleted messages on iPhone and retrieve important information.
Remember, you have a 30-day window to recover deleted messages using the Messages app. For older messages or if you prefer not to use the app, iCloud backups provide another viable option. Understanding these methods can help you manage your messages more effectively and avoid losing critical information.
The key to recovering deleted messages is acting quickly and using the right tools. Whether you use the Messages app or iCloud, knowing how to see deleted messages on iPhone can save you from losing important data.
Additionally, exploring other backup options ensures you have multiple ways to retrieve your messages if needed.
