Accidentally deleted a message on your iPhone and now you’re in a panic? No worries! You can get those messages back with a few simple steps. Whether you’ve deleted a text, iMessage, or a WhatsApp conversation, there’s always a way to recover them. Keep reading to find out how you can undelete messages on your iPhone.
Step by Step Tutorial to Undelete Messages on iPhone
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to know that the success of message recovery on your iPhone depends on whether the data has been overwritten or not. If you’ve continued to use your iPhone extensively after deleting the messages, it may be harder to retrieve them. But don’t lose hope just yet!
Step 1: Check Recently Deleted Folder
First, check the ‘Recently Deleted’ folder in your iPhone’s Messages app.
If you’ve recently deleted the message, it may still be in the ‘Recently Deleted’ folder. This is a folder where messages are temporarily stored before being permanently erased from your iPhone. To check, simply go to your Messages app, tap ‘Edit’ in the top left corner, and select ‘Show Recently Deleted’. If your message is there, you can easily move it back to your main message list.
Step 2: Restore from an iCloud Backup
If the message isn’t in the Recently Deleted folder, you might be able to restore it from an iCloud backup.
To do this, go to ‘Settings’, tap on your name at the top, then ‘iCloud’, ‘Manage Storage’, and finally ‘Backups’. Here you’ll see a list of your backups – choose the most recent one before you deleted the messages. Keep in mind that restoring from a backup will replace all the data on your iPhone, so make sure to back up any important new data before you proceed.
Step 3: Use a Third-Party App
If the above steps don’t work, consider using a third-party recovery app to undelete your messages.
There are several reliable third-party apps available that can help you recover deleted messages. These apps often require you to connect your iPhone to a computer and may come at a cost. However, they can be very effective in retrieving lost data, including messages. Make sure to do your research and choose a reputable app with good reviews.
After completing the above steps, your deleted messages should be restored to your iPhone. Keep in mind that the sooner you attempt to recover the messages, the higher your chances of success.
Tips for Undeleting Messages on iPhone
- Always back up your iPhone regularly to avoid losing important data.
- Avoid using your iPhone for new data if you’ve just deleted important messages you want to recover.
- If you’re using a third-party app, make sure your iPhone is running the latest iOS version to avoid compatibility issues.
- Be aware that some third-party apps may require you to jailbreak your iPhone, which can void your warranty.
- Consider reaching out to Apple Support for additional help if you’re unable to recover your messages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I undelete messages on iPhone without a backup?
It’s possible, but not guaranteed. If the data hasn’t been overwritten by new data, some third-party apps may be able to recover the messages without a backup.
Will restoring from an iCloud backup delete my current data?
Yes, restoring from an iCloud backup will replace all the current data on your iPhone. It’s essential to back up any new data before restoring from an older backup.
How long do messages stay in the Recently Deleted folder?
The Recently Deleted folder keeps messages for up to 30 days before they’re permanently deleted.
Are third-party recovery apps safe to use?
While many are safe, it’s crucial to choose a reputable app with positive reviews. Be cautious of apps that require jailbreaking your iPhone.
Can I recover deleted WhatsApp messages on iPhone?
Yes, if you have a backup of your WhatsApp chats in iCloud or if you’ve emailed yourself a chat history, you can recover deleted WhatsApp messages.
Summary
- Check the Recently Deleted folder in the Messages app.
- Restore from an iCloud backup if the message isn’t in the Recently Deleted folder.
- Use a third-party recovery app as a last resort.
Conclusion
Losing messages on your iPhone can be a stressful experience, especially if they hold sentimental value or contain important information. However, as we’ve discussed, all hope is not lost. By following the steps provided in this article, you have a good chance of recovering those precious messages. Whether it’s checking the Recently Deleted folder, restoring from an iCloud backup, or using a third-party app, the key is to act quickly and not overwrite the deleted data. Remember to back up your iPhone regularly to prevent future data loss. And if you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple Support for assistance. They’re there to help! Now that you know how to undelete messages on iPhone, you can breathe a sigh of relief and get back to enjoying your device worry-free.
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.