How to Recover Deleted Text Messages in iOS 16

Apple’s iOS 16 update introduced a dedicated "Recently Deleted" folder in the Messages app, making it simple to retrieve erased SMS and iMessage threads without needing a full device restore. This guide explains how to find the deleted messages folder, select the threads you need, and restore them back to your main inbox within the standard 30-day recovery window.

Step-by-Step Recovery Process

1. Open the Messages App
   Launch the Messages app on your iPhone running iOS 16 or later.

2. Access Deleted Folders

   • If you have message filtering enabled, tap Filters in the top-left corner of the main conversations list.
   • If you do not use message filtering, tap Edit in the top-left corner instead.

3. Select Recently Deleted
   Tap Recently Deleted (or Show Recently Deleted).

4. Choose the Messages to Restore
   You will see a list of conversations deleted within the last 30 to 40 days, along with the days remaining before permanent deletion. Tap the checkmark next to each conversation you want to restore.

5. Recover the Messages
   Tap Recover in the bottom-right corner, then tap Recover [Number] Messages to confirm.

The selected conversations will immediately reappear in your main Messages list in their original chronological order.

Important Details to Keep in Mind

• Time Limit: Deleted messages remain in the "Recently Deleted" folder for 30 days. In rare cases, Apple extends this window up to 40 days before permanent deletion.
• Single Messages vs. Threads: Recovering a thread restores all deleted messages contained within that specific conversation during the active retention period.
• Permanent Erasure: If you manually choose Delete inside the "Recently Deleted" folder, the messages are permanently removed and cannot be recovered through this method.