How to Retrieve Deleted Text Messages on Android & iPhone

Every mobile phone has a messaging app enabling you to send SMS and MMS. Texting app on most phones does not let you recover deleted messages. Unlike social apps, you will not find the archive or backup option on these programs. Once the message gets deleted, no one can bring it back.

Both Android and iOS have addressed this problem in recent updates. Google messaging app on Android now has the archive folder. However, mobile companies like Samsung include their own app instead. Therefore, users of such brands still face the issue. In this tutorial, you will get the best fixes to retrieve deleted text messages on iPhone and Android. Read more…

How to Recover Deleted Text Messages on Android & iPhone

Check out the methods to recover deleted messages apps on Android and iPhone:

Method 1: Use Third Party Tool to Retrieve Deleted Chats

Another way to recover your deleted messages is using third-party tools. Several options are available in the market, but finding a reliable tool takes time and effort. Here are the two best recovery tools that promise top-quality service:

1) Dr.Fone

Best Way to Recover Deleted Messages

Dr.Fone from Wondershare is a complete package. It enables you to become a mobile maestro without technical knowledge. You can fix any issue in a few simple steps. Recovery of recently deleted messages is also possible with Dr.Fone. The software works well with both Android and iOS. You can download it on the Windows and Mac PC.

Here are steps to recover deleted messages using Dr.Fone:

Step 1) Download Dr.Fone Data Recovery software from the website.

Step 2) Run the program and go to Data Recovery under Toolbox.

Step 3) Select the device’s operating system and connect your Android, iPhone, or iPad to the computer.

Step 4) Choose the Recover Data from iOS device option.

Step 5) Here, check the Message & Attachments box.

Note: You may recover other files as well. Just select the type of file and hit the Start Scan button.

Step 6) Review the recovered messages and save them on the Device or PC.

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2) iMyFone

Best Text Message Recovery Tool

Whether you want to recover deleted messages on iPhone or Android, iMyFone is the best option. It has separate programs for each operating System; download it according to your device. iMyFone supports all OS versions, including the latest Android 13 and iOS 17.

Here are steps for recovering deleted messages using iMyFone:

Step 1) Install the iMyFone’s Android or iPhone program on your computer.

Step 2) Hit iPhone Recovery to start the process.

Step 3) Connect your device and hit Next.

Step 4) Enter the iTunes password if asked.

Step 5) Select Messages and other data options you wish to recover. Then hit Scan.

Step 6) Select the chats and click Recover to Device or Computer.

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Method 2: Retrieve Messages from the Archive on Android

The archive folder on the Google messaging app helps keep your inbox clean. It lets you remove the chat from the list, yet does not delete it completely. You can rely on it when recovering accidentally deleted SMS messages.

Follow the steps to retrieve deleted text messages on Android:

Step 1) Access the Messages app with the blue chat bubble icon.

Step 2) Click on three lines in the upper right corner.

Step 3) Move to the Archived folder.

Step 4) Hold the chat you want to recover.

Step 5) Tap on the Unarchive icon at the top.

Conversation unarchived message will appear. It returns to your inbox and gets listed based on its timestamp.

Method 3: Recover from the Trash Folder on Samsung

Being one of the top electronic brands, Samsung holds a significant share of the mobile market. The Korean giant is also known as OEM (original equipment manufacturer). Alongside the hardware equipment, Samsung uses its custom UI skin in the phones. Therefore, you do not get Android’s default Google Messaging app on its smart devices.

Fortunately, there is a message recovery option in the Samsung messages app. You can still retrieve the chat when you delete it deliberately or inadvertently. Before learning about recovery, you must know that the messages in the trash folder remain only for 30 days. After that, they will permanently vanish from your device.

Follow the steps to retrieve deleted text messages from the Trash:

Step 1) Open the messaging app of your Samsung device and hit three dots.

Step 2) Choose Trash from the drop-down menu.

Step 3) Tap the Edit option at the top.

Step 4) Select the conversation and click on Restore at the bottom.

Method 4: Recover Texts from Google Backup on Android

Backing up your phone with Google will protect you from data loss. Whether you lose your data intentionally or due to some error, restore everything with this method. Google Drive is best for recovering deleted text messages on Android without the app. However, it will only work if you often back up your device.

As the process involves resetting your device, you should ensure it has the backup of all your messages. Down below, you will find step by step guide to check and restore your device backup.

Check Google Drive:

Step 1) Access Google Drive on your Android phone.

Step 2) Hit Three lines at the top right corner.

Step 3) Navigate to the Backups section.

Step 4) Under This device, you will see your phone. Tap on your mobile name.

Step 5) Locate SMS and make sure it is up to date. Once you are sure, go ahead and factory reset.

Restore Backup:

Step 1) Launch the Settings app on your Android phone.

Step 2) Scroll and go to System.

Step 3) Click on the Reset section.

Step 4) Navigate to the Reset phone option.

Step 5) Hit the Reset Phone button to begin the process.

Method 5: Recover from Show Recently Deleted on iPhone

With the iOS 16 update, Apple introduced the message recovery feature in the Messages app. IPhone users can restore the deleted chats within 30 to 40 days. After this, messages get deleted from the device permanently.

Here are steps to see deleted messages on iPhone:

Step 1) Open the iPhone Messages app.

Note: Make sure you are on the Home Page. If you are in a chat, hit Back to go to the list.

Step 2) Hit Edit at the top left and select Show Recently Deleted.

Step 3) Check the chat you wish to restore. Hit Recover at the bottom.

Step 4) Tap on the Recover Message button.

Method 6: Restore Deleted Text Messages from iCloud Backup

Users of iPhone models older than iPhone 8 did not receive the iOS 16 update. Therefore, they cannot benefit from the latest features, including the Show Recently Deleted in Messages app. In that case, you can rely on iCloud backup.

You may also use this technique if 40 days have passed and messages are permanently deleted from the device. However, before resetting your device, ensure that iCloud has the Backup of your messages.

Check Backup on iCloud:

Step 1) Open Settings on iPhone or iPad.

Step 2) Hit your Apple ID profile photo at the top.

Step 3) Navigate to the iCloud section.

Step 4) Scroll down and check the toggle next to Messages.

Note: Once you ensure the toggle color is green, you may recover deleted messages from iCloud.

Restore iCloud Backup:

Step 1) Go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Backup.

Step 2) Hit Back Up Now and let the process complete. It will also allow you to recover the recently deleted messages on your iPhone.

Step 3) Return to the Home page of the Settings app and go to General.

Step 4) Scroll down and navigate to Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Step 5) Tap on the Erase All Content and Settings tab.

Step 6) Click Continue and enter the mobile code.

Note: It may start uploading the data to iCloud. You can skip it, as you have already backed up.

Step 7) Enter your Apple ID password to turn off the activation code.

Step 8) Select Erase iPhone to begin rebooting.

When your iPhone restarts, it will suggest you restore the backup. You may follow the instructions and your iCloud credentials.

Method 7: Retrieve iPhone Text Messages With iTunes

iPhone users can recover deleted text messages without iCloud backup. iTunes is another option available that enables you to back up your data. With this method, you can get your messages back whenever you want.

Here are steps to recover deleted messages on iPhone Using iTunes:

Step 1) Connect your iPhone to PC and Run the iTunes Program.

Step 2) Hit Back Up Now to update the old files.

Step 3) Click the Restore Backup button.

A dialogue box may pop up asking you to turn off the Find My feature. Follow the on-screen instructions to begin recovering deleted texts.

Method 8: Get Deleted Texts Back from Your Carrier

Lastly, if none of the aforementioned solutions work for you, contact your service provider for deleted messages. It is not necessary that your carrier saves your data but giving it a try won’t take much effort. Make a call to customer care and ask them for help. You may need to provide some documents for the verification. The process might be time-consuming, but it is an effective solution.

Bonus Tip: Avoid Losing Your Text Messages Permanently

Although the given solutions ensure you never lose messages, take these precautions for convenience in the future.

• Instead of deleting your messages, Archive them.
• Always Backup your text messages on Google Drive, iCloud, or iTunes.
• Use third-party apps for messages to ensure data protection.

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