Is there a way to get deleted messages back on iPhone?
I accidentally deleted some messages on my iPhone and would really like to have them back!! Is there any way for me to recover them or are they gone forever? :( An easy solution would be great but I'm open to trying anything
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Can you get deleted messages back on iPhone?
“Deleted” messages are usually placed into the Deleted Messages folder for 30 days. Go to Messages, hit Edit, and hit Recover Deleted Messages. If it is after 30 days, some 3rd party software might be able to recover the messages, but if you have a phone before iOS 16, it cannot be done.
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Yeaaah if they've been deleted for a while they're probably gone. But, you can always try checking another device like a MacBook or Apple watch if you have them--when you delete messages on your phone they often aren't deleted on other Apple devices.
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As a professional investigator there are a few quick checks one could do to locate deleted messages. Sometimes messages remain within the deleted folder for 30days and other times you can check you imessages from another device such as your lapt top. The other way you could recover deleted messages is a forensic "mirroring" of your device. This is the only legitimate way and sadly it ranges from 600-1,800 dollars depending on the device. With that said, depending on how old the messages are and if you are very active on your device the messages could be recorded over with new messages.
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To delete individual messages:
- go to Messages > the conversation you want to delete > tap and hold on a message, and it will open up a menu where you can delete the message (select more messages if you want to delete multiple messages)
To delete a conversation:
- go to Messages > press and hold on the conversation until a menu pops up where you can delete the conversation
- OR go to Messages > swipe left on the conversation you want to delete and it'll turn red with a trash icon. that'll delete it when you let go/swipe all the way
To delete multiple conversations:
- go to Messages > tap "Edit" in upper left > tap "Select Messages" and select all the messages you want to delete > tap "Delete" in lower right
To delete recently deleted messages:
- go to Messages > tap "Edit" in upper left > tap "Show Recently Deleted" > "Delete All" or select and "Delete" the ones you want
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- go to Messages > the conversation you want to delete > tap and hold on a message, and it will open up a menu where you can delete the message (select more messages if you want to delete multiple messages)
To delete a conversation:
- go to Messages > press and hold on the conversation until a menu pops up where you can delete the conversation
- OR go to Messages > swipe left on the conversation you want to delete and it'll turn red with a trash icon. that'll delete it when you let go/swipe all the way
To delete multiple conversations:
- go to Messages > tap "Edit" in upper left > tap "Select Messages" and select all the messages you want to delete > tap "Delete" in lower right
To delete recently deleted messages:
- go to Messages > tap "Edit" in upper left > tap "Show Recently Deleted" > "Delete All" or select and "Delete" the ones you want
There are a few ways to delete messages on your iPhone.
1) You can delete the entire thread: slide the message thread to the left, and a RED box will show up with a trashcan. Either keep sliding or stop and touch the trash can to delete.
2) You can delete specific messages within a thread: press and hold the text message you want to delete within the text conversation. Then, on the sub menu, hit “More” and place a checkbox in the bubble next to the text box you want to delete. Hit the trash can at the bottom. Note that this only deletes the text from your device and not from the other person's. And if you use 3rd party software, you can still see these deleted messages inside the thread.
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1) You can delete the entire thread: slide the message thread to the left, and a RED box will show up with a trashcan. Either keep sliding or stop and touch the trash can to delete.
2) You can delete specific messages within a thread: press and hold the text message you want to delete within the text conversation. Then, on the sub menu, hit “More” and place a checkbox in the bubble next to the text box you want to delete. Hit the trash can at the bottom. Note that this only deletes the text from your device and not from the other person's. And if you use 3rd party software, you can still see these deleted messages inside the thread.
Deleted messages stay on your iPhone for like a month, but they're just hidden. Check your Messages and click Edit in the top-left, and select the Recently Deleted option to see the texts before they're gone for good. Tap on any conversations you want to save and hit Recover to save them from deletion!
If you permanently deleted the messages, you may be able to find them on an old backup of your phone, but you may be out of luck :/
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If you permanently deleted the messages, you may be able to find them on an old backup of your phone, but you may be out of luck :/
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Other wikiHow readers have submitted their own tips on topics similar to this one.
Reader Tips from How to Retrieve Deleted Text Messages from an iPhone
Reach out to your phone carrier to see if they store any copies of your text messages, and ask them for your records.
Check your other Apple devices you're logged into because they may have older texts you deleted from your phone.
Reader Tips from How to See Your Apple Messages History
If you don't see your past messages on one device, check a different device where you're also logged in to your Apple ID. The messages may still be visible there.
Take screenshots or download important messages that you don't want to lose so you always have a backup.
Reader Tips from How to Keep Text Messages Private on Your iPhone
If you want to be really secret, type your message in the Notes app and share it with the person you want to talk with. They can type and edit the note so you can see the message. Plus, you can lock notes so they require a password to view them.
When you're changing your notification settings, select "Show Preview" and It will still alert you that you received a text but won't show the message.
