How to Retrieve Deleted Texts Using iCloud
The first step to successfully recover text messages is to check whether or not Messages in iCloud is turned on for your device. This feature from Apple saves your text messages to the cloud and makes it easy to recover messages if your device is lost, stolen, or ceases to function. To check whether the feature is enabled: If you purchased a new device or restored a phone, and Messages in iCloud is turned on, the conversations appear after the iPhone is set up and you sign in with your Apple ID. If you have Messages in iCloud enabled but have manually deleted a message, it’s most likely lost. The Messages in iCloud service works as a synchronization tool between your devices, so any messages you delete are instantly removed from the cloud. However, if you don’t have Messages in iCloud enabled, your old text messages may have been saved in either an iCloud or iTunes backup.
Recover a Deleted Text Message on iPhone Using an iCloud Backup
If your iPhone automatically backs up to iCloud, it may be possible to restore the device to an earlier point in time. Begin by checking when the latest iCloud backup took place. If the last backup took place during a time when the messages were still present on the device, it may be possible to restore your iPhone back in time to recover those messages. To check when the latest iCloud backup took place:
How to Retrieve Deleted Texts Using an iTunes Backup
If you manually connect your iPhone to your computer to back it up with iTunes, it may be possible to restore the device to an earlier point in time using a backup stored on your computer. Begin by checking when your latest iTunes backups took place. If one of the available backups took place during a time when the messages were still present on the device, it may be possible to restore your iPhone back in time to recover those messages. To check when your latest iTunes backup took place:
How to Retrieve Deleted Texts Using Mac Finder
If you backed up your iPhone via your Mac computer, you can find recent backups, including the date of the most recent backup in Finder. Open a Finder window and navigate to the following folder: ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/ You can also open Spotlight and enter MobileSync in the search field. Open the folder with the random string of text. The Date Modified column indicates the most recent backup.
Recover Deleted Texts Messages on iPhone Using a Third-Party Recovery Tool
Many third-party software applications claim to be able to restore lost data on an iPhone. Two of the most popular options for iPhone data recovery include EaseUS MobiSaver and Gihosoft iPhone Data Recovery. These applications don’t guarantee results as their success rate is based on whether the iPhone has written new data over where the old text messages were restored. However, if you are in a bind, they’re a viable last effort.
