Top iPhone Message Recovery Software

iPhone is a valuable digital device, and so are the messages you store in it. Nonetheless, many users may accidentally delete them at once while deleting some unnecessary apps or data from their iPhones. If you are a victim of such an incident and looking for quick options to recover iPhone messages, this article is your ultimate saviour.

Do iPhone recovery programs work?

Yes! iPhone’s built-in recovery options can restore temporarily deleted or lost messages hidden in the operating system. Moreover, many iPhone-friendly tools and applications guarantee retrieval of lost messages without using backup options. Simply download and install the tool and play along to scan your iOS device.

What is the best message recovery software?

With a wide range of data recovery software available online, finding an ideal solution to recover lost messages would be challenging. Here’s some criteria for selecting the right tool:

• The software or tool can recover deleted messages even without backup.
• It can recover deleted messages on iPhone from iCloud or iTunes without affecting the existing data.
• The tool is virus-free, reliable, and safe to use.
• It is compatible with all iOS models, including iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, or XS.
• It can recover various iOS files like messages, photos, videos, contacts, WhatsApp, or FaceTime messages.
• The tool must offer professional technical support to address your queries while using the software.

Pro Tip: Stop using your iPhone as soon as you realize that a significant amount of data, including files, messages, photos, etc., are lost. Any operation on the device may overwrite the hidden or lost data, making it irretrievable.

Best 5 iPhone Message Recovery Software to Try

1. Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone

One of the most esteemed iPhone data recovery tools, Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone , is known for its incredibly intuitive GUI. It meets all the above-mentioned criteria that make it proficient at salvaging your lost iPhone messages, WhatsApp chats, FaceTime data, etc. Further, the tool can transfer your important messages from iPhone to personal computer, laptop, or Mac.

Besides data recovery from iPhone, iCloud, and iTunes, Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone gives you the option to selectively browse, preview, and recover data after scan. Moreover, it allows you to permanently erase unwanted data from your iPhone beyond recovery. All such advanced features make it a prestigious iPhone recovery message option. Read this KB to recover deleted data from iPhone via Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone.

Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone - Advantages

• The tool can recover unlimited file formats on storage media, be it Safari bookmarks, notes, voice memos, and WhatsApp chat history, or general messages.

• You can preview all the data recovered from your iPhone for free.

• It is proficient at recovering deleted data from an encrypted backup.

• The tool is easy-to-use and does deep scanning of an iPhone.

• It can also perform recovery of lost data from iTunes and iCloud backup.

• Disadvantages You cannot save the recovered messages or files without purchasing the software.

2. Dr. Fone for iOS

Dr. Fone for iOS is another famous iPhone message recovery application. It’s a professional tool that guides you on retrieving deleted messages on your iPhone while enabling recovery of diverse iOS files, including contacts, photos, voicemails, and SMS. The app has a preview function to help you view the deleted messages before recovery.

Dr. Fone for iOS - Advantages

• Swiftly recovers data from iTunes, iCloud, and iPhone
• Compatible with all iPhone models.

Disadvantages

• You can’t access advanced data recovery functionalities without using the upgraded version.
• The application is costly to upgrade.

3. EaseUS MobiSaver

EaseUS MobiSaver is an iPhone SMS recovery software that can scan your iOS device, iCloud backup, and iTunes backup to trace the lost message files. It not only recovers lost messages but also helps you retrieve data from your iPhone if your device turns inaccessible. The free version has certain limitations which can be overcome using the paid version.

EaseUS MobiSaver – Advantages

• It is an absolutely free data recovery solution.
• It can recover messages from a water-damaged, broken, lost, or cracked iPhone.
• The app displays all the deleted files.

Disadvantages

• Its data recovery success rate is low compared with other professional software.
• Being a free tool, it can recover only a limited set of data files.

4. Syncios Data Recovery

This tool claims to bring back all deleted or lost data from iPhone, including audio files, SMS, documents, video files, and contacts. Syncios Data Recovery works for all iPhones, iPads, or even iPods. It is recommended to download the free trial version and see if your deleted messages can be recovered or not.

Syncios Data Recovery - Advantages

• The tool is compatible with all versions of the iPhone.
• You can reach out to their quality customer service via email or phone.
• The brand offers free technical support for a lifetime.

Disadvantages

• It takes a long time to retrieve deleted text messages from iPhone or lost data.

5. iMyFone D-Back

This tool enables you to recover the data in all iOS devices whose data have been lost or deleted accidentally. Renowned as iPhone text recovery app, iMyFone D-Back claims to recover all the lost SMS, WhatsApp texts, contacts, notes, call history, and photos. Further, the tool can easily and swiftly bring back iCloud, iTunes, and even iOS backup files. Its smooth preview function enables you to check and recover selective items only.

iMyFone D-Back - Advantages

• It can recover about 20+ varieties of files.
• The tool is free from viruses and malware.
• Besides iPhone, it is also compatible with almost all iPad versions.

Disadvantages

• Data recovery from iCloud remains a challenge.
• It cannot recover all kinds of lost data files.

The Bottom Line

iPhone data recovery tools are available in bulk. All are significantly different from each other in terms of functionality and proficiency. We cherry-picked some reputed tools for you to ease the pain of losing crucial messages from iPhone. There is no one-size-fits-all tool in the iPhone data recovery category. Therefore, we suggest you pick a reliable software, which is trusted and recommended by industry veterans, easy-to-use, and performs multiple functions at a reasonable cost. This article will give you a clear picture of which tool is the most suitable to overcome your iPhone messages recovery needs.

iPhone users adore its camera. Capturing priced memories using its compelling features is one of the biggest attraction of the iOS device. However, like any other phone, the digital photos may get lost from iPhone too.

And the situation can be devastating if the lost photos include your precious memories — of a vacation, wedding, your child’s first birthday or a friend’s party, which you wanted to keep with you for a lifetime.

Helping you out in such a situation, here we bring the methods to recoup your memories back into your iPhone.

Why are your photos lost from iPhone?

There could be many possible reasons for the loss of photos from iPhone. Some common reasons are listed below:

• Accidental deletion
• Factory reset
• Camera Roll or Photo Stream crash
• Failed iOS update
• iPhone jailbreak
• Water damaged, stolen iPhone, and others

Methods to recover permanently deleted photos from iPhone

Different situations call for distinct methods to restore lost photos from iPhone.

Since with iCloud and iTunes, Apple ensures a backup for the iPhone photos, if available, get back the lost iPhone photos from there.

Wherein in absence of backup, an iPhone photo recovery software is the best way to get back the deleted or missing photos on your iPhone and iPad. An efficient iPhone recovery software , works regardless of the reason of the photo loss.

Other methods such as photo recovery from ‘Recently Deleted’ folder or turning on iCloud Photos can also work in specific situations.

These methods can be applied on all iPhone models including series of iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, XS, XS Max, XR, X, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6S Plus, 6S, 6 Plus, 6, 5S, 5c, 5, 4S and 4.

1. Recover photos from ‘Recently Deleted’ on iPhone

The ‘Recently Deleted’ folder on iPhone keeps all the deleted photos for 30 days. Beyond this duration, the photos are automatically deleted from iPhone and this time permanently.

You can find the deleted photos from Camera Roll, Photo Stream, WhatsApp, SnapChat or Instagram etc., in this folder.

Check the ‘Recently Deleted’ folder on your iPhone. Find the required photos and move them back to your album.

Steps to restore photos from ‘Recently Deleted’ on iPhone:

• Go to the Photos app > Albums > Recently Deleted
• Find the missing photo and tap on it to Recover

2. Use iPhone Photo Recovery tool

In case of absence of photos backup, download and install Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone on your Mac or PC. Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone works with all the iPhone models including series of iPhone 6, 7, 8, X, XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, and 14. It supports latest iOS 16.

Situations when you should use Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone:

• No backup of photos
• Permanently deleted photos from iPhone
• Accidentally deleted photos
• Unable to restore photos from iCloud
• Unable to restore photos from iTunes
• Photos lost after iOS update, Factory reset or jailbreak
• Photos lost after iPhone black screen of death
• Stolen iPhone, water/ liquid damaged iPhone etc.

Note: Apart from photos, Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone can recover your deleted Videos, Contacts, Texts, Calendar, text messages, Notes, and other data.

Try the Free Demo Version of the software to recover your lost and deleted photos in Mac System or in Windows Desktop/Tablet

Step-by-step: Recover deleted photos from iPhone

• Connect your iPhone to the computer
• Launch Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone
• On the first screen select Recover from iPhone
• Select Camera Roll and Photo Stream. To recover Instagram, SnapChat or other App’s photos, select Apps Library

• Click Next
• Preview and choose the photos you want to recover from the list

• Click Save

3. Recover from iCloud backup

Do you maintain iCloud backup of your photos? Then bring back the deleted photos on your iPhone via iCloud. iCloud photos recovery is possible in situations of accidentally or permanently deleted photos from iPhone. You can also recover photos lost after your iPhone is set on factory reset, damaged, or stolen.

Steps to restore photos from iCloud on iPhone:

• Click to follow Settings > General > Reset> Erase all Contents and Settings

• A dialog box pops up, choose Erase Now
• Follow the instructions until you get on to the Apps & Data screenTap Restore from iCloud Backup

• Sign in to your iCloud account

• Choose the recent backup and click Restore to get back the deleted photos on iPhone

How to recover Photos from iCloud without losing existing iPhone data

This method of iCloud photo recovery protects your existing iPhone data. It also allows you to select and recover only the lost photos from iCloud instead of complete backup data.

Follow the below steps to restore only the lost/deleted photos from iCloud:

• Download and launch Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone on your computer. Note: You don’t need to connect your iPhone for recovering photos from iCloud backup files.
• Select Recover from iCloud Backup on main screen of software.

• Select Camera Roll and Photo Stream and click Next.
• Enter the Apple ID and password.

• List of all available iCloud backup files appears. Select the relevant backup of your iPhone and click Scan.
• Click Camera Roll and Photo Stream in the iCloud backup files list on the left window. Preview the existing and deleted photos or search for a specific photo by typing a keyword in the search box. If the desired photo is not in the recovered files list, click Deep Scan.
• Click Save. In the dialog box select either computer or iPhone to save the recovered photos. To save the photos on iPhone, make sure the iOS device is connected to the computer.

4. Recover deleted photos from iTunes

For those of you who maintain iTunes backup, it is the easiest way to retrieve the deleted photos of iPhone. iTunes backup also helps to restore photos lost due to deletion or after factory reset.

Steps to restore photos from iTunes backup:

• Connect iPhone to your PC/Mac
• Launch iTunes
• Select your iPhone under the device list
• Select the recent backup date
• Click Restore Backup

All your lost and deleted photos will be restored on your iPhone.

How to recover Photos from iTunes without losing the existing iPhone data

Use Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone to protect your current data on iPhone. The software allows you to select and recover only the lost photos from iTunes. With this method, you can prevent unnecessary data recovery on your iOS device.

Follow the below steps to recover only the lost/deleted photos via iTunes:

• Download and launch Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone software. Note: You can connect your iPhone to computer, if want to save the recovered photos in the iOS device.
• Select Recover from iTunes Backup on the main screen of the application.
• Select Camera Roll and Photo Stream option. Click Next.

• From the list of the iTunes backup files, select the relevant iTunes backup from which you want to restore photos.

• If your iTunes backup is encrypted, a dialog box will open prompting you to enter the password. Enter the password and click OK.
• From the backup files list in the left pane, click Camera Roll and Photo Stream. Preview the existing and deleted photos or search for a specific photo by typing a keyword in the search box. Click Deep Scan at the bottom left side, if your desired photos are not in the list.

• Click Save. A dialog box appears asking to select the location to save photos. You can save the recovered photos either onto your iPhone or computer.

5. Enable iCloud Photos

Sometimes you could see the photos on iPhone but not on your synced iPad, iPod Touch, or Mac. To view these missing iPhone pictures on the synced iOS devices turn on iCloud Photos.

iCloud Photos stores the photos in iCloud. It ensures you can view them on your synced devices. If you can’t find a photo on your synced iPad, iPhone, or Mac etc., enable iCloud Photos under Settings of the iOS device.

Steps to turn on iCloud Photos on iPhone/iPad/ iPod Touch

• Click to follow Settings > [your name] > iCloud

• Tap Photos
• Toggle on iCloud Photos.

To turn on iCloud Photos on Mac

• Go to System Preferences > iCloud.

• Next to Photos, click Options

• Select iCloud Photos

Next, connect to Wi-Fi and wait for some time until your photos appear again on the synced devices.

Tip: When you turn on iCloud Photos, photos upload to iCloud but they are not duplicated in your iCloud backup. So make backup of your photo library. You can download your photos from iCloud.com to your PC/Mac and store them as a separate library or store them on a separate drive.

Comparison — iPhone Photo Recovery Methods

|

| Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone | Recover from iCloud | Recover from iTunes | Recently Deleted folder | Enable iCloud Photos |
| — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Success Rate | High | Medium | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Photo Recovery without backup | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Effect on iPhone’s existing photos & other data after recovery | Existing data remains in iPhone | Deletes the existing iPhone data | Deletes the existing iPhone data | Existing data remains in iPhone | Existing data remains in iPhone |
| Select Photo and restore | Yes | No | No | Yes | Not applicable |
| Preview photos before recovery | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Difficulty level | Nil | Medium | Medium | Nil | Medium |
| Recovery options | Recovers from iPhone, iPad, iCloud & iTunes | Recovers from iCloud only | Recovers from iTunes only | Recover from iPhone & iPad (within 30 days of photo deletion) | Recover on iPhone synced devices |

Top 8 iPhone SMS/Message/Text Recovery Software

Summary: Sometimes, we accidentally delete important text messages from our iPhone. An iPhone SMS/message recovery software helps you in such situations by recovering your messages in an instant. In this post, we will see what factors to consider while looking for an iPhone text messages’ recovery software and reviewing some iPhone data recovery available on the market, which can help the users to recover deleted iPhone texts.

Is it possible to recover deleted iPhone text messages? Can I restore text messages deleted from my iPhone?

These are some questions that are quite common among iPhone users. Smartphones, especially iPhones, have become an inseparable part of our lives. We use them to stay connected with our friends and family, stay up to date with the latest trends, stream media, and store a huge amount of photos and videos. While the newer iPhones come preloaded with a host of intelligent features to keep our data safe and backed up in a difficult situation, they are still vulnerable to data loss. We have curated a list of the 8 best iPhone data recovery software, which anyone can use to restore and recover iPhone text messages and data deleted from an iPhone or another iOS device.

Factors to Consider While Choosing a Deleted iPhone Texts Recovery Software

Before looking at the list of the best iPhone data recovery software to recover deleted text messages, let’s take a look at various factors that one should keep in mind while choosing the right data recovery software.

• Reliability –It is best to choose an iPhone data recovery software from a reliable brand as they have the expertise to back their claim.
• Features – Various iPhone recovery software can recover various types of deleted data like photos, videos, messages, etc. They can also be used to perform deleted SMS recovery for recovering deleted text messages. As iPhone data is precious and important, selecting a brand that could help us recover deleted iPhone data from other sources like external storage media is wise.
• User Reviews – User reviews help new users and potential buyers in making their choice. Reviews are also helpful as they add to the legitimacy of software and its claims. Therefore, one should always read the reviews and select the right iPhone data recovery software.
• Data Recovery Performance – This is an important factor that everyone should consider before choosing the right iPhone data recovery software. Great performance always makes the software stand out from the rest. Key factors to look for are speed of data recovery, available modes of data recovery, supported file types, etc. A user should check these before choosing a data recovery software.
• User Interface – In this minimalistic age, a dated and complicated interface with complicated commands and menus is sure to put the users off due to a bad user experience. A simple UI enhances your user experience and enables you to use the software with ease. Hence, this is also an important factor to consider.
• Pricing – While most of the ‘free’ iPhone data recovery software claims to offer the best experience, the best deals offering value for the money spent are usually found amidst the list of paid software. This software not only helps the user recover deleted iPhone texts but also provides an interface to save the recovered data safely and securely post-data recovery.

List of the Best iPhone Data & Texts Recovery Software

Now that we have come to know about various factors to consider while choosing an iPhone data recovery software to recover and restore SMS/text messages, let’s take a look at some of the best iPhone data recovery software available on the market.

1. Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone (Writer’s Choice)

After trying and comparing a long list of iPhone data recovery software available, we have selected Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone as the best software for performing deleted text recovery along with data recovery from an iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch. This software supports a wide range of iPhone files like photos, videos, text, etc. It can easily recover and restore iPhone text messages and other data.

It is compatible with all the latest iPhones running on the latest iOS 16 and below, like the iPhone 14, 13, and more. It can even recover data from any iPad or iPod Touch. This software also gives the users support for recovering data from encrypted iTunes backups. Finally, it even offers 24×5 support from the Professional Team. We recommend this to every iOS user to use it in case of accidental data deletion as it is a reliable software with great features and an easy-to-use UI.

There is also a Toolkit version available for Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone that offers a complete suite of 4 advanced tools – iPhone Data Recovery, iOS System Repair, iPhone Data Erasure, and Remove Apple ID from iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. The Stellar Toolkit for iPhone is available in 2 variants – Toolkit for $49.99/Year and Toolkit Plus for $149.99/Year.

Pros –

• Fast data recovery speed*
• Recover a wide range of deleted/lost files like photos, texts, contacts, etc.
• Easily recovers deleted texts from an iPhone.
• Specifically recover videos from WhatsApp, Viber, Tango, etc.
• Simple and clean user interface
• Preview the files before recovery
• Allows selective file recovery
• Offers 2 modes of scanning, Quick Scan and Deep Scan
• Data recovery via iTunes and iCloud backup is possible
• Compatible with both Windows and Mac OS
• 24×5 availability of professional support team
• Value for Money

Cons –

• The free version allows software walkthroughs along with file scan and preview functionalities. The paid version adds data recovery functionality to the list.

Pricing –

• $39.99/Year for Standard
• $49.99/Year for Toolkit

Note – *Data recovery speed is dependent on various factors like the size of the data to be recovered, system configuration, and many more.

2. PhoneRescue for iOS

PhoneRescue for iOS is another great software that can recover iPhone text messages accidentally deleted from an iPhone. In addition, it can recover & restore iPhone data in various circumstances like system crashes, water damage, etc. It also offers some additional features like data preview before final data recovery.

Pros –

• Preview option
• Option to select specific data to be recovered
• Round-the-clock tech support

Cons –

• Limited usability in the trial version

Pricing –

• $45.99 + VAT for 3 Months License or $49.99 + VAT for 1 Year License

3. Dr. Fone for iOS

Dr. Fone for iOS is an iPhone data recovery software that allows its users to recover lost or deleted data like iMessages, call logs, contacts, etc., from an iPhone. In addition, it can recover deleted text messages, photos, videos, and other type of data from an iOS device.

Pros –

• Fast processing speed
• Recover data from iTunes, iCloud, and iPhone
• Compatible with almost all iPhones

Cons –

• Recovery functionality is not available in the trial version
• Pricier upgrade options

Pricing –

• $59.95 for 1-Year License
• $69.95 for a Perpetual license

4. EaseUS Mobisaver

EaseUS Mobisaver is an iOS data recovery software that allows users to restore iPhone text messages and recover common data like photos, videos, etc. It is supported by both Mac and Windows OS and can be used to recover data in case of jailbreak damage.

Pros –

• Common data like contacts, SMS, photos, etc. can be recovered
• Can recover data from a jailbroken iPhone
• Clean interface with simple steps for recovering data

Cons –

• Data recovery functionality is limited in the free version
• Occasional connectivity issues between the iOS device and the system

Pricing –

• Free (with limited data recovery)
• Pro Edition for $59.95/month
• $79.95/Year or $99.95 for Lifetime Upgrades

5. Joyoshare iPhone Data Recovery

Joyoshare iPhone Data Recovery can recover a lot of file types from an iPhone like iPhone text messages. This software allows the user to select different types of files to recover along with an option to preview the files to be recovered. It offers a clean UI, which is simple to understand and is easy-to-use

Pros –

• Fast data recovery process speed using recovery image creation.
• Compatible with all the latest iPhones running on iOS 16.
• Free users can scan, analyze, and preview the files that need to be recovered.

Cons –

• Need to buy the full version to recover the lost data.

Pricing –

• $49.95 for a Lifetime Single License
• $69.95 for a Lifetime Family license
• Lifetime multi-user license starting at $79.95

6. iSkysoft Toolbox – Dr.Fone Data Recovery (iOS)

iSkysoft Toolbox allows its users to recover lost data from an iOS device like deleted iPhone texts, iMessage, call logs, etc. from any iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch. It can easily recover any data from a damaged or stolen iPhone.

Pros –

• Fast
• Simple to use
• Safe and Secure

Cons –

• Unable to recover overwritten data
• Stands on the pricier side

Pricing –

• $59.95/Year
• $69.95 for a Perpetual License

7. Primo iPhone Data Recovery

Primo iPhone Data Recovery is another quality addition to this list. This software allows its users to recover deleted messages from an iPhone due to any reason like device crash, forgotten password, etc.

Pros –

• Three recovery modes increase the rate of data recovery
• Simple and easy-to-use
• Compatible with iPad, iPod Touch, and iPhone

Cons –

• Takes a bit of time to launch.

Pricing –

• $39.99 for a Personal License
• $59.99 for Family License

8. Disk Drill

Disk Drill is a simple software that offers the easiest way to deal with lost iPhone data. It does the job of recovering almost every type of deleted data like deleted iPhone texts, photos, contacts, etc. Users simply have to launch the software and click the Recover button to recover lost data from the connected iOS device. It offers a long list of features. However, they come at a hefty cost.

Pros –

• Simple to use
• Supports a wide range of file formats
• Extra tools come bundled with the paid version

Cons –

• Data recovery functionality is not available in the trial version.
• Hefty price tag

Pricing –

• Basic – Free
• Pro – $89
• Enterprise – $499

Verdict

Like all other smartphones, iPhones have become an important part of our lives. We use them to store important data like SMS, contacts, photos, etc. In this guide, we listed the 8 best software you can use for recovering deleted text messages from an iPhone. We know how important your data and especially text messages are to you. But before moving on to choosing an iPhone data recovery software, it is important to understand the reasons behind this issue and the factors that one should consider before choosing the right software.

While there are numerous iPhone data recovery software available in the market, we would recommend going for Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone. The software boasts of a long list of advanced features and a pocket-friendly price, making it highly versatile and easy to use. We hope that our guide will help you choose the right iPhone data recovery software and restore your deleted text messages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover deleted messages from my iPhone?

You can use Stellar iPhone Recovery software to recover deleted messages.

I accidentally deleted some important text messages from my iPhone. Can Stellar iPhone Recovery help me to recover them back?

Absolutely. Stellar iPhone Recovery can easily recover and restore deleted text messages from your iPhone. It can also recover other iPhone data and restore it.

How to Restore Contacts on iPhone (4 Methods)

Summary: Many of the users have been wondering about the ways to restore deleted contacts. In this post, we shared the best methods to restore deleted contacts from your iPhone series 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, XS, XS Max, XR, X, 8, 7, 6, and 5.

Losing contact names and numbers from the device all of a sudden is not new for iPhone users. Sometimes contact names are missing with only the random numbers visible, or the contact list is altogether empty. Mostly, the incidents occur after updating to a newer version of iOS, a bug in the device, accidental deletion, or else formatting of the iPhone.

You can always restore from iCloud or iTunes backup, but sometimes even those attempts might fail to recover deleted contacts. This can be because of wrong user names, passcodes, or device settings.

In such cases, the best way to restore only the missing contacts is to use iPhone Data Recovery Software by Stellar**.** Read on to know the four solutions to recover deleted contact on iPhone below.

If you have synced your iPhone to iCloud backup, restore missing contact names and numbers with this method.

• Go to your iPhone Settings > iCloud > Contacts (iOS 16 & 15 users follow: Settings > User Name > iCloud)

• Toggle OFF and turn ON Contacts again

• It asks what you would like to do with the previously synced iCloud contacts on your iPhone. Select Delete from My iPhone.

You will get back lost contacts on the iPhone. Those accounts are also displayed in your group lists if you have different Cloud accounts like Gmail linked to your device. You can check and uncheck the group to view or hide, respectively.

This works only when you have backed up your iPhone to iTunes.

• Connect your iPhone to the PC
•  Launch iTunes
• Select your device from the Device list and pick the most recent backup entry date of your iPhone from the Summary page

• Click Restore Backup

You can get back the lost or deleted contacts from your iTunes backup. But the drawback of this method is that with iTunes, you do not have a choice to restore only the lost contacts on your iPhone selectively. This means that complete data from iTunes will be restored on your device, replacing existing iPhone data.

All current media photos, videos, messages, etc., on your iPhone will also be replaced by the iOS backup files. If you want to restore only contacts from iTunes backup, use a safe third-party iPhone data recovery application.

The best way to overcome the iTunes drawback and selectively restore only the missing contacts is to use iPhone Contact Recovery Software by Stellar.

This secure & do-it-yourself software recovers lost or accidentally deleted iPhone contacts, call history, etc., regardless of the cause of the loss.Experience the Free Trial version NOW!

The free demo version of Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone allows you to scan and preview files from iPhone, iCloud, and iTunes backup, and to save them, you need to register the software.

Stellar Data Recovery offers three ways to recover iPhone contacts missing on your device:

1. Recovery from iPhone
2. Recover from iCloud Backup
3. Recover from iTunes Backup

1. Recover from iPhone

There is a possibility that your device has all the contacts, but they are not showing up—select Recovery from iPhone to view the hidden iPhone contacts in this case.

• Connect your iPhone to the computer and launch and launch the software
• On the home screen, choose “Recover from iPhone”, select “Contacts and Call Logs,” and click “Next.”

• It will show you the iOS devices connected to your system. Select your device and click Scan

• After scanning, select Contacts on your left pane; all the contacts will be displayed in the right pane.
•  Then, Select All or particular items by clicking on the associated checkbox.
• Click on Save and browse the desired location to save the recovered contacts.

2. Restore from iCloud Backup

Recovery from iCloud Backup allows you to selectively recover deleted contacts from your iPhone rather than restoring everything from photos and videos to messages. Follow the below steps:

• Connect your iPhone to the computer via USB cable
•  Launch Stellar Data Recovery from iPhone
• Choose Recover from iCloud Backup, Select Contacts and Call Logs and click Next

• Enter the Apple ID and Password to get the list of available backup files.

• Select the backup file and click Scan

• After scanning, select “Contacts” on your left pane, all the contacts in the selected backup file will be displayed in the right pane.

• Then, Select All or selective items by clicking on the associated checkbox.

• Click on Save and browse the desired location to save the recovered contacts.

3. Restore from iTunes Backup

If your iPhone contacts are synced with iTunes backup, use Recovery from iTunes backup to recover missing iPhone contacts.

• Connect your iPhone to your computer and launch the software
• On the home screen, choose Recover from iTunes, select Contacts and Call Logs, and click Next

• The software analyzes your system and lists all the available iTunes backup files, as shown below. If you cannot find the desired backup file, you can click on Add Backup to manually add the backup file from the system. Now, select the file and click Scan

• After scanning, select “Contacts” on your left pane, all the contacts in the selected backup file will be displayed in the right pane.
•  Then, Select All or particular items by clicking on the associated checkbox.
• Click on Save and browse the desired location to save the recovered contacts.

Minor changes in the iPhone Settings can also help restore deleted contacts. Try the below Setting changes and check if they work for you:

• Change Contacts’ Groups Settings
• Reset the Network Connections
• Change Default Account in Settings back to iCloud (works for iPhone 8/7/6s)

1: Change Contacts’ Groups Settings

• Go to your Contacts, tap into Groups
•  Uncheck All iCloud
• Select All on iPhone

• Click on Done (top right)
• Check if you got back all your contacts

2: Reset the Network Connections

• Under Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings

• Enter your passcode
• Choose Reset Network Settings to continue ignoring the message that this action will delete all your network settings.

This action will clear your current saved networks and Wi-Fi passwords, but you can always re-enter your network passwords later. So give this a try to retrieve lost contacts.

3: Change Default Account in Settings back to iCloud (works for iPhone 14, 13, 12, 11, X, 8, 7, 6)

• Go to your iPhone Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > Contacts
• Click Default Account
• Select iCloud instead of On my iPhone
• Check if your phone’s missing contacts recovered

To Wrap-up

Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone intelligently restores your missing or accidentally deleted contacts without causing loss of iPhone’s existing data, unlike iTunes or iCloud Backup recovery methods. Changing the iPhone settings can also help you get back missing contacts. So now no need to worry about the contacts list loss. Instead, try the above methods and recover deleted contacts on your iPhone.

Have you ever used any of the above methods for restoring missing iPhone contacts? Then, do share your experience in the comments below.