How to Recover Deleted Messages on iPad (6 Proven Methods)

Don’t give up on your lost messages too quickly. Whether your texts disappeared accidentally, were deleted on purpose, or seem to have vanished without a reason, there are still multiple ways to recover deleted messages on your iPad.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 6 proven methods to recover deleted messages on iPad, from the fastest built-in solution to advanced recovery options when backups fall short.

Quick Summary: How to Recover Deleted Messages on iPad

Note: If your messages have disappeared without warning and you didn’t delete them, the steps to recover them may differ from the methods covered here.

Method 1: Use “Recently Deleted” Folder to Recover Deleted Messages on iPad

This is always the first place to check, regardless of how or why your messages were deleted.

What You Need

• An iPad with Messages app installed

• iPadOS 16 or later

How to Find the Recently Deleted Folder

• iPadOS 26: Open Messages > Tap the three-line menu at the top-right of the conversation list > Tap Recently Deleted

• iPadOS 17/18: Open Messages > Tap Edit (top-left) > Show Recently Deleted > Tap the icon in the top-left > Recently Deleted

• iPadOS 16: Open Messages > Tap Edit (top-left) > Show Recently Deleted > Tap Filters > Recently Deleted

Once in the Recently deleted folder: Select the conversation(s) with the messages you want, then tap Recover.

Limitations: Only messages deleted within the past 30 days are recoverable; thereafter, they are permanently deleted.

Method 2: Check Messages Stored in iCloud to Find Deleted Ones on iPad

When you delete messages on your iPad, they may not disappear from iCloud immediately—especially if syncing was delayed due to network or settings issues. iCloud messages are stored separately from local device data, making this a valuable recovery path.

Below are the most recommended way to view iCloud messages on your iPad:

What You Need

• iPadOS 16 or later

• iPad signed in to the same iCloud account used on your other Apple devices

How to View iCloud Messages on iPad

Step 1. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud.

Step 2. Tap Show All (or See All), then find Messages in iCloud.

Step 3. Turn on Use on This iPad (or Sync This [Device]).

Step 4. Your iPad will become a viewer of iCloud messages. Open the Messages app and check whether your deleted conversations reappear.

Method 3: Restore Deleted Messages from an iCloud Backup

If your messages were included in an iCloud backup before they were deleted, you can recover them by restoring your device. iCloud typically creates these backups automatically when your iPad is locked, charging, and connected to Wi-Fi.

When you delete messages, they are removed from the device but still exist in the iCloud backup made before the deletion. By restoring your iPad from an iCloud backup, you can recover the deleted messages.

⚠️ Important: This method requires erasing your iPad, and it’s often hard to confirm whether the backup actually contains the deleted messages. If you want a no-reset solution and see what's inside your iCloud backup, skip to Method 4.

What You Need

• An iCloud backup created before you deleted the messages

• Wi-Fi connection

• Enough battery or a charger

How to Restore from an iCloud Backup

Setp 1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content and Settings.

Step 2. After the reset, follow setup steps until you see “Apps & Data.”

Step 3. Tap Restore from iCloud Backup, sign in to your Apple account, and choose a backup that includes your messages.

Tip: You can even restore an iPhone backup to your iPad if it contains the messages you need.

Step 4. Wait for the restore to finish.

Step 5. Open the Messages app to check for your recovered conversations.

Method 4: Recover Deleted Messages on iPad Without Reset

Gbyte Recovery is a professional iOS data recovery tool that can recover deleted messages on iPad or iPhone. It’s your best last resort if other methods fail or if you’re worried about losing current data during a reset.

With Gbyte Recovery, you can:

• Recover full message history, including both SMS and iMessages—even deleted ones

• Recover third-party chats like WhatsApp, Mail, Messenger, LINE, and more

• Use forensics-grade technology for deep personal data recovery

• Access true time-machine recovery: retrieve historical data even if it’s been overwritten

• Instant scan on iPad: Check if your messages are recoverable right away—no setup, no computer

• Preview results for free: see what you thought was lost before recovery

How to Use Gbyte Recovery

Step 1. Download and install Gbyte Recovery on your PC.

Step 2. Launch the app and select "Messages" as the data type to scan. Note: You can also start a free scan from a mobile device.

Step 3. Sign in with your Apple ID to connect to your Device.

Step 4. Wait for the scan to complete, then preview all messages—deleted items are clearly marked in red.

Step 5. Select and recover the conversations you need (optional).

💡 Gbyte Recovery scans your entire iCloud history in one go. You can also recover WhatsApp, Instagram DMs, photos, and more in the same session.

✨ For step-by-step instructions on using Gbyte Recovery on PC or mobile, please refer to our user guide.

Method 5: Restore Deleted Messages from a Windows (iTunes) Backup

If you've previously backed up your iPad with a Windows PC using iTunes or Apple Devices, you may have a local backup that contains your deleted messages.

How It Works

Restoring from a computer backup replaces your current iPad data with everything from the backup—including messages, apps, settings, and photos.

What You Need

• An iTunes backup created before the message deletion

• A USB cable

How to Recover Messages from iTunes/Apple Devices Backup

Step 1. Connect your iPad to the computer. When prompted on your device, enter your passcode and tap "Trust".

Step 2. Open iTunes/Apple Devices and click the Device icon in the top-left corner. Navigate to the "Summary" tab.

Step 3. Click "Restore Backup" under the Backups section. Select the most relevant backup from the list.

Step 4. Enter the backup password if prompted.

Step 5. Keep your device connected while it synchronizes. Note: Your iPad may reset and update its OS version during this process.

Step 6. Once finished, check your Messages app.

⚠️ Important: This method requires erasing your iPad, and it’s often hard to confirm whether the backup actually contains the deleted messages.

Method 6: Restore Deleted Messages from a Mac (Finder) Backup

Mac users running macOS Catalina or later use Finder (not iTunes) to back up their iPads. If you have a Finder backup from before the deletion, you can restore your messages this way.

How to Recover Messages from Finder Backup

Step 1. Connect your iPad to your Mac via USB and open Finder. Select your device from the "Locations" sidebar.

Step 2. Under the "General" tab, click "Restore Backup." Choose your preferred backup (typically the most recent) from the list.

Step 3. Click "Restore" and keep your device connected.

⚠️ Important: This method requires erasing your iPad, and it’s often hard to confirm whether the backup actually contains the deleted messages.

Conclusion

Recovering deleted messages on your iPad is more achievable than you think—whether you have a backup or not. Start with the Recently Deleted folder, then explore iCloud sync, iCloud or computer backups, or the powerful Gbyte Recovery tool for a no-reset, selective recovery experience.

Don’t assume your messages are gone forever. With the right method, you can bring them back—safely and efficiently.

FAQs

What messages can’t be recovered?

• Any message removed using “Undo Send” is permanently deleted.

• Audio messages that expired before you saved them cannot be recovered.