Voice messaging has become a popular alternative to texting, allowing people to communicate more effectively when words won’t suffice. However, what happens when a user accidentally deletes that important voice message? Panic sets in and frustration ensues. But fret not, as there are solutions available to recover these deleted voice messages on iOS devices.
This blog post will provide several methods for recovering deleted voice messages on an iPhone. We will explore the challenges of recovering deleted items from an iPhone as well as the necessary preparations to make before proceeding with the recovery. We will then dive into several methods to retrieve lost voice messages and analyze the pros and cons of each method. Finally, we will answer some frequently asked questions about recovering deleted voice messages on an iPhone.
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The Challenge of Recovering Deleted Voice Messages on iPhone
The challenge of recovering deleted voice messages on an iPhone stems from numerous factors. One of the most significant hurdles is the way that iOS manages storage. The iOS operating system has a feature called Automatic Data Optimization (ADO) which automatically manages device storage and can delete files if the device becomes low on available storage. ADO also optimizes storage by deleting unnecessary files and data. In some cases, this can cause the loss of voice messages, even if they were not deleted by the user.
Another challenge is that once a user deletes a voice message, the audio file is usually marked for overwrite. That means the file will be deleted permanently, but the storage space it was occupying on the device will be marked as available for use. If the user doesn’t act fast, the file can be overwritten, and the chances of successful recovery become slim.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before you attempt to recover your deleted voice messages, you should prepare yourself and your device. This includes taking the following actions:
- Update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS and back up your data to an iCloud or iTunes account
- Install a data recovery software like FonePaw or EaseUS which can help recover lost data on your iPhone
- Avoid downloading and installing any new apps, as this could overwrite your deleted voice message files
- Ensure your iPhone is charged or plugged into a power source, as recovering data can be a battery-intensive process
- Free up space on your device by deleting unnecessary files
Method 1: Recover Deleted Voice Messages on iPhone via iTunes Backup
iTunes backup is one of the most common methods for recovering lost data on an iPhone. When you back up your iPhone via iTunes, all the device’s data, including voice messages, are stored in an encrypted backup file on your computer. Here’s how you can recover your deleted voice messages via iTunes backup:
- Connect your iPhone to the computer you used to back up your data via iTunes.
- Open iTunes on your computer and select your iPhone from the device list.
- Select "Restore Backup" and choose the backup you wish to restore.
- Wait for the backup process to complete.
- Once complete, check your iPhone to see if the deleted voice messages have been restored.
Pros:
- Free of charge
- Suitable for restoring data on your iPhone from the latest iTunes backup
Cons:
- Cannot recover data without an iTunes backup
- Takes time to complete
- If the backup was created after the voice message was deleted, there is a risk that the recovery will fail
Method 2: Recover Deleted Voice Messages on iPhone via iCloud Backup
Similar to iTunes backup, iCloud backup stores all data on an iPhone, including voice messages, in an encrypted backup file in the cloud. Here is how you can recover deleted voice messages on an iPhone using iCloud backup:
- Go to iCloud.com and sign in to your iCloud account.
- Select "Settings" and then choose "Restore Files".
- Select the backup you wish to restore.
- Wait for the process to complete.
- Check your iPhone to see if the deleted voice messages have been restored.
Pros:
- Free of charge
- Suitable for restoring data on your iPhone from the latest iCloud backup
Cons:
- Cannot recover data without an iCloud backup
- May take a long time to complete if you have large files stored in the backup
- If the backup was created after the voice message was deleted, there is a risk that the recovery will fail
Method 3: Recover Deleted Voice Messages on iPhone via Third-Party Software
If you are unable to recover deleted voice messages using the above methods, you can try third-party software. These software options are primarily for data recovery and can be used to attempt to restore deleted voice messages. One such software is EaseUS MobiSaver, which is available for both Mac and Windows and helps recover deleted data from iPhones. Here’s how you can recover deleted voice messages on an iPhone using third-party software:
- Download and install the third-party software to your Mac or Windows PC.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer and launch the third-party software.
- Select "Scan" to allow the software to scan your iPhone for deleted voice messages.
- Wait for the scanning process to complete.
- Select the voice messages you want to recover and click on "Recover" to initiate the recovery process.
Pros:
- Can restore data from iPhones even if you don’t have a backup
- Faster than the other methods
- Can recover various types of data, not just voice messages
Cons:
- May not work for all iPhones
- Often, you need to pay for the third-party software
- The recovery percentage may not be as high as with Apple’s own methods
Why Can’t I Recover Deleted Voice Messages on iPhone
There are several reasons why you may not be able to recover deleted voice messages on an iPhone. These include:
1. No backup was created before the voice message was deleted
A backup is a key requirement for data recovery on iPhones. If you don’t have an iTunes or iCloud backup, it becomes difficult to restore deleted voice messages.
2. The backup was created after the voice message was deleted
If the backup you are trying to restore from was created after the voice message was deleted, there is no chance of restoring it.
3. Voice message was not synced to iCloud or iTunes.
If the voice message was not synced to iCloud or iTunes, there’s no way to recover it.
Additional Tips
1. Back up regularly
Creating and regularly updating your iPhone’s backup can help prevent the permanent loss of data, including voice messages.
2. Use cloud storage solutions
Uploading important files and data to cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud can serve as extra insurance.
3. Be mindful when using storage optimization options
IOS automatically removes unnecessary files to free up storage space, but that feature significantly increases the risk of data loss.
5 FAQs about Recovering Deleted Voice Message on iPhone
Q1: Can you recover deleted voice messages from a third-party app like WhatsApp or Viber?
A: Yes, it is possible to recover deleted voice messages from third-party apps. However, the method can vary depending on the app you are using.
Q2: How long does it take to recover deleted voice messages from an iPhone?
A: The time it takes to recover deleted voice messages from an iPhone depends on the recovery method you choose. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.
Q3: Can data recovery software recover deleted voice messages from a broken iPhone?
A: Yes, data recovery software may be able to recover deleted voice messages from a broken iPhone, but the recovery success rate depends on the severity of the damage.
Q4: Are there any free methods for recovering deleted voice messages on iPhone?
A: Yes, the iTunes and iCloud backup methods are free and can help recover deleted voice messages if a backup was created before the voice message was deleted.
Q5: Will recovering deleted voice messages restore the time-stamp of the messages?
A: This depends on the method of recovery – if you restore from a backup that was created before you deleted the voice messages, the timestamps will be accurate. However, if the messages were recovered using third-party software, the timestamps may not be accurate.
In Conclusion
Losing important voice messages can be frustrating, but with the right tools and recovery methods, you can get them back. This blog post highlighted the challenges of recovering deleted voice messages on an iPhone and prepared you on what to expect before proceeding with the recovery. We then explained three different recovery methods, including iTunes backup, iCloud backup, and third-party software, as well as providing additional tips on how to avoid losing data in the first place. Lastly, we answered some common questions users have about recovering deleted voice messages on iPhones. By following the steps in this guide, you can successfully recover your deleted voice messages.