If there’s one thing that can be painfully annoying, it’s accidentally deleting an important text message on your Samsung Galaxy S7. Whether it’s a heartfelt conversation, crucial information, or just a funny memory, losing those texts can feel like losing a part of your digital life. Fortunately, the situation is not as hopeless as it seems. In this comprehensive article, we’ll walk you through various methods to retrieve deleted texts on your Samsung Galaxy S7.
Understanding Text Message Deletion on Android Devices
Before diving into the methods of recovery, it’s essential to understand how text message deletion works on Android devices like the Samsung Galaxy S7.
What Happens When You Delete a Text Message?
When you delete a text message, it isn’t immediately erased from your device. Instead, the operating system marks that space as available for new data. Thus, until that space is overwritten by new messages, it’s possible to recover deleted texts using the appropriate tools and techniques.
Is Recovery Always Possible?
While recovery is possible, there are factors that can influence your success:
- Time Elapsed: The sooner you try to recover deleted messages, the better your chances.
- Device Usage: If you continue to use your phone after deletion, there’s a higher chance of overwriting the deleted data.
Understanding these factors helps you strategize the best approach for retrieving lost messages.
Methods to Retrieve Deleted Texts on Samsung Galaxy S7
Here is a step-by-step guide to recover deleted texts, covering various methods, from built-in Android features to third-party applications.
Method 1: Check the Recycle Bin (Google Messages)
Many messaging apps, including Google Messages, have a built-in Recycle Bin to restore deleted texts.
Step-by-Step Process to Check Recycle Bin
Open Google Messages: Start by launching the Google Messages app on your Samsung Galaxy S7.
Access the Menu: Tap the three-dot menu icon on the upper right corner.
Go to Recycle Bin: Look for the “Recycle Bin” option. If it’s available, tap on it.
Restore Deleted Messages: Review the messages listed here. If you see any that you wish to restore, tap on them and select the restore option.
Method 2: Restore from Samsung Cloud Backup
If you have enabled Samsung Cloud backups for your messages, this method can be a life-saver.
How to Restore Messages from Samsung Cloud
Access Settings: Open the Settings app on your Samsung Galaxy S7.
Go to Accounts and Backup: Tap on “Accounts and Backup.”
Select Samsung Cloud: Choose “Samsung Cloud.”
Restore Data: Find “Restore Data” and select “Messages.” Ensure you’ve selected to restore the messages you need.
Let the Process Complete: Wait for the restore process to finish. Your deleted texts should now appear in your Messages app.
Method 3: Use Google Drive Backup
If you regularly back up your data using Google Drive, you may retrieve your deleted texts through this service.
Steps to Restore from Google Drive
Open Settings: Navigate to the Settings app on your Galaxy S7.
Select Google: Tap on “Google.”
Go to Backup: Look for the “Backup” option.
Check Backup Status: Ensure that your texts were included in the last backup.
Factory Reset (if necessary): Unfortunately, this might require a factory reset to restore data from Google Drive. Make sure to back up your current data before you proceed.
Restore Data During Setup: After resetting your device, choose the option to restore your data from Google Drive during the initial setup.
Method 4: Third-Party Data Recovery Tools
If the above methods don’t work, third-party data recovery software can be incredibly helpful. Here’s how to go about using these tools.
Popular Data Recovery Tools
There are several reliable recovery software options available, such as:
- Dr.Fone – Data Recovery
- EaseUS MobiSaver
Step-by-Step Instructions Using Dr.Fone
Download and Install Dr.Fone: Start by downloading the Dr.Fone software on your computer. Install it by following the on-screen instructions.
Connect Your Device: Use a USB cable to connect your Samsung Galaxy S7 to your computer. Ensure the software recognizes your device.
Select Data Recovery: Open Dr.Fone and select “Data Recovery” from the main menu.
Scan for Deleted Messages: Choose “Messages” as the type of data you want to recover and click “Next.” The software will start scanning for deleted texts.
Preview and Recover: Once the scan is complete, you’ll see a list of recoverable messages. Select the ones you want to restore, and click on “Recover.”
Save Recovered Messages: Choose a location on your computer to save the recovered messages. You can then transfer them back to your phone.
Method 5: Contact Your Mobile Carrier
If all else fails, consider reaching out to your mobile carrier. Some carriers keep a record of your SMS data, and they may assist you in retrieving deleted texts.
What to Do When Contacting Your Carrier
Gather Information: Before you contact your carrier, have your account information ready.
Request Assistance: Explain your situation clearly. They might have a process for recovering messages, depending on their policies.
Follow Their Instructions: Each carrier has specific protocols, so be prepared to follow their guidelines.
Preventing Future Message Loss
To avoid the hassle of retrieving deleted texts in the future, here are some preventive measures:
Backup Regularly
Setting up automatic backups through Samsung Cloud or Google Drive ensures that your messages are always safe.
Use a Messaging App with Built-in Recovery Features
Some third-party messaging apps such as Textra or Signal offer additional features that can help with message recovery.
Export Important Messages
For messages that are particularly vital, consider exporting them to a text file or email for safekeeping. This way, you always have a backup.
Conclusion
Losing text messages on your Samsung Galaxy S7 can be distressing, but hope is not lost. By utilizing the methods outlined above—checking the recycle bin, restoring from cloud backups, using third-party software, or contacting your mobile carrier—you can potentially recover deleted messages.
Remember, the key to successful data retrieval lies in acting quickly and taking proactive measures to prevent future loss. With regular backups, you can ensure that your precious messages are always just a tap away. So go ahead, follow these steps, and revive those lost conversations!
How can I recover deleted texts from my Samsung Galaxy S7 using a backup?
To recover deleted texts from your Samsung Galaxy S7 using a backup, first, ensure that you have a backup stored either on Samsung Cloud or Google Drive. To start the restoration process, head to the Settings app, select “Accounts and backup,” then tap on “Backup and restore.” From here, you can choose the appropriate backup service you’ve used, and follow the prompts to restore your data.
Keep in mind that restoring from a backup will replace the current data on your device with the data from the backup, which means any new messages or changes made after the backup will be lost. It’s crucial to carefully evaluate and ensure that you have a recent backup that includes the texts you want to recover before proceeding with this process.
What third-party apps can help recover lost texts on my Samsung Galaxy S7?
There are several third-party apps specifically designed to recover lost texts on Samsung devices. Some popular options include Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver, and FonePaw. These applications typically scan your device for deleted files, including texts, and allow you to recover them if they haven’t been overwritten by new data.
When using these apps, be sure to download them from reputable sources, and follow the installation instructions carefully. Most of these tools require you to enable USB debugging on your phone and might require the device to be rooted for full functionality, so it’s recommended to read reviews and ensure they fit your needs before use.
Is it possible to retrieve deleted texts without a backup on my Samsung Galaxy S7?
Yes, it is possible to retrieve deleted texts without a backup on your Samsung Galaxy S7, but it can be more complicated and may not always be successful. Your best bet is to use third-party data recovery software, which scans your device for any remnants of the deleted messages. After installing the recovery software on your computer, you will connect your S7 and follow the prompts to initiate a scan.
However, it’s essential to act quickly after deletion, as using your phone repeatedly can overwrite the data space where the messages were stored. Therefore, the chances of recovery diminish if you’ve continued to use the phone extensively since the text messages were deleted.
What should I do first after realizing I’ve deleted important texts?
If you realize you’ve deleted important texts, the first action you should take is to stop using your Samsung Galaxy S7 immediately. This helps prevent any new data from overwriting the area where the deleted messages may still reside. Avoid sending new texts, downloading apps, or browsing the internet to maximize your chances of recovery.
Next, consider whether you have a recent backup on Samsung Cloud or Google Drive. If a backup exists, follow the steps for restoration. If there’s no backup, you may look into using data recovery apps or services to attempt to retrieve your deleted texts. Keep in mind that professional recovery services are also an option, though they can be costly.
Can I retrieve deleted texts if my phone is damaged or not turning on?
If your Samsung Galaxy S7 is damaged or not turning on, recovering deleted texts can be challenging, but not impossible. The recovery method depends on whether the internal storage is intact. In situations where the device is unresponsive, you may need to have it evaluated by a professional phone repair service, as they may have tools to recover data directly from the device’s storage.
Alternatively, if you had enabled backups through Samsung Cloud or Google Drive before the phone became unusable, you could still access those backups from another device. This would allow you to retrieve your texts without needing access to the damaged phone itself. Keeping regular backups is the best preventive measure against such issues.
How long do deleted texts remain recoverable on my Samsung Galaxy S7?
Deleted texts remain recoverable on your Samsung Galaxy S7 for an indeterminate amount of time, depending largely on how the device is used after the deletion. When you erase a message, it doesn’t disappear completely; instead, the system marks that space as available for new data. If new messages or applications are saved to your device, the chances of recovery decrease as that space gets overwritten.
To maximize your recovery chances, it’s advisable to attempt recovery as soon as you notice the messages are gone. The quicker you try to recover deleted texts, the better your odds are. Regularly backing up your data is also an excellent practice that helps ensure your messages can be restored when needed.
What if the text messages I want to recover are not in the usual messaging app?
If the text messages you want to recover are not found in the usual messaging app, they may be archived or stored in a different location. Samsung’s Messages app sometimes allows users to archive messages, so be sure to check the settings or options within the app to see if this feature is enabled. Look for any folders or filters that might be hiding your messages.
Additionally, consider checking any third-party messaging apps you might have used for communication, such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or similar apps. These platforms often retain their own backups and archived settings, allowing you to recover messages even if they are not in the primary messaging app on your device.