[Complete Guide] How to Restore Deleted SMS from Google Drive

“Hello, I recently deleted an SMS conversation I had with my boss. Although my Android is configured to auto-backup my data to my Google Drive after a change is made, I still don't know how to get my text message back. I can access my Drive, please can you show me how to restore SMS from Google Drive?”

– By Vanessa

When an email is deleted on Gmail, it is stored in the recycle bin. Users can still get access to the mail from there. But unlike Gmail, the Android text message app does not operate that way. When a text is deleted, Android places the text in a folder where new data will overwrite it. Then is there any chance to restore the deleted SMS from Gooogle Drive? If yes, then how to? Keeping reading to find the answer.

Is There Any Chance To Recover My Deleted SMS From Google Drive After The Deletion?

Yes, there is. Google claims, your data is automatically sent to your Drive as soon as an update is made to any data or settings. As convenient as this may sound, many users have reported this to be a fallacy. A user on one forum claimed, it took his Drive about an hour plus before the new settings were updated. Nevertheless, follow the steps below to see when last your data was synchronized. 

Step 1. Open your device's Settings app.

Step 2. Locate and tap on Google.

Step 3. Select the Backup option and proceed.

Step 4. Tap on your device's name. In the next screen, you will see SMS Text Messages, under the text you'll find the time Google last took a backup of your device.

Note: When you realize your messages have been deleted, it is advised that you stop using your device and ensure Android does not retake any backup.

How To Restore Deleted SMS From Google Drive

There is no official way to retrieve or restore text messages from Google Drive. However, we have three options that likely will help you get your deleted SMS from Google Drive.

Option 1. Regular Way To Get Back The Deleted Texts From Google Backup

At the moment the closest official way to restore your messages from google is by carrying out a full factory reset. The Android operating system isn't built to restore backups directly from Google Drive. Many users have complained of the lack of this feature; still, the tech giants haven't implemented this. 

A factory reset involves deleting every data including text messages, audio, videos, documents, apps, and literally every data that weren't installed originally by your device's manufacturers. 

Going further with this method should be carefully thought-out because you may lose data you can't get back, especially data not present in your Google backup. Nevertheless, the steps below will help you restore your messages from Google Drive. If this option doesn't sit right with you, skip the steps below and go to option 2. The steps below may vary per phone. 

• Open your Android Settings app and scroll down to System.

• In the System menu, locate and tap on the Reset option.

• Select Erase all data (factory reset).

• Android then displays a list of data, and all services your device is signed in to. Scroll down and select Delete All.

• You may be prompted to enter your password to confirm your action.

• After erase, select the Reboot/Restart option.

• When prompted, fill in the login details of the Google account that has your backup. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your SMS backup.

Option 2. Recover Deleted Text Messages From Google Drive With Google Takeout 

Google Takeout is a service for all Google users that backs up all their Google account's data into one file. It is quite a bulky tool, and it was not created initially for extracting backups. However, you can use this tool to extract messages from Google Drive.  

1. Launch the Google Takeout tool by opening this link in your browser. If prompted, sign in to your Google account.

2. Locate and select the Google Drive option, then click on "Next Step".

3. In the next panel, customize the settings you want, then click on Export.

The downside of Google Takeout is, it doesn't display a presentable report. The tool zips up all your data and sends you a download link. Most users have reported finding it challenging to understand the documents presented. If this option is not okay for you, go to option 3.

Option 3. Restore Deleted SMS From Google Drive With D-Back Android

The next option to restore messages from Google Drive is with a third-party tool called iMyFone D-Back Android. The D-Back Android program is a full data recovery tool. It will retrieve data across all Android devices without taking into consideration the scenario that led to the file lost. It also supports to restore the deleted SMS from Google Drive. Below are a few of D-Back's impressive features. 

Steps To Restore SMS From Google Drive With D-Back Android

STEP 1 Visit the D-Back official site and download its setup file. After installation, launch the program. D-Back gives you three different modes to recover your data; for this operation, select "Recover Data From Google".

STEP 2 On the next window, click on "Start" then proceed.

STEP 3 You are then required to enter your Google account login details. D-Back treats your data private, so this won't be a problem.

STEP 4 It then shows you all the data types that could be restored from your Google account, select the data you want; in this case, it will be Messages.

STEP 5 D-Back Android now scans your device and lists your data in an orderly manner. You are required to preview your data then select what you want. After this, click on "Recover" to proceed.

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To Sum It Up

We have shown you how to restore SMS from Google Drive using three different options. When you realize your text message has been deleted, it is best you stop using the device, check when last your Android automatically took a backup. Then use any of the options here to restore your SMS from Google Drive. How did it go for you? Share your experience with us. Thank you.

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