There are several ways to retrieve deleted text messages on an iPhone, depending on the iOS version and whether you have backups. Here are the main methods:
Recover from Recently Deleted Folder (iOS 16 and later)
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap "Edit" or "Filters" in the top left corner.
- Select "Recently Deleted" to see messages deleted in the last 30-40 days.
- Choose the messages or conversations to recover and tap "Recover" or "Recover Messages."
This method does not require backups or a computer and restores messages directly to the Messages app.
Restore from iCloud Backup
- Ensure Messages are backed up to iCloud: Settings → Your Name → iCloud → Messages (on).
- Check an iCloud backup exists: Settings → Your Name → iCloud → iCloud Backup.
- Reset iPhone: Settings → General → Reset or Transfer → Erase All Content and Settings.
- After reset, choose "Restore from iCloud Backup," then select the backup created before deleting the messages.
Note: This restores the entire iPhone to that backup state, so other data changes after that backup may be lost.
Restore from Computer Backup (iTunes/Finder)
- Use an iPhone backup on your computer.
- Use tools like iBackup Extractor to access and extract messages from the backup without overwriting current phone data.
- Export messages to files like PDF or HTML on your computer for safekeeping.
Use Third-Party Recovery Tools
- Tools like PhoneRescue for iOS can recover deleted messages directly from the iPhone, with or without backups.
- These tools provide a high success rate and allow previewing and selecting messages to restore.
Ask the Other Party
- If messages are critical, you can request the other person in the conversation to share or screenshot the messages.
The first step should be to check the Recently Deleted folder in Messages if you're running iOS 16 or later, as this is the quickest and simplest recovery method. If not found there, restoring from iCloud or computer backups is the next best option. Third-party recovery apps offer powerful alternatives if backups aren’t available or preferred.
