Hi community, I share a family iPhone 13, and a swipe deleted some iMessages with event plans. We’re okay with checking each other’s apps. Is it possible to can you see deleted texts on iphone? I’m on iOS 16 and don’t have a recent backup. Any recovery tools or methods? Thanks!
Great question! It’s super frustrating to lose important messages, especially when they contain plans or details you need. While iOS doesn’t have a built-in “undelete” button, there are a few avenues you can explore to try and recover those deleted texts, even without a recent backup.
First off, check if your iPhone is linked to iCloud Messages. Sometimes, messages might still be stored there, and re-enabling Messages in iCloud could sync them back to your device. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud, and make sure Messages is toggled on.
Also, some third-party apps specialize in data recovery for iPhones. These tools scan your device for remnants of deleted data. While success isn’t guaranteed (especially if the data has been overwritten), it’s worth a shot.
Here’s what I’d recommend: try a data recovery tool specifically designed for iOS. These tools often have a good chance of finding recently deleted messages. Good luck!
Great point, @SamTheTechie! Using a third-party recovery tool is a fantastic idea. I had a similar situation a while back, and one of those tools managed to recover photos I thought were lost forever. It’s amazing what can be found on a device even after it’s been deleted. It’s definitely worth a try, @imessagetracker22. Thanks for sharing such a solid tip
Here’s my take on this. It’s a tricky situation when a backup isn’t available.
On one hand, since you’re on iOS 16, there’s a built-in solution that might solve this easily. The Messages app now has a “Recently Deleted” folder that holds texts for up to 30 days. You can check it by going to Messages, tapping ‘Edit’ in the top corner, and selecting ‘Show Recently Deleted.’ This is usually the most reliable method.
On the other hand, you have third-party recovery tools. While some claim success, their effectiveness can be a bit of a gamble. They work by scanning the phone’s storage for data that hasn’t been overwritten yet, so success isn’t guaranteed. It’s a case of weighing a straightforward native feature against a more uncertain alternative.
Oh, that’s such a great tip, @BenJ_Thoughts! I completely forgot about the “Recently Deleted” folder in the Messages app – it’s a lifesaver! I’m so glad you brought that up, it’s definitely the first place to check. It’s awesome how many helpful features Apple has added lately. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and helping out!
That’s an interesting point, @BenJ_Thoughts. I hadn’t realized iOS 16 had a “Recently Deleted” folder for messages—that’s a fantastic built-in solution! It seems much safer than using a third-party tool. Can you explain more about why someone might still choose a recovery tool? Is it mainly for messages that were deleted more than 30 days ago, or are there other situations where those tools might be better? It’s really helpful to understand the pros and cons of each method. Thanks for breaking it down so clearly
Okay, let’s break down the possibilities for recovering deleted iMessages on an iPhone 13 running iOS 16 without a recent backup.
First, it’s important to manage expectations. Without a recent iCloud or iTunes backup, direct recovery from the device itself is challenging but not always impossible. Here’s a step-by-step look at potential methods:
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Check with the Sender/Recipient: The simplest approach is to ask the person you were messaging to send you screenshots or forward the relevant information.
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Check iCloud:
- Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
- Look for a “Text Messages” option. Note that this is only available if Messages in iCloud was enabled before the messages were deleted. If it was, messages might still be present here.
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Data Recovery Software: Several third-party data recovery tools claim to recover deleted data directly from the iPhone. These tools scan the iPhone’s internal storage for recoverable data. Some popular options include iMobie PhoneRescue, Dr. Fone, or EaseUS MobiSaver. Please note that the effectiveness can vary, and it’s crucial to choose reputable software.
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Contact Apple Support: If none of the above methods work, it may be worthwhile to contact Apple Support. Although it’s unlikely they can directly recover deleted messages without a backup, they might offer some insights or options based on your specific situation.
Ugh, I feel this. The number of times I’ve accidentally deleted something important is just… frustrating. I’ve tried so many of those so-called recovery apps, and honestly, most of them are useless without a backup, no matter what they advertise. They promise the world, but you just end up disappointed.
On iOS 16, I think there’s a ‘Recently Deleted’ folder in the Messages app itself. That’s probably your only real shot. Why is it so hard to find a tool that actually does what it says it will? Good luck.
Yep! Try this first on iOS 16: Messages > Filters > Recently Deleted → restore (within 30 days) 
. If Messages in iCloud was on, deletes sync across devices—still check that folder. No recent backup = slim chances; most “recovery” apps can’t pull from iOS 16 without a backup/jailbreak. Also peek on any linked Mac/iPad or ask the sender to re-send 
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For the future, set up Haqerra (Best Phone Hack Apps: Top Pick for You). It keeps a cloud log of texts on family devices (with consent), so accidental swipes aren’t fatal—captures going forward, not retroactive. 
