Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Using an iTunes backup
• Method 2 of 2: Using an iCloud backup
• Tips
• Warnings

This article will show you how to recover recently deleted text messages on iPhone using iTunes or iCloud backup. If you use the backup, text messages received before the date of the backup will be restored, and all messages received after that date will be deleted.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Using an iTunes backup

1. 1 Open iTunes on your computer. The icon of this application looks like a multi-colored musical note on a white background.
   • If you are prompted to update iTunes, do so; keep in mind that the computer will be restarted while the program is being updated.
2. 2 Connect your iPhone to your computer. Connect one end of the USB cable to your iPhone and the other to a USB port on your computer.
   • Some computers manufactured by Apple do not have USB ports; in this case, buy a USB adapter.
3. 3 Click on the icon of the connected device. It's an iPhone-shaped icon in the upper-left side of the iTunes window. The "Browse" tab will open.
4. 4 Click on Recover from copy. It's on the right side of the Backups section.
   • If prompted, turn off Find My iPhone.
   • You can create a new backup to restore your system if something goes wrong. Click Back to create a new backup.
5. 5 When prompted, open the menu next to iPhone Name.
6. 6 Click on the date the backup was made. Select the date the deleted text messages were in the iPhone memory.
7. 7 Click on Restore. It's on the right side of the Restore from Backup window. The process of restoring the backup will start.
   • If the selected backup is password protected, enter it.
   • Before iTunes restores the backup, you may need to update the iPhone system.
8. 8 Wait for the restoration process to complete. Deleted text messages can now be viewed in the Messages application, which appears as a white text bubble on a green background.

Method 2 of 2: Using an iCloud backup

1. 1 Open the iPhone Settings app. Its icon is a gray gear and is most likely found on the home screen.
   • Make sure you have an iCloud backup before using it. To do this, click your Apple ID at the top of the Settings screen, click iCloud, scroll down the page and click iCloud Backup. If the date of the backup appears on the screen, you can restore it.
2. 2 Scroll down the page and click The main. It's near the bottom of the screen.
   • If you need to create a backup, click "Back" in the upper left corner of the screen.
3. 3 Scroll down the page and click Reset. It's near the bottom of the General page.
4. 4 Click on Erase content and settings. You will find this option at the top of the page.
5. 5 Enter your iPhone password. This is the password you use to unlock your iPhone.
   • If there is no password, skip this step.
6. 6 Double click on Reset iPhone. It's near the bottom of the screen.
7. 7 Wait for the device reset process to complete. This process will take a few minutes. You can now select the iCloud backup.
8. 8 Press the Home button on iPhone. It's a round button below the iPhone screen.
9. 9 Set up your iPhone. To do this, select your language, country and wireless network.
10. 10 When prompted, click Recover from iCloud copy. This is how you can select and restore a backup from your iCloud account.
11. 11 Enter your email address and Apple ID. Use the same credentials with which you download music or applications.
12. 12 Click on Select a backup. This option is in the middle of the screen.
13. 13 Click on the date the backup was made. Select the date the deleted text messages were in the iPhone memory.
14. 14 Wait for the recovery process to complete. Deleted text messages can now be viewed in the Messages app.

Tips

• Back up your iPhone periodically using iCloud or iTunes to keep your data in case it gets lost or deleted.
• After you restore your text messages, you can restore the last backup. In order not to delete the recovered messages, take screenshots of them, which can be sent to a cloud storage (for example, Google Drive or iCloud).

Warnings

• Do not buy or download third-party software that supposedly recovers text messages. These programs often do not work well.