Table of Contents
Since the introduction of the first iPhone in 2007, Apple has consistently revolutionized the way we communicate, blurring the line between a simple communication device and a personal assistant. With each iteration, the company’s signature product becomes more feature-packed, and the iPhone 14 is no exception.
Messaging is one of the fundamental features that has been significantly enhanced over the years, becoming an essential tool for everyday communication. However, there are instances when messages are accidentally deleted, leaving users distressed and searching for ways to retrieve their lost information. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to see deleted messages on the iPhone 14.
Where Does Deleted Messages Go on iPhone 14?
When you delete a message on your iPhone, it doesn’t immediately disappear completely. Instead, it’s moved to a sort of "holding cell"—a space on your device’s internal storage reserved for recently deleted data. However, this data isn’t accessible through regular user interfaces and is progressively overwritten by new data over time.
Can You Still Retrieve Deleted Messages on iPhone 14?
Yes, it’s entirely possible to retrieve deleted messages on an iPhone 14, as long as they haven’t been overwritten. This can be achieved through various methods, such as restoring from an iTunes backup, an iCloud backup, or using third-party recovery software like Aiseesoft FoneLab. Each method has its pros and cons, which will be discussed in detail in the next section.
Best Methods to See Deleted Messages on iPhone 14
There are occasions when messages are accidentally deleted, leading to potential loss of essential information.
Whether these messages contain cherished memories, crucial business details, or simply information you’d like to reference again, losing them can be distressing. But don’t despair—deleted doesn’t always mean gone forever. There are several methods you can employ to retrieve these lost messages on your iPhone 14.
FoneLab iPhone Data Recovery Software (Recommended)
Aiseesoft FoneLab is a third-party software designed to help iOS users recover lost or deleted data from their devices, including iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. FoneLab can recover a wide range of data types such as messages, contacts, call history, notes, photos, and more. It offers three recovery modes: "Recover from iOS Device," "Recover from iTunes Backup," and "Recover from iCloud Backup." One of the advantages of using FoneLab is that it allows you to selectively recover data, unlike restoring from an iTunes or iCloud backup, which replaces all the data on your device.
To recover deleted messages from your iPhone using Aiseesoft FoneLab, follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Aiseesoft FoneLab website, download the software, and install it on your computer. FoneLab is available for both Windows and macOS.
Step 2: Using a USB or USB-C cable, connect your iPhone to your computer.
Step 3: Open the FoneLab software on your computer.
Step 4: In the FoneLab interface, select "iPhone Data Recovery," and then click on "Recover from iOS Device."
Step 5: If prompted, tap "Trust" on your iPhone to allow the computer to access your device’s data.
Step 6: Click the "Start Scan" button in FoneLab to begin scanning your iPhone for deleted messages and other data. The scanning process might take a few minutes, depending on the amount of data on your device.
Step 7: Once the scan is complete, you will see a list of data types on the left side of the FoneLab interface. Click on "Messages" and "Message Attachments" to preview the deleted messages. Select the messages you want to recover by checking the boxes next to them.
Step 8: Click the "Recover" button at the bottom right corner of the FoneLab interface. Choose a folder on your computer to save the recovered messages.
After the recovery process is complete, you can view the deleted messages on your computer. The recovered messages can be saved in various formats, such as CSV, HTML, or TXT. You can then transfer the messages back to your iPhone, if desired, using third-party tools or by manually copying the information.
Retrieve from iTunes Backup
iTunes backup is a feature provided by Apple that allows users to make local backups of their iOS devices (including iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch) on their computers. When you perform an iTunes backup, it copies and saves a complete snapshot of your device’s data, including your device settings, app data, messages (iMessage, SMS, and MMS), ringtones, and visual voicemails, among other things.
It’s important to note that iTunes backup is separate from iCloud backup. While iCloud backup stores your data in the cloud, iTunes backup stores it locally on your computer.
If you’ve regularly been backing up your iPhone with iTunes, you can recover deleted messages by restoring the backup. Here are the steps to do that:
Step 1: Use a USB or USB-C cable to connect your iPhone to your computer.
Step 2: If it doesn’t open automatically, open iTunes on your computer.
Step 3: Look for the device icon in the upper-left corner of the iTunes window and click on it. This will open your iPhone’s summary screen.
Step 4: In the "Backups" section, click on "Restore Backup". This will open a new window.
Step 5: You’ll see a list of available backups. Choose the one that you think contains the deleted messages. Note that each backup has a date associated with it, so try to select one that was made before the messages were deleted.
Step 6: Click on "Restore" and wait. The process could take some time, depending on the size of the backup and the speed of your computer.
Remember that restoring from an iTunes backup will overwrite all the current data on your iPhone with the data from the backup. This means that any messages or other data that you’ve received or created since the backup was made will be lost, unless they’re present in the backup you’re restoring.
After the restoration process is complete, you should be able to see your deleted messages on your iPhone.
Download from iCloud Backup
iCloud backup is a feature offered by Apple that allows you to backup your iPhone’s data to iCloud, Apple’s cloud-based storage and computing service. This feature is designed to work automatically when your device is connected to Wi-Fi, plugged into power, and locked. The data backed up includes your device settings, app data, Home screen and app organization, iMessage, SMS, and MMS messages, ringtones, and more.
Unlike iTunes backup that saves data on your local computer, iCloud backup saves your data on Apple’s remote servers. This makes the data accessible from anywhere, not just from your personal computer.
To retrieve deleted messages from an iCloud backup, you will need to completely restore your iPhone from the backup. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Before wiping your device, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups. Check if there’s an iCloud backup that predates the deletion of your messages.
Step 2: This may seem drastic, but it’s necessary to restore from iCloud. Go to Settings > General > Reset, then tap "Erase All Content and Settings."
Step 3: After your iPhone resets to factory settings, you’ll see the "Hello" screen. Follow the onscreen setup steps until you reach the "Apps & Data" screen, then tap "Restore from iCloud Backup."
Step 4: Enter your Apple ID and password to sign in to iCloud.
Step 5: Look at the date and size of each backup and pick the most relevant one.
Once the restore process is complete, you should be able to see your deleted messages. Remember that, just like iTunes, restoring from an iCloud backup will replace all the current data on your device with the data from the backup. This means any data created or received after the backup was made will be lost unless it’s present in the backup you’re restoring.
How Long Does It Take to See Deleted Messages on iPhone 14
The length of time it takes to see deleted messages on an iPhone 14 depends on the method used:
- iTunes Restore: The duration largely depends on the size of the backup file and the speed of your computer. A typical restore might take 15 to 60 minutes.
- iCloud Restore: This is dependent on the size of your backup and the speed of your internet connection. It could take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours.
- Aiseesoft FoneLab: The scan might take a few minutes to an hour depending on the amount of data on your device. The recovery process after that is typically quick.
Please note that it’s crucial not to disconnect your iPhone during any of these processes, as it could lead to data loss or corruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I haven’t backed up my iPhone? Can I still retrieve deleted messages?
Without a backup, your chances of retrieving deleted messages decrease. However, you can still try using a third-party tool like Aiseesoft FoneLab, which might be able to recover messages directly from your device.
How far back can I retrieve deleted messages on my iPhone 14?
The retrieval of deleted messages largely depends on when your last backup was made. If the messages were deleted after the most recent backup, they would not be retrievable via iTunes or iCloud.
Can I selectively recover messages from an iTunes or iCloud backup?
No, iTunes and iCloud do not allow for selective recovery of messages. They restore the entire backup file. For selective recovery, consider using a third-party tool like Aiseesoft FoneLab.
Why can’t I see my deleted messages after a successful restore?
If you can’t see your deleted messages even after a successful restore, it’s possible that the messages were not included in the backup you restored from.
Can I prevent message loss on my iPhone 14 in the future?
Yes, by regularly backing up your iPhone to iTunes or iCloud, you can ensure that even if you delete messages, you’ll be able to retrieve them from the backup.
The Bottom Line
Losing messages on your iPhone 14 can feel devastating, especially if they contain valuable information. However, it’s reassuring to know that there are ways to retrieve these messages. iTunes and iCloud backups provide a safety net for data loss, and third-party applications like Aiseesoft FoneLab offer more tailored recovery options. However, to avoid any future distress, it’s advisable to regularly back up your device. This way, even when data loss occurs, you can rest easy knowing that your information can be recovered.