How to Retrieve Deleted Text Messages on iPhone 11

You may have accidentally deleted important text messages or iMessages from your iPhone’s Message app or lost text conversations due to an iOS update, iPhone restore, or any way. You may be wondering if it’s possible to recover these deleted messages, or you may have been searching for methods on how to retrieve deleted text messages on iPhone 11. In the Apple community, you will always find the question how do I recover deleted text messages on my iPhone for free asked several times. However, in this article, we’ll discuss not just one but various methods for recovering deleted text messages on your iPhone, using various tools inbuilt into iPhone and third-party recovery tools to search for fragments of deleted data. So, let’s get ready to learn how to find deleted messages on iPhone without iCloud.

How to Retrieve Deleted Text Messages on iPhone 11

How to Retrieve Deleted Text Messages on iPhone 11

In most cases, retrieving deleted text messages on an iPhone is possible. However, the method you’ll need to use depends on whether you have a backup of the messages and other factors, such as how long it’s been since the messages were deleted and how much new data has been added to the device.

Method 1: Through Messages App

The first thing you should do is check the Recently Deleted folder in the iMessages app. When you delete a message, it is not permanently erased from your device right away. Instead, it is moved to the Recently Deleted folder, where it remains for 30 days before being permanently erased. This is the method where you will get to learn how to find deleted messages on iPhone without iCloud and also how to retrieve deleted text messages on iPhone 13 and 11. Follow the steps below:

1. Open the Messages app on your phone.

Open the iMessages app on your phone.

2. Tap Filters from the top left side of your Messages app.

Tap Filters on top left side of your iMessages.

3. Tap on Recently Deleted.

Note: Recently deleted folder only keeps files for 30 days in iOS 15 and for 40 days in iOS 16 and above versions. After 30 days it will be permanently deleted.

Tap Recently Deleted. | How to Retrieve Deleted Text Messages on iPhone 11

4. Select the desired messages you want to recover and tap on the Recover option from the bottom right corner.

Select the messages you want to recover and click recover below.

Also Read: How to Fix iMessages Not Syncing on Mac

Method 2: From iCloud Back Up

If the messages you are trying to recover are not in the Recently Deleted folder, or if they were deleted more than 30 days ago, your next option is to try restoring a previous backup of your iPhone. If you have been regularly backing up your device to iCloud, you may be able to restore a backup that includes the deleted messages. Follow the steps below:

Note 1: Keep in mind that this process will overwrite any data that has been added to your device since the backup was created, so you may lose more recent data.

Note 2: This will erase all of your iPhone data. Hence, backup is vital.

1. On your iPhone, open the Settings app.

On your iPhone, access the Settings app.

2. Tap your Apple ID Name from the top of the Settings screen.

Tap your name at the top of the Settings page to go to your Apple ID page.

3. Then, tap on iCloud > iCloud Backup.

Note: Make sure it is always on and check whether the iPhone has been backed up recently under Back Up Now.

Then Tap on iCloud Backup. | How to Retrieve Deleted Text Messages on iPhone 11

4. Select the On option to back up all the data from your iPhone.

5. After successfully backing up all the data, go back to Settings Main Menu and tap on General.

Then, Go back to Settings Main Menu and Tap on General.

6. Tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone.

You will get an option for Transfer or Reset iPhone.

7. Then, tap on Erase All Content and Settings.

Then, Tap on Erase All Content and Setting. | How to Retrieve Deleted Text Messages on iPhone 11

8. After restarting, select the desired backup you want to restore, including Messages.

After restoring, you will get all backed-up messages on your Messages app.

Method 3: Via iTunes Back Up

You will have to restore your iPhone from iTunes from your PC to recover the deleted messages.

Note 1: This method is applicable if you have backed up your iPhone with iTunes.

Note 2: This method will erase all your iPhone data.

1. Firstly, open the iTunes app on your PC or laptop.

open the iTunes app on your PC or laptop

2. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button on your iPhone.

3. Then, press and quickly release the Volume Down button.

4. Now, press and hold the Power button until the Connect to laptop icon (Restore screen) appears on the iPhone.

Note: If you use an iPhone with a Home button, press and hold the Volume Down + Home button until the Connect to laptop icon appears.

iPhone Restore screen | How to Retrieve Deleted Text Messages on iPhone 11

5. Then, click on the Restore option from the popup on iTunes, as shown below.

Note: By clicking this option, iTunes will clear all the settings and content, including your iPhone passcode.

click on the Restore option from the popup on iTunes |

6. Click on Restore and Update.

Click on Restore and Update

7. Click on the Download icon to download the firmware.

Note: iTunes will restore your iPhone after finishing the download process.

Click on the Download icon to download the firmware

8. iTunes will restore the software on your iPhone. Wait till the process is finished. 

iTunes will restore the software on your iPhone. Wait till the process is finished | How to Retrieve Deleted Text Messages on iPhone 11

9. After your iPhone is restarted, select the Messages and other restore options.

Also Read: How to Recover Deleted iCloud Email

Method 4: Using Third Party Recovery Tool

If you do not have a recent backup or cannot recover the messages through either of the above methods, your final option is to use a third-party recovery tool. This method can help you learn how to retrieve deleted text messages on iPhone 13 and also how to find deleted messages on iPhone without iCloud. Most recovery tools offer a free trial version that allows you to scan your device and preview the recoverable data, but you will need to purchase the full version actually to recover the data. Here are the general steps you will need to follow:

Note: Keep in mind that these tools are not always successful, and the chances of recovery depend on a variety of factors, such as how long it has been since the messages were deleted and how much new data has been added to the device in the meantime.

1. Download and launch the iMyFone D-Back application on your PC.

Download and launch the iMyFone D-Back application on your PC |

2. Click on the Recover from iOS Device tab.

3. Then, click on Start.

click on Start

4. Connect your iPhone to the PC.

Connect your iPhone to the PC | How to Retrieve Deleted Text Messages on iPhone 11

5. Let the program analyze your iOS device.

Let the program analyze your iOS device

6. Select the Message and Message Attachment checkboxes to find the old and deleted text messages.

Select the Message and Message Attachment checkboxes

7. Click on the Recover option to restore the deleted message to your iPhone, as shown below.

Click on the Recover option to restore the deleted message to your iPhone | How to Retrieve Deleted Text Messages on iPhone 11

Method 5: Contact Carrier Technical Support

If after trying all the methods you cannot recover your messages, the final resort is to seek help from your phone carrier. Some phone carriers may keep a record of your messages, just like the way they keep a record of your calls. So, reach out to them to seek help. You will need to log in to your carrier account or you can use the service provider’s customer service phone numbers to reach out to them.

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So, we hope you have understood how to retrieve deleted text messages on iPhone 11 with the detailed steps to your aid. You can let us know any queries or suggestions about any other topic you want us to make an article on. Drop them in the comments section below for us to know.

1 thought on “How to Retrieve Deleted Text Messages on iPhone 11”

  1. Avatar photo
    MaryAlice Finlan

    Kudos to techcult! All the blah blah I’ve read and listened to and you guys pointed out a simple 1-2-3 solution to my problem! Love you all to pieces!!!

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