5 Ways to Retrieve Deleted Text Messages on iPhone
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Digvijay has been a tech writer for the past six years. He began his career as a ghostwriter, contributing to well-known tech websites like MakeUseOf, MakeTechEasier, and TheWindowsClub. Now at Guiding Tech, he works on helping its readers use their devices to the best of their potential. In addition to his writing and tech expertise, Digvijay enjoys video editing, gaming, and traveling.
Method 1: Check the Recently Deleted Folder
iOS lets you retrieve deleted text messages within 30 days. You need to enable Filters from the Settings menu first. Let’s check it in action.
Step 1:OpenSettings>Messages.
Step 2:SelectUnknown & Spam> toggle onFilter Unknown Senders.
Step 3:Now, open theMessagesapp on your iPhone > tap onFilters.
Step 4:SelectRecently Deleted> tap theradio iconnext to the message.
Step 5:HitRecoverto retrieve the deleted messages on your iPhone.
The trick above works within 30 days of deleting that message. After a month, iOS deletes those text messages permanently.
Method 2: Restore a Backup File on iPhone
If you restore a backup file to an iPhone, it will reset the device to factory settings and restore old data. The recovery steps for Mac and Windows are different. Let’s begin with Mac.
On Mac
Step 1:Connectyour iPhone to your Mac via USB cable.
Step 2:OpenFinderand select theconnected device.
Step 3:On theGeneraltab, click onRestore Backup.
Step 4:Select thebackup fileyou want to restore from the drop-down menu.
Step 5:Click onRestoreto complete the process.
On Windows
Windows users must restore an iOS backup file using iTunes. The app is readily available in the Microsoft Store.
Step 1:Connectyour iPhone to a Windows computer using a USB cable.
Step 2:OpeniTuneson the computer.
Step 3:Click on theiPhone iconwhen it appears in iTunes.
Step 4:Go to theSummarytab and clickRestore Backup.
Step 5:Choose thelatest backup fileand clickRestore.
Your iPhone will reset to factory settings and restore the selected backup file on it. Once the process completes, you should see your deleted texts in the Messages app.
Method 3: Use a Third-Party Data Recovery Tool
Various third-party data recovery tools are available for Mac and Windows that can retrieve deleted text messages from your iPhone. These tools use advanced algorithms to scan your iPhone and recover deleted messages.
To use these tools, download and install software on your computer. Once the software is installed, connect your iPhone to the computer and follow the instructions to scan for deleted messages.
Method 4: Enable Messages Backup on iCloud
If you don’t want to lose messages in the future, enable iCloud Messages backup. Even when you delete a message from your iPhone, it remains stored in iCloud.
Step 1:Go toSettings> tap on yourApple ID.
Step 2:SelectiCloud>Show All>Messages in iCloud>Sync Now
Method 5: Check if the Messages are Synced With Other Devices
If you have enabled iCloud sync on other Apple devices like iPad or Mac, the system syncs your messages on all the hardware. When you delete a text message on your iPhone, you can retrieve the same from your iPad or Mac too (if they are not connected to the internet and haven’t deleted the messages). You can open Messages on an iPad or Mac and recover the deleted message.
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Last updated on 01 August, 2024
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