How to Recover Deleted iMessages on iPhone or iPad

Using an iTunes Backup

Open iTunes. iTunes has a white icon with a multicolored musical note on it. If you're prompted to click Download iTunes, do so before continuing. You'll need to restart your computer during this process.

Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer. To do this, plug the USB end of your iPhone or iPad charger into your computer, then plug the charger end of the cable into your iPhone or iPad.

Click the iPhone or iPad icon. It's at the top-left side of the iTunes. This opens the "Summary" page.

Click Restore Backup. It's on the right side of the "Backups" section near the top of the page. If prompted, turn off "Find My iPhone" before continuing.

Click the box next to "iPhone/iPad Name" when prompted. A drop-down menu will appear.

Click a backup date. Make sure you pick a date at which the iMessages you deleted were still on the iPhone or iPad.

Click Restore. Your iPhone or iPad will begin restoring. This process' length will vary depending on your iOS device's amount of data. If your selected backup is password-protected, enter the password when prompted. You may need to update your iPhone's software before iTunes will restore your iPhone.

Wait for your restore to finish. Once the restore is complete, you should be able to view your deleted iMessages in the Messages app.

Using an iCloud Backup

Open your iPhone's or iPad's Settings iPhone Settings App Icon. You'll typically find this app on the home screen.

Check for a backup. Before erasing and restoring with iCloud, you'll want to make sure you have an iCloud backup dated before you deleted the iMessages you want to restore. Here's how to check: Tap your Apple ID at the top of the screen. Tap iCloud. Tap Manage Storage. Tap Backup. A list of your backups will appear. Check the date next to “Last Backup.” You can proceed as long as you have a backup from a date when the messages still existed. Tap the back button until you've returned to Settings.

Scroll down and tap General. It's near the center of the menu.

Scroll down and tap Reset. It's at the bottom of the page. On an iPad, you might not need to scroll down.

Tap Erase All Content and Settings. It's near the top of the page. A confirmation message will appear.

Tap Erase Now. A security screen will appear.

Enter your passcode or other security method. Your iPhone or iPad will reboot. When it comes back up, you'll be prompted to set it up as new.

Wait for your iPhone or iPad to finish erasing. This process will take a few minutes. Once it finishes, you'll be able to select an iCloud backup.

Complete your iPhone's initial setup steps. To do so, select a language and region, then choose a Wi-Fi network to connect to.

Tap Restore from iCloud Backup on the “Apps & Data” screen. An iCloud sign-in screen will appear.

Enter your Apple ID login details and tap Next. The “Next” button is at the top-right corner of the screen.

Review the terms and tap Agree. A list of your iCloud backups will appear.

Select a backup. Tap the date of the backup you want to restore from to begin the restoration. If the backup you want to use doesn't appear in the list, tap Show All Backups to see earlier backups. Remember, the date you select must be from a time at which your desired iMessages were still on your iPhone or iPad.

Wait for your restore to finish. Once the restore is complete, you should be able to view your deleted iMessages in the Messages app.