5 Methods for Recovering Deleted Text Messages on Android Devices

Method 1: Check the Archive and Spam Folder

Accidental archiving of text messages in the Google Messages app is common. Recovering these messages is straightforward: unarchive them from the archive folder. Additionally, check the Spam folder for mistakenly filtered messages.

Steps to Retrieve Archived Messages:

Open the Google Messages app, tap on your profile icon, and select Archived.
Find and long-press the desired message, then tap the Unarchive icon.

Steps to Check Spam Folder:

From the main screen, tap the profile icon and select Spam and blocked.
Scroll through blocked messages to find any relevant ones.

Method 2: Using Google Backups

If you need to restore deleted SMS messages, utilizing a previous Google Drive backup is an option. This requires resetting your device and restoring data from backup.

Steps for Restoration:

Open Settings, navigate to General management, and tap Reset.
Choose Factory data reset and confirm the action.
After the reset, set up your phone, sign in to your Google account, and go to Accounts and backup in Settings.
Select Restore data, choose the appropriate device, ensure Messages is checked, and tap Restore.

Method 3: Using Recycle Bin in Samsung Messages

Samsung Messages app includes a Recycle Bin feature for recently deleted texts (within the last 30 days).

Steps to Use Recycle Bin:

Open the Samsung Messages app and tap the three-dot icon, then select Recycle bin.
Browse recent deletions, tap the relevant message, and restore it or capture a screenshot for safekeeping.

Method 4: Via a Connected App (Phone Link)

If your phone is synced with the Phone Link app, deleted messages might still appear there. Act swiftly before the app refreshes the data.

Steps to Access Phone Link:

Open the Phone Link app and select Messages.
Locate the relevant text, and take a screenshot before it gets deleted.

Method 5: Contact Your Carrier

Many carriers keep a record of sent texts, particularly through proprietary messaging apps. You may access this via mobile or desktop. Alternatively, request the sender to resend the message.