How to see deleted messages on iPhone

Image showing iPhone with iMessage app open
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Accidentally deleting an iPhone message can be frustrating, especially if it contained important information or sentimental value. Sometimes we want to declutter our messages, but it’s easy to remove something by mistake.

Luckily, iPhones running iOS 16 or later include the Recently Deleted folder in the Messages app, allowing you to recover texts deleted within the past 30 days. This feature is especially useful and ranks alongside the ability to schedule your messages or send a voice note when it comes to iMessage tricks you need to know about.

Whether you’re retrieving an old conversation or fixing an accidental deletion, the process is quick and straightforward. Here’s how to use the Recently Deleted folder to restore your texts.

1. Open Messages

(Image: © Tom's Guide)

Start by launching the Messages app on your iPhone.

2. Access the Recently Deleted folder

(Image: © Tom's Guide )

Next, Tap Filters in the top-left corner of the screen. Then select Show Recently Deleted from the menu.

3. Choose messages to recover

(Image: © Tom's Guide )

Browse the list of deleted conversations and tap to select the messages you want to recover. Then Tap Recover at the bottom of the screen.

4. Recovering your messages

(Image: © Tom's Guide)

Finally, confirm your choice by selecting Recover Messages.


Now that you've learned how to see deleted messages on your iPhone, why not check out some of our other useful guides. We break down simply and easily how to delete a wallpaper on your iPhone, how change your iPhone name, and how to turn off Apple Intelligence on your iPhone.

Kaycee Hill
Tutorials editor

Kaycee is an Editor at Tom’s Guide and has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her journey into the tech world began as Cazoo's Knowledge Content Specialist, igniting her enthusiasm for technology. When she’s not exploring the latest gadgets and innovations, Kaycee can be found immersed in her favorite video games, or penning her second poetry collection. 

Read more
Google Messages on an Android phone screen
Google Messages may start letting you delete embarrassing text messages — here’s how
Apple iPhone 16 held in the hand.
How to delete apps on iPhone
A photo of a man holding an iPhone in front of his face and talking into it. He has a happy expression on his face.
iPhone lets you send voice notes — here's how
Apple iPhone 16 held in the hand.
You can hide people from your iPhone memories — here’s how
Apple iPhone 16 held in the hand.
How to delete a wallpaper on your iPhone
iPhone 16 Pro shown held in hand
How to back up your iPhone — don't risk losing your data
Latest in Phones
iOS 18.4 logo on an iPhone
iOS 18.4 public beta 2 is here — all the new features to try on your iPhone
Rendered images of rumored foldable iPhone.
Massive foldable iPhone leak just tipped key specs, release window and a very high price
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 review.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 tipped for a huge outer screen upgrade — here’s what we know
close-up on cameras in a leaked Google Pixel 9a render
Google Pixel 9a rumors — what Google’s planning as the iPhone 16e and Nothing Phone 3a ramp up the pressure
Galaxy Z Fold 6 shown in hand
Samsung just killed the crease with this breakthrough foldable phone display
Snap Grip Wallet.
I’ve tried dozens of wallet cases, but this MagSafe wallet does one thing I haven’t seen before
Latest in How To
Golfer Xander Schauffele take a swing ahead of the Arnold Palmer Invitational PGA 2025 golf tournament
How to watch Arnold Palmer Invitational 2025: live stream PGA Tour golf online, TV channel, schedule
Nintendo switch products
How to connect your Switch directly to TV — no dock required
Samsung S90D on stand in living room
Samsung TVs hit with annoying privacy pop-ups — here's how to stop them
Breville Oracle Jet being reviewed
Your Breville espresso machine can grind finer than you think — here's how
Ring Battery Doorbell Plus
7 Ring video doorbell tips everyone needs to know
Gemini logo
Gemini AI is a game-changer — 9 prompts to get started