How to recover deleted text messages on iPhone

Since iOS 16, deleted messages wait 30 days in a Recently Deleted folder. After that, a backup is your best chance.

Agha Ali Abbas24 September 20261 min read

The fix

Recover from Recently Deleted (within 30 days)

1
Open the Messages app.
2
Open Recently Deleted.
In the conversation list, tap Edit or the ••• menu at the top, then Show Recently Deleted. The menu name varies by iOS version.
3
Select the conversations you want back.
4
Tap Recover, then Recover Messages.

The fix

After 30 days

1
Check your iPad or Mac.
If Messages in iCloud is off, other devices may still have the conversation. Turn off their internet first so the deletion does not sync.
2
Restore an older backup.
A backup made before the deletion contains the messages, but restoring replaces everything on the iPhone. Back up your current iPhone first, then restore from the older backup.
3
Ask the other person.
They still have their copy of the conversation and can screenshot or forward it.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I recover deleted messages?

Up to 30 days in Messages’ Recently Deleted folder, on iOS 16 and later. After that, they are gone from the iPhone.

Can my carrier give me deleted texts?

Usually not. Most US carriers keep only records of when texts were sent, not their contents, and iMessages never pass through the carrier.

How-To

Back up your Android phone

Back up your Android phone to Google with Google One, back up photos with Google Photos, or use Samsung Cloud, Smart Switch or a computer. Step by step.

24 September 20261 min read