How to View and Restore Deleted Messages on iPhone
JAKARTA - Messages on the iPhone, even if they have been deleted, can still be restored with several official methods provided by Apple. This includes the Recently Deleted feature and data recovery through iCloud backups.
However, there are a number of important notes that need to be considered before trying to recover deleted messages. Before starting the message recovery process, users are advised to ensure the following:
iOS version
The Recently Deleted folder is only available in iOS 16 or later. Users can check it through Settings > General > About.
Status Messages in iCloud
If the Messages in iCloud feature is active, message deletion will be synchronized on all Apple devices. This means that deleted messages can also be lost from backups.
Make a recent backup
Before performing a recovery that requires a device reset, make a new backup first so that current data is not lost.
How to Restore Messages from the “Recently Deleted” Folder
For iPhone users with iOS 16 and above, Apple stores deleted messages for up to 30 days in the Recently Deleted folder.
Here are the steps: Open the Messages app on iPhone Tap the three-line icon in the upper left or the Filters menu, then select Recently Deleted Select the message you want to restore Tap Recover in the lower right. Users can restore one message, multiple messages, or all messages at onceHow to Recover Deleted Messages via iCloud Backup
If the message has exceeded the 30-day limit or is not found in Recently Deleted, recovery can still be done through iCloud backup, provided that the message is stored before it is deleted.
The steps are as follows:
Go to Settings > GeneralSelect Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and SettingsAfter the iPhone restarts, follow the initial setup processOn the Apps and Data screen, select Restore from iCloud BackupSign in with your Apple ID, then select the backup that most likely contains the deleted messagesFor additional information, restoring from iCloud will replace all data on the iPhone with data from the backup. Therefore, users are strongly advised to make the latest backup first.