How to Recover Deleted Messages on iPhone: 4 Methods + iOS Version Check & Update Guide

Lost a Text? Recover It Easily and Check Your iOS Version!

Ever accidentally deleted a text message and panicked? I totally get it—I once deleted a heartfelt chat with a friend and thought it was gone forever. The good news? Your iPhone has ways to recover deleted messages, and some methods work best on iOS 16 or later. In this guide, I’ll show you 4 easy methods to recover deleted messages, plus how to check your iOS version and update it if needed. Whether you’re a beginner or a tech pro, this step-by-step guide will help you get those texts back. 

< iPhone message recovery >

0. How to Check If Your iPhone Is Running iOS 16 or Later

Some recovery methods require iOS 16 or above, so let’s first check your iOS version.

• How to Check:
  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap General > About.
  3. Look for the Software Version (e.g., 16.0, 17.0, 18.0).
  4. If it’s 16.0 or higher, you’re good to go!
  5. If it’s 15.7 or lower, follow the update steps below.
• How to Update iOS:
  1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
  2. If an update (e.g., iOS 18.0) is available, tap Download and Install or Install Now.
  3. Ensure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi and has at least 50% battery.
• Note: iOS 16 is supported on iPhone 8 and newer models. Older models like iPhone 7 can’t update to iOS 16.

1. Recover from the "Recently Deleted" Folder (iOS 16+)

< iOS version check screen >

If you’re on iOS 16 or later, this is the simplest method. Deleted messages are stored for 30 days.

• How to Do It:
  1. Open the Messages app and tap Filters in the top-left corner.
  2. Select Recently Deleted.
  3. Long-press the message you want and tap Recover.
• Pro Tip: Messages are gone after 30 days, so check ASAP!

2. Restore Messages from iCloud Backup

If you back up your iPhone to iCloud, you can recover messages from a previous backup.

• How to Do It:
  1. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup to confirm Messages is backed up.
  2. Reset your iPhone (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings).
  3. During setup, choose Restore from iCloud Backup and select a backup with your messages.
• Note: Resetting erases current data, so back up new files first.

3. Use iTunes or Finder to Recover Messages

If you’ve backed up to a computer, this method works great.

• How to Do It:
  1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
  2. Click Restore Backup and choose a backup containing your messages.
• Tip: Check the backup date to pick the most relevant one.

4. Try Third-Party Recovery Software

< Recently Deleted messages folder >

No backup? You can still recover messages using tools like iMyFone D-Back or Dr.Fone.

• How to Do It:
  1. Download a trusted recovery tool on your computer.
  2. Connect your iPhone and follow the software’s steps to scan for deleted messages.
  3. Select and save the messages you want to recover.
• Caution: Free versions may have limits, so consider paid options for full features.

Conclusion

Recovering deleted messages on your iPhone is easier than you think! Start by checking your iOS version to see if you can use the "Recently Deleted" folder (iOS 16+). If not, iCloud, iTunes, or third-party tools are great options. I’ve used these methods to save important texts, and they really work! To avoid future stress, keep your iOS updated and back up regularly.