How to Recover Deleted iMessages?

So, you accidentally deleted some important iMessage conversations and looking for ways to restore them? If yes, this post is specially written to help you. Here, I will guide you on how to recover deleted iMessages. I’ll present to you all the methods available that you can use to get back the lost chats.

Guide – Recover Deleted iMessages on iPhone or iPad

Apple users regularly use iMessage to have some very important conversations. Launched with iOS 12 in September 2018, iMessage is the rapidly growing instant messaging designed and owned by Apple itself. iPhone users use it to send texts, photos, videos, audio messages over Wi-Fi or cellular-data networks to iOS devices for free. In fact, iMessage has over 1.5 Billion active users as of right now. This number is growing each and every minute.

Recover Deleted iMessages

There are several instances when people accidentally delete or lose their valuable iMessages. Such situations can be really frustrating. To help you with these cases, I’m presenting to you this guide on how to recover deleted iMessages on iPhone or iPad. I’ll list the 5 best methods to do this.

Method-1: Recover Deleted iMessages through iCloud Backup

You can use the iCloud backup to get back the lost iMessages on your iPhone or iPad. However, a backup file is necessary for this method to work. You’d be lucky if you haven’t turned off the automatic backup feature of your iPhone. Follow these steps to know what you need to do.

Note: Only use this method if you have already backed up all your data and settings of your iPhone.

  • Firstly, launch the Settings app.
  • Now tap on General, and then tap on Reset.
  • Here, tap on Erase all content and settings.
  • iPhone will prompt you to enter your Apple ID and password. Do it.
  • Wait patiently until the data erasing process takes place.
  • Once the process is complete, your iPhone will reboot and start setting up as a new device.
  • When you reach the Apps & Data screen, tap on the Restore from iCloud Backup option.
  • Now sign in to your iCloud account.
  • Select the backup file from the list from which you want to restore your data.
  • Wait until the restoration is done.

That’s it. You can now see again all the iMessages and attachments you accidentally deleted.

Method-2: Recover Deleted iMessages from iTunes on PC

You can use the iTunes backup file to restore your iPhone data. If you backed up before the messages were deleted, this method will help you to get them back. You will need a Windows computer and a USB cable to use this method. Once you have the supplies, follow these steps in order to retrieve the lost chats.

  • Turn on your PC and open iTunes.
  • Now connect your iPhone to your computer using the USB cable.
  • When your iPhone prompts to ‘Trust this computer,’ tap on it to proceed.
  • Next, click on the iPhone icon when it appears in iTunes.
  • Then click on Restore Backup.
  • Just select the backup from the list that you want to use to get back your iMessages.
  • Finally, click on Restore.

That’s it. Once the process completes, you’ll be able to see the lost iMessages on your iPhone again.

Method-3 Use Finder on Mac to Recover Deleted iMessages

If you have a Mac with macOS 10.14 or earlier available, you can use this method. It is similar to the method you saw above. You will need a USB cable for this method as well.

  • Turn on your Mac and open Finder.
  • Now connect your iPhone to your Mac using the USB cable.
  • When your iPhone prompts to ‘Trust this computer,’ tap on it to proceed.
  • Next, click on the iPhone icon when it appears in Finder.
  • Then click on Restore Backup.
  • Just select the backup from the list that you want to use to get back your iMessages.
  • Finally, click on Restore.

That’s it. Once the process completes, you’ll be able to see the lost iMessages on your iPhone again.

Method-4: Get Back the Deleted iMessages from Other Synced Devices

When Apple released iOS 11.4 on iPhone, it introduced a very useful feature where you can sync your messages across multiple devices. So, if you have multiple Apple devices like iPhone, iPad or Mac and use the same Apple ID on all of these, you can try this method. Remember that you must have ‘iMessages Sync’ turned On before the deletion of messages.

Whenever you accidentally delete or lose some very important iMessages, just go to Settings and turn OFF iMessage sync for now. Do this as early as possible. Or else, the deletion will also be synced. Now just go to your iPad or Mac and check iMessages there. You’ll be able to recover the deleted texts and attachments from there.

Method-5: Use a Third-Party iPhone Data Recovery Software

There a lot of iPhone data recovery tools available on the web. Some of them are free while some require some money to help you. You can use any software based on your preferences. We’ll use iMyFone D-Back here. It is an amazing iPhone data recovery software that you can use to restore a variety of lost data from your iPhone, including iMessages.

Note: This is one the most accurate method as you don’t even need a backup for this.

Follow these steps to know what you need to do in order to get back the lost chats.

  • Firstly, download and install iMyFone D-Back software on your Windows PC.
  • Now connect your iPhone to your computer using the cable.
  • Next, launch the iMyFone D-Back data recovery tool.
  • Click on ‘Recover from iOS device’ present in the left pane.
  • Wait until it recognizes your iPhone and then click on Next.
  • Now select the data types you want to recover from the list of files. You have to select ‘iMessages’ here.
  • Once the scanning completes, you can preview the data to find the exact iMessages you need.
  • Just choose the messages you want and click on ‘Recover.’

That’s it. You can also use other popular software like Enigma Recovery, iSkySoft, etc. There aren’t any restrictions. However, only use genuine software.

Final Words

These are the 5 best methods to recover deleted iMessages on iPhone or iPad. I hope this post helps you enough, and you are able to get back your precious chats. For further help, any queries, suggestions, or doubts, feel free to use the comment box. I’ll be glad to listen and respond.

Also Check: Fix iMessage Not Working on iPhone