How to Retrieve Deleted Text Messages on Android (With or Without Backup)

Quick Summary: How to Recover Deleted Texts on Android

  • Check the Recycle Bin (Samsung, Latest OnePlus, OPPO, etc.): Open Messages > Three-dot menu > Recycle Bin/Trash > Restore.
  • Check Archived Messages (Google Messages): Open Messages > Profile icon > Archived.
  • Restore from Google Backup: Factory reset your phone and restore from your latest Google Drive cloud backup.
  • Use Recovery Software: If you have no backup, use a trusted tool like Aiseesoft Android Data Recovery to scan your phone’s internal memory for deleted texts.

Accidental text message deletion gets you into a great deal of trouble. However, there are still ways of helping you retrieve the deleted text messages. In this post, we will show you 4 ways to recover the deleted text messages or lost SMS from your Android phone. You can restore from the recycle bin of the message app, recover from Google backup, or use Aiseesoft Android Data Recovery for 100% success recovery.

Retrieve Deleted Text Messages on Android

(Within 30 Days) Recover Deleted Text Messages on Android from the Recycle Bin/Trash

The easiest way to recover a deleted text depends heavily on which messaging app your phone uses by default. Some Android devices like Samsung has default messaging app includes a built-in Recycle Bin. When you delete a text, it usually stays in the Recycle Bin for 30 days before being permanently wiped. Follow the next steps and restore the message now:

Step 1.
Open the message App on your Android device.
Step 2.
Tap the menu button and open the Recycle Bin/Trash.
Step 3.
Select the deleted message you want to recover and restore it. Then, you can check in the message app inbox.
Recover Deleted Message from Trash

Note:

• Detailed steps and operations vary according to your devices and Android types.

• Messages in the Recycle Bin can only stay for at most 30 days.

(Google Message) Find Disappeared Messages in Archived Folder

For Google Pixel, Motorola, some other brand, they use Google Messages as default SMS app. A sad fact is that Google Messages does not have a Recycle Bin. If you delete a text here, it is gone instantly. However, users frequently swipe conversations by accident, which doesn't delete them—it archives them. Here are steps to find archived messages:

Step 1.
Open the Google Messages app.
Step 2.
Tap your Profile icon in the top right corner.
Step 3.
Select Archived. If you see your missing texts, long-press the conversation and tap the Unarchive icon (a box with an upward-pointing arrow) at the top of the screen.
Restore Message from Google Backup

(100% Success, No Limit) Retrieve Deleted Text Messages on Android with Aiseesoft Android Data Recovery

Both methods mentioned above have limitations. You can not restore old messages over 30 days, or you have to factory reset your phone and clear all data. For retrieving the deleted text messages on Android easily and fast without deleting other data, you need the SMS recovery tool, FoneLab for Android, which can assist you.

Fonelab for Android Interface

Features:

• It gets back the deleted text messages on an Android phone.

• It restores the lost text messages when your phone is water-damaged, password-forgot, etc.

• It allows you to retrieve app messages like WhatsApp, and calls on an Android phone.

• You can use it to find back the photos, videos, call log, contacts, etc. to your computer for backup.

How to Use Aiseesoft Android Data Recovery:

Step 1.
Connect your Android phone to the computer with a USB cable, meanwhile, run this software on your PC. Select "Android Data Recovery" and it will detect your Android phone automatically.
Step 2.
Select "Messages" in the pop-up interface. Click "Start Scan" to start scanning your Android phone text messages.
Scan Files
Step 3.
After scanning is completed, you can click "Messages" to view the details in the right window. And select the text messages that you want to restore, click "Recover" to save the SMS as CSV and HTML to your computer.
Recover

(Data Erased) Undeleted Android Text Message via Google Backup

If you have synced your Android smartphone with your Google account and also enabled the auto-backup. All your messages will be stored in the Google Drive backup file. You can choose to restore via Google Drive.

Guide to restore deleted messages via Google Backup.

Step 1.
Go to Settings and tap Reset Option.
Step 2.
Choose factory reset and erase all data.
Step 3.
During the reset process, you will be given the option to recover SMS from Google Backup. Finish all the settings and you can see the deleted message on your phone.
Restore Message from Google Backup

Note:

• You must have a Google backup.

• Complicated operation.

• All data will be erased.

• Only the backed-up message can be restored.

FAQs about Retrieve Deleted Text Messages on Android

Can I retrieve deleted text messages without a backup?

Yes, but you must act quickly. Because Android temporarily holds deleted data until it is overwritten by new data, you can use third-party data recovery software (like Aiseesoft Android Data Recovery) to extract the messages directly from your device's internal memory.

Where is the recycle bin on a Samsung Galaxy?

Open the Samsung Messages app, tap the three-dot menu icon, and select Recycle Bin or Trash. Note that deleted texts are only kept here for 30 days before being permanently erased.

Does Google Messages have a recently deleted folder?

No, the default Google Messages app on Pixel and Motorola phones does not have a Recently Deleted folder. However, it does have an "Archived" folder. Tap your profile icon and select "Archived" to ensure you didn't accidentally hide the conversation instead of deleting it.

How long do deleted messages stay on Android?

If they are in a Samsung Recycle bin, they last exactly 30 days. If they are permanently deleted from a standard Android app, they stay in the phone's hidden memory only until new data (like a new app, photo, or text) overwrites that specific sector of the hard drive. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to several weeks, depending on phone usage.

Conclusion

The easiest way to retrieve deleted text messages on Android is to directly recover from the Recycle Bin; however, this can only work for messages deleted within 30 days. Google Backup also helps, but it will erase your data. If you want to recover all the deleted messages without losing any data. Aiseesoft Android Data Recovery is your best choice because it is fast, safe, and easy with no limitations. Try it now!

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