6 Techniques to Retrieve Deleted Text Messages on iPhone

Part 1. How to Retrieve Deleted Messages on iPhone With or Without Backup

Deleting text messages is actually part of our normal routine. We usually do it to free up some space or just simply to declutter the Messages app. iPhone gives us two options to get this done conveniently. We can either erase text messages in bulk or select them individually. However, things go south sometimes if we accidentally erase an important message from our device. That is unimaginably disastrous. But don’t sweat it. There are many ways you can try to retrieve deleted text messages on your iPhone. Find them below.

Method 1: Ask the sender to resend the deleted text message.

If ever you delete an important text message by mistake, the first thing you should do is calm yourself down. No need to panic. Just stay composed. Before all else, try to reach out once again to the sender. Ask them politely to resend the deleted text message. That’s the simplest way to resolve this problem. It always works unless the text message is an automated advisory from banks and other institutions. If that’s the case, you will need to make an extra effort and retrieve it yourself.

Method 2: Recover deleted text messages via the Show Recently Deleted option.

Did you know that the Messages app on your iPhone actually has a recently deleted folder? That’s among the newest features that come from the recent iOS 16 update. Deleted messages stay in this folder for one month. Within that period, you may still recover the deleted messages back to the Messages app. Here’s how to do it.

• Step 1: Launch the Messages app on your iPhone.
• Step 2: Click Filters or Edit on the top-left corner of your screen.

• Step 3: Click Show Recently Deleted.

• Step 4: Select the deleted messages you want to retrieve. After that, click Recover.

• Step 5: Click Done and check the text messages that have been recovered.

Method 3: Contact your phone service provider and ask for assistance.

Keep in mind that you can always contact your phone service provider to report a problem or ask for assistance. They will always welcome you with open arms as long as your concern is related to network connectivity. Hence, you can try to ask them if they can help you bring back your deleted text messages. There’s no harm in trying. But don’t set your expectations too high. Such requests often get declined by the provider for the reason that most of them don’t keep text message records. Don’t worry. If it fails, you can try another way to retrieve deleted text messages on your iPhone.

Method 4: Restore deleted text messages from iCloud backup.

If your iPhone is automatically backed up to iCloud, you can easily retrieve your deleted text messages. All you need to do is reactivate the specific backup where the deleted text messages are stored. Don’t fret. This is a very easy procedure. Just follow the steps below.

• Step 1: Go to Settings.
• Step 2: Before you make any changes, check first if the Messages app is backed up to iCloud. Click your Profile.

• Step 3: Click iCloud.

• Step 4: Click iCloud Backup. Ensure that this feature has been enabled on your device ever since.

• Step 5: Once confirmed, return to the Settings app main dashboard. And then click General.

• Step 6: Click Transfer or Reset iPhone.
• Step 7: Click Erase All Content and Settings.

• Step 8: Resetting your iPhone to factory mode will take a few minutes. Once the process is done, the iPhone’s welcome greeting will appear on your screen. Set up your phone immediately. Under Apps & Data settings, click Restore From iCloud Backup.

• Step 9: Sign with your Apple ID. Lastly, choose the specific backup you want to restore on your iPhone.

Method 5: Retrieve deleted text messages using iTunes

Do you sync your device to iTunes regularly? If so, it will be much easier for you to retrieve deleted text messages on your iPhone. Here’s how to retrieve them from iTunes backup.

• Step 1: Launch iTunes on your desktop. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a data cable.
• Step 2: Once iTunes has recognized your device, click the iPhone icon on the top menu bar.
• Step 3: Right after, click Summary.

Spte 4: Head over to the main dashboard. Under the Backups section, click Restore Backup.

Method 6: Bring Back Your Deleted Text Messages Using Wondershare Dr.Fone

In case you don’t have any backup for your text messages, Wondershare Dr.Fone can help you recover them. It has a robust data recovery feature that retrieves various forms of data with or without backup. Here’s how to use it in easy ways.

Wondershare Dr.Fone

World's 1st iPhone and iOS data recovery software

• Provide with three ways to recover iPhone data.
• Scan iOS devices to recover photos, video, contacts, messages, notes, etc.
• Extract and preview all content in iCloud/iTunes backup files.
• Selectively restore what you want from iCloud/iTunes backup to your device or computer.
• Compatible with the latest iPhone models.

Available on: Windows Mac

Start Download

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• Step 1: Download Wondershare Dr.Fone from its official website. Install it on your computer.
• Step 2: Launch the newly installed application on your desktop.
• Step 3: Head over to the left panel. From there, click Toolbox. And then click Data Recovery afterwards.

• Step 4: Since you’re trying to retrieve deleted text messages on iPhone without backup, click iOS.

• Step 5: Click Recover Data From an iOS Device.

• Step 6: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a data cable.

• Step 7: Once Wondershare Dr.Fone has recognized your device, the available file types that can be restored from your iPhone will appear on the computer screen. Check the tickbox beside Message and Attachments. Check the other file types you want to recover as well. Right after, click Start Scan.

• Step 8: Wait while Wondershare Dr.Fone is scanning your iPhone. Don’t use your iPhone and your computer while the process is ongoing.

• Step 9: After that, all the available files from your iPhone will be displayed on the computer screen. Check the tickbox close to Message Attachments if you wish to recover all the text messages that have been fetched up. Alternatively, choose the specific text messages on the main dashboard. After that, click Restore to Device.

• Step 10: Confirm your device and the files you want to restore. Right after, click Continue.

Step 11: Wondershare Dr.Fone will prompt a warning if the Find My iPhone is currently enabled on your device. Deactivate it temporarily during the process to avoid interruptions. Once done, a new window will appear on the computer screen, confirming that the data recovery procedure is successful.

Part 2. How to Back Up the Text Messages on Your iPhone

Make it your habit to back up your iPhone files regularly. You never know what’s waiting ahead. It’s the best way to avoid permanent data loss and other major problems it entails. Although there are so many ways to retrieve deleted text messages on iPhone, prevention still matters the most. So sync your iPhone to iCloud and iTunes or use a third-party app to back up your device. Wondershare Dr.Fone has a data backup feature that secures all your important files to safe storage. Here’s how to use it to back up your iPhone.

• Step 1: Launch Wondershare Dr.Fone on your desktop. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a data cable.
• Step 2: Click My Backup on the left panel. After that, go to the main dashboard and then click Back Up Now.

• Step 3: Wait while Wondershare Dr.Fone is backing up your device. Don’t interrupt your computer and your iPhone during this process.

• Step 4: Once done, click View Backups or Open in Folder to review your files.

Part 3. How to Save Your Text Messages From Accidentally Getting Deleted

Mistakes happen almost every time. It’s a native element embedded in our lives as human beings. Therefore, we really need to be careful all the time, especially if we’re dealing with very important matters. Below are some tips you can do to avoid deleting your important text messages by mistake.

• Keep your smartphones away from children.
• Disable auto-delete or similar features on your iPhone.
• Lastly, be mindful whenever you’re deleting anything from your iPhone. Make sure that you’re actually selecting the right items you want to erase.