Can deleted text messages be retrieved?

Asked by: Susanna Pagac  |  Last update: September 25, 2025
Score: 5/5 (25 votes)

Fortunately, there are ways to retrieve them. From restoring backups to using recovery software, plenty of options are available to help you get your messages back: Enable Google Drive backup to automatically save your messages to the cloud.

How do I get my deleted text messages back?

Recover via Google Account: If you previously enabled the SMS backup feature on your Android device, your Google account may have backed up your text messages.
  1. Open your Android phone settings.
  2. Click the "Google" option.
  3. Go to "Backup" and check if there is a backup of your text messages.

Are deleted text messages permanently gone?

Android phones use the Google Messages app, the bread and butter of most Android software. But it doesn't have an easy method to manipulate the recycle bin, even if you're running Android 15. Your messages are lost forever after deleting them.

Can you retrieve deleted text messages on an iPhone?

You can restore messages you deleted for up to 30 days. Go to the Messages app on your iPhone. In the Messages conversation list, do one of the following: Tap Edit in the top-left corner, then tap Show Recently Deleted.

Can text messages be traced after deleted?

Law enforcement may use specialized forensic tools to recover deleted texts from your phone. These tools can sometimes recover data that's been overwritten, but it's not always guaranteed.

How To Recover A Deleted Text From Your iPhone

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Can someone look up deleted text messages?

The only reliable way to retrieve deleted messages on Android is to access the backup file using Google Drive. To access the file and read the messages, go into the Google Drive associated with your husband's account on a computer. Scan the backup folder for the date you want to take a look at and open it.

How to permanently delete text messages so they can't be recovered?

A factory reset restores your Android device to its original system state by erasing all data, including messages, apps, and personal settings. This method is effective for permanently deleting all messages but should be used with caution. A factory reset will erase all data on your device.

Can you permanently deleted text messages on iPhone?

Deleted messages and attachments remain in the Recently Deleted folder for 30 days, but you can permanently remove them before that.

How far back can text messages be retrieved?

Each carrier has its own policy regarding how long they store text message data. Typically, service providers keep records of text message details (dates, times, and phone numbers involved) for a period ranging from a few days to several years.

Does deleting text messages delete them forever?

Even if you remove a text message from your phone, it may not be gone. That's because it could be stored on your phone company's servers. Normal text messages go from your phone to your phone company to the recipient. In most cases, that means the phone company retains a copy of messages.

Do deleted texts go anywhere?

Yes, your deleted text messages are gone permanently unless you are backing them up on the cloud. And if your cloud backup for messages is on, then depending on your default messaging app, you may be able to restore them.

Do phone records show deleted texts?

However, it is important to note that certain forensic tools or specialized software may be able to recover deleted text messages from a cell phone, but this is not something that can be accessed through regular cell phone records.

How to view deleted text messages on iCloud?

On the Apps & Data screen, tap Restore from iCloud Backup and sign in to iCloud with your Apple® ID. Go to Choose backup and select from the list of iCloud backups. Each one should have a date and size. Choose the last backup before you deleted the text messages to recover them.

How to restore deleted items on iPhone?

Recover files that you deleted on your iPhone or iPad
  1. Open the Files app and tap the Browse tab.
  2. Under Locations, tap Recently Deleted.
  3. Tap the More button. , then tap Select.
  4. Select the files that you want to keep, then tap Recover. To recover a single file, you can also touch and hold the file, then tap Recover.

Can you get text message records from your cell phone provider?

If you need deleted text messages for legal purposes, in situations of crime and the sort, some cellphone providers can provide you with the content of the messages upon request; however, most companies do not keep text message records.

How to recover deleted text messages?

To find your trashed messages, open Messages and tap the Edit option at the top left. Then tap Show Recently Deleted. A list of your recent text messages will appear, showing phone numbers or contacts, number of messages and days left until permanent deletion.

Can deleted text messages be subpoenaed?

The only possible way to recover lost or deleted text messages by hiring a forensic investigator to inspect the phone. This can be very costly, but it is worth it if important information is obtained. These experts also help lay the necessary foundation for court admissibility at a hearing or trial.

Can you get records of old text messages?

The history of the contacts can be retrieved by requesting the service provider. However they don't store any text message content, only the date, time and phone number of your text message. You need to file a request with the customer care of your service provider.

Can I get back deleted texts on iPhone?

You can only recover messages and conversations that you deleted within the last 30 to 40 days. If you delete a message before you update to iOS 16, iPadOS 16, or later, you can't recover that message.

What is the psychology behind deleting messages?

Fear of Misinterpretation: The asynchronous nature of messaging can lead to misunderstandings. Nuance and tone are easily lost in text, resulting in misinterpretations. Deleting a message can be an attempt to preempt potential conflicts or clarify ambiguities before they escalate.

Are deleted texts still stored on a iPhone?

Restore deleted messages from Recently Deleted

As mentioned, Apple keeps deleted messages there for 30 days, so your lost texts might be easy to find. If they're not there, don't worry! There are still ways to get them back. The recovery feature is available starting with iOS 16.

Can deleted text messages be brought back?

Fortunately, there are ways to retrieve them. From restoring backups to using recovery software, plenty of options are available to help you get your messages back: Enable Google Drive backup to automatically save your messages to the cloud.

Are deleted texts deleted forever?

Clearing or deleting your messages on your devices doesn't mean the data is permanently gone, it's just been filed away differently.

How can I retrieve permanently deleted text messages from my phone?

You can retrieve permanently deleted texts from a backup if you have an automatic backup option enabled, or if you have manually performed one before you deleted your texts. If a backup of your Android device is available, installing this should restore any messages you deleted before the backup was saved.