Full Guide on How to Recover Deleted iMessages on Mac
When it comes to sending text messages, there are several messaging apps available on the internet. But unlike Android users who have several alternatives, Apple users are often limited to iMessage.
iMessage, Apple’s very own free messaging platform where Apple users, i.e., iPhone, iPad, and Mac users send different forms of media with other Apple users. Some of the media include text, pictures, and even videos.
Just like every other messaging platform, you are like to unintentionally delete some messages you need without reading them. That is one of the most frustrating and annoying things that could happen to you.
But, if you are using a Mac, then this article is a full guide on how to recover deleted iMessages on Mac for free.
There are several methods you can use to recover deleted iMessages on Mac. Some of them are free and the others are paid, but you and I both agree that our monies need to be invested in some profitable places rather than spending it to recover deleted iMessages. That’s why in this article I am going to show you the free methods you can use to recover your deleted iMessages.
How To Recover Deleted iMessages on Mac Using iPhone or iPad
Mostly, people who use mac either have an iPhone or iPad, and if you are one of such people then follow this method to recover the iMessages you deleted on your mac. The reason why this method is the easiest is that, once you link your Apple devices together, all your iMessages will be synced to all the other devices.
- Open the Messages app on your iPhone or iPad
- Scroll through to see if the messages you deleted on your mac are still available on your iPhone or iPad
- You can use the search bar to search for the conversation you are looking for
- You can then resend the message to someone else for it not to be deleted or you can screenshot it for future reference
NOTE: This method might work or might not work. This is because sometimes when you delete the iMessage on your Mac, will automatically delete it on all the other devices. But it is worth trying.
How To Recover Deleted iMessages on Mac Using Time Machine
Time Machine is an automatic backup system built into Mac computers while helps to easily recover files on your Mac. Time Machine makes a complete copy of all the files on your Mac at specific time intervals and luckily, iMessages are also backed up on Time Machine.
Depending on the date you deleted the messages, you might have to restore a bunch of old unwanted files, but you can delete them after you get the message you are looking for.
- Log out of iMessage on your Mac and close the app
- Open Time Machine on your Mac
- Open the Finder and click on the Go menu in the Finder
- Find the Library section and click on Messages
- Locate a file with the name chat.db and a date that is before the date the message you deleted
- Choose that file and click Restore
This will restore all your old iMessages and you should find the message you are looking for in there
How To Recover Deleted iMessages on Mac Using iCloud
Before you use this method, you need to make sure that your iPhone or iPad was backed up before you deleted your iMessage. Otherwise, you will just erase all the content on your iPhone for nothing.
So, if the message you are looking for is not a “high priority” do not risk using this method.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad >> General
- Swipe to the bottom and choose Reset and then tap Erase All Content and Settings
- Set up your device as a new device and when asked how you want to transfer apps and data to this iPhone, select Restore from iCloud Backup
- Choose the backup that was created before your iMessages were deleted from the list of Backups and wait for it to be restored
- Afterward, you can open the Messages app and you will find your iMessage right there waiting for you
Conclusion
When you mistakenly deleted iMessages on your Mac, do not press the panic button. Using any of the methods shown in this guide, you should be good to go.
Have you fallen victim to not being able to recover deleted iMessages on your Mac? How was your experience like, feel free to share it in the comments section below?
