Fix: iOS 17 Not Showing Recently Deleted Messages 

Apple introduced a new feature with iOS 16 called recently deleted messages. This feature allows you to store your deleted items in a trash can for about 30 days before they are deleted permanently. Recently, the company also released iOS 17, which is the latest version of the operating system.

Some users, however, are reporting a strange issue after updating to iOS 17: they can no longer appear to recover messages they have just deleted. This post aims to explain the dilemma and offer eleven workable solutions to fix it. So, without any further ado, let’s dive into it.

Why Is iOS 17 Not Showing Recently Deleted Messages?

There are several reasons why this issue might be happening. Often, it is a software issue or a software glitch. However, it can also be an issue from the server side. Nevertheless, here are the top reasons iOS 17 might not show recently deleted messages.

NOTE: Recently Deleted Messages folder has been moved from the Edit section to the Filters section.

1. No Deleted Messages: The most apparent reason is that there are simply no recently deleted messages.
2. 30-Days Have Passed: Your recently deleted messages only show for 30 days and are deleted after that. If you deleted a message over 30 days ago, you will not find it in the recently deleted messages folder.
3. Software Glitches: Occasional software issues or transitory issues in iOS 17 may prevent the recently deleted messages from showing.
4. iCloud Settings: Incorrect iCloud configuration or syncing issues with Messages iCloud settings can prevent recently deleted messages from being shown in iOS 17.
5. Short Duration: The Messages app’s duration setting for message storage in the Messages app may conflict with the “Recently deleted” feature.
6. Insufficient iCloud Storage: Messages in iOS 17’s Recently Deleted section may not appear if the user has an overflowing or broken iCloud storage account.
7. Numerous Devices Signed In: There is a chance that iOS 17 won’t be able to show recently deleted messages if you have numerous devices signed into the same iCloud account, and this is due to compatibility concerns or regional device problems.

11 Ways to Fix iOS 17 Not Showing Recently Deleted Messages

Now that we have understood why the recently deleted messages are showing up in Messages, we can proceed with troubleshooting the issue. This issue can be pretty easy to fix once we know what’s actually causing it. We have compiled a list of eleven fixes that will help you resolve this issue. So, make sure to try them all.

Fix 1: Restart Your iPhone

The first step in fixing many iPhone problems, including the recently deleted messages not showing on iOS 17, is to restart the device. If you restart your iPhone, you may often fix little problems and restore functionality. Follow the steps below to restart your iPhone:

1. Press and hold the power button until the “slide to power off” slider appears.
2. Drag the power off slider to the right to power off your iPhone.
3. Wait for a few seconds for your iPhone to turn off.
4. When you’re ready to switch your iPhone back on, simply press and hold the power button until the Apple logo appears.

See if the deleted messages reappear in the specified folder in the Messages app after you restart your iPhone. Sometimes, all it takes to fix the issue is a simple restart of your iPhone.

Fix 2: Check Recently Deleted Folder Directly in Messages

One of the most important things you can do to fix the issue where deleted messages aren’t showing up on iOS 17 is to check the “Recently Deleted” folder within the Messages app.

1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on Edit or Filters on your screen’s upper left corner.
3. Check that a “Recently Deleted” subfolder is there.
4. If the folder is available, tap on it to see your recently deleted messages immediately.

Fix 3: Check iCloud Settings

Messages deleted recently may not be visible until you check your iCloud settings on iOS 17, so be sure to do that. Messages may not appear correctly due to misconfigurations or syncing issues in these settings.

Messages, including those in the “Recently Deleted” folder, will sync correctly if the “Messages” setting in iCloud is turned on. This is an essential step in fixing any sync difficulties that may be preventing the messages from appearing on iOS 17. Follow the steps below:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on your profile name at the top of the screen.
3. Next, tap on iCloud.
4. Then, tap on Messages.
5. Make sure “Messages” is active by toggling its switch.

Fix 4: Check Storage Settings for Messages

In order for recently deleted messages to show up in the appropriate folder on iOS 17, it is essential to examine the storage settings for Messages. You might be unable to see the desired message because of incorrect settings. Follow the steps below:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on Messages.
3. Go ahead and tap on Keep Messages.
4. Select a reasonable time frame for archiving messages, such as 30 Days.
5. Verify that the time frame you’ve chosen is consistent with how long you’d like to keep messages.

Fix 5: Disable and Re-enable Messages in iCloud

Temporarily disabling and then re-enabling Messages in iCloud should help address any potential syncing issues linked to recently deleted messages on iOS 17. This resets the synchronization system, which could fix the issue. Follow the steps below:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on your profile name at the top of the screen.
3. Next, tap on iCloud.
4. Then, tap on the Messages switch and turn it off.
5. Simply restart your iPhone.
6. After the device has restarted, go back into iCloud and turn on the Messages option again.

Fix 6: Reset All Settings

If you still have recently deleted messages that are not showing up in iOS 17, try resetting all of your iPhone’s settings to see if that helps resolve any underlying system issues or misconfigurations. This will not delete any of your important data but only the settings. Follow the steps below:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on General. 
3. Then, tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone.
4. Tap on Reset.
5. Now, tap on Reset All Settings.
6. Confirm the action by providing your passcode if required.
7. Finally, tap on Reset All Settings again.

Keep in mind that doing so will reset preferences like Wi-Fi passwords and wallpaper settings but will not remove any data.

If you’re having trouble finding recently erased messages on iOS 17, try resetting all settings. This will return the system settings to their factory defaults and eliminate any lingering problems.

Fix 7: Check for Software Updates

If you’re having trouble seeing recently deleted messages on iOS 17, updating to the newest version of iOS should do the trick. Bug fixes and other enhancements found in software updates can help with this kind of issue. Follow the steps below:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on General.
3. Tap on Software Update.
4. If a newer version is available, select “Download and Install.”
5. To finish the update, just follow the on-screen prompts.
6. Restart your iPhone once the update has finished installing.

Fix 8: Check for Backups

Checking for recent backups may provide a means to restore your device to a time when the messages were visible, potentially fixing the issue of recently deleted messages not showing up on iOS 17. However, be wary, as doing so will overwrite your current data. It is best to take a backup of all your data before proceeding. Follow the steps below:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on your profile name at the top of the screen.
3. Next, tap on iCloud.
4. Then, tap on Storage Management.
5. Check if there are any recently created backups.
6. If you have a recent backup, it might be worth it to roll back your device to that point in time.

You should be able to successfully fix the issue on iOS 17 by restoring your iPhone to a previous backup that includes the messages that were lost. However, be cautious, as this will erase current data.

Fix 9: Check iCloud Storage

Check your iCloud storage and make sure that it’s not full. If the iCloud storage is full, it can slow the synchronization of messages and cause them not to appear in the Recently Deleted folder on iOS 17.

For messages to sync without a hitch and appear in the Recently Deleted section on iOS 17, you must have enough space available in your iCloud storage. If you’re getting close to reaching your iCloud storage limit, it’s time to either make some space or upgrade your storage plan.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on your profile name at the top of the screen.
3. Next, tap on iCloud.
4. Then, tap on Storage Management.
5. Make sure you have plenty of free space in the storage area.

Fix 10: Use Another Device

If you have access to another device, like an iPad or Mac, you can see if the message visibility issue is device-specific or systemic. Follow these instructions to help narrow down the potential causes of the problem.

1. Make use of something else (a different iPad or computer) that is linked to the same iCloud account.
2. Messages are only visible if the device is turned on and the messages are displayed.
3. If the messages appear on the other device, it means that there is a localized issue on the iPhone.

Fix 11: Contact Apple Support

Since the issue of recently deleted messages not showing up on iOS 17 remains despite the fact that all prior fixes have been performed, it is recommended to seek out Apple Support for further assistance. Help with diagnosis and troubleshooting is available from Apple Support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are recently deleted messages not showing up on iOS 17?

Software bugs, wrong configurations, and iCloud sync problems are all possible causes. To fix this, you can restore your deleted messages from iCloud.

How can I delete all my Messages automatically on iOS 17?

Go to Settings > Messages > Keep Messages, and set an acceptable term, like “30 Days.” This ensures your messages are deleted after 30 days.

Can I recover deleted messages on iOS 17?

To recover deleted messages, tap Filters at the top left corner. Then, tap on Recently Deleted. Tap on Recover All > Recover N Messages.

Final Words

Deleted messages on iOS 17 are often not immediately wiped, which is a great feature. We have covered many troubleshooting procedures, from the most elementary (restarting your iPhone) to the most complex (checking your iCloud settings and looking through your backups).

Knowing your way around iOS 17 and its bells and whistles is crucial for a problem-free and productive experience. We hope this article has helped fix the problem of the recently deleted message in iOS 17.

This will allow you to manage your messages more easily and have a more pleasant iPhone messaging experience. As always, you should contact Apple Support if you are still experiencing any issues. Let us know in the comments section below if you have any further questions. Thanks for reading till the end!