Recovering your deleted text messages is tricky on Android
Despite the rise in popularity of instant messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger, many users still prefer classic text messaging for day-to-day communication. For those who use text-based communication, it's not uncommon to accidentally delete a text message. A few options can help you retrieve deleted texts whether you use a Google Pixel or one of the top Samsung Galaxy phones.
Google standardized the default Messages app on all Google Android phones, but several OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) like Samsung and OnePlus come with brand-specific default messaging apps. It's worth knowing how to retrieve texts no matter which smart device you have.
There are several methods for retrieving deleted text messages on an Android. If you archived the conversation, you'll find it in the Archived Inbox. Samsung Galaxy phones have a built-in Recycle bin menu that's useful when looking for deleted messages.
If you have Google Drive backup enabled in Messages, you may need to factory reset your Android phone and set it up from scratch to find the deleted texts you're looking for. There are also third-party Android recovery apps if none of these recovery tools get the job done. Read the sections below for more specific guidance on how to recover your deleted text messages.
It's easy to archive conversation threads in Messages accidentally. It's also possible for conversations that were purposefully archived in the past to become relevant again. Regardless of your circumstance, recovering archived text messages is simple. Follow these steps to find and recover archived texts.
Google doesn't have a Recycle bin feature for Messages. That means it is a little more difficult to recover deleted text messages that were not sent to the archive. If you enabled Google Drive backup, that will do the trick. Otherwise, you'll rely on third-party data recovery apps to retrieve the deleted texts.
The default One UI Messages app on Galaxy phones has several useful features. When you delete a text message in Samsung's Messages app, it is stored in the Recycle bin for 30 days. Once those 30 days are up, the Recycle bin permanently deletes the message. Follow these steps to recover deleted messages from the Recycle bin within that time period.
After completing these steps, the deleted text messages reappear in your default Messages app. The deleted messages won't be recoverable this way after 30 days.
If you are not subscribed to a back-up service through your carrier, it's unlikely it will be able to help you. Under normal circumstances, carriers only retain text message metadata, which means the actual message content is deleted from the carrier within hours if it's ever stored at all. That said, your lost text message is never truly deleted, according to TechFusion CEO Alfred Demirjian. Law enforcement and other government agencies have access to forensic tools that can often unearth your deleted data.
Mobile carriers often offer additional text messaging apps on Android phones with useful functions. For example, AT&T has AT&T Messages Backup & Sync, and Verizon offers Verizon Messages. These apps usually support backup features that make recovering messages easier and sometimes allow you to access your text messages on other devices. If you use your carrier's text messaging app, additional recovery features may be available.
There's no shortage of third-party data recovery apps in the Play Store and on the web. Software solutions like Dr.Fone, PhoneRescure, and FonePaw claim to retrieve deleted text messages on your Android phone.
These apps offer features like quick scan and deep scan to find deleted data on your phone. Some tools require you to root the device to recover text messages. Consider that services like these often require subscriptions for advanced features, and the results are not always guaranteed. Read the fine print carefully if you plan to use such tools. It's never a bad idea to check reviews and other online discourse.
Rooting your Android phone may void the manufacturer's warranty.
If none of the previous methods retrieved your deleted texts, reach out to the sender. The person might have a copy of the text message you are looking for, and you can ask them to forward the message again.
It's never fun when you permanently lose something you wish you hadn't. Text messages are no stranger to this circumstance. Try some of these tips and tricks to safeguard your texts from being permanently lost.
The default Messages app offers an option to archive a conversation instead of deleting it. Alternative texting apps usually offer this feature as well. When you want to hide an irrelevant conversation from the main menu, archive the thread instead of deleting it. The default swipe gestures in the Messages app can quickly archive a chat thread.
Enabling Google Drive backup on your Android phone is a great way to safeguard your texts from permanent deletion. Google Drive backs up installed app data, media files, SMS messages, call history, device settings, and Google account data. Plus, you can access these backups from other devices.
Your Android phone's backup contributes to your Google Account storage metrics. If you run out of default storage space, consider freeing up some storage space or subscribing to one of the Google One plans.
To retrieve deleted text messages on your Android using Google backups, you must factory reset your phone and choose to restore the Google Drive backup during setup.
Not everyone prefers a cloud backup and a lengthy factory reset to restore deleted text messages. Various third-party SMS apps like Pulse allow you to back up and restore texts more conveniently.
Pulse SMS offers multiple theme options, a web version to check your messages on a desktop, Wear OS support, rich web link previews, password protection, the ability to back up and restore text messages, and automated replies. Some advanced features are part of the Pulse+ subscription that starts at $0.99 per month.
It's fair if you want to stick with Google Messages. It's the default on most Android phones and is well-integrated with the Google ecosystem. Despite the lack of a Recycle bin feature, there are plenty of ways to recover your deleted text messages. Did you know you can access conversations from the Messages app on your computer? It's worth knowing how to use Google Messages on a desktop.
The HTC One M7 sparked Parth’s interest in the Android world. Since 2013, he has been following Android blogs and tech news. After completing his education in Mechanical Engineering in 2015, Parth went to Antwerp, Belgium, to pursue his interest in diamonds before moving to the famed diamond hub Surat, India. Parth’s tech breakthrough came in January 2019 when he joined GuidingTech as an evergreen features writer. After three years, he joined the growing Android Police team to write how-tos, explainers, editorials, listicles, and comparisons on Google services and smart home accessories. If you remove his mechanical keyboard, you will find him bowling or watching The Office.

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