Accidentally deleting important messages from your iPhone can be a nightmare. But, don’t panic just yet! Retrieving deleted messages is possible, and I’m here to guide you through it. In a nutshell, you’ll either restore from an iCloud or iTunes backup or use a third-party app. After reading this quick overview, you’ll have a basic idea of how to get your messages back.
Step by Step Tutorial to Retrieve Deleted Messages from iPhone
Before we dive into the steps, it’s crucial to know that the success of retrieving deleted messages largely depends on whether they are still stored somewhere. The following steps will guide you through the retrieval process from backups or using software.
Step 1: Check if Messages are backed up to iCloud
Log in to your iCloud account and check if the messages are there.
iCloud automatically backs up messages, but this only works if you had enabled iCloud backup before the messages were deleted. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup to check if it’s turned on.
Step 2: Restore from an iCloud Backup
Reset your iPhone and choose to restore from an iCloud Backup during the setup process.
This step will erase all the current content on your iPhone, so make sure you’ve backed up any new data. Then, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. After your phone restarts, select “Restore from iCloud Backup.”
Step 3: Restore from an iTunes Backup
Connect your iPhone to the computer you’ve backed up with and restore from an iTunes backup.
If you regularly back up your iPhone to a computer through iTunes, you could retrieve your messages this way. Open iTunes, connect your iPhone, click on the device icon, select ‘Restore Backup,’ and pick the most relevant one.
Step 4: Use Third-Party Software
Download and use a third-party app to scan your iPhone for deleted messages.
Several reliable apps can scan your iPhone for deleted data. Always ensure you’re using a trusted application, download it, connect your iPhone, and follow the app’s instructions to retrieve your messages.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you should have successfully retrieved your lost messages. If the messages were not backed up, the chances of retrieval are slim, but not impossible with the help of third-party software.
Tips to Retrieve Deleted Messages from iPhone
- Always back up your iPhone regularly to iCloud or iTunes to avoid losing data.
- Act quickly, as iPhone may overwrite the space where the deleted messages were stored.
- Ensure your iPhone has enough battery life before starting the retrieval process.
- Choose a trusted and reliable third-party app if needed for recovery.
- If you’re unsure, seek professional help rather than risking further data loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I retrieve deleted messages without a backup?
Yes, but you’ll need to use third-party software that can scan your device for deleted data.
Is it possible to retrieve messages deleted a long time ago?
It’s unlikely, as the iPhone may have already overwritten the space where the messages were stored.
Will restoring from a backup delete my current iPhone data?
Yes, restoring from a backup will erase all current content on your iPhone.
Are third-party apps safe for retrieving deleted messages?
Only if you use a trusted and reliable app; be sure to research and read reviews before downloading.
Can I selectively retrieve messages without restoring the whole backup?
Some third-party apps offer the option to selectively recover messages without a full restore.
Summary
- Check if messages are backed up to iCloud.
- Restore from an iCloud backup if available.
- Use an iTunes backup to restore messages.
- Download and use third-party software.
- Retrieve deleted messages successfully.
Conclusion
Losing messages can be stressful, but as we’ve seen, there are several ways to retrieve deleted messages from your iPhone. Whether it’s through iCloud, iTunes, or a third-party app, the key is to act promptly and use the right tool for the job. Remember to regularly back up your data to prevent future data loss and consider professional help if you’re unsure about the process. With the right steps and a bit of luck, you’ll be reading those lost messages again in no time. Now that you know how to retrieve deleted messages from iPhone, you can rest a little easier next time you accidentally hit ‘delete.’
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.