To retrieve deleted messages, the method depends on your device type and operating system:
For iPhone (iOS 16 or later)
- Open the Messages app.
- In 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 Recover Messages.
- Messages deleted within the last 30 days can be recovered this way.
- Note: Messages deleted using Undo Send or expired audio messages cannot be recovered
For Android Phones
- Some Android phones have a recycle bin feature in the messaging app settings where deleted messages can be restored
- Samsung Galaxy phones: Open the Samsung Messages app, tap More options (three dots), then Trash. Select messages and tap Restore. Alternatively, use Samsung Cloud backup to restore messages
- If your phone lacks built-in recovery, use third-party Android data recovery software (e.g., FoneLab) by connecting your phone to a Windows PC and running the recovery tool
- You can also try apps like "Recover Deleted Messages" from Google Play, which backup and restore SMS messages directly on your device
- On some Android phones, enabling notification history allows you to see deleted SMS in your notification log and recover them manually
General Tips
- Act quickly: Most systems allow recovery only within about 30 days of deletion.
- Backups: Regularly back up your messages via iCloud, Google Drive, or manufacturer cloud services to increase chances of recovery.
- Recovery apps: Use reputable apps or software designed for message recovery if built-in options are unavailable.
This covers the main ways to retrieve deleted messages on iPhone and Android devices.
