Accidentally deleting messages on your iPhone 15 can be a real bummer, especially if they’re important. But don’t worry, retrieving them can be simpler than you think. All you need is your trusty iPhone, a bit of patience, and the following steps.
Step by Step Tutorial to Retrieve Deleted Messages on iPhone 15
Before we dive in, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve here. When you delete a message on your iPhone, it isn’t gone forever right away. There’s a window of opportunity to get it back. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Check Your Recently Deleted Folder
Your iPhone 15 has a nifty feature that keeps deleted messages in a “Recently Deleted” folder for up to 30 days.
If it’s been less than 30 days since you deleted the message, go to your Messages app and check this folder. Just like the trash can on a computer, this is the first place you should look. If your message is there, simply swipe left on the message and tap “Recover.”
Step 2: Restore from an iCloud Backup
If your message isn’t in the Recently Deleted folder, it’s time to check if you have an iCloud backup.
Go to Settings, click your name at the top, then tap “iCloud,” followed by “Manage Storage,” and finally “Backups.” Here you’ll see a list of your backups. Choose the one that was made before you deleted your messages. Keep in mind that restoring from a backup will replace the data currently on your phone, so you might lose any new data.
Step 3: Restore from an iTunes Backup
If you’re not a fan of iCloud, you might have a backup on your computer through iTunes.
Connect your iPhone 15 to the computer you usually sync with, open iTunes, and select your device. Click “Restore Backup” and choose the backup you want to restore from. Remember, this will also replace the data currently on your iPhone with the data from the backup.
Step 4: Use a Third-Party App
Still no luck? There are third-party apps out there designed to recover deleted data.
Download a reliable data recovery app onto your computer, connect your iPhone, and follow the app’s instructions. It’s worth noting that these apps can be hit or miss and often come at a cost.
Step 5: Contact Apple Support
When all else fails, it’s time to give Apple Support a call.
If you’ve tried everything and still can’t recover your messages, reaching out to Apple Support may be your best bet. They might not be able to get your messages back, but they can offer advice and help you prevent future data loss.
After completing these steps, you’ll hopefully have your deleted messages back in your hands. If not, you’ll at least know you’ve tried every avenue.
Tips for Retrieving Deleted Messages on iPhone 15
- Regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud or iTunes to make recovery easier.
- Don’t wait too long to try to recover deleted messages; the sooner, the better.
- Be careful with third-party apps and only use ones with good reviews and reputations.
- Keep your iPhone software updated to avoid any glitches with message deletion.
- Remember to check your “Recently Deleted” folder first—it’s the easiest solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do messages stay in the Recently Deleted folder?
Messages stay in the Recently Deleted folder for 30 days before they’re permanently erased.
Can I recover messages that were deleted more than 30 days ago?
It’s unlikely, but you can try restoring from an older iCloud or iTunes backup if one is available.
Will restoring from a backup delete my current data?
Yes, restoring from a backup will replace the current data on your iPhone with the data from the backup.
Are third-party recovery apps safe to use?
They can be, but always research and choose a reputable app. Be cautious about giving any app access to your personal data.
What if I never backed up my iPhone?
If you never backed up your iPhone, your chances of recovering deleted messages are slim. Always make regular backups moving forward.
Summary
- Check the Recently Deleted folder.
- Restore from an iCloud Backup.
- Restore from an iTunes Backup.
- Use a Third-Party App.
- Contact Apple Support.
Conclusion
Dealing with deleted messages on your iPhone 15 can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether it’s a simple check of the Recently Deleted folder or a more complex dive into your iCloud or iTunes backups, there’s often a way to get those messages back. Remember, regular backups are your best friend when it comes to data recovery, and acting quickly is key. If you’ve exhausted all options and still come up short, take it as a learning experience to back up your data moving forward. Retrieving deleted messages on iPhone 15 may not always be successful, but with this guide, you’re equipped with the best practices to give it your best shot. Keep calm, carry on, and happy messaging!
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.