How to restore permanently deleted chats?
Asked by: Prof. Hayley Terry I | Last update: February 3, 2026Score: 5/5 (63 votes)
Recovering "permanently" deleted chats is very difficult, but you can try checking app-specific trash folders (like Google/Samsung Messages), restoring from recent cloud backups (iCloud/Google Drive/Samsung Cloud) by factory resetting, asking the other person for their copy, or using paid third-party recovery software as a last resort, though success isn't guaranteed. The best strategy is prevention: regularly back up your device or use the app's built-in archive features.
Can permanently deleted chats be recovered?
You can sometimes recover "permanently" deleted messages by restoring from an old cloud or device backup (like iCloud or Google Drive) if the message existed in that backup, checking the app's "Recently Deleted" folder (on iPhone/Android), or using professional data recovery services, but if not backed up and overwritten, they are truly gone, so act fast and stop using the device.
How to bring back permanently deleted messages?
If there's truly no backup, then your best bet is to connect the phone to your computer and scan it with a data recovery app that can find deleted messages on android.
How to bring back deleted chat on iPhone?
Recover deleted text messages on your iPhone or iPad
- In Messages, tap the Filters button on the conversations page. ...
- Tap Show Recently Deleted .
- Choose the conversations with the messages you want to restore, then tap Recover.
- Tap Recover Message or Recover [Number] Messages.
Are deleted conversations on Messenger gone forever?
Deleted messages in Facebook Messenger are gone from your view but not necessarily forever; they're removed from your app but might still exist in archived chats, the recipient's inbox (unless "Delete for everyone" was used), your downloaded Facebook data, or your device's cache until overwritten, with recovery chances decreasing over time.
How to recover permanently deleted messages on iPhone 16 | without backup
Is it possible to restore Messenger history?
Yes, restoring Messenger history is possible, often through built-in backup options for end-to-end encrypted chats (using PIN, 40-character code, Google Account, or iCloud) or by downloading your data from Facebook; otherwise, checking your Archive or having the other person resend messages are options if messages aren't found.
Can I see my husband's deleted text messages on my iPhone?
You can see your husband's deleted iPhone texts if they are in the "Recently Deleted" folder (for up to 30 days) or if you restore his phone from an iCloud or iTunes backup that contains them, but this wipes current data; otherwise, you need specialized software to scan backups, as there's no remote way to access deleted messages without his account/phone access and potential legal implications exist for accessing someone's phone without permission.
Is data truly deleted on Messenger?
Your View Only Changes: Deleting a conversation removes it from your Messenger account, but the other person still has it in their chat history. They won't know you've deleted it unless they specifically ask.
Are iMessages ever permanently deleted?
If it's not for a case, they're gone, unless you have thousands of dollars to burn. If iMessages have been permanently deleted—as in, they're not in the “Recently Deleted” folder and you have no backups—then recovering them is extremely difficult and generally not possible by normal means.
Can I get a history of text messages?
Use apps like SMS Backup & Restore to save text transcripts, which can export conversations to email or Google Drive.
What tools recover deleted messages?
These apps are user-friendly and support multiple devices.
- EaseUS MobiSaver:This tool excels at recovering recently deleted text messages from iCloud, iTunes, and device memory. ...
- PhoneRescue:A reliable app for recovering messages on iPhones and Android devices. ...
- Fone – Data Recovery:Known for its versatility, Dr.
What happens if I permanently delete a chat?
Deleting messages, chats or photos permanently removes them, and you won't be able to see them anymore. If you want to hide a chat from your Chats list but not delete it, you can archive the chat instead. When deleting a message you sent, you have the option to Delete for you or Delete for everyone.
Can I get back deleted chats?
Use third-party data recovery software
They remain hidden until overwritten by new data. A lot of third-party data recovery software can access hidden data, such as deleted text messages waiting to be overwritten. If no new data replaces your deleted texts, you can recover deleted messages by using data recovery apps.
Do deleted chats get backed up?
Only if you have a valid backup (Google Drive, iCloud, or Local Android Backup) created before the messages were deleted. If you have no backup, reinstalling WhatsApp alone will not recover deleted chats; you need a recovery tool.
How do you recover permanently deleted text messages on an iPhone?
Using iCloud backup
If you're trying to view old deleted messages on an iPhone, restoring from an iCloud backup can help recover them. This method involves resetting your device and restoring it from a backup made before the messages were deleted.
How to read spouse deleted text messages?
How to Retrieve Deleted Text Messages. On Android, go into the Google Drive associated with the phone and look for deleted texts in the backup folder. On iPhone, see if a backup exists in the phone's iCloud account, then restore the phone to read old texts. Keep in mind, this may be illegal depending on where you live.
How to see deleted history on iPhone?
You can see deleted iPhone history by checking Recently Closed Tabs in Safari, browsing Website Data in Settings, looking for synced data on other devices (iCloud), restoring from an old iCloud/iTunes backup, or checking your carrier's website for call logs; full recovery often requires a prior backup or specialized software, as direct recovery of deeply deleted data is difficult on modern iOS.
How do I restore Messenger chat history on my iPhone?
You can restore messages you deleted for up to 30 days.
- Go to the Messages app on your iPhone.
- Tap. at the top of the conversation list, then tap Recently Deleted.
- Select the conversations whose messages you want to restore, then tap Recover.
- Tap Recover Messages.
Can I undo a deleted chat on my iPhone?
You can restore messages you deleted for up to 30 days. Go to the Messages app on your iPhone. at the top of the conversation list, then tap Recently Deleted. Select the conversations whose messages you want to restore, then tap Recover.
How to recover permanently deleted messages on Messenger?
Steps
- Open the Messenger app on your Android, iPhone, or iPad. There's a good chance your missing messages were actually archived, not deleted. ...
- Tap your profile photo. It's at the top-left corner of Messenger.
- Tap Archived Chats. ...
- Swipe left on the deleted conversation. ...
- Tap Unarchive chat or Unarchive.
What to do if you accidentally delete a conversation on messages?
If you accidentally deleted a message, first check the Recently Deleted folder (iOS) or Trash/Recycle Bin (Android) within the Messages app for recovery within 30 days, then try restoring from a recent cloud backup (iCloud/Google Drive) or using third-party recovery apps, and as a last resort, contact your carrier or ask the other person for a copy.
Are Messenger chats permanently deleted?
Deleted messages in Facebook Messenger are gone from your view but not necessarily forever; they're removed from your app but might still exist in archived chats, the recipient's inbox (unless "Delete for everyone" was used), your downloaded Facebook data, or your device's cache until overwritten, with recovery chances decreasing over time.
How to restore deleted messages in Messenger end to end encryption?
Ways to restore your end-to-end encrypted chats on a new device
- Use or change your PIN.
- Use an Apple account (iOS only).
- Use a Google account (Android only).
- Use a 40-character code.
- Use a one-time code. You will need access to a mobile device where you've recently used Messenger.