To recover deleted text messages, the method depends on whether you use an iPhone or an Android device:
For iPhone (iOS 16 or later)
- Open the Messages app.
- On the conversation list, tap Edit (top-left) or Filters if Message Filtering is on.
- Tap Show Recently Deleted.
- Select the conversations or messages you want to recover.
- Tap Recover , then confirm by tapping Recover Messages.
- Messages deleted within the last 30 to 40 days can be recovered this way.
- If you use Messages in iCloud, recovered messages sync across your devices.
- Note: Messages deleted using Undo Send or expired audio messages cannot be recovered
For Android
- Check if your messaging app has a Recycle Bin or Archived folder (e.g., Samsung Messages app stores deleted messages in Trash for 30 days).
- To recover from Recycle Bin or Trash:
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap the three-dot menu and select Recycle Bin or Trash.
- Long-press the message and tap Restore.
- If you have Google Drive backup enabled for Messages, you can restore messages by factory resetting your phone and restoring from backup.
- Third-party recovery software (like FoneLab or SMS Restore and Backup apps) can help recover deleted messages, but may require rooting your phone and have no guaranteed success.
- Always check the date of your last backup before factory resetting
In summary, iPhone users with iOS 16+ can recover deleted messages directly in the Messages app within 30 days, while Android users often rely on app- specific Trash folders, Google backups, or third-party recovery tools. Acting quickly improves chances of recovery.
