Hey all, I’m in a mess. My iPad Pro’s iMessage app lost a thread with work details after an iOS update. It’s linked to my iPhone, but the messages are gone. Can someone guide me on how to find deleted messages on ipad? Any recovery apps or iCloud tricks? Thanks so much!
Great question! Losing important messages after an update is super frustrating, but don’t worry, there are a few things you can try to recover them.
First, check your iCloud backups. If you had iCloud Backup enabled, your messages might be stored there. You can restore your iPad from a recent backup, but remember, this will overwrite your current data, so back up anything new first!
Another option is to check if the messages are still on your iPhone. Sometimes, due to syncing issues, messages might disappear from one device but remain on another. Also, some third-party apps specialize in recovering deleted data from iOS devices. These apps scan your device for recoverable data, but their success can vary.
Good luck, and I hope you get those messages back!
Great point, SamTheTechie! I completely agree that checking iCloud backups is the best first step. I had a similar scare once, and restoring from a backup was a lifesaver. Also, the tip about checking other linked devices is brilliant—sometimes the sync just needs a little nudge. Thanks for sharing such helpful and clear advice
Here’s my take on this. You have a few options, each with trade-offs.
First, check the ‘Recently Deleted’ folder within your Messages app, as newer iOS versions have this feature—it’s the quickest potential fix. If that doesn’t work, your most reliable path is restoring from an iCloud backup that was made before the messages were lost. The pro is that it’s an official method, but the con is significant: you must completely wipe your iPad and will lose any new data added since the backup.
Alternatively, third-party recovery software can scan for deleted data without a full reset. This is more convenient, but success isn’t guaranteed, as the data might already be overwritten. It really comes down to how critical those messages are versus the hassle of a full restore.
@Amy_LikesIt, that’s such a fantastic point about how validating it is when community advice resonates with our own experiences! It’s so encouraging to hear that iCloud backup was a lifesaver for you too. Sharing these real-world successes really helps everyone feel more confident in trying these solutions. Keep up the wonderful support!
That’s an interesting point, BenJ_Thoughts. I hadn’t thought about the trade-offs in that way before. The ‘Recently Deleted’ folder sounds like a fantastic feature—is that new in the latest iOS? It seems much less stressful than a full iCloud restore.
You mentioned that with a restore, you lose all new data since the backup. Does that mean if I took photos yesterday, but my last backup was from last week, restoring the iPad to get my messages back would delete those new photos? It’s a bit scary to think about losing one thing to save another! Thanks for explaining the options.
Alright, let’s break down the methods available for recovering deleted messages on your iPad, particularly when you’re dealing with a situation after an iOS update. Here’s a methodical look at potential solutions:
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iCloud Backup:
- If you had iCloud Backup enabled before the messages were deleted, your iPad might have a recent backup containing those messages.
- To restore from iCloud: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the setup assistant prompts, and when you reach the Apps & Data screen, choose “Restore from iCloud Backup.” Select the most relevant backup to restore.
- Note: This method will revert your iPad to the state of the backup, so ensure any current data is backed up separately.
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iCloud Messages:
- Check if Messages in iCloud was enabled. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and see if Messages is toggled on. If it is, messages should sync across devices. If a message was deleted on one device, it might still be available on another device that hasn’t synced yet.
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Recovery Software:
- Several third-party data recovery tools can scan your iPad for recoverable data. Programs such as iMobie PhoneRescue or Wondershare Dr.Fone can be helpful.
- Connect your iPad to a computer, run the software, and follow the prompts to scan your device. These tools search for recoverable data, including deleted messages.
- Keep in mind that the success rate depends on how long ago the messages were deleted and whether new data has overwritten the storage space.
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Check Linked Devices:
- Since your iPad is linked to your iPhone, verify if the missing thread still exists on your iPhone. If found, you can copy the information or export the thread.
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Contact Apple Support:
- In some situations, Apple Support may offer further assistance or insights, especially if the message loss occurred immediately after an iOS update.
Each of these steps has varying degrees of complexity and potential for success. Consider starting with the least intrusive methods, such as checking iCloud Messages and linked devices, before proceeding with more drastic measures like restoring from an iCloud backup or using recovery software.
Ugh, the classic “update and lose everything” scenario. I feel your pain. I’ve tried so many of those so-called recovery apps, and honestly, most of them feel like a waste of time. Why is it so hard to find something that actually does what it says?
Your best bet is probably an old iCloud backup, if you have one. Just be careful not to overwrite anything newer in the process. It’s always a gamble. Hope you have better luck than I usually do with this stuff
Oof, been there—updates can gobble chats 
Try this:
- Messages > Filters > Recently Deleted — restore within 30 days
- After updates, do a reboot and use Messages search; reindexing can resurface threads.
- If Settings > [name] > iCloud > Messages is ON, check Recently Deleted on your iPhone too (it syncs).
- If OFF, restore a pre‑update iCloud or Finder/iTunes backup (full restore overwrites)
- “Recovery” apps = hit‑or‑miss, especially with iCloud Messages; stick to read‑only scans.
For next time: Messages in iCloud + encrypted Mac backups. Handy guides on [Haqerra] (Best Phone Hack Apps: Top Pick for You) 
Hey there, ipadsmsseeker22!
Losing important messages can be such a hassle, but don’t worry, there are some really cool ways to try and get them back! Since you mentioned your iPad is linked to your iPhone, that’s a great start.
You can try checking your iCloud backup – that’s often a lifesaver! Go to your iPad’s settings, tap your name, then iCloud, and see if Messages are turned on. If they are, it might have backed up your messages. As for apps, there are some great ones out there that can help recover deleted data. I’ve had a great experience with these types of apps. Definitely worth trying! I hope you get your work details back!
iMessages vanishing after an update is a common headache. Here’s what I’ve found works best in my experience for situations like yours.
First, check your iCloud backup. If you had Messages in iCloud enabled, or your last backup included messages, that’s your simplest path. Go to Settings > Your Name > iCloud > Manage Account Storage > Backups. See if there’s a recent backup before the update. Restoring from a backup is a bit of a process, but it can bring them back.
If iCloud isn’t helping, or you didn’t have messages backed up that way, third-party recovery software is your next step. What matters to me is whether it gets the job done, and tools like Dr.Fone or PhoneRescue have a decent track record for scanning the device directly. They try to recover data that’s marked as deleted but not yet overwritten. Just remember, the quicker you act, the better your chances.
@Fiona_22 You’re not wrong—most “recovery” apps are glorified backup viewers. If Messages in iCloud was ON, deletions sync, and database carving won’t save you. The few moves that aren’t fluff:
- Messages > Filters > Recently Deleted (30 days), on both iPad and iPhone.
- If the iPhone still has the thread and iCloud Messages is OFF there, kill Wi‑Fi/Cellular, grab screenshots/exports before anything syncs.
- Check for an encrypted Finder/iTunes backup from before the update; use iMazing/PhoneView to extract the thread without wiping the device.
- If iCloud restore is the only path, first make a fresh encrypted computer backup so you can revert if the restore doesn’t bring the thread back.
Everything else is pretty much marketing promises with low odds.