Clearing or deleting your messages on your devices doesn’t mean the data is permanently gone, it’s just been filed away differently. Yes they can, so if you’ve been having an affair or doing something dodgy at work, beware! … When you move messages around or delete them, the data actually stays put.

Also How do I permanently delete text messages from my Android?

Start to delete text messages on Android phone.

While previewing the text messages, please selectively tick off the unwanted messages for deleting, or directly check the box on the top to select all messages for deletion. After selection, please click “Delete” button and confirm your action.

Subsequently, Are deleted text messages stored anywhere? As it turns out, many wireless providers store your text messaging records and other data for extended periods of time. The only problem is they will likely not release that information to you simply because you accidentally deleted something. However, some carriers may cooperate with the police if necessary.

Where do deleted texts go? The Android operating system stores text messages in the phone’s memory, so if they’re deleted, there’s no way to retrieve them. You can, however, install a text message backup application from the Android market that allows you to restore any deleted text messages.

How long do phone companies keep records of text messages?

Some phone companies also keep records of sent text messages. They sit on the company’s server for anywhere from three days to three months, depending on the company’s policy. Verizon holds texts for up to five days and Virgin Mobile keeps them for 90 days.

Where are deleted texts stored on Android?

The Android operating system stores text messages in the phone’s memory, so if they’re deleted, there’s no way to retrieve them. You can, however, install a text message backup application from the Android market that allows you to restore any deleted text messages.

How do you clear your text message memory?

You can usually tap and hold an individual message to reveal the “Delete” or “Remove” option. These are the best options for freeing space on your device.

How long do text messages stay on Android phone?

Tap Settings, Messages, then scroll down and tap Keep Messages (under the Message History heading). Go ahead and decide how long you’d like to keep old text messages before they’re deleted: for 30 days, a whole year, or forever and ever. In case you’re wondering, no—there aren’t any custom settings.

How long are deleted text messages stored?

Phones used by average people on major networks like Verizon and AT&T (the carriers who support the iPhone) only keep text messages for a few days. AT&T for instance, only keeps a deleted text message for 72 hours. Verizon keeps deleted SMS messages for up to 10 days.

How far back can police track text messages?

Authorities can get access to unopened email messages from the last 180 days, but they must get a warrant, first. The police may obtain your opened and unopened messages that are 180 days old or older with a subpoena.

Are text messages kept in the cloud?

Modern smartphones rely on automatic backup of a majority of the phone’s data, but — with the exception of Windows phones — these methods fail to retain a copy of text messages. Windows phone users can enable SMS cloud backup from the device’s main Settings menu.

How can I retrieve a deleted text message?


How to recover deleted texts on Android

  1. Turn your phone on Airplane mode. …
  2. Go to Google Drive on your desktop to see when your SMS was last backed up. …
  3. Factory reset your phone. …
  4. Switch your phone on Airplane mode. …
  5. Download recovery software on your desktop. …
  6. Enable USB Debugging.

What happens to deleted texts on iPhone?

With Messages in iCloud, when you delete a message, attachment, or conversation on one device, it deletes from all of your devices. … Once you delete a message, you can’t get it back. If you don’t need to keep your conversations up to date across your devices, you can turn off the Messages in iCloud feature.

Can you get copies of text messages from your phone company?

Federal law prevents companies from producing these documents without a court order or subpoena. Text message records must be obtained from a party’s cell phone provider. An attorney can obtain a court order or subpoena to get the records directly from the service provider.

Do phone companies keep records of text messages?

Cellular service providers retain records of the parties to a text message and the date and time it was sent. They do not, however, retain the content of text messages for very long, if at all. … However, the majority of cellular service providers do not save the content of text messages at all.

Can I recover text messages from years ago?

Many phones have wireless backup capabilities, either through a built-in service or a third-party app. … If the most recent backup was made before you accidentally deleted the texts, you can restore that backup to your phone and the text messages will be restored to your phone as well.

Can I recover deleted text messages on Android?

You cannot undo the deletion to restore deleted texts on your Android smartphone. … Your best bet, other than requesting the sender to resend the message, is to put your device in Airplane mode and find an SMS recovery app to help you the deleted messages on your Android before they’re overwritten.

How do you delete your text message history?


Delete individual text messages

  1. Open the Voice app .
  2. On the bottom, tap Messages .
  3. Tap the conversation.
  4. Touch and hold the message you want to delete. Optional: To delete multiple messages, touch and hold the first message, then tap more messages.
  5. In the top right, tap Delete .
  6. Tap Delete to confirm.

Does deleting old text messages free up space?

Delete old text messages

You’ll be surprised to see how much storage space your text messages take on your smartphone. You may not even realize those messages are being saved to your phone. Don’t worry, you can delete them. Be sure to delete messages with photos and videos first — they chew up the most space.

Do text messages take up storage?

When you send and receive text messages, your phone automatically stores them for safe keeping. If these texts contain images or videos, they can take up a considerable amount of space. Fortunately, you do not need to go back and manually delete all your old text messages.

Does Android delete old text messages?

While it may not seem like it, your text messages, especially those containing pictures or videos, can consume a significant amount of your phone’s storage space. Fortunately you don’t have to let Android delete your old messages automatically.

How long is text message content stored?

The text messages are stored in both locations. Some phone companies also keep records of sent text messages. They sit on the company’s server for anywhere from three days to three months, depending on the company’s policy.

Do text messages stay on your phone forever?

Most cell phone carriers don’t permanently save the enormous amount of text-message data that is sent between users every day. … But even if your deleted text messages are off your carrier’s server, they may not be gone forever.