Deleting important SMS on a smartphone Samsung can become a real problem - especially if the messages contained passwords, confirmation codes or important correspondence. Fortunately, even after emptying the recycle bin or resetting the settings, there is a chance of recovery. Android stores data not as it seems: SMS files are not erased instantly, but are only marked as “free space” before being overwritten with new data. This means that with the right actions, you can get back lost messages.

In this article we will look at 7 proven methods from standard functions Samsung to professional tools that work even without root access. Important: the sooner you start acting, the higher the chances of success. If the phone continues to be actively used, new data may permanently overwrite old SMS.

We will look at:

  • 🔍 Recovery via Samsung Cloud i Google Drive
  • 📱 Hidden capabilities Samsung Messages (including cart)
  • 🛠️ apps for deep memory scanning (including Dr.Fone and EaseUS MobiSaver)
  • 🔧 Manual recovery via ADB for experienced users
📊 Have you already tried to restore SMS?
Yes, but without success
No, I just found out about the possibility
Recovered some messages
Not sure where to start

1. Check the trash in the application Samsung Messages

Many users do not know that the standard application Messages on Samsung Galaxy has a built-in trash, where SMS are stored up to 30 days after deletion. This is the easiest way to return messages without additional apps.

How to check:

  1. Open the application Messages (envelope icon).
  2. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
  3. Select Trash (or Deleted messages in older versions).
  4. Mark the required SMS and click Restore.

Important: if the trash is empty or the option is missing, it means:

  • 🗑️ Messages were deleted more than a month ago
  • 🔄 The trash can function is disabled on the phone (check in the application settings)
  • ⚙️ A third-party messenger is used (for example, Google Messages), where there is no recycle bin
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If the recycle bin is disabled, enable it in advance: Message settings → Trash → Enable. This will save you from losing SMS in the future.

2. Recovery via Samsung Cloud or Google Drive

If on your Samsung sync with the cloud is enabled, the chances of returning an SMS are much higher. The company automatically backs up messages, but many users don't even know about it.

Samsung Cloud (for account owners Samsung):

  1. Go to Settings → Accounts and backup → Samsung Cloud.
  2. Select Restore data → Messages.
  3. Indicate the backup date (usually created once every 24 hours when connected to Wi-Fi).
  4. Confirm the restoration.

Google Drive (if used Google Messages):

  • 🔗 Install Google Messages from Play Marketif not already installed.
  • 📤 In the application settings, select Backup and restore.
  • 🔄 Click Restore and select the latest copy.
⚠️ Attention: Restoring from the cloud will overwrite current messages. If you received new messages after deleting SMS, they will be lost. We recommend saving important current correspondence first.
Way Account required Max. storage period for copies Overwrites current SMS?
Samsung Cloud Yes (Samsung Account) Up to 1 year Yes
Google Drive Yes (Google Account) Unlimited Yes
Local copy (via Smart Switch) No Depends on the user No (can be selected)

3. Use Smart Switch for local recovery

Samsung Smart Switch is an official data transfer app, but it can also help you recover SMS if you have previously created a local backup. This method is suitable if you regularly saved data to your computer.

Instructions:

  1. Connect your phone to the PC via USB (use the original cable).
  2. Run Smart Switch on your computer (you can download from official website).
  3. Select Restore → specify the path to the backup file (usually in the folder Samsung\SmartSwitch\backup).
  4. Tick the box Messages and start the process.

Local copies in Smart Switch store SMS in encrypted form, and they cannot be viewed without restoring to the phone. If the copy is damaged, the app will display an error 0x80070057 —in this case, try another method.

Make sure that the there is enough space on the phone|Use the original USB cable|Disable the screen lock for the duration of the process|Do not interrupt the connection until completion

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4. apps for deep memory scanning

If standard methods do not work, specialized utilities will come to the rescue. They scan the internal memory of the phone at the file system level and can find SMS, even if they have been deleted for months. back. Important: such apps require disabling FRP Lock (reset protection) on some models Samsung.

Top 3 tested apps:

  • 🛡️ Dr.Fone — Data Recovery (Android): supports Samsung Galaxy S23/S22/S21, scans without root, but for deep analysis you need superuser rights.
  • 🔧 EaseUS MobiSaver: the free version shows found SMS, but recovery requires a paid license (~1500₽).
  • 📱 DiskDigger: works on non-rooted devices, but with restrictions (not all models Samsung supported).

Step-by-step guide for Dr.Fone:

1. Install the app on your PC and connect your phone via USB.

2. Enable USB debugging: Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times) → return to Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging.


3. In the app, select Android data recovery → Messages.


4. Follow the onscreen instructions (driver installation may be required).


5. After scanning, mark the required SMS and click Recover.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with Android 12+ i One UI 5.0+ some apps may not see SMS due to new security restrictions. In this case, try the method with ADB (section 6).
Why do apps not find SMS?

If the phone was actively used after deletion, new data could overwrite old messages. Also on Samsung with a chip Exynos (unlike Snapdragon) some memory areas are blocked for reading without root.

5. Manual recovery via backups adb backup

For experienced users, there is a way to extract SMS from a backup created via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method works even if the phone is not rooted, but requires knowledge of the command line.

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools (download included Android SDK Platform-Tools).
  • 📱 Phone Samsung with USB debugging enabled.
  • 🔌 Original USB cable (important for a stable connection).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and open the command line (Windows) or terminal. (macOS/Linux).

2. Enter the command to create a backup copy of SMS:


adb backup -f sms_backup.ab -noapk com.android.providers.telephony


3. On your phone, confirm the creation of the copy (do not set a password!).


4. Once completed, turn off the phone and extract the data from the file sms_backup.ab using the utility abe (Android Backup Extractor):


java -jar abe.jar unpack sms_backup.ab sms_backup.tar


5. In the resulting archive, find the file sms.xml —it contains all messages.

Advantages of the method:

  • ✅ Does not require root access.
  • ✅ Works on all versions Android.
  • ✅ Saves the structure of correspondence (contact names, dates).

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Command line skills are required.
  • ❌ Not all models Samsung allow you to create a backup without a password.

6. Recovery via TWRP and root access (for advanced)

If none of the previous methods worked, the last option remains - obtaining root access and using custom recovery TWRP. This is a risky method: it will void the warranty and may result in the phone being damaged if an error occurs. But the chances of recovery are maximum - up to brik phone in case of error. But the chances of recovery are maximum - up to 90% even for messages deleted a year ago.

What to do:

  1. Unlock the bootloader (OEM Unlock in the developer settings).
  2. Install TWRP Recovery for your model Samsung (look for instructions at XDA Developers).
  3. Download the utility SQLite Editor from Play Market.
  4. Via TWRP make a backup of the partition /data.
  5. Open in SQLite Editor file /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db.
  6. Export the table sms in format CSV.

On phones Samsung s Knox (for example, Galaxy S23 Ultra or Z Fold 5) obtaining root will trigger the flag Knox 0x1, which blocks some functions (for example, Samsung Pay or Secure Folder).

⚠️ Attention: Before installation TWRP check compatibility with your model Samsung. On some devices (for example, Galaxy A54 5G), custom recovery may cause problems with data encryption.

7. Contacting the service center Samsung: when nothing helps

If all independent attempts to recover SMS are unsuccessful, the last option remains - contact the official service center SamsungThe company has internal tools for extracting data even from damaged devices, but there are nuances:

What you need to know:

  • 📋 Proof of ownership of the phone will be required (receipts, box, IMEI).
  • 💰 The cost of the service starts from 3 000₽ (depending on the model and complexity).
  • ⏳ Recovery time - from 3 to 10 working days.
  • 🔒 In some cases, permission from the telecom operator may be required (if SMS contain confidential information).

When to contact:

  • 💼 Messages have legal value (evidence in court, agreements).
  • 🔐 SMS contain unique data (for example, access codes to cryptocurrency wallets).
  • 📱 The phone is physically damaged (does not turn on, broken screen).

Addresses of service centers can be found at official websiteBefore your visit, check by phone whether they are engaged. data recovery - not all centers provide this service.

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If SMS are critical, do not experiment with software recovery - immediately contact the service. Each attempt to overwrite memory reduces the chances of success.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about restoring SMS to Samsung

Is it possible to restore SMS after resetting to factory settings?

Yes, but the chances are much lower. If the reset was done without formatting the internal memory (Wipe Data), apps like Dr.Fone can find fragments of messages. If you chose Factory Data Reset with complete clearing, the data is most likely lost forever.

An exception is if before the reset a backup was created in Samsung Cloud or Google Drive.

Do the methods work on phones with Android 14 i One UI 6.0?

Most methods (recycle bin, cloud copies, Smart Switchwork also on new versions. However, apps for deep scanning (Dr.Fone, EaseUS) may require additional permissions due to tightened security policies. developer. Google.

On One UI 6.0 to recover via ADB may need to be disabled USB limitations in developer settings.

Is it possible to recover SMS deleted from a SIM card?

No. SMS on the SIM card are stored in a different format and are not backed up by the system. If messages were saved only to the SIM, they cannot be restored. The exception is if you previously exported them manually (for example, through the app SIM Card Messages Backup).

Is it true that after restoration SMS are sent again?

No, this is a myth. Recovered messages appear in the application Messages as old ones (with the original date), but they are not duplicated on the operator’s servers. If you restored SMS from a backup, new messages from the same senders will arrive separately.

How to avoid losing SMS in the future?

Set up automatic backup:

  • 🔄 Samsung Cloud: Settings → Accounts and backup → Data backup (enable Messages).
  • ☁️ Google Drive: in Google Messages activate Backup and synchronization.
  • 📥 Export SMS manually through applications like SMS Backup & Restore (saves in format XML to a memory card).

Also enable the recycle bin in the standard application Messages (section 1).