Yes, deleted text messages can often be recovered unless permanently erased, as they usually go to a "Recently Deleted" folder (iOS) or are marked for overwriting (Android) before final removal, but you can usually empty these folders or use data recovery tools for true deletion, though data on carrier servers also has a limited lifespan.
Permanently remove recently deleted messages and attachments
at the top of the conversation list, then tap Recently Deleted. , then tap Delete. Important: This can't be undone.
If you are using Google Messages, deleting a message you have sent does not delete it for the recipient of the message.
However, the data might still exist temporarily in system storage until overwritten. Because of this, recovery tools or backups (iCloud/iTunes) may still bring some messages back if they were deleted recently. Once the storage blocks are overwritten, though, the message is truly gone and cannot be recovered.
Check the Recycle Bin or Trash folder in your messaging app. Some Android phones, like Samsung Galaxy models, have this feature. Restore from a Google Drive backup if you have it enabled. Go to Settings > System > Backup to locate your backed-up data.
Digital forensics can uncover messages long after they were sent or deleted, especially if stored in backups.
The only reliable way to retrieve deleted messages on Android is to access the backup file using Google Drive. To access the file and read the messages, go into the Google Drive associated with your husband's account on a computer. Scan the backup folder for the date you want to take a look at and open it.
Cops using forensic software can often look into a device's primary storage (as well as cloud storage) and pull up information that the user may have believed was permanently deleted long ago. That capability extends beyond images and documents. It can include items stored in databases like text messages and emails.
Even when you 'permanently' clear messages, you're simply getting the phone to stop listing it in the deleted items folder. You can't recover such texts on the phone itself, but there are plenty of commercially available software packages you can buy that allow your PC to read data directly from a SIM card.
In general, text messages can be retrieved from a phone service provider for up to three months. As for retrieving data from the phone itself, that depends on the type of phone you have and how full your phone's storage is.
Part 2. How to Delete Text Messages on Android for Both Sides
iCloud exploitation
Someone can spy on your messages by: Logging into your iCloud account from another device to view message backups. Using a shared Apple ID (common in families) to receive your iMessages on their device. Using iCloud monitoring tools if they know your credentials.
If you delete a message someone sent you, then it only disappears for you, and they wont know you deleted.
To permanently delete files from a Windows computer and make them unrecoverable:
Deleting messages isn't always a smoking gun. Some men do it out of habit. Some are overly private. Some are trying to hide something harmless because they don't want drama.
Manually delete text messages from Android phone:
It May Be Permanently Erased and Unrecoverable, Depending on Circumstances. Sometimes, a deleted message is truly gone—permanently erased and unrecoverable by any means.
When you delete a message in Gmail, it's moved to the bin. Up to 30 days after deletion: You can find the message in the bin. You can recover the message from your bin and move it back to your inbox.
Deleted Messages Aren't Always Gone
Legal teams can subpoena those backups if needed. Courts can also approve forensic analysis to recover deleted texts from phones, especially in criminal or civil cases involving fraud or harassment. So texting something and then trying to erase it rarely protects you.
A message doesn't completely disappear when it is erased. Rather, vestiges often wait to be recovered in backups or device storage. This makes it possible for forensic experts to use cutting-edge instruments and methods to retrieve priceless data. However, accuracy and knowledge are necessary for a successful recovery.
In summary, while MOBILedit Forensic offers powerful capabilities for data extraction and analysis, a factory reset on modern Android and iOS devices effectively prevents recovery due to encryption and secure erasure mechanisms.
Text messages deleted in Google Messages are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered; however, archived text can.
Obtaining a spouse's text messages can ordinarily be done in two ways. One way might be to send a letter to the cell phone carrier, through an attorney, explaining the need to preserve text messages for a divorce case.
Note: Deleting and recovering messages only affects your iPhone and other Apple devices where you're signed in to the same Apple Account. You can't recover messages, attachments, and conversations for anyone else.