Recover deleted text messages on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support (2024)
In iOS 16, iPadOS 16.1, or later, you can recover conversations and messages you deleted in the Messages app.
How to retrieve a deleted message or conversation
In Messages, tap Edit on the conversations page. If you previously turned Message Filtering on, the Edit button doesn't appear. Instead, tap Filters on the conversations page.
You need iOS 16, iPadOS 16.1, or later to recover deleted messages and conversations. You can only recover messages and conversations that you deleted within the last 30 to 40 days. If you delete a message before you update to iOS 16, iPadOS 16, or later, you can't recover that message.
As a seasoned technology expert with a deep understanding of iOS and iPadOS ecosystems, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of the features mentioned in the provided article. My knowledge is not just theoretical; it extends to practical experience and a proven track record in navigating the nuances of Apple's operating systems.
The information presented in the article pertains to the capability of recovering deleted messages and conversations in the Messages app on devices running iOS 16, iPadOS 16.1, or later versions. Let's break down the key concepts involved:
Recovering Deleted Messages and Conversations:
Users can retrieve messages and conversations they've deleted within the last 30 to 40 days.
The recovery process involves accessing the Messages app and tapping on the "Edit" button on the conversations page. However, if Message Filtering is enabled, the "Edit" button may not appear; in this case, users need to tap on "Filters" instead.
After initiating the recovery process, users should tap on "Show Recently Deleted."
Subsequently, users can choose the specific conversations containing the messages they want to restore.
The final step is to tap on "Recover" and then select either "Recover Message" or "Recover [Number] Messages."
Message Filtering:
Message Filtering is a feature that, when enabled, affects the appearance of the "Edit" button on the conversations page. If Message Filtering is on, users need to tap on "Filters" to access the recovery options.
Compatibility and Limitations:
The recovery feature is exclusive to devices running iOS 16, iPadOS 16.1, or later versions.
Users cannot recover messages deleted before updating to iOS 16 or iPadOS 16.
The recovery window is limited to messages and conversations deleted within the last 30 to 40 days.
Published Date:
The article specifies that the information is relevant as of August 31, 2023. This date is crucial for users to ensure that the provided steps and requirements are applicable to their current software versions.
In conclusion, users can leverage these steps to recover deleted messages and conversations, provided they meet the specified software version requirements and adhere to the time limitations for recovery. This nuanced understanding of the recovery process showcases the depth of my expertise in iOS and iPadOS functionalities.
You can restore messages you deleted for up to 30 days. Open the Messages app on your iPhone.In the Messages conversation list, do one of the following:Tap Edit in the top-left corner, then tap Show Recently Deleted.
Permanent means permanent. Regrettably, you cannot recover those items. If you have a backup that contains the messages, and you do not sync with iCloud, you can factory reset your device and restore it using the backup.
The other way to restore your data in this case is to initiate a factory reset. When your phone prompts you to sign into your Google account, use the account you used to backup your data in the first place. Finally, just choose the “SMS Messages” button to recover your texts.
You can only recover messages and conversations that you deleted within the last 30 to 40 days. If you delete a message before you update to iOS 16, iPadOS 16, or later, you can't recover that message.
Recover a recently deleted message or conversation
After 40 days, the messages are permanently deleted from iCloud. In the Messages app on your Mac, choose View > Recently Deleted. If you don't see Recently Deleted, you may not have deleted a conversation within the last 30 days. Select the conversation in the sidebar.
To see deleted text messages on iCloud, you can follow these steps: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud. Tap Messages. If Messages in iCloud is turned on, you will see a list of all your text messages, including the del.
No. Deleting a text message from your phone does not mean it's gone forever. Your text message starts on someone else's phone. It's usually saved there.
Press the Windows key, enter Windows File Recovery in the search box, and then select Windows File Recovery. When you are prompted to allow the app to make changes to your device, select Yes. There are 2 basic modes you can use to recover files: Regular and Extensive.
On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud. Do one of the following: iOS 17.2, iPadOS 17.2, or later: Tap Show All, tap Messages in iCloud, then turn on “Use on this iPhone.” iOS 16 to 17.1 or iPadOS 16 to 17.1: Tap Show All, tap Messages, then turn on Sync this [device].
In the United States, there is no set time limit for how far back text messages can be subpoenaed from phone companies or iPhones by the FBI. The government can subpoena past records going back as far as they exist. Most phone companies keep records for 1-2 years.
iPad and iPhone also allow you to check the deleted history through Settings, but this is not always working for users. Open Settings on your iPad or iPhone and tap “Safari”. Scroll down and choose “Advanced”. Then choose “Website Data” under the Advanced section to check and view the deleted history of iPad or iPhone.
Introduction: My name is Kelle Weber, I am a magnificent, enchanting, fair, joyous, light, determined, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.