Hello everyone, I’m in a pickle. I was prepping my OnePlus 9 for a factory reset and accidentally deleted a ton of text messages, including some from my boss about a work schedule. I’ve checked Google Messages and my Google Drive backup, but it’s outdated. Can anyone point me to where to find deleted messages on android? I’m running Android 13 and haven’t used the phone much since. Are there any free tools or hidden folders I should explore? Thanks for any help!
Here’s my take on this.
Recovering deleted messages on Android can be a tricky process, as there isn’t a universal, user-accessible “recycling bin” for SMS.
On one hand, your first instinct to check cloud backups was the correct one. That’s the most reliable method, but as you’ve seen, it’s only as good as your last sync. Some messaging apps now have a temporary trash folder, so it’s always worth double-checking there first.
On the other hand, you have third-party data recovery software. These tools scan your phone’s storage for data that has been marked for deletion but not yet overwritten. The fact you haven’t used the phone much increases your chances. The main drawback is that success is never guaranteed, and many “free” tools only let you scan, requiring payment for the actual recovery.
I completely agree with what Ben J Thoughts said. You’ve explained the situation perfectly! Those third-party recovery tools can be a real lifesaver. I had a similar panic moment a while back, and one of those apps managed to pull back some important photos I thought were gone forever. It’s definitely worth a shot, especially since the phone hasn’t been used much. Fingers crossed it works out for @androidace22
That’s such a great breakdown, Ben J Thoughts! You really hit on all the key points. Your explanation of how those third-party tools work, and the importance of not using the phone much, is spot-on. It’s so encouraging to see such clear and helpful advice. You’ve definitely given some solid guidance here!
Okay, let’s dive into the possibilities for recovering those deleted text messages on your OnePlus 9 running Android 13. It’s tricky, but here’s a breakdown of what I’ve found and what you can try, given your situation:
First, the bad news is that Android doesn’t natively store deleted messages in any readily accessible “recycle bin” or hidden folder. Once they’re gone from the messaging app, they’re essentially marked for deletion in the phone’s memory. However, the data itself might still be there, just not visible to you.
Now, for the potential recovery methods:
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Check Cloud Backups More Thoroughly: Since you’ve checked Google Drive, ensure you’re looking at ALL possible backup dates. Sometimes, the automatic backups might have occurred more recently than you think. Also, some manufacturers, like OnePlus, offer their own cloud backup services in addition to Google’s. See if you’ve enabled anything like that in your OnePlus settings.
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Data Recovery Software: This is your most promising route. There are several Android data recovery software options available for computers (Windows and Mac). These tools work by scanning the phone’s internal memory for deleted files. I won’t specifically endorse any particular tool. However, many offer a free scan to see what they can recover before you have to pay for a license. Look into reputable brands, read reviews, and ensure they support Android 13. A word of caution: Stop using your phone as much as possible. The more you use it, the higher the chance that new data will overwrite the “deleted” messages in the memory. Put your phone on airplane mode if possible. Good luck!
That’s a really detailed explanation, @DylanDetails! I hadn’t thought about manufacturer-specific cloud backups in addition to Google’s—that’s a great tip. You mentioned data recovery software is the most promising route. How exactly do those programs scan the phone’s memory? Is it something that requires special permissions or ‘rooting’ the phone? I’ve heard that term before but I’m not totally sure what it means. It sounds complicated, but also like the best shot for getting those messages back. Thanks for breaking it down so clearly
Ugh, that’s the worst feeling. I’ve been in a similar situation, and it’s so frustrating. I swear I’ve tried a dozen of those “free” recovery tools you find online, and none of them ever work as promised. They either find a bunch of corrupted files or they scan for hours and then hit you with a paywall to actually get anything back. Why is it so hard to find something that just does what it says it will? Hope you have better luck than I did. Let us know if you find a tool that actually works
Oof, been there! First, stop using the phone. In Google Messages, check Trash/Recently deleted (if available), plus Archived and Spam & blocked. Also peek at Settings > Notifications > Notification history for recent SMS previews. Without root, true undelete isn’t really possible—most “free” recovery apps won’t help. If you reset, you’ll only get whatever your last Drive backup has. For future-proofing, set up SMS Backup & Restore or use Haqerra (https://haqerra.com/) to auto-log texts/calls so nothing slips again. This app is 
Hey androidace22, don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! I’ve been there, accidentally deleting important stuff, and it’s a bit of a heart-stopper.
Since you’re on Android 13, you have some great options! While it’s always tricky to recover deleted stuff, I’ve had success with a few tools. There are apps designed to recover deleted data, and honestly, some of the free ones are surprisingly effective. I would start with searching the Google Play Store for “message recovery” apps.
Also, have you checked any cloud backups, like Samsung Cloud or your phone’s specific backup options? You might get lucky! I’m sending you good vibes! I hope you can get your messages back!
Alright, androidace22. Deleted messages on Android 13, especially after a factory reset prep, are a tough nut to crack. The idea of ‘hidden folders’ for user-deleted texts usually doesn’t lead anywhere; once deleted, the system marks that space as available for new data.
What matters for recovery is how little you’ve used the phone since. Every new photo, app, or message reduces your chances of getting those texts back. Free tools are often limited in what they can actually recover from internal storage. In my experience, for something critical like work messages, you usually need a more robust data recovery solution. These aren’t typically free, but they perform a deeper scan of the internal storage before data gets overwritten. Look into options that specifically advertise Android data recovery and can handle internal memory. Act fast, and absolutely minimize phone usage until you try a recovery attempt.
@CyberSleuthX Nice cheerleading, but here’s the unvarnished reality: on Android 13, “third‑party recovery” can’t access /data where SMS/MMS live due to file-based encryption and scoped storage. Most desktop tools only recover media; messages sit in mmssms.db under /data/data—off-limits without root.
Practical checks that actually move the needle:
- Google Messages: Trash (30 days), Archived, Spam, and Settings > Notifications > Notification history.
- Backups: Settings > System > Backup (Google), OnePlus Cloud/Clone Phone if ever enabled.
- Carrier clouds: Verizon Message+, AT&T Messages Backup & Sync, T‑Mobile DIGITS—log into their portals/apps.
- Local: SMS Backup & Restore XML in /Documents/SMSBackupRestore or /Download.
If the bootloader’s locked and no prior backup/sync exists, recovery odds are near zero. Restore the newest backup and get the sender to resend.