Recover Deleted Messages in iOS 16/iPadOS 16 on iPhone and iPad: Complete Guide

Wondering how Apple’s all-new messages recovery feature works in iOS 16? Fret not, let’s understand it first! 

How Does Apple’s Messages Recovery Tool Work in iOS 16?

When you delete any messages on your iPhone, they are automatically stored in a folder called “Recently Deleted”. Your deleted messages continue to exist in the folder for up to 30 days. After that, those messages are permanently wiped out.  Note that in some cases, it may take up to 40 days to permanently erase certain messages. Each deleted messages show the number of days remaining before the permanent deletion.  Apple allows you to recover both specific and all the recently deleted messages at once. Hence, if you ever happen to wipe out a cluster of messages while cleaning up the storage on your device, you no longer need to bother about losing your messages for good or having to spend money to retrieve them. In terms of ease of use and importance, this feature is in line with the ability to unsend and edit messages that have also made their way with the arrival of iOS 16.

Recover Specific Deleted Messages on iPhone and iPad

  1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Messages app.
  2. Tap on Filters at the upper left corner of the screen.
  3. Tap on Recently Deleted.
  4. Now, select the messages you want to restore and hit Recover at the bottom.
  5. A popup will now appear from the bottom asking you to confirm the action. Make sure to tap on Recover X (number) Messages to finish.
    That’s it! Your deleted messages will once again start showing in the same conversation thread. So, you can head over to the chat thread to check them.

Recover All Recently Deleted Messages at Once on Your iPhone or iPad

Restoring entire recently deleted messages is just as straightforward.

  1. Launch the Settings app on your device > Filters > Recently Deleted.
  2. Now, tap on Recover All at the bottom right corner of the screen.
  3. Once again, a popup will show up from the bottom of the screen asking for your confirmation. Be sure to tap on Recover X (Number) Messages to confirm the action.

Recover All of Your Mistakenly Deleted Messages on iOS and iPadOS Without Any Pain

So, that’s how Apple’s all-new Message recovery feature works. Having tested this feature several times, I can vouch for its efficiency. It functions without any blemish. Whether you want to restore a single message or get back the entire cluster of deleted messages, it will not let you down. That said, what’s your take on this useful feature? It would be great to have your thoughts in the comments below. Read more: How to Customize Font and Color on iPhone Lock Screen in iOS 16