How to recover deleted messages

To learn how to retrieve a deleted message or conversation if you were using iOS 16 or iPadOS 16.1 or later, read this support article --> Recover deleted text messages on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

How to retrieve a deleted message or conversation

1. In Messages, tap Edit on the conversations page. If you previously turned Message Filtering on, the Edit button doesn't appear. Instead, tap Filters on the conversations page.

2. Tap Show Recently Deleted [trash icon].

3. Choose the conversations with the messages you want to restore, then tap Recover.On the Recently Deleted page in Messages, tap the conversation that includes messages you want to recover.

4. Tap Recover Message or Recover [Number] Messages.

You need iOS 16, iPadOS 16.1, or later to recover deleted messages and conversations. You can only recover messages and conversations that you deleted within the last 30 to 40 days.

If you were using a mobile device OS version prior to 16, were using iCloud with Messages and deleted them, they are gone permanently. If you were not using iCloud with messages you may be able to restore them from a backup but only if you are prepared to revert the entire contents of your device back to the time when the backup was made. See this Apple Recommended 2021 post by ASC contributor Chris0107: trying to ser if theres a way i can recov… - Apple Community

Did you read the Apple Support document above your name? It has the answers.

iOS 16 must be installed on your phone

The messages must have been deleted.....after....you installed iOS 16

The messages must not have been deleted more than 30 days ago

Settings > Messages

Tap Edit

Tap Show Recently Deleted

If the messages meet the 3 qualifications listed above they will appear in Recently Deleted. If the messages do not appear in Recently Deleted, they are gone.

See also:

Recovering deleted texts and iMessages - Apple Community