How To Access Recently Deleted Messages

With the rise of instant messaging and digital communication, accidentally deleting important messages can be frustrating. Fortunately, both iOS and Android devices now offer solutions to recover recently deleted messages, minimizing the chance of losing crucial information permanently.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the steps to access recently deleted messages on popular messaging platforms and device systems, along with best practices to ensure you never lose your data again.

Why Accessing Recently Deleted Messages Matters

1. Accidental Deletion: Sometimes, messages are deleted by mistake during a cleanup or while multitasking.

2. Retrieving Important Information: Deleted messages may contain valuable information like addresses, passwords, or business details.

3. Legal and Personal Records: Accessing deleted messages can be essential for maintaining legal or personal records.

4. Avoiding Miscommunication: Recovering deleted messages helps clarify misunderstandings, especially in group chats.

Accessing Recently Deleted Messages on iPhone

Apple devices with iOS 16 or later introduced the Recently Deleted feature in the Messages app, allowing users to retrieve messages within 30 days of deletion.

Steps to Recover Recently Deleted Messages On Iphone 

1. Open the Messages App

Launch the Messages app on your iPhone.

2. Access Recently Deleted

• Tap Edit in the top-left corner (or Filters if using a newer interface).
• Select Show Recently Deleted from the menu.

3. Browse Deleted Messages

You’ll see a list of deleted conversations, along with the number of days remaining before permanent deletion.

4. Restore Messages

• Select the messages or conversations you want to restore.
• Tap Recover in the bottom-right corner, then confirm by selecting Recover Message(s).

5. Find Recovered Messages

The restored messages will reappear in their original conversation threads.

Accessing Recently Deleted Messages on Android

While Android doesn’t have a built-in “Recently Deleted” feature for messages, many apps and services offer message recovery options. These include SMS recovery tools, Google backups, and app-specific features.

Recovering SMS Messages via Google Backup

1. Check Google Backup

• Open the Settings app on your Android device.
• Navigate to Google > Backup and check if your SMS messages are backed up.

2. Restore Messages

• If backed up, perform a factory reset on your device (after ensuring all other data is also backed up).
• During the setup process, sign in to your Google account and select the backup containing your SMS messages.

3. Access Recovered Messages

Once restored, the messages will appear in your default messaging app.

Recovering Deleted Messages from Popular Messaging Apps

Many third-party messaging apps offer their own recovery or backup features. Let’s explore the recovery process for some of the most widely used platforms.

WhatsApp

WhatsApp allows users to recover recently deleted messages through its built-in backup system.

Steps to Recover Deleted Messages

1. Verify Backup

• Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
• Check the timestamp of the last backup to ensure it contains the deleted messages.

2. Reinstall WhatsApp

Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp from your app store.

3. Restore Backup

• During setup, verify your phone number.
• When prompted, select Restore to retrieve messages from the most recent backup.

Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger doesn’t offer a “recently deleted” feature but may archive messages instead of deleting them.

Steps to Recover Deleted Messages

1. Check Archived Messages

• Open Messenger and tap your profile picture.
• Select Archived Chats to browse conversations.

2. Restore Archived Chats

Open an archived chat and send a message to move it back to your main chat list.

iMessage

As noted earlier, iMessage offers a Recently Deleted folder for recovering messages. This feature is available only on iOS 16 or later.

Instagram Direct Messages

Instagram allows users to recover messages through its Data Download feature.

Steps to Recover Messages

1. Request Dat

• Open Instagram and go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Download Data.
• Enter your email address to receive a file containing your account data.

2. Access Deleted Messages

Once you receive the file, extract and browse through it to locate deleted messages.

Using Third Party Tools to Recover Messages

Several third party tools are designed to recover deleted messages from your device or messaging apps. These tools are particularly useful when no backup is available.

Popular Third Party Tools

1. Dr. Fone (iOS /Android): Recovers messages, contacts, and other data.

2. iMobie PhoneRescue (iOS /Android): Retrieves messages from devices and backups.

3. FonePaw Android Data Recovery: Recovers lost SMS, contacts, and files on Android.

Steps to Use Third Party Tools

1. Download and install the recovery tool on your computer.

2. Connect your device using a USB cable.

3. Follow the on screen instructions to scan for deleted messages.

4. Select the messages you want to recover and restore them.

Preventing Message Loss in the Future

To avoid losing important messages, implement these best practices:

Enable Automatic Backups

1. For iPhone: Use iCloud Backup to save messages.

2. For Android: Use Google Backup for SMS messages and app data.

Archive Messages

Use the archiving feature on platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger to store conversations you want to keep.

Use Third Party Backup Apps

Apps like SMS Backup & Restore (Android) can regularly back up your messages.

Double Check Before Deleting

Always review messages before deleting them to ensure no important data is lost.

Save Critical Conversations

Take screenshots or copy important messages to a secure location for safekeeping.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

1. Messages Not in Recently Deleted

If the messages are older than 30 days or were permanently deleted, they may not appear.

2. Backup Not Available

Check your device settings to ensure backups are enabled and up to date.

3. Third Party Tool Fails to Recover Messages

Ensure the tool supports your device model and operating system version.

Conclusion

Accidentally deleting messages doesn’t have to be the end of the road. With features like the Recently Deleted folder on iPhones and backup solutions for Android devices, recovering lost messages has never been easier. Popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Instagram also offer built-in recovery options, while third-party tools provide additional solutions for more complex cases.

By understanding how to access recently deleted messages and implementing preventive measures like regular backups, you can ensure your valuable conversations are always safe and accessible. Take control of your digital communication and enjoy peace of mind knowing your important messages are just a few steps away from recovery.