Best Apps to Recover Deleted Messages: Complete Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions

Accidentally deleting messages is more common than most people think. A single tap can erase conversations that contain important information, emotional value, or even work-related data. Whether the messages were removed from SMS, WhatsApp, or other messaging apps, the sense of loss can be frustrating.

Fortunately, modern technology offers solutions. Message recovery apps are designed to help users retrieve deleted messages by scanning backups, syncing cloud data, or analyzing device storage when possible. While recovery is not guaranteed in every situation, many users successfully recover messages by using the right tools and acting quickly.

This guide presents the best apps to recover deleted messages, explains how each one works, and shows step by step how users typically attempt message recovery. Continue reading to understand your options and choose the most suitable solution for your device.

How Message Deletion Works on Smartphones

When a message is deleted, it is usually not erased instantly from the device’s storage. Instead, the operating system marks that space as available for new data. Until that space is overwritten, the deleted message may still exist in the background.

On Android devices, this process can sometimes allow recovery through local scans or backups. On iPhones, security restrictions make direct scanning difficult, so recovery usually depends on iCloud or iTunes/Finder backups.

This explains why timing is critical. The sooner recovery is attempted, the higher the chances of success.

Can Deleted Messages Really Be Recovered?

In many cases, yes. Deleted messages can often be recovered if a backup exists or if the device has not overwritten the data. However, recovery depends on several factors, including the device model, operating system version, backup settings, and how long ago the deletion occurred.

It is important to understand that no app can guarantee full recovery in every situation. Reliable apps provide realistic recovery paths rather than promising impossible results.

Key Factors That Influence Message Recovery

Several factors directly affect recovery success. Device type is one of the most important. Android devices generally allow more flexibility, while iPhones rely heavily on backups. Operating system updates can limit access to stored data, especially on newer versions.

Backup availability plays a decisive role. If cloud backups are enabled, recovery becomes much easier. Time is also crucial, as new data can overwrite deleted messages quickly.

Best Apps to Recover Deleted Messages

Below is a curated list of widely used and trusted tools, along with step-by-step instructions for how users typically attempt to recover messages using each one.

Dr.Fone (Wondershare)

Dr.Fone is one of the most recognized recovery tools available for both Android and iOS devices. It offers guided recovery options and focuses heavily on backup-based recovery, making it suitable for users with limited technical knowledge.

How to Recover Deleted Messages with Dr.Fone

1. Download and install Dr.Fone on a Windows or Mac computer from the official Wondershare website.
2. Open the software and select the Data Recovery option.
3. Connect your smartphone to the computer using a USB cable.
4. On Android devices, enable USB debugging when prompted.
5. Select Messages as the data type you want to recover.
6. Start the scanning or backup recovery process.
7. Preview the recoverable messages displayed by the software.
8. Select the messages you want to restore or export and complete the process.

Tenorshare UltData

Tenorshare UltData is another popular recovery tool used for both Android and iPhone devices. It is commonly chosen by users looking to recover messages from backups or supported messaging apps.

How to Recover Deleted Messages with Tenorshare UltData

1. Install UltData on your computer from Tenorshare’s official website.
2. Launch the program and choose the correct device type.
3. Connect your phone via USB.
4. Select whether you want to recover from the device or from a cloud backup.
5. Choose Messages as the content to recover.
6. Start the scan and wait for the results.
7. Review the list of recoverable messages.
8. Restore or export the selected messages following the on-screen instructions.

iMobie PhoneRescue

PhoneRescue is especially popular among iPhone users because it emphasizes recovery from iCloud and iTunes/Finder backups. It provides a clear and guided interface designed for everyday users.

How to Recover Deleted Messages with PhoneRescue

1. Download and install PhoneRescue on your computer.
2. Open the software and choose the recovery method (device, iCloud, or backup).
3. Connect your iPhone using a USB cable if required.
4. Select Messages from the list of data types.
5. Allow the software to scan the device or load the backup.
6. Preview the messages found during the scan.
7. Choose the messages you want to recover.
8. Restore them to your device or export them to your computer.

EaseUS MobiSaver

EaseUS MobiSaver is known for its straightforward design and is often used by people who prefer simple tools. It supports recovery attempts for different data types and devices.

How to Recover Deleted Messages with EaseUS MobiSaver

1. Install EaseUS MobiSaver on your computer.
2. Launch the software and select your device type.
3. Connect your phone using a USB cable.
4. Grant any necessary permissions on the device.
5. Choose Messages as the target data.
6. Start the scanning process.
7. Preview the available recoverable messages.
8. Restore or export the messages you want to keep.

DiskDigger (Android)

DiskDigger is primarily known for photo recovery but is sometimes used by Android users exploring basic recovery options. It is lightweight and easy to use but has limited message recovery capabilities.

How to Attempt Message Recovery with DiskDigger

1. Install DiskDigger from a trusted source, preferably Google Play.
2. Open the app and grant the required permissions.
3. Choose the storage area to scan.
4. Run the scan and review available results.
5. Restore any recoverable items if available.

DiskDigger is best seen as a supplementary tool rather than a dedicated message recovery solution.

Recovering Messages Without Third-Party Apps

In many situations, the safest and most effective way to recover deleted messages does not involve installing third-party apps. Both Android and iOS systems rely heavily on cloud backups, and these native solutions often offer higher success rates and fewer security risks. Below is a detailed step-by-step explanation of how message recovery works on each platform.

How to Recover Deleted Messages on Android Using Google Backup

Android devices automatically back up data to Google Drive if the feature is enabled. Depending on the device manufacturer and Android version, this backup may include SMS messages and app data.

Step-by-Step: Android Message Recovery via Google Backup

1. Open Settings on your Android phone.
2. Tap Google, then select Backup (or Backup & Restore, depending on the device).
3. Check if a recent backup exists and confirm the backup date.
4. Verify whether SMS messages or app data are included in the backup.
5. If a suitable backup is available, you will need to reset the device to restore it.
6. Go to Settings → System → Reset options → Erase all data (factory reset).
7. Confirm the reset and wait for the device to restart.
8. During the initial setup process, sign in with the same Google account used for the backup.
9. When prompted, select Restore from Google Backup.
10. Choose the most recent backup that contains your messages.
11. Complete the setup process and allow the system to restore your data.

Important note: Restoring from a Google backup may overwrite current data on the device. Make sure to back up recent photos, files, or messages before resetting.

How to Recover Messages from Messaging Apps on Android

Some messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, maintain their own cloud backups independent of Google’s general device backup.

Step-by-Step: WhatsApp Message Recovery on Android

1. Open Google Drive and check that WhatsApp backups are enabled.
2. Uninstall WhatsApp from your phone.
3. Reinstall WhatsApp from Google Play.
4. Verify your phone number.
5. When prompted, tap Restore to recover messages from the available backup.
6. Wait for the restoration to complete before using the app.

This method only works if a backup was created before the messages were deleted.

How to Recover Deleted Messages on iPhone Using iCloud Backup

On iOS devices, message recovery relies almost entirely on iCloud backups. Apple’s security architecture does not allow deep scanning of deleted messages, making backups the primary recovery method.

Step-by-Step: iPhone Message Recovery via iCloud Backup

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap your name at the top, then select iCloud.
3. Tap iCloud Backup and check the date of the last backup.
4. Confirm that the backup was created before the messages were deleted.
5. If a suitable backup exists, go back to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone.
6. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
7. Confirm the action and wait for the device to reset.
8. During setup, select Restore from iCloud Backup.
9. Sign in with your Apple ID.
10. Choose the backup that contains the deleted messages.
11. Wait for the restoration process to complete fully.

Important note: Restoring an iCloud backup replaces current data with the data from the selected backup. Any messages or files created after that backup will be lost.

How to Recover Messages from Messaging Apps on iOS

Many messaging apps on iOS, such as WhatsApp, store chat backups separately in iCloud.

Step-by-Step: WhatsApp Message Recovery on iPhone

1. Open Settings → Apple ID → iCloud and ensure iCloud Drive is enabled.
2. Open WhatsApp and go to Settings → Chats → Chat Backup to verify a backup exists.
3. Uninstall WhatsApp from your iPhone.
4. Reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store.
5. Verify your phone number.
6. When prompted, tap Restore Chat History.
7. Wait for the process to finish before using the app.

When Native Recovery Is the Best Option

Using built-in backup systems is generally the safest method for recovering messages. These solutions are officially supported, reduce privacy risks, and often restore conversations more completely than third-party tools.

However, native recovery only works if backups were enabled before deletion. If no backup exists, third-party recovery tools may be explored, but expectations should remain realistic.

How to Choose the Right Recovery App

When selecting a recovery app, users should prioritize security, compatibility, and transparency. Reputable apps clearly explain what they can and cannot recover. Avoid tools that promise guaranteed recovery or request unnecessary permissions.

Always verify whether a backup exists before installing recovery software. In many cases, backups provide the highest success rate.

Conclusion

Recovering deleted messages is possible in many situations, especially when backups are available and action is taken quickly. Apps like Dr.Fone, Tenorshare UltData, PhoneRescue, and EaseUS MobiSaver are widely used because they offer guided recovery processes suitable for everyday users. While no solution guarantees results, understanding how message recovery works and choosing the right tool significantly improves the chances of success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can deleted messages be recovered without a backup?
In some cases, yes, especially on Android devices, but results vary and are not guaranteed.

Are message recovery apps safe to use?
Trusted apps from reputable developers are generally safe, but users should avoid tools with suspicious permissions or unrealistic claims.

Do these apps work for WhatsApp messages?
Some apps support WhatsApp recovery, but restoring from WhatsApp’s own cloud backup is often the most reliable option.

Why is iPhone message recovery more limited?
iOS uses strict security and encryption, making recovery heavily dependent on backups rather than direct scanning.

What should I do immediately after deleting messages by mistake?
Stop using the device, avoid installing new apps, and check available backups as soon as possible to prevent data overwriting.