This article shows you how to restore a text message that has been deleted. You can do this on both iOS and Android platforms using a backup file. Even using a paid service could be a valid solution, but in this case before shelling out any money it is good to be very careful because the recovery of a deleted SMS using a software is never 100% guaranteed.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: iPhone
Step 1. Understand that without a backup file it is not possible to restore messages that you have deleted
If you haven't backed up your iPhone using iTunes, you won't be able to recover the SMS present on the device.
In this case, you could use a specific third-party service even if they are paid programs that do not guarantee 100% success of the operation
Step 2. Launch iTunes on your computer
It features a white icon with a multicolored note inside.
- If you are asked to update the program before continuing, press the button Download iTunes. Once the update is complete, you will need to restart your computer before you can continue.
- If you're going to use an iCloud backup file, launch the iPhone's Settings app.
Step 3. Connect the iPhone to the computer
Use the USB cable with which you recharge the battery. Connect one end to the communication port on the device and the other to a free USB port on your computer.
If you have chosen to use an iCloud backup, locate and select the entry General from the menu, then choose the option Reset.
Step 4. Select your device icon
It features a small stylized iPhone and is located in the upper left of the iTunes window. This will bring up the "Summary" tab.
If you have chosen to use an iCloud backup, press the button Initialize content and settings, then enter your passcode if prompted.
Step 5. Press the Restore Backup button
It is located in the right pane of the iTunes window within the "Backup" section visible at the top of the page.
- If prompted, disable the Find My iPhone feature before continuing.
- If the iPhone does not backup automatically, press the button Back up now to have a restore point useful in case, after recovering the message of your interest, you need to restore to the current situation.
- If you want to use an iCloud backup, press the button Initialize iPhone twice, then wait for the initialization procedure to finish.
Step 6. When prompted, select the drop-down menu next to "iPhone Name"
A list of options will be displayed.
If you are using an iCloud backup, press the Home button when prompted
Step 7. Select the backup file to use
It is characterized by the date it was performed, so you will need to choose one that was created before the text message under consideration was deleted from the iPhone.
- If you are using an iCloud backup, select the language of the device and the country in which you reside, choose the Wi-Fi network to connect to and press the button Restore from iCloud backup.
- If you do not have a backup file that contains the text message to restore, you will not be able to complete the procedure.
Step 8. Press the Reset button
It is located on the right side of the "Backup" section of the page. The chosen backup file will be used to restore the iPhone which will also include all the text messages saved in it.
- If you have chosen to protect your backup files with a security password, you will need to type it in now to be able to continue.
- If prompted, you will need to update the device's operating system.
- If you have chosen to use an iCloud backup, you will need to provide your Apple ID login credentials, press the button Choose backup and select the backup to use, based on the creation date.
Step 9. Wait for the device reset to complete
At this point you will be able to view the content of the text message in question using the Messages app characterized by the following icon
. It is green with a small white balloon inside.
Method 2 of 3: Android devices
Step 1. Understand that without a backup file it is not possible to restore messages you have deleted
If you have not already installed and used the SMS Backup & Restore application to create a backup file on a clouding service (for example Google Drive), you will not be able to use this method.
In this case you will have to make use of a specific third-party service even if they are paid programs that do not guarantee 100% success of the operation
Step 2. Launch the SMS Backup & Restore app
Tap its icon, characterized by a white clock on a green background.
Step 3. Press the ☰ button
It is located in the upper left corner of the screen. A pop-up menu will appear.
Step 4. Choose the Restore option
It is one of the items listed in the menu that appeared.
Step 5. Select the location where the backup file to be used for the restore is stored
Tap the name of the clouding service you used to back up the SMS present on your Android device (for example Google Drive).
Step 6. Activate the gray slider next to "Messages"
moving it to the right.
It will turn green to indicate that the SMS Backup & Restore app has been configured to restore text messages from the selected backup file.
- If you wish, you can also activate the gray "Phone calls" slider, if the backup also contains the call log and you need to restore it.
- If the SMS Backup & Restore application is unable to locate a valid backup file (for example because you moved it), the window for the chosen cloud service will be displayed and you will need to select a backup file.
Step 7. Press the Restore button
It is located in the lower right corner of the screen.
Step 8. At this point, follow all the instructions that appear on the screen
Depending on the smartphone model you are using, you may receive additional instructions that you will need to follow in order to restore the deleted SMS.
Step 9. Install and configure the SMS Backup & Restore app to be protected in the future
To avoid losing your SMS in the future, proceed with the installation of the SMS Backup & Restore program by following these instructions:
- Install SMS Backup & Restore by downloading it from the Google Play Store, then press the button You open;
- Push the button Get Started;
- Push the button Next;
- Select the clouding service you want to use, press the button Log In, then provide your account login credentials;
- Tap the item Save;
- Push the button Next;
- Select the "Daily", "Weekly" or "Hourly" check button to perform the backup on a daily, weekly or hourly basis;
- At this point, press the button Back Up Now.
Method 3 of 3: Using a Paid Service
Step 1. Understand which messages can be restored this way
SMS that have been deleted recently (i.e. within a few hours) are much more likely to be recovered than messages that have been deleted several days or weeks ago. This happens because the memory space still physically occupied by the message marked as "deleted" can be easily overwritten by the installation of a new application, by a software update or by a new message received.
If you immediately noticed that you have deleted an important text message by mistake, you will have a better chance of being able to recover it if you stop using your smartphone
Step 2. Activate the "Airplane" mode of the device
This way you can be sure that you cannot receive new messages or that your smartphone cannot automatically download software or application updates. Doing so will reduce the chances that the deleted message can be overwritten with other data:
- iPhone - swipe the screen up from the bottom, then tap the airplane icon;
- Android devices - swipe the screen down from the top, then tap the airplane icon.
Step 3. Look for a service that specializes in restoring deleted SMS
Do a search with Google (or with the search engine of your choice) making sure to include the model of your smartphone and the type of computer you have.
- For example you could use the following search string iphone restore SMS deleted Windows.
- The most used options include MobiKin Doctor and FoneLab.
Step 4. Make sure that the chosen recovery service is compatible with your smartphone
Most of the services of this type have a special section that lists the platforms with which it is compatible, so make sure that the program you choose is suitable for your iPhone or Android device.
Step 5. Install the free version of the selected program
Download the installation file using the link on the official website of the software. Choose the free demo version, then at the end of the download select the file with a double click of the mouse and follow the instructions that appear on the screen.
Absolutely avoid any recovery program that requires payment of a sum of money before you can download the demo version
Step 6. Connect your smartphone to your computer
Use the USB cable with which you recharge the battery. Connect one end to the communication port on the device and the other to a free USB port on your computer.
- If you're trying to connect an iPhone to a Windows computer, you'll need to install and launch iTunes as well after the connection is established. When the iPhone icon appears in the upper left of the program window, you can close iTunes and continue with the restore procedure.
- If you are using an Android device, it is very likely that you will need to enable the "USB Debugging" feature from the "Developer Options" menu before you can continue.
- If you are using a Mac, you may need to purchase a USB 3.0 to USB-C adapter in order to connect the device to your computer using a regular USB cable.
Step 7. Launch the selected recovery program
After its installation is complete, search for the app in the menu Start
(on Windows systems) or by using the feature Spotlight
(on Mac).
Step 8. Scan your mobile device
The precise procedure varies according to the selected program, so carefully follow the instructions that will appear on the screen to perform the correct configuration of the program and to be able to examine the mobile device for lost messages.
Step 9. Review the list of recovered SMS
In most cases the free version of this type of program shows a list of all deleted messages that have been detected in the form of an icon showing a preview of the content.
- Most likely you will not be able to open the detected messages in order to read their full content.
- If the program you have chosen simply states that it can restore deleted text messages, but without showing a preview of those actually detected on the device, try changing software.
Step 10. If necessary, purchase the full version of the program you tested
If you have been able to see with hand that the tested program is valid and performs its task very well, proceed to purchase the full version so that you can restore the deleted messages.
- If possible, choose to purchase using a secure payment method such as PayPal rather than using a credit or debit card.
- Depending on the recovery program you have chosen to use, it may not be possible to physically restore deleted SMS messages to your device, but you will still be able to read all of their contents using your computer.
