Check Recently Deleted in Messages: Open Messages → tap Edit → Recently Deleted (or open Messages and look for Recently Deleted) → select messages → Recover
Recover from an iCloud backup: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings → Restore from iCloud Backup during setup → choose the backup made before deletion
Recover from a computer backup (iTunes/Finder): Connect iPhone to computer → open Finder (macOS Catalina+ ) or iTunes (Windows/older macOS) → select iPhone → Restore Backup → choose the backup created before deletion
If you use iCloud Messages: Make sure Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Messages is enabled, then open Messages and check for restored content
Check other devices signed into the same Apple ID: Open Messages on iPad/Mac/iPhone using the same Apple ID and review Recently Deleted or recent conversations
Search for the missing content: Open Messages → use search to locate the text; verify the thread didn’t just appear archived or filtered
If you used third-party messaging apps: Check that app’s own trash/deleted recovery area or backups
Contact Apple Support if you can’t find Recently Deleted and you don’t have an appropriate backup