How do you recover recently deleted messages on your iPhone?

Imagine you mistakenly deleted an important message. Now, you want it back like crazy. How do you supposedly recover recently deleted messages on your iPhone? Be assured! You’ll get it recovered quite soon. Indeed, there are different ways to recover deleted messages. We’ll discuss them later.

Where are recently deleted messages on iPhone?

Whether you delete messages intentionally or accidentally, you can always recover deleted messages within 30 days of deletion. To recover recently deleted messages, follow the below steps:

• Open the message app on your iPhone.

• Tap Edit in the top-left corner > Show Recently Deleted. Alternatively, tap ‘Filters’ in the top-left corner, then ‘Recently Deleted.’
• Now select the conversation whose messages you want to restore. Then tap ‘Recover’.
• Tap ‘Recover Messages‘.

Remember: Deleting or recovering messages changes only your own message conversations; not those of your recipients. However, messages you delete from your conversations using ‘undo send’ are permanently deleted.

How to recover deleted messages from iPhone?

Recovering deleted messages on an iPhone is not rocket science- without using third-party apps. By default, you can recover deleted messages by following the below steps:

Direct recovery from iPhone

With iOS 17, you can easily recover SMS threads within 30 days of deletion.

1. Just go to Messages.

2. Tap on the ‘Edit’ button at the top-right corner. Scroll down and tap on ‘Show Recently Deleted’ (it will show the recently deleted SMS threads).

3. Choose the text conversation you want to recover. Then, tap the ‘Recover’ button next to the thread.

Remember: It will only work if the messages haven’t been overwritten by new data yet.

Using iCloud Backup to recover

Follow this step if you do not see deleted messages on the ‘Recently Deleted Messages’ tab. First, turn on iCloud backup in the Message settings. Make sure the backup is fairly recent.

– Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups.

– Make sure iCloud Backup is turned on.

– Erase your phone: Settings > General > Reset.

– Choose Erase all Content and Settings.

– Prompt will appear if you want to restore your iPhone from an iCloud Backup. Choose Restore from iCloud Backup.

– Now sign in to iCloud and follow the prompts to restore your device data (including text messages).

– Deleted messages will be shown once the restore is complete.

Remember: This method won’t work if your iPhone has been backed up after the deleted messages.

Using iTunes/Finder backup to recover

You can also recover deleted messages or content by using iTunes or Finder. Just follow the below steps:

• Connect your iPhone to the computer.
• Launch iTunes/Finder.
• Disable iCloud sync when prompted to prevent overwriting cloud data.
• A pop-up will show up. Select the backup you want to restore from (e.g. text messages).
• Wait a few minutes or hours to complete the restore process (depending on the file size).
• Open Messages and check if the deleted messages have been restored.

Bonus:

Additionally, you can recover deleted messages through third-party recovery apps or tools. These apps often come with a free trial with limited features. They don’t work if message data is fully overwritten.

Tips for preventing message loss

Prevention is better than cure. While there are different ways to recover or retrieve deleted messages, you can take extra measures to avoid text message loss in the future.

– Enable regular iCloud and iTunes full device backups comprising your message history. This will allow you to recover deleted messages, whether you deleted them intentionally or unintentionally.

– Go to iPhone’s Settings and enable iCloud to sync to back up conversations.

– Choose storage services like iExplorer or iBackup Viewer to export urgent SMS/iMessage threads.

– Make a habit of utilizing the Recently Deleted feature. However, be cautious before deleting message threads.

– Embrace auto backup reminders so you never forget.

These simple steps can minimize the risk of data loss and apply to almost all forms of content recovery- photos, videos, documents, etc.

Children sometimes delete messages accidentally or intentionally. Parents should take special measures to prevent them from receiving unwanted or vulnerable messages, such as checking Recently Deleted messages regularly and enabling third-party apps to monitor whom they text or the content of conversations.

Though some apps are free but offer limited options and controls, you should always consider premium parental control apps, which give you full control and customization at your preference.

Utilize Message Filter on Your iPhone

At a minimum level, you can even utilize the iPhone’s built-in feature Message Filter. It prevents getting messages from unknown senders, keeping your inbox decluttered. Besides, it enables you to block individual spammers from the Unknown Sender box.

To enable this feature, go to Settings > Messages > Select Known Senders over Unknown Senders. This will allow you to receive messages from your contact list.

FlashGet Kids help you monitor kid’s unsafe phone messages

FlashGet Kids goes further in monitoring or controlling kids’ digital activities with its advanced features. It focuses on the optimal use of technology and embracing a healthy digital lifestyle with reduced screen time. When it comes to monitoring what or whom your child is texting, FlashGet Kids includes a couple of  handy features such as:

Screen mirroring- keep updated on messaging

Keep updated on your kid’s browsing and scrolling in real time, and capture screenshots whenever required. Also, keep updated on whom they are texting, monitor spam messages, and prevent them from engaging in hostile conversations.

App blocker- maximize the use of apps

This feature is handy, especially when your child is a text person. It allows you to minimize the use of the Message app and set daily usage to your preference.

Screen time- reduce excess screen time

This feature is pretty basic. It prevents your child from engaging in text-based conversations too much; allowing them to use technology optimally.

Conclusion

Now you realize that recovering recently deleted messages is pretty easy. However, you should be cautious before deleting any message. Remember that you can only recover messages of not more than 30 days. To recover messages for over 30 days, you must turn on iCloud backup previously and through iTunes/Finder. You can even recover deleted messages through third-party apps. If all efforts turn in vain, contact your carrier, as they keep a record of your text messages.

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