By accident I erased the symbol for iPhone messages

The Messages app cannot be deleted since it is a part of iOS. It is probably accidentally removed from the Home Screen, however, still exists in the App Library. The App Library is the last Home Screen on your iPhone when you continue to SWIPE LEFT until you reach it. Once you are in the App Library, then you can search and find the Messages app. Once found, then you can DRAG the app out of there and place it on your favorite spot of the Home Screen.

Axel F.

Have you tried going to the App Store and searching for "Messages"? I haven't deleted mine, but when I search I see the "OPEN" button. I'm thinking you should see a little cloud with an arrow pointing down to download a previously "purchased" app.

deggie wrote:

You see the OPEN button because the app is still on your iPhone so it cannot be downloaded.

I understand that. But there is the option to remove the app icon, even if the underlying app doesn't actually delete.

Check the App Library for the messages app.

Go to the App Library (the last screen on your phone) and move it back to your home screen.

You see the OPEN button because the app is still on your iPhone so it cannot be downloaded.

So? Others already correctly answered it was still on the iPhone in the App Library.