How Can I See Old Text Messages on iPhone - Absolutely Reliable Ways

Penny Warren Published on November 07, 2024Recover Data3-min reading

Messages carry a large number of important information. It may carry key information like notifications or documents. Sometimes, it carries sentimental value when we send messages to our family or friends. Even more, messages can be crucial evidence in some disputes.

However, over the long years, we have sent and received tens of thousands of messages. How can I view old text messages on my iPhone, and how to find old messages on my iPhone without scrolling? What's more, there are some apps that clear old messages automatically. How can you get old text messages?

In this article:

Part 1: How to See and Retrieve Old Text Messages on iPhone Without Backup
Part 2: How to Retrieve Old Text Messages from iCloud Backup
Part 3: How to Recall Old Text Messages on iPhone from iTunes/Finder Backup
Part 4: Recover Old Messages in Other Services
Part 5: Tips for Keeping Messages

Part 1: How to See and Retrieve Old Text Messages on iPhone Without Backup

Usually, we can look up old messages on the iPhone by searching in the box. Also, you can recover deleted messages using the Recently Deleted option. However, it can only be kept for 30 days. How to recover old text messages?

You should give imyPass iPhone Data Recovery a try.

With it, You can:

• Recover deleted or lost messages from iOS devices without data loss.

• Recover data like photos, contacts, WhatsApp, Kik, etc.

• Have a preview of detailed iOS files before recovery.

• Easily complete your operation with our intuitive interface and functions.

Here are the steps about how to check old text messages and recover them via this tool:

Step 1

Download imyPass iPhone Data Recovery by pressing the button above. Launch it after installation.

Step 2

Connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable. Don't forget to trust this device on your iPhone. If there is any problem with the connection, click the "?" pattern as shown in the picture.

Step 3

Make sure you are using the Recover from iOS Device option in the left navigation bar. Then, tap Start Scan to allow this tool to scan your iPhone for more data.

Step 4

Keep waiting for a little while, and do not disconnect the device or stop scanning during the process. Then, you will see all the data stored on your iPhone on the tool's interface.
Locate Messages in the left navigation bar, and you will see all the messages on your iPhone on the right part. You can filter the deleted messages by clicking the down arrow button on the top and choosing Show Deleted Only.

If you want to retrieve old voice messages on your iPhone, just check voice memos in the left navigation bar.

Then, you can click on the contact and check the desired message you want to retrieve. After selection, hit Recover in the bottom right corner to command the tool to start the operation.

Part 2: How to Retrieve Old Text Messages from iCloud Backup

If you have the habit of backing up files frequently, you can get another way of recovering messages by restoring the backup.

This section will show you how to recover old messages using iCloud backup. With this method, you need to factory reset your iPhone.

Step 1

With this method, you need to make sure you have backed up relevant data files all the time.
Go to Settings and open iCloud, then choose Manage Account Storage and tap Backups on the bottom of the following page.

Step 2

You will see a list of backups for your devices. Tap on the one for your iPhone to see whether it was last backed up before you deleted the messages.

Step 3

Then you need to reset your iPhone. Return to the Settings page and scroll down to find General. Then, on the following page, scroll down to the top and click Transfer or Reset iPhone. Tap Erase All Content and Settings to erase your iPhone.

Step 4

Choose the From iCloud Backup option once your iPhone restarts and begins the setup process. Then, sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID and password (don't forget the iCloud password). Pick the most relevant backup. Then, you can retrieve old deleted text messages on your iPhone.

Part 3: How to Recall Old Text Messages on iPhone from iTunes/Finder Backup

You can also retrieve old messages from iTunes/Finder backup. Here are the steps:

Step 1

Erase all the contents and settings of your iPhone according to the steps in Part 2. Open iTunes (or Finder on Mac). Connect your iPhone to the computer with a USB cable. If there is a notification asking your device to Trust This Computer, follow the onscreen steps.

Step 2

Click the iPhone pattern in the upper-left corner (Mac's is in the left navigation bar) and find the Backups option on the right page. Click Restore Backup. Wait for several minutes, and then you will find old text messages on your iPhone.

Part 4: Recover Old Messages in Other Services

How Can I See Old Messages on Snapchat

Snapchat's default setting is to delete your messages automatically once they are viewed or expired. However, you can keep your messages by downloading your Snapchat data.

Go to accounts.snapchat.com and sign in. Then, you can get it following My Data > Choose the data you want to download > Select the date range > Confirm your email address >Submit.

Once your data is ready, you'll receive an email with a link to download it.

How to Recover Old Instagram Messages

To recover old Instagram messages, you can follow the path: Instagram > profile page > settings menu > Your activity > Download your information > Download to the device.

How to Retrieve Old Messages in WhatsApp

To retrieve old messages in WhatsApp, you should first check its backup following the path: three vertical dots > Settings > Chats > Chat backup. Then, you need to uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp. Then, launch the app and choose Restore your chats.

How to Get Old Messages on Kik

Kik will automatically delete messages that have been sent and received when the maximum number of messages is reached. If you want to get old messages on Kik, try imyPass iPhone Data Recovery! Follow the steps we introduced in Part 1, and select the Kik option in the last step.

Part 5: Tips for Keeping Messages

Regular Backups

Remember to regularly back up your iPhone to avoid losing messages and other data.

Check Settings

Ensure that the Messages option is turned on in iCloud if you want them to be restored automatically.

Conclusion

Old messages carry important information. We hope you can find out how to retrieve old text messages on the iPhone and get messages on other apps. Among all the methods, we sincerely recommend you imyPass iPhone Data Recovery because it has a wide range of functions.

Penny Warren

Penny Warren, a senior editor from imyPass, is specialized in MS Office software. You can find professional tutorials and solutions of MS Office software from her posts.