At some point in our lives, most of us have scrolled through our devices searching for a message, photo, or important file, only to realise the thing we’re looking for is missing. Vanished. Gone. Whether deleted by accident, on purpose, or due to a technical glitch, the level of frustration is usually the same. In a panic, we dig through our device’s recycle bin and search Google for DIY solutions until, ultimately, we give up.
In some cases, deleted messages and files are truly unrecoverable. However, if action is taken quickly and the right assistance is sought, lost or deleted data can be recovered more often than you may realise.
The best way to recover deleted messages — whether from a phone, computer, or another device — is to work with a digital forensics expert. These professionals are not only equipped with advanced data recovery tools but are also recognised as experts in court, making their findings potentially admissible as evidence. If recovering deleted messages is crucial for an investigation or a legal matter, read on because taking the right course of action can make all the difference.
Not all devices are created equal when it comes to data recovery. Generally, Android devices offer a higher chance of successful message recovery.
On the other hand, Apple devices, such as iPhones and Macs, can pose a greater challenge. Apple’s security measures are among the best in the industry, which is great for privacy but not so great for recovering deleted messages. In most cases, once a message is deleted from an iPhone or Mac, it is gone forever. However, there are exceptions, and our Sydney-based forensics experts can provide advice on a case-by-case basis.
Because each case is unique, a forensic investigator will need details about the device, including:
With this information, the investigator can assess whether recovery is possible. However, it’s important to note that success is never guaranteed — even with the best forensic tools available.
The field of digital forensics is constantly evolving. As forensic companies release updates and new recovery methods, what is impossible today may become possible in the future. However, security updates from Apple and other manufacturers also make recovery increasingly difficult. That’s why working with professionals who stay up to date with the latest forensic advancements is essential.
The cost of recovering deleted messages varies widely based on the device, the complexity of the recovery, and the tools required. Investigators will need specific details about the device before they can provide a quote.
Forensic investigations of this nature are conducted in specialised forensic labs in Sydney. If you need data recovered, you would typically need to send the device to a forensic lab in where experts can perform the necessary procedures.
Recovering deleted messages is possible in some cases, but not all. The best course of action is to stop using the device immediately and contact a forensic investigator as soon as possible. With the right expertise and tools, there may be a chance to retrieve the lost data — but the sooner you act, the better the odds.