Top 9 iPhone Apps to Retrieve Deleted Messages in 2025

It always happens when you least expect it.

A quick swipe, an accidental tap, or a software update — and suddenly, an important message thread is gone. Maybe it was a text from a client, a sentimental note from a friend, or a long-forgotten iMessage you needed for proof.

That’s where a reliable iPhone app to retrieve deleted messages comes in. The right app can recover not just texts, but also iMessages, attachments, and even conversations from third-party chat apps — sometimes without any backup at all.

We tested and compared the best iPhone text message recovery software available in 2025, focusing on recovery success rate, ease of use, compatibility, and extra features. Here are the top picks.

📌 iPhone Deleted Message Recovery Software Comparison (2025)

Before diving into details, here’s a quick look at how the top iPhone text message recovery tools stack up in 2025.

1. Gbyte Recovery – Best Overall for Complete Message Recovery

If you want a tool that goes beyond surface-level recovery, Gbyte Recovery is our top recommendation. It’s more than just an app to recover text messages on iPhone — it’s a full-scale data recovery solution.

Key Features:

• Recovers deleted SMS, iMessages, WhatsApp, Telegram, LINE, and Viber chats.

• Works without an iCloud or iTunes backup.

• Selective restore: Preview and choose exactly which messages or photos to recover.

• Also retrieves lost media — making it a reliable option for recovering deleted or lost photos.

Pros:

• High success rate even with older deletions.

• Beginner-friendly interface with guided steps.

• Compatible for mobile

Cons:

• Requires a computer to run scans.

• Full recovery features require a paid license.

👍 Best for: Anyone who needs an iMessage recovery software with wide compatibility and wants control over what they restore.

2. iMobie PhoneRescue – Great for iCloud Integration

PhoneRescue has been around for years and is known for its deep iOS integration. It works well if you’re trying to pull messages from backups and your iCloud account.

Key Features:

• Retrieves messages, contacts, call history, and more.

• Works with both device scans and backup extractions.

• Can repair certain iOS system issues that cause data loss.

Pros:

• Supports selective export of messages.

• Straightforward design for beginners.

Cons:

• Success rate drops for messages deleted long ago.

• The trial version has limited preview features.

👍 Best for: Users with existing backups who want a simple interface and added system repair tools.

3. iMyFone D-Back – Good for Advanced Search

iMyFone D-Back is a versatile software to retrieve text messages from iPhone. It’s great if you need to search through large backups or device scans to find a specific conversation.

Key Features:

• Recovers from iOS devices, iTunes, and iCloud.

• Advanced search lets you filter by date, keyword, or contact.

• Works for over 20 types of iOS data.

Pros:

• Flexible recovery sources.

• Good for targeted retrieval.

Cons:

• Slightly steeper learning curve for first-time users.

• Some features are locked behind the paid version.

👍 Best for: Those who need software to recover deleted iMessages with precise filtering.

4. Dr.Fone – Data Recovery (iOS) – Established and Reliable

Dr.Fone has been in the recovery software game for over a decade. It offers an easy-to-navigate interface and covers a wide range of recovery scenarios.

Key Features:

• Recovers SMS, iMessages, photos, videos, and app data.

• Can extract data from broken iPhones.

• Works on both Windows and Mac.

Pros:

• Simple setup.

• Supports multiple data types.

Cons:

• Scans can be slow on older devices.

• Higher pricing compared to some competitors.

👍 Best for: Users who want a trusted brand with proven results.

5. Tenorshare UltData – Quick and Simple Recovery

UltData focuses on speed and user convenience. It’s ideal if you want to run a quick scan without dealing with too many settings.

Key Features:

• Recovers deleted messages without backup.

• Supports popular chat apps and media recovery.

• Offers direct export to your computer.

Pros:

• Fast scans.

• Intuitive design.

Cons:

• Recovery depth may be lower for very old deletions.

• Some features are locked to the premium version.

👍 Best for: Those who want a quick fix without overcomplicated menus.

6. FonePaw iPhone Data Recovery – Good for Beginners

FonePaw offers a clean interface and straightforward recovery process, making it a good choice for non-technical users.

Key Features:

• Recovers SMS, iMessages, contacts, call logs, and media.

• Works from device storage, iTunes, or iCloud.

• Preview before recovery.

Pros:

• Easy setup and navigation.

• Good balance of speed and depth.

Cons:

• Recovery success rate lower for very old deletions.

• Free trial is limited to preview only.

👍 Best for: Beginners who want a simple tool for recent deletions.

7. EaseUS MobiSaver – Light and Fast

EaseUS MobiSaver is known for its fast scanning speed and minimal setup time.

Key Features:

• Recovers messages, photos, contacts, and more.

• Supports iOS devices, iTunes, and iCloud backups.

• Simple export options to PC or Mac.

Pros:

• Quick scans.

• User-friendly interface.

Cons:

• Not as deep as some premium tools.

• Limited chat app recovery support.

👍 Best for: Quick, uncomplicated message recovery.

8. Wondershare Recoverit (iOS) – Cross-Platform Utility

Recoverit offers broad compatibility across devices and operating systems, making it a go-to app to recover text messages iPhone users trust. From restoring chats to retrieving photos and videos, its powerful scanning handles diverse recovery needs with ease.

Key Features:

• Retrieves SMS, iMessages, and media files.

• Supports recovery from damaged or inaccessible iPhones.

• Works with the latest iOS versions.

Pros:

• Cross-platform support.

• Includes data protection tools.

Cons:

• Interface less intuitive for beginners.

• Higher pricing tier.

👍 Best for: Users who also need recovery for other devices beyond iPhones.

9. Disk Drill for Mac – Mac Users’ Favorite

Disk Drill is a popular data recovery tool for Mac, with strong iOS support.

Key Features:

• Scans iPhones for deleted texts, call logs, and photos.

• Supports encrypted backups.

• Sleek macOS integration.

Pros:

• Native Mac design.

• Handles encrypted data well.

Cons:

• No Windows version for iOS recovery.

• Requires macOS to run.

👍 Best for: Mac users who want a polished recovery experience.

How We Chose the Software to Retrieve Text Messages from iPhone

Now that we’ve walked through 9 different iPhone text message recovery tools, it’s time to decide which one fits your needs best. You can narrow it down by considering these factors:

• Recovery success rate — Does it handle both recent and older deletions well?

• Ease of use — Is the interface friendly enough for non-technical users?

• Device compatibility — Does it support the latest iOS version and your specific iPhone model?

• Additional features — Do you also need photo recovery, WhatsApp/iMessage chat support, or backup integration?

💡 Pro tip: For the best chance of recovery, stop using your iPhone immediately after you notice messages are missing. The longer you keep using it, the higher the risk that deleted messages get overwritten.

Final Verdict

If you want the best iPhone app to retrieve deleted messages in 2025, Gbyte Recovery offers the most complete and reliable experience. It balances powerful scanning with an easy interface, supports a wide range of apps, and doesn’t require a backup.

Other tools like PhoneRescue, iMyFone D-Back, Dr.Fone, and UltData are also solid options depending on your needs — whether that’s speed, backup integration, or advanced search.

Whichever tool you choose, acting quickly is the key to getting your conversations back before they’re gone for good.