Q: Messages not working after IOS 9.3.2 update

Hi mariekrewe,

Thanks for checking out the Apple Support Communities and for the details about what's happening with your Messages app. I use text messages to keep in touch with all of my family and friends so I can understand wanting to make sure that it's working the way you expect. There are a few steps that I can suggest to help you get this resolved.

First, as far as retrieving your deleted text messages, the best way to do that would be with a backup. If you have a recent backup from iTunes or iCloud, you can restore that to your iPhone. Keep in mind that anything done on your iPhone from the time of the last back up up until now would be erased, so any new text messages and any other new data you've added would be deleted. You can find the steps for restoring a backup here: 

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support

Next, the best place to start troubleshooting is with restarting your iPhone if you haven't done that yet. This can help resolve many issues including issues with the Messages app trying to send multiple messages that have already sent.

Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

If the restart doesn't resolve the issue, then I recommend to backup your iPhone and then reset all settings. This reset doesn't actually erase any personal data but it's always good to have a backup. You can find the steps in the article below. The reset will reset some default settings like sounds, wallpapers, display & brightness, FaceTime & iMessage, restrictions, Date & Time and Wi-Fi networks. You'll need to have your Wi-Fi password to reconnect so make sure you have that available. To reset the settings go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. Once the phone restarts, you'll want to go to Settings > Messages and make sure you sign back in to iMessage (and do the same in Settings > FaceTime), then test out the messages. 

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

You'll also want to check the sound settings for your text messages. You can do this in Settings > Sounds > Text Tone. Make sure a tone is set and that it plays when you select it. You'll also want to check the notification settings for the Messages app. 

If you don't see notifications for a specific app

To get notifications, you need to be connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network. If you’re not getting notifications for a specific app, try these steps:

1. Make sure that the app supports notifications. Go to Settings > Notifications, select the app, and make sure that Notifications are turned on.
2. Make sure that you’re signed in to your Apple ID on your iOS device. Go to Settings > iTunes & App Stores and enter your Apple ID and password.
3. Make sure that Do Not Disturb is turned off. Go to Settings > Do Not Disturb and tap Manual if it's turned on.
4. If you’ve recently installed an app or restored from a backup, open the app to start getting notifications.

You can find more info on Notification Settings here:

Use Notifications on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Cheers!