How to retrieve deleted messages on Android
Accidentally deleted an important text message on your Android™ phone? Don’t panic. There are ways you may be able to get it back.
At Asurion, we help our millions of customers with all of their tech help needs, from protection to repairs to fixing little hiccups. Here’s how to recover deleted messages on Android.
Restore deleted messages from a Google Drive backup
If you’ve set up Google Drive™ backups, you may be able to restore your deleted texts from a recent backup.
- Open Settings > Google > Backup.
- Check if your device has been backed up recently.
- If it has, perform a factory reset by going to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset).
- Set up your phone again and restore from the backup during setup.
Retrieve deleted messages from your carrier
Some carriers keep text message records for a period of time. You can contact your carrier to see if they can provide a copy of your deleted messages. Policies vary by carrier, so availability isn’t guaranteed.
Use a third-party recovery app
There are apps available on the Google Play™ Store that claim to recover deleted messages. Be cautious when choosing one—make sure it’s from a reputable developer and has good reviews. Keep in mind that success rates may vary.
Prevent losing messages in the future
The best way to avoid losing messages is to make sure your device is regularly backed up.
- Open Settings > Google > Backup.
- Turn on Back up to Google Drive.
- Make sure SMS messages is enabled.
With regular backups, you’ll always have a copy of your texts available, even if something happens to your phone.
Tried these steps and still need help? We got you. Get your tech problem solved when you call or chat with an expert now.
FAQ
Can I recover deleted texts without a backup?
It’s unlikely, but you can try third-party recovery apps. Their success varies and they may not always work.
Do carriers keep copies of my text messages?
Some carriers may store your texts temporarily, but policies vary. Contact your carrier to find out what’s available.
How can I make sure I don’t lose messages again?
Turn on Google Drive backups in your phone’s settings and make sure SMS messages are included in your backups.
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