How to Recover Deleted Text Messages on iPhone

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Accidentally deleting important text messages on your iPhone can be a frustrating experience. However, there are several methods you can use to get those lost messages back. In this detailed guide, we will explain several ways to get back deleted text messages on iPhone. These methods range from using iCloud and iTunes backups to using special recovery software.

Method 1: Using iCloud Backup

Step 1: Check if you have a backup

First, make sure you have a recent iCloud backup that may contain deleted messages. Follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap your Apple ID (your name at the top).
3. Select iCloud.
4. Tap iCloud Backup.
5. Check the date and time of your last backup to see if it includes deleted messages.

Step 2: Restore your iPhone from a backup

If your backup is new enough, you can restore your iPhone from this backup:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Select Reset.
4. Select Erase All Content and Settings.
5. After your iPhone restarts, follow the setup prompts.
6. When you get to the Apps & Data screen, select Restore from iCloud Backup.
7. Sign in with your Apple ID and select the backup you want to restore.

After the restore is complete, check the Messages app for deleted texts.

Method 2: Using iTunes/Finder backup

Step 1: Check backup availability

Make sure you have an iTunes or Finder backup available that includes the deleted messages:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Open iTunes (on Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later).
3. Select your iPhone when it appears in the window.
4. Under Summary (or the General tab in Finder), look for the Backup section.
5. Check the date and time of the latest backup to see if it was before the deletion.

Step 2: Restore from iTunes/Finder backup

To restore your iPhone from an iTunes or Finder backup:

1. Select your iPhone in iTunes or Finder.
2. Click the Summary tab (or the General tab in Finder).
3. Click Restore Backup.
4. Select the relevant backup and press Restore.
5. Wait for the process to complete. Do not disconnect your iPhone until the recovery is complete.

When the restore process is complete, your iPhone will restart, and messages will reappear in the Messages app.

Method 3: Contacting your carrier

Some carriers store text messages on their servers for a certain period of time. It may be possible to retrieve your deleted messages by contacting your carrier. Follow these steps:

1. Find your carrier's customer service contact information (usually available on their website).
2. Call the customer service number and ask about the possibility of retrieving deleted text messages.
3. Provide any required information, such as account details and the time period during which the messages were deleted.

Please bear in mind that not all telecom companies offer this service, but it’s worth checking if other methods fail.

Method 4: Using third-party recovery software

There are various third-party software solutions designed to recover deleted text messages from your iPhone:

Step 1: Choose a reliable software

Choose a reputable data recovery tool. Some popular options include:

• Dr.Fone - Data Recovery (iOS)
• iMobie PhoneRescue
• Tenorshare Ultdata

Download and install your chosen software on your computer.

Step 2: Connect your iPhone and scan deleted messages

Using Dr.Fone as an example, here's how to recover deleted messages:

1. Launch the program on your computer.
2. Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to allow the software to recognize your device.
4. Once connected, select Recover from iOS Device.
5. Click Start Scan to find deleted text messages.
6. After the scan is complete, preview the recoverable messages.
7. Select the messages you want to restore and click Recover.

Each software will have slightly different steps, so follow the specific instructions provided by your chosen tool.

Method 5: Use message recovery services

If all else fails, you may want to consider hiring a professional data recovery service. These services have specialized equipment and expertise to recover lost data, including text messages. However, they can be quite expensive and are usually used as a last resort.

Before choosing such a service, read reviews and make sure the provider is reputable. Usually, you will need to send your device in for analysis and recovery.

Preventing data loss in the future

To avoid losing important text messages in the future, consider these preventive measures:

1. Regular backups

Make sure you regularly back up your iPhone using iCloud or iTunes/Finder. Set up automatic iCloud backup by following these steps:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap your Apple ID (your name at the top).
3. Select iCloud.
4. Tap iCloud Backup.
5. Turn on iCloud Backup and make sure your device is regularly connected to Wi-Fi and power for automatic backups.

2. Use alternative messaging apps

Consider using alternative messaging applications that offer cloud storage and message synchronization across different devices, such as:

• WhatsApp
• Telegram
• Facebook Messenger

These apps often back up messages to the cloud, reducing the risk of data loss.

3. Enable Messages in iCloud

If you have more than one Apple device, you can synchronize your messages via iCloud:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap your Apple ID (your name at the top).
3. Select iCloud.
4. Scroll down to Messages and turn it on.

This ensures that your messages are stored in iCloud and available on all your Apple devices.

Conclusion

Accidentally deleting text messages on your iPhone can be frustrating, but with the various recovery options available, you have a good chance of retrieving them. Start by checking iCloud and iTunes/Finder backups, then consider third-party recovery tools and carrier services if necessary. Additionally, taking preventive measures such as regular backups can help keep your data safe in the future.

By following these methods, you will be able to recover your deleted text messages and prevent similar data loss in the future.

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