How to See Recently Deleted Messages on iPhone: Easy Methods to Recover Your Chats

😡📱 In a slumber of rage, you swipe, and poof—the entire conversation with that person vanishes. No more annoying messages. No more drama. But wait… 😨

Along with the chat, you just lost everything—important details, shared passwords, sentimental messages—all gone in an instant. 💀

But what if… 🤔 there was a way to bring it all back? 🔄💬

Yes, message recovery is possible, but you have to act fast. This blog explores How to see Recently Deleted Messages on iPhone and guides you through the steps you can take to recover your chats.

Don’t just wait and regret; read this and act quickly!

Understanding iPhone Message Deletion and Recovery

When you delete a message on an iPhone, it isn’t promptly removed from storage. Instead, it’s flagged for deletion and stays recoverable until it’s written over with new data. The sooner you act, the greater the chances of recovery.

Factors Affecting Recovery:

• Time since deletion: The more you wait, the greater the chances of overwriting.
• iCloud Messages enabled:  If enabled, deleted messages may be permanently removed from all synced devices.
• Backup recovery: Messages can be restored from iCloud or iTunes backups.

Versions of iOS and Recovery Options:

The recovery processes differ a bit according to the iOS version. More recent versions provide a “Recently Deleted” folder in the Messages app with which you can easily restore deleted messages within 30 days.

Older iOS versions need backup restores. You can try third-party recovery tools, but it may or may not work depending on whether the data has already been overwritten.

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Method 1: Using the “Recently Deleted” Folder

What is the “Recently Deleted” feature?

iOS 16 or later’s “Recently Deleted” folder is a native feature that allows users to recover messages deleted over a specific time window. This feature serves as a safety net against accidental deletions by enabling users to retrieve messages up to 30 days before they are permanently deleted.

That means it could especially benefit users who delete messages by accident or in need of accessing important threads. But there are some limitations, which we’ll discuss later in this section.

Step-by-Step Guide to Recover Messages

1. How to Access the “Recently Deleted” Folder

To locate deleted messages and restore them:

• Launch the Messages app on your iPhone.
• Press on “Edit” in the upper left corner.
• Choose the option for “Show Recently Deleted.”

Or if you’re on iOS 17 or later, its “Recently Deleted” folder may be found in the Filters section.

2. Navigating the Interface

When you do so, you’ll see a list of messages deleted in the past 30 days in the Recently Deleted folder. A countdown will appear attached to each message thread to show how many days are left before it gets permanently deleted.

3. Choose & Restore Messages

To restore deleted messages:

• Select the message thread you wish to recover.
• Choose ”Recover” and confirm your selection.
• Your recovered messages will reappear in their original chat thread in the Messages app.

To permanently delete messages before the 30-day period ends, however, just select the conversation and, instead of tapping “Delete,” select “Delete.”

Restrictions with the “Recently Deleted” Feature

This is an easy option, but it does have limitations:

a. Time Limit: It gives you just 30 days in the case of messages. After this timeframe they are deleted forever and cannot be restored.

b. Available in iOS 16 and Later: Messages deleted prior to upgrading to iOS 16 won’t find their way to the “Recently Deleted” folder; Retroactive application will not be done with this feature.

c. Not Available for iCloud Messages (Occasionally): If you have Messages in iCloud enabled, deleted messages may not always show up in the “Recently Deleted” folder as they may be instantaneously removed from all of your synced devices.

What to Do If You Don’t Find the “Recently Deleted” Folder?

If you are not seeing the “Recently Deleted” folder and it is not displaying, do the following:

Make Sure You’re on iOS 16 or Later: Open Settings, tap General, and then tap About to check your iOS version. If you get this on an old version, update your device.

Check for messages in iCloud: If Messages in iCloud are on (Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Messages), deleted messages may have been deleted maniacally across all devices. Then, try restoring from an iCloud backup instead.

Reboot Your iPhone: Missing features could be caused by system glitches sometimes. That may be solved by restarting your iPhone.

Restore from an iCloud or iTunes Backup: If messages were permanently deleted, you might be able to restore an older iCloud or iTunes backup to recover them.

These are the steps you can take to successfully recover messages with the recently deleted folder before your messages become permanently lost.

Method 2: Recovering from iCloud Backup

Requirements for Recovering Messages from iCloud Backup

Before you can take the step to recover deleted messages with iCloud backup, you have to ensure that:

• iCloud Backup was enabled before the messages were deleted. Apple backs up your data automatically every day when your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi, charging, and locked, provided that iCloud Backup is on.
• Your last backup includes the deleted messages. If the backup was made after the messages were deleted, you won’t be able to use this method to recover them.

How to See When Your Last Backup Was Made

Before you restore your iPhone using an iCloud backup, it’s important to verify that the most recent backup has the messages you want.

To see your most recent iCloud backup:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap [Your Name] > iCloud.
3. Select iCloud Backup.
4. Check the timestamp on the Last Successful Backup and see if it was created before you deleted the messages.

If that backup was made after the item you want was deleted, this technique will not work, and you should look into other ways to recover your files.

How to Restore Messages from iCloud Backup: A Step-by-Step Guide

To see deleted messages with an iCloud backup, you’ll need to reset your iPhone, and restore your iPhone from backup. This will restore your iPhone to the same state it was at the time of that backup.

1. Clearing All Content and Settings

Because Apple doesn’t let people restore messages selectively, you need to wipe your device first:

• Open Settings on your iPhone.
• Select General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
• Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
• Confirm your decision and let the iPhone reset.

⚠️ Warning: This will erase all existing data on your iPhone. Before continuing, please be sure to back up your existing data!

2. Recovering From An iCloud Backup

Once the device restarts, you will be guided through the iPhone Setup Assistant.

• On the Apps & Data screen, select Restore from iCloud Backup.
• Sign in with your Apple ID.
• A list of existing backups will be displayed. Choose the most relevant backup (one made before the messages were deleted).
• Let the restore process complete.

Key Things to Remember Before Restoring

I. Data Overwrite Risk
Restoring from an iCloud backup overwrites all data on your iPhone with data from the backup. If you have any critical new data that is not backed up, you may want to save it as it is elsewhere before continuing.

II. Restoration Time

How long does it take to restore your iPhone depends on the backup size and internet speed. Big backups sometimes take hours to download and apply.

III. iCloud Storage Limits

If you had a full iCloud storage plan, it’s possible that your backup was incomplete or that it didn’t include messages.

Troubleshooting: What If the Restore Doesn’t Work?

If you are facing problems with restoring from iCloud, here are some solutions:

• Check Internet Connection: A weak or unstable Wi-Fi connection could interrupt the restore operation. Be sure that your internet connection is strong.
• Reboot your iPhone: If the restore gets aborted, restart your device and try again.
• Update iOS: Open Settings, tap General, then Software Update, and check for updates. An old step in iOS could hamper restoration.
• Try Another Backup: Restore from a different backup if the first one was unsuccessful.
• Check iCloud System Status: Go to Apple’s System Status page and check to see whether iCloud Backup services are down.

How to troubleshoot if the messages are still not recovered?

If you restore successfully from an iCloud backup, but the messages are gone:

1. Confirm Messages Were in the Backup

If the backup was created after you deleted the messages, they won’t be part of the restoration.

2. Check iCloud Sync Settings:

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Messages and make sure the toggle is on. If messages are synced via iCloud, restoring a backup won’t help get them back. Instead, see if you can find it using another Apple device logged into the same iCloud account.

3. Try Restoring from iTunes/Finder Backup

If you backed up your iPhone before using iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac), you may be able to pull messages from there instead.

4. Use Third-Party Recovery Tools:

Some third-party tools say they can recover deleted iPhone data if no backups contain the deleted messages.

Here are some key steps that you can take to recover deleted messages from an iCloud backup. But before continuing, always back up existing data to avoid information loss.

Method 3: Recovering from iTunes/Finder Backup

If you have made a backup of your iPhone on a computer with iTunes (desktop versions for Windows or older macOS) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later), you could be able to recover deleted messages. This method involves restoring from an entire backup, so this will overwrite all existing data on your iPhone with whatever’s in the backup.

Prerequisites for Recovery

You need to set up a backup before you can recover. If the backup was made after deletion, the messages will not be recoverable.

Using the correct method:

• Use iTunes if your computer runs Windows or macOS Mojave (or earlier).
• Use Finder if your Mac runs macOS Catalina (or later).

Step-by-Step Guide (Using iTunes on Windows/macOS Mojave or Earlier)

1. Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer.
2. Download and install the latest version of iTunes.
3. Choose the iPhone icon in the upper-left corner.
4. Go to the Summary tab.
5. Under Backups, click Restore Backup.
6. Choose the latest arrival that includes the deleted messages.
7. Click Restore, and wait for it to complete.
8. Keep your iPhone connected until restart and sync with iTunes.

Step-by-Step Guide (Using Finder on macOS Catalina or Later)

1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable.
2. Open Finder and select your iPhone under the Locations section in the sidebar.
3. Under the General tab, click Restore Backup.
4. Choose the backup that contains the deleted messages.
5. Click Restore and wait for the process to finish.
6. Keep your iPhone connected until the restoration is complete.

Important Considerations

• Data Overwrite Warning: Restoring from an iTunes/Finder backup replaces all current data on your iPhone. Back up your existing data before proceeding.
• Disable Find My iPhone: Before restoring, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone and turn it off.
• Restoration Time: The process duration depends on the backup size and computer speed.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues During Restore

• Restore Button is Greyed Out: Ensure Find My iPhone is turned off and the iPhone is properly connected.
• iTunes/Finder Doesn’t Recognize iPhone: Try a different USB cable, update iTunes, or restart both your iPhone and computer.
• Restore Fails or Freezes: Restart the process and check if your computer has enough storage to complete the restore.
• Messages Are Still Missing: Confirm that the selected backup was created before the messages were deleted.

By following these steps, you can attempt to recover deleted messages using an iTunes or Finder backup.

Preventing Future Data Loss

Importance of Regular Backups

Regularly backing up is essential as it prevents the loss of important data if it ever gets deleted accidentally or if you encounter software or hardware failure. Only two main backup options are offered by Apple: iCloud and computer backups.

iCloud Backup: This is the most convenient option, as it automatically saves your data when your device is connected to Wi-Fi and charging. To enable it:

1. Select Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
2. Toggle iCloud Backup on.
3. Then tap Back Up Now to do a manual backup.

Computer Backup: You can also back up your iPhone using a Mac (using Finder) or PC (using iTunes). Its usage is for making large backups on local storage without syncing in the cloud.

Enabling iCloud Messages

That feature, called iCloud Messages, syncs your text messages across all your Apple devices but keeps them safely stored in the cloud. This means regardless of whether you lose or reset your iPhone, your messages still remain. To enable iCloud Messages:

1. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud.
2. Scroll down and turn Messages on.

Be cautious when deleting messages

Take a moment to verify those messages are not important before deleting them. For example, messages may include verification codes, addresses, or sentimental conversations. If you accidentally delete a message, it may never be recoverable unless you have a backup made recently.

Well, with these steps, you can save unnecessary data loss and protect your important files and messages.

Conclusion

Fortunately, it is possible to recover deleted iPhone messages via different methods, which include iCloud backup restore, iTunes/Finder restore, and third-party recovery tools. The trick is to do it fast before the data is overwritten.

Enable iCloud backups, back up your device regularly, and keep important information securely elsewhere to prevent such data loss in the future.

Although losing messages can be infuriating, don’t freak out — you’re often more likely to get some of them back easily than you think! With the proper steps and a bit of luck, you may get everything back. 🔄📲 Keep being prepared, keep getting your backups, and never lose what matters most! 😊

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Recover Deleted Messages Without a Backup?

Yes, but with limitations. You have the option to check the “Recently Deleted” folder in the Messages app if you are using iOS 16 or later within 30 days of deletion. If you don’t have a backup and the messages have truly been deleted for good, your only recourse is a third-party recovery tool, and even that may not work.

What Happens If I Accidentally Delete Messages While Using iCloud Messages?

When iCloud Messages is on, deleted messages are generally removed from every device that is synced immediately and do not show up in a “Recently Deleted” folder. If you have iCloud or iTunes backup that includes the deleted messages, then restoration from iCloud or iTunes backup is the best option for you.

Will Restoring from an iCloud or iTunes Backup Affect My Current Data?

Yes. If you restore from a backup, all the data on your iPhone gets replaced by the data in that backup. You lose anything new — messages, photos, apps, settings — after the backup date. You should back up important data before doing so.

Can Apple Support Recover My Deleted Messages?

No, Apple doesn’t store a copy of your messages on its servers other than what you have on your iCloud or device backup. If you didn’t back up your messages before you deleted them, Apple Support won’t be able to get them back for you.

Are Third-Party Recovery Tools Safe and Effective?

Some third-party recovery tools say they can recover deleted messages, but whether they succeed depends on whether the data has been rewritten. Save your work and make sure you use such tools carefully; they may require your sensitive data and may also bring security threats. Only use trustworthy software with good reviews.