[Solved]Can You Recover Deleted Text Messages on iPhone?

Text messages are a crucial means of communication, containing valuable information, cherished memories, and vital business discussions. But what happens when you accidentally delete an important text message, or worse, an entire conversation thread? Can you recover deleted text messages on iPhone?

The short answer is yes, you can recover deleted text messages on your iPhone. Apple's iOS devices come with powerful features that often save deleted data temporarily, and with the right tools and methods, you can bring back those seemingly lost messages. In this article, we will guide you through the process, step by step, to help you retrieve deleted text messages on your iPhone.

Whether you've lost an important piece of information, or a heartfelt message, or just want to restore a deleted conversation for personal reasons, we've got you covered. Read on to explore various methods, tools, and tips for iPhone text message recovery and ensure you never lose a valuable conversation again.

Part #1: Can You Recover Deleted Text Messages on iPhone? Here Are Runner-Up Methods!Part #2: Can You Recover Deleted Text Messages on iPhone? Use the FoneDog iOS Data Recovery ToolSummary

Part #1: Can You Recover Deleted Text Messages on iPhone? Here Are Runner-Up Methods!

Method #1: Using Recently Deleted Folder

One of the most common scenarios where iPhone users delete text messages is accidental deletion. You might have deleted a message or a conversation without realizing its significance, only to later regret your actions. Thankfully, Apple offers a built-in solution to recover deleted text messages through the "Recently Deleted" folder.

1. Navigate to the Messages App: Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on "Mailboxes": In the upper left corner, you will see "Mailboxes". Tap on it.
3. Select "Recently Deleted": Scroll down and find the "Recently Deleted" folder under "Other Messages". Tap on it.
4. Recover Deleted Messages: Inside the "Recently Deleted" folder, you'll find all the messages you've deleted in the past 30 days. Simply tap on the message you want to recover.
5. Restore or Delete: After selecting the message, tap on "Recover" to restore it to your regular Messages app. Alternatively, you can choose to delete it permanently by tapping "Delete".

Messages in the "Recently Deleted" folder are retained for 30 days, after which they are automatically deleted permanently. So, it's essential to act quickly if you want to recover a deleted text message.

While the "Recently Deleted" folder is a straightforward method for recovering recently deleted text messages, it may not be effective for messages that have been deleted for more than 30 days or for older backup files. In such cases, you may need to explore other methods, which we'll cover in the following sections of this article. Stay tuned for more options on how to recover deleted text messages on your iPhone.

Method #2: Using iCloud Backup File

If the "Recently Deleted" folder doesn't contain the text messages you're looking for, or if you deleted messages more than 30 days ago, another method to recover deleted text messages on your iPhone is by using an iCloud backup. iCloud regularly backs up your device, including your messages, and you can restore from these backups.

Here's how can you recover deleted text messages on iPhone using an iCloud backup:

1. Check iCloud Backup: Before proceeding, ensure that you have an iCloud backup that contains the text messages you want to recover. Go to "Settings" > [your name] > "iCloud" > "Manage Storage" > "Backups" and select your device to see the date and time of the last backup.
2. Erase iPhone (optional): If you have a recent backup and don't mind erasing your device, you can do this from "Settings" > "General" > "Reset" > "Erase All Content and Settings". Be sure to back up your important data before doing this.
3. Restore from iCloud Backup:

1. After erasing your device or if you're setting up a new one, you will reach the "Apps & Data" screen during the initial setup process.
2. Choose "Restore from iCloud Backup".
3. Sign in to your iCloud account with your Apple ID and password.
4. Select the most relevant iCloud backup based on the date and time you noted earlier. Your iPhone will start restoring from the chosen backup.

1. Wait for the Restore: Your iPhone will restart and begin downloading the backup from iCloud. This process may take some time, depending on the size of the backup and your internet connection.
2. Complete Setup: Once the restoration is complete, follow the on-screen instructions to set up your device. Your text messages, along with other data from the selected backup, will be restored to your iPhone.

Restoring from an iCloud backup will replace all data on your device with the data from the selected backup. Make sure you have a recent backup and consider backing up your device before starting the process. Keep in mind that if you've created a backup after the text messages were deleted, the deleted messages won't be included in that backup.

Recovering deleted text messages using iCloud backup is effective for scenarios where the "Recently Deleted" folder doesn't have the messages you need, and you have a suitable backup available. However, this method may not be practical if you want to recover only specific messages without erasing your entire device. In such cases, you may want to explore more targeted methods for text message recovery.

Method #3: Using iTunes Backup Restoration

If something bad happens, like your iCloud backup disappear for unknown reasons. You can use a replacement. iTunes allows you to create and restore backups of your device, including your text messages.

Here's how to recover deleted text messages using an iTunes backup:

1. Connect Your iPhone to a Computer:

1. Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to a computer that you have previously used for syncing with iTunes.
2. Launch iTunes if it doesn't open automatically.

1. Select Your Device: In iTunes, locate and select your iPhone icon, which will appear in the upper left corner of the window.
2. Choose a Backup: Under the "Summary" tab, you will see a "Backups" section. Select "Restore Backup".
3. Select the Relevant iTunes Backup: A list of your available iTunes backups will be displayed. Choose the backup that you believe contains the deleted text messages you want to recover.
4. Restore Your iPhone: Click "Restore" and allow the restoration process to complete. This process may take some time, depending on the size of the backup and the speed of your computer.
5. Set Up Your iPhone: Once the restoration is finished, follow the on-screen instructions to set up your iPhone. Your text messages, along with other data from the selected backup, will be restored to your device.

Restoring from an iTunes backup will replace all data on your iPhone with the data from the selected backup. Ensure you have an appropriate iTunes backup before proceeding, and consider making a current backup of your device. If you've created a backup after the text messages were deleted, the deleted messages won't be included in that backup.

Using iTunes for text message recovery is a viable method, especially if you prefer a wired connection or if you don't have access to an internet connection for iCloud restoration. It provides a way to recover deleted text messages from an iTunes backup, and it can be a useful solution when needed. However, it also requires access to a computer with iTunes installed, which may not always be convenient for everyone.

Method #4: Using Finder on Mac

If you're using macOS Catalina (10.15) or later, you won't find iTunes on your Mac. Instead, Apple replaced iTunes with the Finder for device management, including backups and restoration. You can use Finder on your Mac to recover deleted text messages from a backup.

Here's how can you recover deleted text messages on iPhone using Finder on a Mac:

1. Connect Your iPhone to Your Mac: Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your Mac. If prompted on your iPhone, trust this computer.
2. Open Finder: Launch Finder on your Mac. In the Finder sidebar, you should see your iPhone listed under "Locations".
3. Select Your iPhone: Click on your iPhone under "Locations" to access its details.
4. Choose "Restore Backup": In the General tab, you'll see a "Backups" section. Select "Restore Backup".
5. Select the Relevant Backup: You'll be presented with a list of your available backups. Choose the backup that contains the deleted text messages you wish to recover.
6. Restore Your iPhone: Click "Restore" and allow the process to complete. The time required depends on the size of the backup.
7. Complete the Setup: After the restoration is finished, follow the on-screen instructions to set up your iPhone. Your deleted text messages and other data from the selected backup will be restored to your device.

Restoring from a backup via Finder on your Mac will replace all the data on your iPhone with the data from the selected backup. Ensure you have an appropriate backup before proceeding, and consider making a current backup of your device. If you've created a backup after the text messages were deleted, the deleted messages won't be included in that backup.

Using Finder on your Mac for text message recovery is a convenient method for users with macOS Catalina or later. It provides a familiar interface for managing your iPhone and recovering data from backups. However, like iTunes, it also requires access to a computer and may not be suitable for users who prefer a wireless solution or those who use older versions of macOS.

Part #2: Can You Recover Deleted Text Messages on iPhone? Use the FoneDog iOS Data Recovery Tool

While built-in methods and using backups are often the go-to options for text message recovery on an iPhone, sometimes you need a more powerful and versatile tool to retrieve deleted messages, especially if the messages have been deleted a long time ago. In such cases, third-party data recovery software like FoneDog iOS Data Recovery can be a lifesaver.

iOS Data Recovery Recover photos, videos, contacts, messages, call logs, WhatsApp data, and more. Recover data from iPhone, iTunes and iCloud. Compatible with latest iPhone and iOS. Free Download Free Download

This top iPhone data retrieval software is a user-friendly and reliable iPhone 15-supported software designed to help you recover lost or deleted data from your iPhone, including text messages, photos, contacts, and more. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers and supports a wide range of iOS devices.

Key Features of FoneDog iOS Data Recovery:

1. Selective Recovery: You can choose to recover specific text messages or other data items, giving you full control over what you retrieve.
2. High Success Rate: FoneDog iOS Data Recovery boasts a high success rate in recovering deleted data, even from older backups or when other methods have failed.
3. Compatibility: It works with various iOS devices, including iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch, and supports different iOS versions.
4. Preview Function: Before recovery, you can preview the messages to ensure you are recovering the right data.
5. User-Friendly: The software is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible to those with varying levels of technical expertise.

How can you recover deleted text messages on iPhone using FoneDog iOS Data Recovery:

1. Download and Install: Start by downloading and installing FoneDog iOS Data Recovery on your Windows or Mac computer.
2. Launch the Software: Open the program and connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable.
3. Select Recovery Mode: On the main interface, you will see different recovery modes. Choose "Recover from iOS Device".
4. Scan Your iPhone: Click "Start Scan" to allow the software to scan your iPhone for deleted data, including text messages.
5. Preview and Select Messages: After the scan is complete, you'll see a list of recoverable messages. You can preview and select the specific text messages you want to recover.
6. Recover Text Messages: Click "Recover" to start the recovery process. The selected text messages will be restored to your iPhone.

Important Notes:

• Ensure your iPhone is connected throughout the recovery process.
• The sooner you use FoneDog iOS Data Recovery after deleting messages, the higher the chances of successful recovery.
• The tool provides a free trial version, so you can try it out and see which messages can be recovered before purchasing the full version.

FoneDog iOS Data Recovery is a powerful and convenient solution for recovering deleted text messages on your iPhone. It's particularly useful when other methods have failed, or when you need to selectively recover specific messages. Always ensure that you use such tools responsibly and in compliance with relevant data privacy and legal regulations.

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Summary

In summary, can you recover deleted text messages on iPhone? It depends, depends on various factors, including the time since deletion and the availability of backups. Each method has its advantages and limitations, so choose the one that best suits your needs and circumstances. Remember to act promptly to increase your chances of successful text message recovery, and always make sure you have suitable backups in place to avoid data loss in the future.