How to Find Deleted Instagram Messages on iPhone and Android
Ever deleted a message on Instagram and immediately regretted it? You’re not alone. Whether it was an important conversation, a sweet memory, or proof of something serious, losing your Instagram DMs can be incredibly frustrating.
So, can you actually recover them? The short answer is: sometimes. Let’s break it down.
Understanding Instagram’s Message Deletion Policy
Difference Between Unsending and Deleting
Instagram allows users to unsend messages. This removes the message from both ends of the chat—completely. However, deleting a conversation only removes it from your view.
So if you deleted a chat, the other person might still have it—and that can be a useful hack!
How Instagram Handles Data Deletion
Instagram claims to delete unsent or removed data from its servers permanently. But sometimes, traces of those messages can still be found in backups or through indirect means.
Native Methods to Try First
Check Your Instagram Account via Browser
Sometimes mobile apps have glitches, and your messages may still show up on the desktop version.
-
Log into Instagram.com
-
Navigate to Direct Messages
-
Look for any archived or unread chats
Ask the Other Person in the Chat
If you didn’t unsend a message but just deleted it from your view, the other person still has it. Ask them to screenshot or forward it.
Use Instagram’s Data Download Feature
This is the best official method to try first.
How to Use Instagram’s Data Download Tool
Instagram lets you request a copy of all your account data, including DMs.
Steps for iPhone Users
-
Open Instagram > Tap profile icon
-
Go to Menu > Your Activity > Download Your Information
-
Enter your email and Instagram password
-
Wait for the email from Instagram with the data file
Steps for Android Users
Same steps apply, or go directly to:
https://www.instagram.com/download/request/
What to Expect from the Data File
Once downloaded (usually a ZIP file), open the "messages" folder. You'll find a file named messages.json. Open it in a text editor or viewer to find old conversations.
Recover Deleted Instagram Messages via Facebook
Instagram and Facebook are under Meta, and some users who linked their accounts may find synced chats.
How Instagram and Facebook Messages Are Linked
If you enabled cross-platform messaging:
-
Chats might sync with Messenger
-
You could find deleted DMs still saved in Facebook’s database
Accessing Messages from Meta Account Center
-
Go to Facebook > Settings & Privacy > Settings
-
Find Meta Accounts Center
-
Click Your Information and Permissions > Download Your Information
-
Check if any Instagram messages are included
Using Third-Party Recovery Tools
This gets tricky. But if you’ve recently lost messages and haven’t overwritten data yet, third-party tools may help.
Apps for iPhone
-
iMyFone D-Back
-
Dr.Fone by Wondershare
These scan your iPhone for cached or deleted Instagram data.
Apps for Android
-
Tenorshare UltData
-
DiskDigger
These work only if your device is rooted, which has risks.
Are These Tools Safe?
Mixed reviews. Use caution—avoid tools that ask for your Instagram login. Stick to apps that scan your device storage only.
Recovering Deleted Messages from iCloud (iPhone)
Using iCloud Backup
If you had iCloud backup enabled before deleting the messages:
-
Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings
-
During setup, select Restore from iCloud Backup
Full Device Restore vs. Selective Recovery
Restoring the whole backup brings everything back—not just Instagram messages. Use tools like iMyFone to selectively extract Instagram data.
Recovering Deleted Messages from Google Drive (Android)
What Google Backups Save
Google Drive backups often include app data—if Instagram was backed up.
Restoring Instagram Data from Google Drive
-
Factory reset your Android
-
Restore from a backup that contains Instagram data
-
Reinstall Instagram and check messages
Note: Not all Android versions allow full app-level recovery.
What If You Use Instagram on Multiple Devices?
Syncing Issues and Deleted Data
If you're logged in on more than one device, sometimes messages remain cached on another one.
Checking All Devices for Copies
Log into Instagram on each device you use (tablet, second phone, PC). Your deleted messages may still exist in cache.
Common Myths About Instagram Message Recovery
“Messages Are Stored Forever”
False. Unsent messages are wiped from Instagram servers.
“Deleted Means Gone Forever”
Not always. Some metadata or backup data can still be accessed.
“DM Recovery Apps Work 100% of the Time”
Nope. Many fail to recover anything or are scams.
Preventing Future Message Loss
Tips to Back Up Messages Regularly
-
Take screenshots
-
Use Instagram’s data download tool monthly
-
Use apps like “SaveMyChat” (unofficial, be careful)
Avoiding Accidental Deletion
-
Turn off swipe-to-delete gestures if possible
-
Don’t click “Unsend” unless you’re sure
Instagram’s Customer Support – Worth a Try?
What You Can and Can’t Expect
Instagram support rarely helps with message recovery unless it’s a legal or safety issue.
How to Contact Them
-
Go to Instagram App > Settings > Help > Report a Problem
-
Use detailed explanation and screenshots if possible
Legal & Privacy Considerations
Is Message Recovery Legal?
If it’s your account and data—yes. But accessing others’ messages without consent can be illegal.
When It’s a Privacy Concern
Never use recovery tools to spy on others or access someone else’s DMs.
Finding deleted Instagram messages isn't always easy, and it’s not always guaranteed. But by using the right mix of Instagram tools, device backups, and cautious third-party software, you might just bring back that lost conversation.
Just don’t wait too long—time and device usage can overwrite deleted data fast.