3 Ways to Retrieve Deleted Messages on iPhone 8

Can you recover deleted text messages from an iPhone?

Data loss can happen on any device, and your iPhone is no exception. This might be the reason why some people would like to know how to recover deleted texts from an iPhone.

There are typically three options to recover deleted files from an iPhone, whether they're text messages or something else: use a third-party data-recovery app, restore from an iTunes (Finder) backup, or restore from an iCloud backup.

Retrieve Deleted Messages on iPhone 8 with iPhone Recovery Software

If no backup is available or you just want to retrieve messages from an iTunes or iCloud backup, you should try using the iPhone Data Recovery software – MobiSaver tool to get back your lost SMS.

This tool can recover deleted or lost data from the device itself or from a backup. Unlike retrieving deleted text messages from an iTunes/iCloud backup during the setup process, you don't need to erase your iOS device when using MobiSaver for data recovery. Also, you can choose specific items to restore instead of restoring all data and settings.

Recover Deleted Messages on iPhone 8 with or without Backup:

Step 1: Choose the Recovery Mode

Plug your iPhone into the computer and run the MobiSaver app. Click “Recover from iOS Device” on the left, then click “Start Scan.”

Step 2: Scan your iPhone to find the lost SMS

The MobiSaver tool will scan your iPhone 13/12/11/X/XR/XS/8/7/6/5/4 automatically and find your lost text messages and message attachments.

Step 3: Preview and recover the lost SMS

Check “Messages” and “Message Attachments.” Select the messages and attachments you want to restore. Click “Recover to Computer” or “Recover to Device” to choose where you want to save them.

Restore Deleted Text Messages on iPhone 8 from Backup via iTunes/Finder

Did you previously create a backup with iTunes or Finder? In addition to using an iPhone data recovery tool, you can also restore deleted texts directly from your iPhone using iTunes on your PC (or macOS Catalina and earlier) or Finder on macOS Mojave and later.

Whether you restore from an iTunes/Finder backup, all content on your iPhone is restored from that backup. That means you could lose data.

Restore SMS on iPhone 8 via iTunes:

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to the computer and wait for iTunes to launch automatically.

Step 2: Click on the device icon and make sure you have selected “Overview.”

Step 3: Select "Restore Backup..." from the interface.

Step 4: Choose the backup from which you want to restore the deleted information.

Step 5: Click "Recover" to start restoring your iPhone data, including text messages, from the backup.

If you need to use the Finder to recover lost text, you can follow Apple's guide on how to do so here.

Restore Deleted Text Messages from iPhone 8 with iCloud Backup

iCloud backup also contains your iPhone text messages. Hence, if you have backed up your iPhone to iCloud recently, then you can use the iCloud backup to restore deleted messages on iPhone 8.

Since you can restore an iPhone only from an iCloud backup during setup, you'll need to go to Settings > General > Reset, and Erase All Content and Settings on your iOS device first. Then, follow these steps to restore your iPhone's data.

Step 1. Set up your iPhone until you see the Apps & Data screen.

Step 2: Tap Restore from iCloud Backup.

Step 3: Log in to your iCloud account and select a backup.

Bottom line

If all else fails, you can seek the assistance of manual data recovery services. After trying every possible method and still unable to retrieve your deleted messages on iPhone 8, it's essential to learn from the mistake and develop a habit of regularly backing up valuable data.