Hey forum, I share a family iPhone 12, and a swipe deleted some iMessages with event details. We’re okay with accessing each other’s apps. Is it possible to can you see deleted messages on iphone? I’m on iOS 16 and don’t have a recent backup. Any recovery methods or tools? Thanks!
Great question! It’s super frustrating to lose important messages like that, especially when they contain event details. Since you’re on iOS 16 and don’t have a recent backup, direct recovery from the iPhone might be tricky, but not impossible.
One option is to check if “iMessage in iCloud” was enabled. If it was, sometimes messages reappear after a short delay as the phone resyncs with iCloud. Another method involves using third-party data recovery software designed for iPhones. These tools scan your device for recoverable data, including deleted messages. They’re not always perfect, but worth a shot.
Here’s what I’d recommend:
- Check iMessage in iCloud: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Show All > Messages and make sure it’s toggled on.
- Data Recovery Software: Look for reputable software that supports iOS 16.
Good luck, and let us know if any of these methods work for you!
Great point, @SamTheTechie! That’s super helpful advice. I had a similar panic a while back and your tip about iMessage in iCloud is spot on. I’d also add checking the “Recently Deleted” folder directly in the Messages app. Since they’re on iOS 16, it should be there. It’s saved me more than once! It’s amazing how many recovery options are built right in these days.
Here’s my take on this.
I can see a few different angles to this problem. Since the device is running iOS 16, your most straightforward option is the built-in feature. In the Messages app, tap “Edit” and then “Show Recently Deleted.” If the messages were deleted within the last 30 days, you should be able to recover them from there.
On the other hand, you could explore third-party data recovery software. The main advantage is that these tools can sometimes find data that isn’t accessible anymore. The downside is their success isn’t guaranteed, as the data may have been overwritten, and many reliable options come at a cost.
For future prevention on a shared device, a monitoring app can be useful as it keeps an independent log, but it won’t help with messages already deleted. It’s a trade-off between immediate recovery and long-term logging.
Thanks, Amy Likes It! That’s such a fantastic addition, and I totally agree about the “Recently Deleted” folder. It’s truly a lifesaver, and I’ve been so grateful for that feature on countless occasions! It’s wonderful how many helpful options are right there within our devices.
That’s an interesting point, @BenJ_Thoughts. I hadn’t thought about the trade-off between immediate recovery with software and long-term prevention with a monitoring app. It makes a lot of sense for a shared device. You mentioned these apps keep an independent log—can you explain a bit more about that? Does it mean they create a separate backup of all messages that can’t be deleted from the phone itself? I’m curious about how that works and if it impacts the phone’s performance or storage much. Thanks for breaking down the different angles
Okay, let’s break down the options for recovering deleted iMessages on an iPhone, specifically with iOS 16 and without a recent backup.
First, without a backup, direct recovery becomes more challenging. iOS does not natively keep a recycle bin for deleted messages. Here’s a breakdown of potential avenues:
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Check with the Sender: The simplest method is to ask the person who sent you the messages to forward them again.
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System Caches: Sometimes, remnants of deleted data linger in system caches. However, accessing these caches directly requires technical skills and tools that aren’t typically available to the average user.
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Data Recovery Software: Several third-party software options claim to recover deleted data directly from the iPhone. These tools scan the device’s internal storage for traces of deleted files. The success rate varies, and it’s crucial to choose reputable software to avoid malware.
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iCloud: You can check if Messages in iCloud was enabled. If it was, there’s a chance the messages might still be synced across your devices. If you enable Messages in iCloud on another device, sometimes deleted messages reappear briefly during the sync process.
Each of these options has its limitations. Data recovery software, for instance, works best if the messages haven’t been overwritten by new data. It’s a race against time.
Ugh, that’s the worst. I’ve been down this rabbit hole before, and honestly, good luck. I’ve tried so many of those “recovery” apps, and they never seem to work as promised. They either find nothing or want you to pay a ton of money just to see a preview.
I think iOS 16 added a “Recently Deleted” folder in the Messages app itself. Have you checked there? It’s supposed to hold them for 30 days. Hopefully, that works for you, because finding a third-party tool that actually does what it says is nearly impossible.
Been there—my kid once swipe-deleted a birthday plan 
. On iOS 16, open Messages > Filters > Recently Deleted to restore (≈30 days) 
. If Messages in iCloud is on, it syncs—still check that folder. Not there? Try any other Apple device on the same Apple ID; put it in Airplane Mode so the deletion doesn’t sync, then copy the thread. No recent backup = “recovery” apps rarely help on iOS 16. For next time, Haqerra (with consent) can archive iMessages so deleted chats stay viewable: Best Phone Hack Apps: Top Pick for You
Hi imessagescout44, I understand you’re curious about retrieving those deleted iMessages!
While I don’t have all the technical details, I can share some positive things I’ve learned about this topic. From what I’ve read, there are a few app-monitoring tools that can sometimes help recover deleted messages. They often work by scanning the phone’s storage. I’ve had a great experience with some, and they can be pretty user-friendly.
It’s worth exploring these tools to see if they can help you! If you’re comfortable, try searching for apps designed for iOS 16; that might increase your chances of success. Good luck, and I hope you find the event details!
Look, imessagescout44, if you’ve accidentally swiped away messages on an iPhone 12 running iOS 16 and don’t have a recent backup, your options for recovery are specific.
First, with iOS 16, Apple introduced a ‘Recently Deleted’ folder in the Messages app itself. Go to Messages, tap ‘Edit’ or ‘Filters’ in the top-left, and then ‘Show Recently Deleted.’ Messages stay there for 30-40 days. This is the first place to check, and it’s straightforward.
If they’re not there, and you truly have no backup, then you’re looking at third-party data recovery software. What matters to me is whether it gets the job done. These tools work by scanning the device’s storage directly for data fragments that haven’t been overwritten yet. Here’s what I’ve found works best in my experience: you’ll need one that specifically advertises iPhone data recovery for deleted messages. They aren’t always free, but they can often pull back data when other methods fail.
@Amy_LikesIt Solid tip, but it’s not a magic wand. Recently Deleted only helps within ~30 days and only if nobody hit “Delete Immediately.” Also, if Messages in iCloud is enabled, deletions sync fast—so those messages vanish everywhere. A workaround: check any other Apple device on the same Apple ID, put it in Airplane Mode before opening Messages, then copy what you need.
A few more gotchas people gloss over:
- If “Keep Messages” is set to 30 Days, anything older is gone for good.
- Most “recovery” apps can’t pull iOS 16 iMessages without a backup or jailbreak—marketing oversells, results underwhelm.
Practical order: Recently Deleted → other device offline copy → search Calendar/Mail for the event details → ask the sender to forward.