Once deleted, can text messages be retrieved? (2024)
Yes they can, so if you’ve been having an affair or doing something dodgy at work, beware! Messages are laid out on the SIM card as data files. When you move messages around or delete them, the data actually stays put. All you’re doing is telling the phone to point at the files in different ways. Deleting a message from the inbox, for instance, just tells the phone not to point to it any more when it’s listing the contents of that folder.
Even when you ‘permanently’ clear messages, you’re simply getting the phone to stop listing it in the deleted items folder. You can’t recover such texts on the phone itself, but there are plenty of commercially available software packages you can buy that allow your PC to read data directly from a SIM card. Some of the more advanced tools figure out the file structure on the card, thus allowing those long-hidden deleted messages to be resurrected.
Asked by: David Brown, Leeds
Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.
I'm an expert in digital forensics and mobile technology, with extensive knowledge of data storage mechanisms on mobile devices, including SIM cards. My expertise is rooted in hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the underlying technologies involved. In the context of the article you mentioned, I can shed light on the intricacies of message storage on SIM cards and the possibilities of recovering seemingly deleted messages.
The claim that messages are laid out on the SIM card as data files is accurate. SIM cards store information in a file system, and messages are one of the types of data that can be stored in specific files. When you move or delete messages, the data doesn't necessarily get immediately erased. Instead, the phone updates its pointers to these files, indicating whether they should be displayed or considered deleted.
Deleting a message from the inbox, as described in the article, involves the phone no longer pointing to that specific message file when presenting the contents of the inbox. However, the actual data remains on the SIM card until it gets overwritten by new information. Even when messages are "permanently" cleared, it often means they are removed from the active list but may still be recoverable with the right tools and techniques.
The article correctly mentions that commercially available software packages exist, allowing a computer to read data directly from a SIM card. These tools can access the file structure on the card, enabling the retrieval of deleted messages that might not be visible through regular phone interfaces. Advanced forensic tools excel at reconstructing file systems and recovering data that seems lost.
In summary, the article accurately portrays the nature of message storage on SIM cards and the potential for recovery even after deletion. The key takeaway is that deleting messages on the phone doesn't immediately erase the data from the SIM card, making it possible, with the right tools, to retrieve deleted messages and uncover potentially hidden information.
Can you recover deleted text messages on Android? Depending on your default messaging app, you can recover deleted text messages on Android. Google Messages
Google Messages
Google Messages (formerly known as Messenger, Android Messages, and Messages) is a text messaging software application developed by Google for its Android and Wear OS mobile operating systems, while it's also available via the Web.
One last method you can use to potentially recover your deleted or lost texts is to raise the issue to your cell phone carrier. How long carriers keep text messages varies by company, and you may need a court order to access your old data, but it's worth the effort if you can't recover your messages any other way.
In the United States, there is no set time limit for how far back text messages can be subpoenaed from phone companies or iPhones by the FBI. The government can subpoena past records going back as far as they exist. Most phone companies keep records for 1-2 years.
Even if you remove a text message from your phone, it may not be gone. That's because it could be stored on your phone company's servers. Normal text messages go from your phone to your phone company to the recipient. In most cases, that means the phone company retains a copy of messages.
Once deleted, the content is generally considered lost. The only possible way to recover lost or deleted text messages by hiring a forensic investigator to inspect the phone.
Probably not—although there are exceptions. Most cell phone carriers don't permanently save the enormous amount of text-message data that is sent between users every day. AT&T Wireless, for example, says it keeps sent text messages for 48 hours only—after that, they are wiped off the system.
Download and install a Android data recovery software on your computer and connect your Android phone to the computer using a USB cable. Then follow the software's instructions to scan your phone's internal storage or SD card for deleted messages and recover them.
Can you recover deleted text messages on Android? Depending on your default messaging app, you can recover deleted text messages on Android. Google Messages doesn't offer a recycle bin. Your texts are gone forever after deletion unless you back them up to the cloud.
phone and text communications are kept in federal archives for generations. deleting them from your phone does not delete them,your phone storage means nothing. the communication and the contacts you have communicated with will be held on record for like a hundred years.
Destroying evidence is a serious offense. Avoid any actions that could lead to the destruction of relevant items, documents or digital data. This includes deleting text messages emails, or any other electronic records.
Generally, deleted texts stay on the device's storage until new data overwrites them. Some phones have a recycle bin feature that stores deleted messages for a certain period, while others don't.
Step 1: On your Android device, go to “Settings > Account and Backup > Backup and Restore”.Step 2: Here, click on Google Account.Check if you have text messages backed up. If you have, then disappeared messages can be recovered.
Examples include Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver, and Tenorshare UltData. Be sure to choose software that is compatible with Windows 11 and has good user reviews. Download and Install Recovery Software: After selecting a recovery tool, download and install it on your Windows 11 computer.
Samsung Cloud can be used to recover your messages. Navigate to and open Settings, then tap Accounts and backup, and then tap Restore data under Samsung Cloud. Select your desired device, then select Messages, and then tap Restore. Tap Done when it's finished.
Introduction: My name is Horacio Brakus JD, I am a lively, splendid, jolly, vivacious, vast, cheerful, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
