How to Restore Deleted Messages on a Smartphone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Accidentally deleting important messages from your smartphone can be a frustrating experience. However, there are several ways to recover them, whether you’re using an Android or iPhone. In this guide, we'll show you how to restore deleted messages on a smartphone using different methods and tools. Let’s get started.

Why Recover Deleted Messages?

Messages can hold critical information, including business details, personal conversations, and even memories. Whether the deletion was accidental or a result of a software issue, knowing how to recover these messages can save you from unnecessary stress.

1. Restore Deleted Messages on Android

a. Using Google Backup

If you regularly back up your Android phone to Google, restoring deleted messages is simple. Here’s how:

Check Your Backup Settings:
- Go to Settings > System > Backup.
- Ensure that Google Backup is enabled.
Restore Your Backup:
- To recover deleted messages, you’ll need to factory reset your phone. After the reset, sign in with your Google account and choose to restore your previous backup. Your messages will be restored along with the backup.

Note: This method only works if you had a backup that included the deleted messages before they were lost.

b. Using Third-Party Apps

If you don’t have a backup, third-party apps like Dr.Fone or FonePaw can help recover deleted messages:

Download a Recovery App:
- Visit the Google Play Store and install a reliable recovery app like Dr.Fone.
Scan for Deleted Messages:
- Connect your Android phone to a computer, launch the recovery app, and follow the on-screen instructions to scan for deleted messages.
Recover Messages:
- Once the scan is complete, select the deleted messages you want to restore and click on the recovery option.

c. Check Your Messaging App Archive

Some messaging apps like Google Messages or WhatsApp have built-in archive features:

Google Messages: Check the "Archived" section to see if your deleted messages are saved there.
WhatsApp: If you have backups enabled, restore the latest backup by uninstalling and reinstalling the app, then choosing to restore chat history.

2. Restore Deleted Messages on iPhone

a. Using iCloud Backup

If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, restoring deleted messages is straightforward:

Verify Your Last Backup:
- Go to Settings > Your Name > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups.
- Ensure your last backup includes the deleted messages.
Restore Your iPhone:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
- After the reset, restore your phone using the iCloud backup that contains the deleted messages.

Note: Like Android, this method will only work if you have a relevant backup.

b. Using iTunes/Finder Backup

If you have backed up your iPhone to your computer using iTunes or Finder:

Connect Your iPhone to Your Computer:
- Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later) and select your device.
Restore from Backup:
- Under Backups, choose Restore Backup and select the backup that contains your deleted messages.
Complete the Restoration:
- Wait for the process to complete, and your messages will be restored.

c. Using Third-Party Apps

If you don’t have a backup, third-party apps like iMobie PhoneRescue or Tenorshare UltData can help:

Download a Recovery Tool:
- Install a trusted iPhone data recovery app like PhoneRescue.
Scan for Deleted Messages:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer, run the app, and let it scan your device for deleted messages.
Recover Messages:
- Once the scan is finished, select the deleted messages you want to restore and complete the recovery process.

3. Messaging App-Specific Recovery

If you’ve deleted messages in specific apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Viber, here’s how you can recover them:

a. WhatsApp

Check Google Drive or iCloud Backup:
- WhatsApp automatically backs up your chats if you have it enabled. Uninstall and reinstall the app, and you’ll be prompted to restore your messages from the most recent backup.
Local Backup (Android Only):
- If you don’t use Google Drive, WhatsApp stores local backups on your device. Go to your file manager and navigate to WhatsApp > Databases to find recent backups.

b. Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger allows you to archive conversations rather than delete them. Check the Archived Chats section to see if your deleted message is there.

c. Viber

Viber allows you to back up your chats to Google Drive or iCloud. Uninstalling and reinstalling the app allows you to restore messages from the cloud.

4. Tips to Prevent Message Loss

Regular Backups: Make sure to frequently back up your phone to either Google, iCloud, or your computer. This way, you can always restore your data if needed.
Archive Instead of Deleting: Many messaging apps allow you to archive chats rather than delete them. This is a safer option if you're unsure about permanently removing a conversation.
Use a Data Recovery App: Keeping a reliable data recovery app on hand can help you recover messages immediately after an accidental deletion.

Losing important messages can be stressful, but with the right steps, you can easily recover them. Whether you use backups, third-party apps, or messaging-specific methods, there’s usually a way to get back your lost data. Be proactive by regularly backing up your device to avoid future message loss.

By following the steps above, you'll be able to restore your deleted messages and ensure your important information remains safe.

How to Set a Live Wallpaper on Your Smartphone

Live wallpapers can bring your smartphone’s home screen to life, adding dynamic elements and motion for a more engaging experience. Whether you're using an Android device or an iPhone, setting up a live wallpaper is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting live wallpapers on both types of devices.

1. Setting Live Wallpaper on Android

Android offers a wide variety of live wallpapers, and many are available directly through the system or third-party apps. Follow these steps to set up a live wallpaper on your Android phone.

Step-by-Step Guide:

a. Using Built-in Live Wallpapers

Access Wallpaper Settings:
- Long press on an empty space on your home screen.
- Select Wallpaper & Style or Wallpapers from the menu that appears.
Choose Live Wallpaper:
- Scroll to find the Live Wallpapers option.
- Select the live wallpaper you want from the list. Some Android phones come preloaded with live wallpapers that you can choose from.
Preview and Set Wallpaper:
- Tap the live wallpaper to preview it.
- If satisfied, tap Set Wallpaper and choose whether you want it for your Home Screen, Lock Screen, or both.

b. Using Third-Party Apps

If the built-in live wallpapers aren’t enough, you can download apps that offer a wider selection of live wallpapers:

Download a Live Wallpaper App:
- Open the Google Play Store and search for Live Wallpaper.
- Popular apps like Zedge, Live Wallpapers HD, and KLWP Live Wallpaper Maker offer a variety of animated backgrounds.
Select and Apply Live Wallpaper:
- Open the app and browse the collection of live wallpapers.
- Choose a live wallpaper you like, tap on it, and follow the prompts to apply it as your wallpaper.

c. Using Your Own Video as a Live Wallpaper

On some Android devices, you can use a personal video as a live wallpaper:

Go to Wallpaper Settings:
- Long press on the home screen and tap Wallpaper.
Select “Choose from Gallery” or “Video Wallpaper”:
- Choose the video you want to set as a live wallpaper from your gallery.
Set Wallpaper:
- Preview the video and tap Set Wallpaper for your home screen, lock screen, or both.

2. Setting Live Wallpaper on iPhone

Apple’s iPhone allows you to set live wallpapers, but only on models that support 3D Touch or Haptic Touch. Here’s how to set a live wallpaper on iPhone.

Step-by-Step Guide:

a. Using Built-in Live Wallpapers

Open Settings:
- Go to Settings on your iPhone.
Select Wallpaper:
- Scroll down and tap Wallpaper > Choose a New Wallpaper.
Choose Live Wallpaper:
- Select the Live category.
- Choose one of the preloaded live wallpapers or a live photo from your library.
Preview and Set:
- Tap the wallpaper to preview the animation. Press and hold the screen to see the live effect in action.
- Tap Set and choose whether to apply it to your Lock Screen, Home Screen, or both.

Note: Live wallpapers on iPhone only animate when you press and hold the lock screen. They will not animate on the home screen.

b. Using Your Own Live Photos

You can also set any of your Live Photos as a live wallpaper:

Go to Settings:
- Open Settings and tap Wallpaper > Choose a New Wallpaper.
Choose Live Photo:
- In the Photos section, tap Live Photos.
- Select your desired live photo.
Set Wallpaper:
- Tap Set, then choose if you want it on your lock screen, home screen, or both.

3. Popular Apps for Live Wallpapers

Here are some apps that offer a wide selection of live wallpapers for both Android and iPhone:

a. For Android:

Zedge: Offers thousands of live wallpapers, ringtones, and static wallpapers.
Live Wallpapers HD: Provides high-quality animated backgrounds.
KLWP Live Wallpaper Maker: Allows you to create your own custom live wallpapers.

b. For iPhone:

Live Wallpapers for Me: Features a wide range of high-quality live wallpapers.
Black Lite – Live Wallpapers: Offers stunning live wallpapers, especially for OLED displays.
Zedge: Also available on iPhone, with a large collection of live wallpapers.

4. Things to Consider

Battery Usage: Live wallpapers can drain battery life faster than static wallpapers, especially if they are high-resolution or feature complex animations. Consider using them sparingly or on the lock screen only to conserve battery.
Performance Impact: Some lower-end smartphones may experience lag when using live wallpapers. If you notice your phone slowing down, try switching back to a static wallpaper.
Customization: Live wallpaper apps often come with customization options, allowing you to tweak the animations, colors, and other effects to suit your taste.

Live wallpapers are a great way to personalize your smartphone and make it stand out. Whether you're using an Android device or an iPhone, the process of setting up live wallpapers is straightforward. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily bring dynamic animations to your home or lock screen and enjoy a fresh look on your device.