How to Retrieve Deleted Text Messages from an iPhone

Written by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: December 5, 2024 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to restore recently deleted text messages to your iPhone by using an iTunes or iCloud backup. While using a backup will usually restore your deleted texts, it will also remove any data (e.g., texts) from after your selected backup.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using an iTunes Backup

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1
Open iTunes on a computer. This app is white with a multicolored musical note on it.
- If you're prompted to click Download iTunes, do so before continuing. You'll need to restart your computer during this process.
2
Attach your iPhone to the computer. Connect your iPhone's charging cable to the iPhone and the computer's USB port.
- Some Mac computers don't have USB ports, though you can buy a USB adapter for these computers.
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It's an iPhone-shaped icon in the top-left side of the iTunes window. The "Summary" page will open after clicking it.
4
Click Restore Backup. This button is on the right side of the "Backups" section near the top of the page.
- If prompted, turn off "Find My iPhone" before you proceed.
- You may want to create a new backup first so that you can later return to your phone's present state. To create a new backup, click Back Up Now.
You'll see a drop-down menu appear.
This must be a date at which your deleted text messages were still on the iPhone.
7
Click Restore. It's on the right side of the "Backups" area of the page. Doing so will prompt your iPhone to begin backing up.
- If your selected backup is password-protected, first enter the password.
- You may need to update your iPhone's software before iTunes will restore your iPhone.
Once it does, you should be able to view your deleted text messages in the Messages app, which is the green app with a white speech bubble icon.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using an iCloud Backup

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1
Open your iPhone's Settings. It's a grey app with gears on it. You'll likely find it on the Home Screen.
- Before erasing and restoring with iCloud, you may want to make sure you have an iCloud backup first. To do so, tap the Apple ID name at the top of the "Settings" page, tap iCloud, and scroll down and tap iCloud Backup. As long as there's a backup date listed here, you can restore an iCloud backup.
2
Scroll down and tap General. It's near the bottom of the screen.
- If you checked for a backup, first tap the "Back" button in the top-left corner of the screen.
This option is at the bottom of the General page.
You'll see this button near the top of the page.
5
Type in your iPhone's passcode. This is the code you use to unlock your iPhone.
- If you don't have a passcode, skip this step.
It's at the bottom of the screen.
This process will take a few minutes. Once it finishes, you'll be able to select an iCloud backup.
It's the circular button below your iPhone's screen.
To do so, select a language and region, then choose a Wi-Fi network to connect to.
This option will allow you to select and install a backup from your iCloud account.
These must be the same credentials you use to download music or apps.
It's in the middle of the screen.
Remember, the date you select must be from a time at which your desired texts were still on your iPhone.
14
Wait for your restore to finish. Once the restore is complete, you should be able to view your previously deleted texts in the Messages app.
- Want more tips on restoring deleted messages on an iPhone? Check out what wikiHow users are saying on our Is there a way to get deleted messages back on iPhone? forum.

Community Q&A

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Question

How do I take a screenshot?

Community Answer

Hold the power and home button at the same time.

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How can I print text messages from my iPhone?

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Take a screen shot, then go to photos and click the button on the left corner then click print.

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Why can't I delete text messages on my iPhone?

Community Answer

Maybe because the messages have been locked or you're not doing the right thing. You have to press a text and it will say more and then you check the message you would like to delete.

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Tips

You should periodically back up your iPhone using iCloud or iTunes to make it easier to access your old data if it ever gets lost or deleted from your iPhone.

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Once you've accessed the text messages in question, you can return to your iPhone's recent state by restoring your latest backup. You'll lose access to the text messages again, though you can negate this by screenshotting them and uploading them to a cloud service (e.g., Google Drive or iCloud).

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

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.

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Warnings

Avoid purchasing or downloading third-party software to retrieve your texts or iMessages, since programs such as these are often unreliable.

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