How to Retrieve Deleted Text Messages on Android & iPhone

Every smartphone is equipped with an app for sending SMS and MMS. Unfortunately, the standard texting applications on these devices do not offer a way to retrieve messages once they have been erased. Unlike many social media applications, there are no archival or backup features available in these messaging tools. When a message is deleted, it is permanently lost.

Recent updates for both Android and iOS have begun to address these limitations. For instance, Android's Google Messenger app now includes an archive folder. However, manufacturers like Samsung may use their own messaging apps, which might not include this feature.

How to Recover Deleted Text Messages on Android & iPhone

Explore the methods to restore erased messages on both Android and iPhone:

Method 1: Use Third Party Tool to Retrieve Deleted Chats

If you've deleted messages that you need to retrieve, using third-party recovery software is another viable option. While the market offers numerous tools, identifying a trustworthy one can require a bit of research. Among them, here are two highly regarded recovery tools that deliver excellent service:

1) Dr.Fone

Described as the optimal solution for message recovery, Dr.Fone offers a comprehensive toolset that allows users to handle their mobile device issues effortlessly, even without prior technical skills. This software supports both Android and iOS platforms and is compatible with Windows and Mac computers.

Steps to recover deleted messages using Dr.Fone:

Step 1: Download the Dr.Fone Data Recovery software from its official website.

Step 2: Launch the program and select 'Data Recovery' from the Toolbox.

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

Step 4: Opt for the 'Recover Data from iOS Device' selection.

Step 5: Check the 'Message & Attachments' box to specify what data to recover.

Note: You can select other file types as well by checking the appropriate boxes and clicking 'Start Scan.'

Step 6: Preview the recovered messages and decide whether to save them to your device or your PC.

2) iMyFone

Regarded as the premier tool for text message recovery, iMyFone caters to both iPhone and Android users. It offers specialized software for each operating system, ensuring compatibility across all versions, including the latest versions of Android 13 and iOS 17.

Steps to recover deleted messages using iMyFone:

Step 1: Download and install the appropriate iMyFone program for Android or iPhone on your computer.

Step 2: Open the program and select 'iPhone Recovery' or the equivalent option for your device to begin.

Step 3: Connect your smartphone to the computer and click 'Next'.

Step 4: If prompted, enter your iTunes password.

Step 5: Choose 'Messages' along with any other types of data you want to retrieve, then click 'Scan'.

Step 6: After the scan, review the chats, select the ones you need, and choose to recover them to either your device or your computer.

Method 2: Retrieve Messages from the Archive on Android

The archive function in the Google messaging app helps declutter your inbox. It allows you to hide conversations without permanently deleting them. This feature is useful for retrieving messages that were deleted by mistake.

Here's how to restore deleted text messages on Android:

Step 1) Open the Messages app, identified by the blue chat bubble icon.

Step 2) Tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.

Step 3) Navigate to the Archived folder.

Step 4) Long-press on the conversation you wish to restore.

Step 5) Select the Unarchive option at the top of the screen.

The conversation will be unarchived and reappear in your inbox, sorted according to its original timestamp.

Method 3: Recover from the Trash Folder on Samsung

As a leading electronics brand, Samsung captures a substantial portion of the mobile market. Known as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), the Korean powerhouse integrates its custom user interface skin into its smartphones. This means that Samsung devices typically do not feature the standard Android Google Messaging app.

Thankfully, Samsung's messaging application includes a message recovery feature. You can recover conversations, whether they were deleted intentionally or accidentally. It's important to note that messages moved to the trash folder are retained for only 30 days before they are permanently erased from your device.

Here’s how you can recover deleted text messages from the trash in Samsung’s messaging app:

Step 1) Open your Samsung device’s messaging app and tap on the three dots.

Step 2) Select 'Trash' from the menu.

Step 3) Press the 'Edit' button at the top.

Step 4) Choose the conversation you wish to retrieve and tap 'Restore' at the bottom.

Method 4: Recover Texts from Google Backup on Android

Using Google to back up your phone is a reliable safeguard against data loss. Whether your data disappears by mistake or through intentional deletion, this method can help you restore it. Google Drive is particularly effective for retrieving deleted text messages on Android, provided that you regularly back up your device.

Since this method requires a factory reset of your device, make sure to verify that your messages are indeed backed up. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to check and restore your device from a backup.

Checking Google Drive Backup:

Step 1) Open Google Drive on your Android phone.

Step 2) Tap the three lines in the top right corner.

Step 3) Go to the 'Backups' section.

Step 4) Look for 'This device' and tap on your phone's name.

Step 5) Check if SMS is included and up-to-date. If confirmed, you can proceed with a factory reset.

Restoring from Backup:

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

Step 2) Scroll to and select 'System'.

Step 3) Tap on 'Reset options'.

Step 4) Choose 'Erase all data (factory reset)'.

Step 5) Confirm by tapping on 'Reset Phone' to initiate the restoration process.

Method 5: Recover from Show Recently Deleted on iPhone

With the iOS 16 update, Apple has rolled out a new feature for retrieving deleted messages in the Messages app. iPhone users now have the ability to recover their deleted conversations for a period of 30 to 40 days, after which the messages are permanently erased from the device.

Follow these steps to view deleted messages on your iPhone:

Step 1: Launch the Messages app on your iPhone.

Note: Ensure you are on the main screen. If you find yourself within a conversation, tap "Back" to return to the overall list of messages.

Step 2: Tap on "Edit" in the upper left corner, then choose "Show Recently Deleted."

Step 3: Select the conversation you want to recover. Press "Recover," located at the bottom of the screen.

Step 4: Confirm the recovery by tapping the "Recover Message" button.

Method 6: Restore Deleted Text Messages from iCloud Backup

For iPhone models earlier than the iPhone 8, the iOS 16 update is unavailable, meaning they miss out on new features such as the Show Recently Deleted option in the Messages app. In such instances, you can rely on iCloud backups to recover messages.

If more than 40 days have passed and the messages are permanently erased from your device, ensure your messages are backed up to iCloud before resetting your phone.

Checking iCloud Backup:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2: Tap on your Apple ID profile photo at the top.

Step 3: Proceed to the iCloud settings.

Step 4: Scroll to Find Messages and ensure the toggle is switched on (green), which confirms that your messages are backed up to iCloud.

Restoring from iCloud Backup:

Step 1: Navigate to Settings > [Your Apple ID] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.

Step 2: Select "Back Up Now" to update your latest data to iCloud, including messages that have recently been deleted.

Step 3: Go back to the main Settings menu and select General.

Step 4: Scroll to "Transfer or Reset iPhone" and choose this option.

Step 5: Tap "Erase All Content and Settings."

Step 6: Press "Continue" and enter your device's passcode.

Note: If prompted to upload data to iCloud, you can skip this step as your data has already been backed up.

Step 7: Enter your Apple ID password to disable the activation lock.

Step 8: Choose "Erase iPhone" to start the reset process.

Upon restarting, your iPhone will prompt you to restore from the iCloud backup. Simply follow the on-screen instructions and enter your iCloud credentials to retrieve your data.

Method 7: Retrieve iPhone Text Messages With iTunes

iPhone users have the option to restore deleted text messages even without using iCloud backup by utilizing iTunes for data backup. This method allows users to retrieve their messages at any time.

Follow these steps to recover deleted messages on an iPhone using iTunes:

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer and open the iTunes application.

Step 2: Select 'Back Up Now' to refresh your existing backup files.

Step 3: Choose 'Restore Backup'.

You might see a dialog box prompting you to disable the 'Find My iPhone' feature. Follow the instructions provided on the screen to proceed with the restoration of your deleted texts.

Method 8: Get Deleted Texts Back from Your Carrier

Finally, if the previously mentioned methods fail to retrieve your deleted messages, consider reaching out to your mobile carrier. Although it's not guaranteed that your service provider will retain your message data, attempting to recover it through them is a straightforward process. Simply contact their customer service department and inquire about recovery options. You may need to submit some identification documents for verification purposes. While this approach might take some time, it can prove to be a worthwhile solution.

Bonus Tip: Avoid Losing Your Text Messages Permanently

While the suggested methods aim to prevent the loss of messages, consider adopting these precautions to make future recoveries more manageable:

Rather than deleting messages, opt to archive them. This keeps them accessible without cluttering your main message list.

Regularly back up your text messages to Google Drive, iCloud, or iTunes to safeguard your data.

Employ third-party messaging apps that offer enhanced data protection features.

Can I recover deleted text messages on Android without root?

Android devices offer several built-in options for recovering messages. If you use the Google Messages app, be sure to look in the archived folder. Additionally, you can secure your data by backing up your device on Google Drive. A factory reset of the device is also an option for retrieving deleted text messages.

Verdict

Based on my hands-on experience, recovering deleted text messages is a manageable task with the right resources. By adhering to the outlined steps, you can successfully restore your vital communications.