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Retrieve Deleted Messages on LG Phone

Updated · Standard formula, shown below

Accidentally deleting a text message on your LG phone can feel like a loss, but depending on your situation, you may be able to get it back. This guide walks you through the most reliable methods to retrieve deleted messages on LG phones, from checking built-in backup features to using third-party recovery tools. Before you start, stop using your phone for new texts if possible—new data can overwrite the deleted messages and reduce your chances of recovery.

What You’ll Need

  • Your LG phone (any model running Android 8 or newer, though steps may vary slightly by model)
  • A computer with internet access (for cloud backup and recovery software methods)
  • USB cable (for connecting your phone to the computer)
  • Google account credentials (if you used Google backup)
  • LG account credentials (if you used LG Backup)
  • Third-party data recovery software (optional, for advanced cases)

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Check Google Drive Backup (Most Common)

  1. On your LG phone, go to Settings > Accounts and backup (or Backup & restore on older models).
  2. Tap Backup and restore and then Google backup.
  3. Check if SMS (text messages) is listed as a backup item. If it is, your messages are likely backed up to Google Drive.
  4. To restore, you would normally need to reset your phone to factory settings and sign in with your Google account during setup. This is a drastic step, so only do it if you are sure the backup contains the messages you need.
  5. Alternatively, on some LG models, you can go to Settings > Accounts and backup > Restore data and select Google to restore SMS without a full reset. If this option exists, tap it and follow the prompts.

Method 2: Use LG Backup (LG Cloud)

  1. Open Settings > Accounts and backup > Backup & restore.
  2. Select LG Backup (sometimes under LG Cloud).
  3. If you previously enabled LG Backup, you may see a list of backup files. Tap the most recent backup that likely contains your messages.
  4. Choose Restore and select Messages from the list of data types. If you only want the deleted messages, you may need to restore all messages and then delete the ones you don’t need.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions. The phone may restart during the process.

Method 3: Check the Recycle Bin (If Your Phone Has One)

  1. Open your default Messages app.
  2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.
  3. Look for an option called Recycle bin, Trash, or Recently deleted. Not all LG phones have this, but some do.
  4. If you find it, tap it and select the messages you want to restore. Then tap Restore.

Method 4: Use Third-Party Data Recovery Software

  1. Download a reputable Android data recovery program on your computer (e.g., Dr.Fone, PhoneRescue, or similar). Do not use the phone while the software scans.
  2. Enable USB debugging on your LG phone: go to Settings > About phone > tap Software information > tap Build number 7 times until a message says “You are now a developer.” Then go back to Settings > Developer options and toggle on USB debugging.
  3. Connect your phone to the computer with a USB cable.
  4. Launch the recovery software and choose the SMS or Messages recovery option.
  5. Allow the software to scan your phone. This can take 10-30 minutes.
  6. Preview the found messages and select the ones you want to recover. Then click Recover to save them to your computer or export them back to your phone.

Common Mistakes

  • Continuing to use the phone after deletion. New data can overwrite the deleted messages, making recovery impossible.
  • Ignoring backup settings until after a deletion. Most people don’t realize they had backups until they need them.
  • Restoring an old backup that doesn’t contain the deleted message, or that wipes newer messages.
  • Using unreliable recovery apps that promise too much or require payment upfront.
  • Forgetting to enable USB debugging for computer-based recovery tools.

Tips

  • Act quickly: The sooner you attempt recovery, the higher the chance of success.
  • Turn on automatic backups: Go to Settings > Accounts and backup > Google backup and enable SMS backup. Also enable LG Backup if available.
  • Use a cloud backup app: Apps like SMS Backup & Restore can automatically back up your messages to Google Drive or Dropbox.
  • Check your carrier: Some carriers offer message backup services. Contact your carrier to see if they have a web portal where you can view or restore messages.
  • Keep your phone charged: Recovery software can drain your battery quickly.

Troubleshooting

  • No backup found: If you don’t see a backup in Google Drive or LG Backup, it’s likely you never enabled those features. In that case, your only hope is third-party recovery software, and the success rate depends on how much new data has been written since deletion.
  • Recovery software doesn’t find the messages: Try a different software, or run the scan again after restarting your phone. Also, ensure you have granted the software all necessary permissions, including access to your SMS storage.
  • Restored messages are missing attachments: Some recovery tools only recover the text, not MMS images or videos. Check the backup settings to see if MMS was included.
  • Phone won’t enter USB debugging mode: Make sure you’ve enabled Developer options correctly. If the option is grayed out, try reconnecting the USB cable or using a different port.
  • Restoring from Google backup wipes your phone: This is expected. Before doing a factory reset, back up your current data (photos, contacts, etc.) to avoid losing them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I retrieve deleted messages on my LG phone without a backup?

Yes, it’s sometimes possible using third-party recovery software, but it’s not guaranteed. The success depends on whether the deleted data has been overwritten by new data. Stop using your phone immediately to increase your chances.

Does LG have a recycle bin for text messages?

Some LG models running Android 10 or later have a “Recycle bin” option in the Messages app. Check the app’s menu for “Recycle bin” or “Recently deleted.” If you don’t see it, your model doesn’t have this feature.

Will a factory reset help me recover deleted messages?

A factory reset alone won’t recover deleted messages—it will erase everything. However, if you have a Google or LG backup that includes SMS, a factory reset followed by signing in during setup can restore those messages.

Are deleted messages really gone forever?

Not necessarily. Deleted messages remain on your phone’s storage until overwritten by new data. This is why immediate action is critical.

Can I recover messages from an LG phone that won’t turn on?

If your phone won’t turn on, you’ll need to use a computer-based recovery tool that can read the phone’s storage in “Download” mode or via a custom recovery. This is more complex and may require professional help.

Is it safe to use third-party recovery software?

Use reputable software from well-known developers. Avoid apps that ask for root access unless you know what you’re doing. Always read reviews and check permissions before installing.

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