Sometimes we want to retrieve important text messages of the past we accidentally deleted from our Android phones. It happens to all of us, you’re not alone. When our precious texts disappear into the abyss of the digital void, it can feel like a piece of our lives has vanished with them, and we want them back.
And that’s precisely why we’ll explore ways of recovering deleted text messages on Android devices.
Ways to recover deleted Android messages
The most significant factor that can help you recover your deleted messages is the possibility that you have turned on a backup system for your device or cloud.
If it was turned on, then there are possible ways you can recover your messages.
Check Google Drive backup
Google Drive allows automated backups for your device if the system is set up and your device has an active internet connection.
If you have enabled Google Drive backup for your messages, you can restore them by reinstalling the messaging app and following the prompts to restore from the backup.
- Open Settings on your Android device. It’ll be a gear icon and can be found where your other apps are shown.
- Scroll down and find the “Google” or “Google Account” option. Click to open it.
- In the Google Account settings, click the “Backup” option. The location of this option may depend on your device and Android version. It can often be found under “Accounts and backup” or a similar section.
- You should see options related to what is being backed up there. Find an option related to “Messages” or “Text messages.”
- If your messages have a backup set to Google Drive, you might find an option like “Back up to Google Drive” or similar. Make sure it’s enabled.
- If your messages are backed up, you can restore them by clearing your messaging app’s data (same as uninstalling and reinstalling). During the setup process, the app may prompt you to restore messages from Google Drive.
- Ensure you are signed in with the Google account used for the backup. Some devices allow you to select the Google account whose messages you want to restore by checking if a backup exists on the account.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restore process (this may vary slightly from device to device).
- Your text messages should be restored to their state during the last backup.
Check local phone backup
Some Android devices have built-in backup features. Check if your phone has a backup option in the settings; if it does, you may be able to restore your messages from there.
Follow the following steps to check if there is a backup folder located in your phone settings.
- Access Settings
- Navigate to Backup & Restore
- Check Backup Status
- Initiate Restore
- Follow On-screen Prompts
These steps may vary widely based on phone operating systems and models.
Use a third-party recovery app
There are a lot of third-party applications available on the Play Store that claim to recover deleted messages. Examples include Dr.Fone, DiskDigger, and MobiSaver. Remember that these apps’ effectiveness can vary, and some may require rooting your device.
Here are the steps in bullet points to recover messages using Dr.Fone or similar third-party software:
- Download and Install
- Connect Your Device
- Select Message Recovery
- Scan Your Device
- Preview and Recover
- Save Recovered Messages
Check with your service provider
Some mobile service providers keep records of text messages if you have allowed them. Contact your service provider and inquire if they can provide you with a copy of your text messages.
Keep in mind that success in recovering messages through the service provider depends on their policies and capabilities.
Restore from a local backup
If you regularly back up your device using a tool like the Samsung Smart Switch or a similar service provided by your device manufacturer, you might be able to restore your messages from a local backup.
Samsung Switch is designed for Samsung devices, and both devices need to be compatible for the transfer to work successfully.
To restore deleted messages using Samsung Switch, follow the following steps:
- Install Samsung Switch
- Open Samsung Switch
- Connect Devices
- Select Data to Transfer
- Initiate Transfer
- Complete the Process
- Access Restored Messages
Recover from SIM Card
Some messages may be stored on your SIM card. You can check if your phone has an option to import messages from the SIM card.
Follow these steps using a SIM card reader and recovery software to retrieve valuable text messages effortlessly.
- Remove SIM Card
- Insert SIM Card Reader
- Connect to Computer
- Download Recovery Software
- Launch Software
- Scan for Deleted Messages
- Preview Recoverable Messages
- Select and Recover
- Save Recovered Messages
- Insert SIM Card Back
Professional data recovery services
If none of the above methods work, consider professional data recovery services. These services often require specialized tools and can be expensive.
Data recovery professionals employ advanced techniques and tools to extract and reconstruct lost data. They utilize different types of software, hardware, and expertise to recover inaccessible or damaged data from various storage media, ensuring a smooth and secure retrieval process.
Generally, they possess in-depth knowledge of file systems, disk structures, and data patterns, allowing them to navigate complex scenarios such as file corruption, accidental deletion, or hardware failure.
Keep in mind that the service providers are someone you trust, so that you do not face any personal data breach issues.
Recovering deleted messages can sometimes be a hassle, but with this above guide, it doesn’t have to be. All you have to do is try the listed methods like retrieval from Google Drive, the local backup, third-party apps, etc.
If one of the above methods doesn’t work, try the other ones, and if all self-help methods don’t benefit you, seek professional help.