Has this happened to you? You delete a message, and then... suddenly you realize that an important SMS just went flying? Ahoy, it happens! Usually, we let it go, but sometimes a deleted text has great sentimental value for us or contains key info (e.g., when reporting a crime). So it's worth knowing how to recover deleted SMS messages from your phone.
Key information from the article
- Deleted SMS messages can be recovered if they haven't been overwritten by new data.
- On Android, apps, rooting, or Google backup will help.
- On iPhone, you can restore messages from iCloud or iTunes.
- A factory reset permanently deletes data from the phone.
- Regular backups are the best way to avoid losing SMS messages.
Deleted SMS? Don't panic!
After deleting a message from your phone, SMS messages don't disappear immediately from the device's memory. The system only marks them as “to be deleted”, and the actual deletion occurs only after new data is overwritten. Therefore, the most important Viking rule: Stop! Don't do anything new on your phone. No new SMS messages, no new apps!
To increase the chance of data recovery:
- turn on airplane mode,
- limit device usage,
- do not save new files or contacts.
This way, the SMS data will remain in memory until it is replaced by new data.
How to recover deleted SMS messages on Android? Time for action!
If you're wondering how to recover a deleted SMS on Android, there are several methods that can help. Remember: the faster you act, the better!
Rooting the phone
On Android, messages are stored in an SQLite database, which a mere mortal (like you) doesn't have standard access to. To recover data, you need what's called root, or administrator privileges.
After rooting your phone, you can use software such as EaseUS MobiSaver, which scans the memory and restores lost messages.
Important point: Rooting must be done BEFORE you delete the SMS messages. Otherwise... well, it'll be an uphill battle.
See also: Android Root – how to do it?
SMS recovery apps
If you don't want to use rooting, you can reach for apps that help restore SMS messages from the device's memory.
A popular and effective tool is SMS Backup & Restore – an app that creates and restores message backups.
Remember one thing: apps with a million ads can overwrite the data you want to recover! Be careful with them!
See also: Data and photo recovery from Android
Google Drive backup
The safest and easiest way to recover SMS messages from Android is to use Google Drive. It works like a charm if you take care of regular backups.
To do this:
- Go to the Google Drive app,
- Open Menu → Backups,
- Select the latest backup and check the option to restore SMS messages.
How to recover deleted SMS messages on iPhone?
A significant portion of Mobile Vikings users use Apple devices. iOS phones allow you to recover deleted SMS messages using the iCloud or iTunes service. Both of these methods rely on saving a backup of data in the Apple cloud, from which data can be restored using these services.
iCloud
To restore deleted messages from iCloud:
- Go to Settings → General → Reset → Erase All Content and Settings.
- After the restart, select the option: Restore from iCloud Backup.
Note: restoring a backup causes data to be overwritten – all changes made after the backup was created will be lost.
iTunes
If you use iTunes, you can recover SMS messages as long as you create backups regularly.
Just connect your iPhone to your computer, launch iTunes, and select the “Restore from Backup” option in the Summary tab.
Similar to the iCloud method, using iTunes synchronization will overwrite changes made after the backup was created.
See also the article: Premium SMS block
How to recover SMS messages from a SIM card?
If you're wondering how to recover SMS messages from a SIM card, first check if your phone offers a preview or data restoration function from the card. In some cases, you can use dedicated software that scans the SIM card for deleted messages.
How to recover deleted SMS messages? Viking recommendations
- Act like crazy before the system overwrites old messages. Time is currency!
- Hold back! Zero new apps, zero new SMS messages.
- Make backups! Regularly, in the cloud or locally. This is smart phone usage.
- Take care of your data and don't download apps from unknown sources.
What happens to SMS messages after a factory reset?
A factory reset deletes all data from the phone, including SMS messages, apps, and settings. After such a procedure, recovering messages is very difficult, and often impossible, because the data is permanently deleted and overwritten. If you're wondering how to recover deleted SMS messages after a reset, you should know that it requires specialized software and technical knowledge – and the effectiveness of such methods is low. That's why it's so important to regularly create backups of SMS and other data so that you can restore them from the cloud or a local backup if needed.
If you want to avoid problems with displaying Polish characters after restoring messages, also see how to set Polish characters on your phone. This will make your SMS messages look as they should.
Important issues regarding SMS recovery
- Data encryption is a mechanism that protects SMS privacy from unauthorized access. In many modern phones, both Android and iOS, the SMS database is encrypted.
- If you're wondering how to recover deleted SMS messages, remember that in such cases, data recovery software must have the appropriate permissions and the ability to decrypt the content.
- Without the proper encryption keys, recovering SMS messages may be impossible or very limited. The conclusion? Encryption is level hard security, but it can make the job of recovering SMS messages much harder.
Deleted SMS messages recovered? What's next?
Great! Since the SMS messages are saved, it's time for other topics. Remember that it's worth using your phone wisely – regular backups and managing data are essential!
And if you're looking for a mobile operator that cares about its own and combines technology with human service, hop on board Mobile Vikings! With us, it's simple, convenient, and fair.
FAQ – frequently asked questions
Where is the SMS archive on the phone?
It is usually located in the Messages app. Some models have a separate “Archive” section available from the main menu.
How to recover deleted SMS messages without a backup?
You can try using data recovery apps such as SMS Backup & Restore or PC software that scans the phone's memory.
After how much time can deleted SMS messages be recovered?
It's best to act immediately after deleting the message. The more time passes and the more often you use the phone, the less chance that the data will not be overwritten.
