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Can You Recover Deleted Messages in Telegram? 5 Methods that Work

Telegram is one of the most secure and widely used messaging apps. But its privacy-first design comes with a trade-off: when you delete a message—it’s often gone for good. Still, in some cases, deleted Telegram messages may be retrievable. This depends on: Whether the messages were deleted for you or for everyone, If you use cloud chats vs. secret chats and How recent the deletion was. This guide walks you through realistic methods to recover deleted Telegram messages, both with and without third-party tools.
Published on 06/24/2025
5 minutes

Also available in:  Русский

Table of Contents

Before Deletion: Telegram Policies on Deleted Messages

telegram app

  • Telegram does not store deleted messages on its servers for long

  • Messages deleted "for everyone" are removed permanently

  • Messages deleted "for me" may still exist in the recipient’s chat

  • Secret Chats are end-to-end encrypted and can’t be recovered

  • Telegram does not provide a built-in recycle bin

5 Best Solutions to Delete Telegram Messages

Method 1: Check Telegram Notifications & Message Preview

Telegram Notifications & Message Preview

If you had notifications enabled, you might still see a preview of deleted messages.

Pros:

  • No tools required

  • Useful for quickly reading deleted messages

Cons:

  • Only works if message was previewed before deletion

  • Won’t restore the message in the Telegram app

📲 For Android:

Steps:

  1. Open Settings on your phone

  2. Go to Notifications > Advanced Settings > Notification History

  3. Enable it (if it wasn’t already)

  4. Scroll through the log to find recent Telegram previews

  5. Look for message content that was deleted in the app

📲 For iPhone:

Steps:

  1. Swipe down to open the Notification Center

  2. If the message was deleted but the phone hadn’t cleared notifications, it may still be visible

  3. Tap the Telegram notification to view more details

  4. If deleted, only the preview will show—tap carefully

Pro Tip

This only works if you saw the notification before the message was deleted.

Method 2: Export Telegram Data (Telegram Desktop Only)

Telegram Desktop

If you use Telegram Desktop, you can export full conversations—useful for backups.

Pros:

  • Official Telegram method

  • Great for saving chat history regularly

Cons:

  • You can’t retrieve messages deleted before export

  • Doesn’t help after messages are deleted if no export was made

Steps:

  1. Open Telegram Desktop on your PC or Mac

  2. Click the three-line menu (≡) in the top-left corner

  3. Go to Settings > Advanced

  4. Scroll down and click Export Telegram Data

  5. Choose what to export:

    • Chat history

    • Photos

    • Videos

    • Files

  6. Select the specific chat(s) you want

  7. Click Export, then Show My Data once the process is complete

If the message wasn’t deleted before the export, you’ll see it here.

Method 3: Recover From Cache or App Backup (Android Only)

This method may help recover media or thumbnails related to deleted messages.

Pros:

  • May recover some media or temp data

  • No internet needed

Cons:

  • Not guaranteed to recover full messages

  • Doesn’t work on all Android version

Steps:

  1. Open File Manager on your Android phone

  2. Navigate to:
    Android > data > org.telegram.messenger > cache

  3. Look inside folders like “files”, “images”, or “video”

  4. Search for media (photos/videos) that may have been part of the deleted chat

  5. Copy any usable files to another folder for safekeeping

Pro Tip

If your phone is rooted, you may access deeper levels of Telegram’s cache for more data.

Method 4: Use Third-Party Data Recovery Tools

Some data recovery tools can retrieve Telegram message remnants or cached content.

Pros:

  • Possible to recover deleted data from local memory

  • Some offer preview-before-recovery features

Cons:

  • Paid software

  • Can’t restore server-deleted messages or secret chats

Steps:

  1. Download a trusted tool like:

    • iMyFone ChatsBack for Telegram

    • Tenorshare UltData (for iOS/Android)

    • Dr.Fone – Data Recovery

  2. Install it on your PC or Mac

  3. Connect your phone via USB and allow permissions

  4. Select “Telegram” or “App Data” as the scan target

  5. Let the tool scan your device memory

  6. Preview the recoverable Telegram chats or media

  7. Select and export any files you want to recover

Important: Many tools offer free previews but charge for full recovery.

Method 5: Ask the Other Person in the Chat

If you deleted the message only for yourself, the other person may still have it.

Pros:

  • Simple and direct

  • Works if message wasn’t deleted “for everyone”

Cons:

  • Depends on cooperation

  • Doesn’t work for one-on-one secret chats or groups

Steps:

  1. Open the conversation with the person

  2. Scroll to the location where the message was deleted

  3. Ask the other user:

    • “Can you forward that message again?”

    • Or request a screenshot if they can't find it

Bonus: Avoid Losing Telegram Messages Again

Proactive measures > regret. Here’s how to keep your Telegram data safe going forward:

1. Use a Secure VPN Against IP Tracking and Telegram Bans

Using a proxy VPN like UFO VPN ensures your Telegram connection is encrypted—especially if you’re in a country where the app is throttled or monitored. Here's how:

Step 1
Grab the free Windows VPN installer right below. UFO VPN is lightweight and secure on all Windows systems. Double-click the downloaded file and complete the installation. Once installed, launch UFO VPN.
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Step 2
Select a VPN Server
Inside the app, you can click the "Connect" button for quick connection, or browse the list of servers by Location or categroy: Video& Stream, Game, etc. Choosing the right server ensures fast speeds and smooth access.
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Pro Tip

UFO VPN is an all-in-one VPN that offers unlimited access to 4D streaming like Netlfix, Disney Plus, no-ping gaming as PUBG, Roblox, CODM and social networking for YouTube, X, Facebook and more.

Step 3
Enable Advanced Features
In addition to basic functions, we recommend you turn on extra protections via Ad Blocker and features like Kill Switch, Split Tunneling and Smart Hop. Users can optimize online gaming/streaming/chatting as much as possible.
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Step 4
Check Your New IP
Use UFO VPN's built-in " What is My IP" feature to see your new IP address and location. This confirms your VPN is working, hides your real IP, and ensures privacy while browsing.
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Step 1 Download and install UFO VPN for macOS
Click the button below to download offcial Mac VPN free. Open the .dmg file, drag UFO VPN to your Applications folder, and launch it. You're just a few clicks away from secure browsing.
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Step 2 Pick Your IP Server
Tap "Connect" button for the fastest server automatically. Or you can select a server from the global server list in 100+ countries. UFO VPN is an UFO VPN is an all-in-one VPN or gaming, video streaming, social platforms, and AI tools.
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Step 3

Unlock Pro Features

If you have upgraded to premium plan , feel free to enjoy premium servers for 4K streaming and advanced features like Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, and gaming acceleration. Your Mac is now fully optimized and protected. Inaddition to basic functions, we recommend you turn on

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Step 4

Verify Your IP Now

Use UFO VPN's " What is My IP " feature to see your new IP and location. This confirms your connection is secure, anonymous, and ready for safe browsing online anywhere at any time.

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Step 1 Download and install UFO VPN for iPhone/iPad
Download this free iOS VPN via official link or App Store. Once installed, launch the app to get started. UFO VPN is now trusted by over 2 million users worldwide with optimzed service.
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Step 2 Select a Perfect Server
Hit "Connect" button for the fastest server near you instantly. Or you can choose a favorite location/platform from the server list manually for full control. UFO VPN is an all-in-one VPN companion for gaming, streaming, social media, and AI tools.
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Step 3 Lookup IP and Enable Pro Features
Now you can check your current IP via built-in IP lookup tool. Pro features in premium plan offer you premium servers, blazing speeds, Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, and Multi-device login, so you can protect your iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices all at once.
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Step 1 install UFO VPN for Android
Get free Android VPN from offcial website or Google Play Store. Follow the instructions for easy download. Then open the app and get ready to surf safely.
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Step 2 Choose Your Ideal Server
UFO VPN is an all-in-one powerhouse for gaming, video streaming, social apps, and AI tools. The"Connect" button links you to the fastest server instantly, or you can choose among the server list manually via Location/ Video&Stream/Games for easy access.
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Step 3 Power Up Pro Features
Pro users can look up current IP via built-in "What Is My IP" feature, and unlock premium features like 4K servers, turbo speeds, Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, and Multi-device login, keeping all your Android phones, tablets, and other devices safe at once.
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Now you can open Telegram through VPN to avoid network bans or interference. Stay anonymous and prevent ISP-level tracking!

2. Set Up Chat Exports (on PC):

  1. Use Telegram Desktop regularly

  2. Follow the export steps from Method 2 monthly

3. Screenshot Important Messages:

  • Use your phone’s screenshot function

  • Save to a secure folder or note-taking app (like Notion or Evernote)

Conclusion

Telegram Doesn’t Offer a Recycle Bin—So act fast. Being prepared is the best way to prevent deleted Telegram messages loss. Back up, export, and secure your Telegram activity regularly.

FAQs

1. Can I recover messages in Telegram deleted for everyone?

No. Once deleted for everyone, Telegram erases it from both devices and the server.

2. Can I recover Telegram messages on Telegram Web?

No. Telegram Web syncs in real-time. Once deleted, the message disappears instantly and can’t be recovered there.

3. Can I use a Telegram bot to restore deleted messages?

No official bots offer message recovery. Most "restore" bots are scams or data phishing attempts.

4. Can Telegram support help recover my chats?

No. Telegram has a strict no-access policy. Not even their staff can restore deleted user messages.

5. Do Telegram secret chats store backup copies?

No. Secret chats are end-to-end encrypted and exist only on your device. Deleted = gone forever.

Bypass blocks. Stay private.

Use UFO VPN — the best free VPN that works anywhere

Also available in:  Русский

Ethan Carter
Ethan Carter

About This Author

I’m Ethan Carter, a New York-based writer with a background in cybersecurity and digital trends. I love breaking down complex tech topics into digestible insights, helping people navigate the online world safely and smartly.