Can deleted text messages ever be retrieved?
Asked by: Erwin Doyle | Last update: January 1, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (39 votes)
It may be possible to get your lost texts back by contacting your phone provider. Fair warning though – this is rarely an easy option. Not all phone providers store your messages; even if they do, you could be left waiting days for a response.
Are deleted text messages gone forever?
Your texts are gone forever after deletion unless you back them up to the cloud. If you use a device with a custom Android version, such as one from Samsung, your messaging app might include a recycle bin. Samsung's custom Android, for instance, includes this exclusive feature in its default messaging app.
How to recover permanently deleted text messages?
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.
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 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.
How To Recover A Deleted Text From Your iPhone
How do I permanently delete message history?
In the bottom navigation menu, tap Direct messages . In the list of direct messages, tap the person's name. Delete conversation . To confirm, tap Delete.
Can a court get deleted text messages?
Deleted text messages can potentially be subpoenaed, but the success of retrieving them depends on various factors. When a text message is deleted, it may not be immediately removed from the phone's system and could still be recoverable.
Do phone companies keep records of text messages?
Your provider or "carrier" keeps records of your cell phone use, including calls and text messages, and even pictures sent from your phone. Almost all cell phone carriers give detailed information about a phone's use in billing statements sent to the owner.
Can text messages be traced after they are erased?
Deleted text messages are usually retrievable from a phone, but before beginning the process, law enforcement officers would need to obtain a court order. Once obtained, officers can use mobile device forensic tools (MDFTs) to extract any data from a device, including emails, texts, images and location data.
Can permanently deleted chats be recovered?
Permanently deleted chats on WhatsApp can be recovered if you have a data backup available, either through WhatsApp's own backup service or a third-party backup application. If no backup exists, third-party recovery software like AnyRecover can help recover lost data from both iPhone and Android devices.
Where are deleted iPhone messages stored?
Check Recently Deleted Folder:
iOS devices come with a feature called “Recently Deleted” for messages, similar to the one for photos. Open the Messages app on your iPhone and navigate to the “Recently Deleted” folder.
Can you recover deleted texts on an iPhone after 30 days?
Recover deleted messages on iPhone from iCloud backup
If you want to retrieve messages that you deleted more than 30 days ago, then an iCloud backup can help you get them back.
Are deleted messages really deleted?
Deleting a message just tells the phone to stop showing it in certain places. Even "permanently" clearing messages means your phone stops listing them in the deleted items folder. While you can't recover these texts on the phone, various software packages can read data directly from a SIM card.
Are deleted text messages stored anywhere?
Locate your deleted text messages
All your deleted text messages can be found in the Messages app. To find your trashed messages, open Messages and tap the Edit option at the top left. Then tap Show Recently Deleted.
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.
Can I get back deleted texts?
Did you enable Google backup service on your Android phone? If yes, you can recover deleted text messages from Android from Google Drive. This feature ensures that your messages are safely stored in Google Drive and can be restored to your device or a new device during the setup process.
How far back do text message records go?
In the United States, there is no set time limit for how far back text messages can be subpoenaed from phone companies or iPhones by the FBI. The government can subpoena past records going back as far as they exist. Most phone companies keep records for 1-2 years.
Is there a way to get a transcript of all text messages?
Yes, you can get a transcript of text messages by manually copying them, using a third-party app, or working with a transcription service to convert messages into a formatted document for legal or personal use.
How far back can you subpoena deleted text messages?
Generally, you can use text messages as evidence as far back as two years or more, depending on your jurisdictional regulations and if the messages are relevant to the case.
Can I get a copy of my spouse's text messages?
Your Texting History is Almost Always Accessible
Some people who backed up their text messages to a shared cloud account with their spouse are able to view their spouse's text messages. Logistically, most people have to ask their spouse or their spouse's paramour for the information, or to inspect their cellphone.
Are deleted text messages discoverable?
Typically, any deleted texts are long gone by the time a lawsuit is filed. An effective way to obtain the messages is to physically possess the phone from which they were sent or received.
Can you delete text permanently?
Deleted messages and attachments remain in the Recently Deleted folder for 30 days, but you can permanently remove them before that.
How can I see last deleted messages?
- Open the Messages app on your phone,
- Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner,
- Select Archived,
- Long tap the message you want to recover,
- Tap the up-arrow icon at the top.
- If you activated Google Drive backup, you will find the deleted messages.
How to permanently delete text messages so they can't be recovered on iPhone?
- Open the Messages app.
- Swipe to the left on a conversation and tap "Delete".
- Then tap "Edit" on the top-left of the iMessages. Select "Show Recently Deleted".
- Now you can choose the deleted messages recently to delete completely.