How to Recover Deleted Messages on Android

Edited 1 day ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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At a time when communicating via text messages is so important, accidentally deleting important messages can be very frustrating. Fortunately, there are several ways to recover deleted messages on Android devices. This guide will give you detailed information on how to recover lost messages using different methods.

Understanding deleting data on Android

Before we dive into recovery methods, it's important to understand what happens when a message is deleted on an Android device. When you delete a message, it's not immediately erased from your device's storage. Instead, the system marks the space occupied by that message as "unused." New data can overwrite this space, making recovery more difficult. Therefore, it's important to act quickly and avoid adding new data to your device when attempting to recover deleted messages.

Method 1: Using Android's built-in backup service

Many Android devices have a built-in backup service that can help you recover deleted messages. How to use it:

1. Check your backup settings: Go to Settings > System > Backup. Make sure "Back up to Google Drive" is turned on and that the backup options include SMS messages.
2. Restore your backup: If your messages were backed up, you can restore them by performing a factory reset and then setting up your device again using your Google account. During the setup process, select "Restore" when prompted.

Method 2: Using third-party recovery software

There are many third-party applications available that can help recover deleted messages on Android devices. These apps require a computer and a USB connection. Some popular options include:

• Dr.Fone - Data Recovery (Android)
• FonePaw Android Data Recovery
• Tenorshare UltData for Android

Here's a general guide on how to use these tools:

1. Download and install the software: Download the recovery software of your choice and install it on your computer.
2. Enable USB debugging on your Android device: Go to Settings > About phone and tap "Build number" 7 times to enable Developer options. Then, go to Settings > Developer options and enable "USB debugging".
3. Connect your device to a computer: Use a USB cable to connect your Android device to a computer.
4. Launch the recovery software: Open the recovery software and follow the on-screen instructions to scan your device for deleted messages.
5. Preview messages and recover them: After the scan is complete, the software will display a list of recoverable messages. Select the messages you want to recover and save them to your computer.

Method 3: Checking your carrier or messaging app

Some mobile carriers offer message backup and recovery services. Additionally, some messaging apps may have their own backup solutions. Here's what you can do:

1. Contact your mobile carrier: Ask your mobile carrier if they offer any message recovery services. Some carriers keep a record of text messages for a certain period of time and may be able to recover them for you.
2. Check your messaging app: If you use a third-party messaging app like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, check their settings for backup options. For example, WhatsApp offers a Google Drive backup that can be used to restore deleted messages.

Method 4: Using file explorer apps on a rooted device

This method is more advanced and requires your device to be rooted. Rooting your device gives you administrative access, allowing you to access system files that are normally hidden. Please note that rooting may void your warranty and pose a security risk. Here's how to use the file explorer app on a rooted device:

1. Root your device: Research and follow the proper steps to root your specific Android device. There are various tools and guides available online.
2. Install a file explorer app: Download and install a file explorer app that has root access capabilities, such as ES File Explorer or Root Explorer.
3. Go to database files: Open the file explorer app and go to the directory where your messages are stored. It is usually located in /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/ and look for files like mmssms.db.
4. Access the database file: Use a file explorer app to open and browse the database file. You may need a SQLite viewer app to read the contents of the database file.
5. Recover deleted messages: Find the tables or entries that contain your deleted messages and export them in a readable format.

Method 5: Using cloud storage services

If you frequently use cloud storage services to back up your data, you may be able to recover deleted messages. Here's how to check it:

1. Check Google Drive: Log into your Google Drive account and check if your messages are backed up. Google Drive often includes an SMS backup feature.
2. Check other cloud services: If you use other cloud storage services like Dropbox or OneDrive, check if there's a backup solution set up to save your messaging data.

Method 6: Contacting the manufacturer

If you've tried all other methods, contacting your Android device's manufacturer may be your last resort. Some manufacturers have their own solutions for backup and data recovery. Here's how to proceed:

1. Visit the manufacturer's website: Visit the official website of your device's manufacturer (e.g., Samsung, Huawei, Google).
2. Check support options: Look for any support or customer service sections where you can find information about data recovery.
3. Contact customer support: Contact their customer support team for assistance. Explain your situation and see if they have any tools or solutions to recover deleted messages.

Preventing data loss in the future

Recovering deleted messages can be a tedious process, so it is best to take preventive measures to avoid data loss in the future. Here are some tips:

• Regular backups: Back up your messages and other important data regularly using your device's built-in backup options or third-party backup apps.
• Use cloud services: Use cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive for additional backups.
• Enable automatic backup: Make sure automatic backup is enabled on your device so that data can be saved regularly without manual intervention.
• Be careful when deleting: Double-check messages and other data before deleting to avoid accidental deletion.

Conclusion

Accidentally deleting important messages can be frustrating, but with the right tools and know-how, recovery is possible. Whether you use built-in backup services, third-party recovery software, or advanced methods like rooting your device, there are many ways to retrieve lost messages on Android. Always remember to take preventive measures to protect your data and reduce the risk of data loss in the future.

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