To view message history on an Apple device, all you have to do is open the Messages app and review existing chat threads! You can also view media (eg photos and videos) of the chat thread being reviewed. If you lose messages that existed before your last backup, you can access them in iCloud and restore them, or use iTunes.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Previewing Messages in iMessages (iOS Devices)
Step 1. Open the Messages app
Step 2. Touch the chat you want to view
If you're in another chat thread, first tap the < button in the top-left corner of the screen.
Step 3. Swipe the screen to browse the contents of the chat thread
That way, you can see your message history, even up to the start of the chat!
You cannot view deleted messages here
Step 4. Touch the “Details” button
The "i" in this circle is in the upper-right corner of the screen.
Step 5. Review the media on the chat thread
Media options are offered in two formats which you can check by touching the appropriate button:
- Images – All photos and videos from chat threads.
- Attachments – All attachments (eg audio clips) from a chat thread.
Step 6. Touch Done
You have successfully viewed the message history in the chat thread!
Method 2 of 4: Previewing Messages in iMessages (Mac Computer)
Step 1. Open the Messages program
This program is indicated by a blue speech bubble icon in the computer's Dock.
Step 2. Select chat
You can select a chat on the left side of the Messages program window.
Step 3. Scroll the screen to browse the contents in the chat thread
As long as the messages haven't been deleted, you can review your chat history!
Method 3 of 4: Restoring Backup Files from iTunes
Step 1. Connect the phone to the computer
Use a charging cable from Apple to connect the device.
Step 2. Open iTunes
The program may open automatically, depending on the computer settings.
Step 3. Wait for the iPhone to sync to iTunes
Step 4. Click the device icon
This icon looks like an iPhone and is under the "Account" tab.
Step 5. Click Restore Backup
It's in the " Backups " box in the middle of the iTunes page.
You may need to disable the “Find My iPhone” feature on your phone before proceeding
Step 6. Select a restore point
You can see this option in the "Restore from this backup" section. Click the bar with your iPhone's name to select a restore point.
Do not select the most recent backup file points or entries (eg files that must be created on the device) as they will not contain deleted iMessages messages
Step 7. Click Restore
iTunes will restore the backup file to your phone. You can see the time remaining (" Time remaining ") at the bottom of the backup file restore pop-up window.
Step 8. Press the “Home” button
Step 9. Enter your Apple ID password
Step 1. Open the settings menu or “Settings”
Step 2. Make sure the operating system is up to date
You can't restore a backup from iCloud if your device isn't running the latest iOS version. To check for updates:
- Touch General.
- Select Software Updates.
- Touch Download and Install if there is an update.
Step 3. Go back to the “General” tab
If an update is necessary, you will have to re-access the settings menu or “Settings”.
Step 4. Touch Reset
Step 5. Select Erase all content and settings
If your iPhone has a passcode, enter it before continuing.
Step 6. Touch Erase iPhone
Step 7. Wait for the iPhone to finish resetting
This process takes a few minutes. Once done, you can restore the backup data to the device.
Step 8. Press the “Home” button
Step 9. Set phone preferences
These preferences include:
- Preferred interface language.
- Residential area.
- The WiFi network you want to use.
Step 10. Enter your Apple ID and password
Step 11. Touch Next
Step 12. Enable or disable location services
Step 13. Enter the passcode
You can also skip this step if you want.
Step 14. Touch Restore from iCloud Backup
This option is on the " Apps and Data " page.
Step 15. Re-enter the Apple ID and password
Step 16. Touch Agree
Step 17. Touch the backup file date you want
Make sure you select the entry that still has the iMessages messages you want to access again.
Step 18. Wait for the data recovery process to complete
This process may take several minutes.
Step 19. Enter the Apple ID and password
Phone settings and data, including lost iMessages messages will be returned to the device!
Tips
- Even if Digital Touch messages don't expire, you'll need to touch the message again to view it.
- When restoring old backup files, you can lose them in the device settings menu or “Settings”.
