How to Retrieve Deleted Phone Calls on iPhone (2026 Guide)

Steve Ireland

person holding white smartphone sitting on stair

Accidentally deleted your call history on your iPhone? Don’t panic — in many cases, you can recover deleted phone calls using iCloud, iTunes/Finder backups, or third‑party recovery tools.

This step‑by‑step guide will show you all the proven methods to restore deleted call logs on your iPhone, whether you have a backup or not.


☁️ Method 1: Retrieve Deleted Calls from iCloud Backup

If your iPhone was backed up to iCloud before the calls were deleted, you can restore that backup to recover your call history.

Steps

  1. Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings.
  2. After your iPhone restarts, follow the setup prompts until you reach the Apps & Data screen.
  3. Choose Restore from iCloud Backup.
  4. Sign in with your Apple ID and select a backup dated before you deleted the call logs.
  5. Wait for the restore process to complete.

Result: Your iPhone will be restored to that backup — including your old call history.

⚠️ Note: This method replaces all current data with the data from the backup. Make sure to back up your current iPhone first if you don’t want to lose new information.


💻 Method 2: Retrieve Deleted Calls from iTunes or Finder Backup

If you regularly back up your iPhone to a computer, you can restore your call history through iTunes (Windows/macOS Mojave or earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later).

Steps

  1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a Lightning cable.
  2. Open Finder (on macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (on Windows/macOS Mojave or earlier).
  3. Select your iPhone when it appears.
  4. Click Restore Backup.
  5. Choose a backup made before the calls were deleted.
  6. Click Restore and wait for the process to finish.

Result: Your iPhone will revert to that backup, bringing back your deleted call history.

⚠️ Note: Like the iCloud method, this will overwrite your current data.


🧰 Method 3: Retrieve Deleted Calls Without Backup (Using Recovery Software)

If you don’t have a backup, you can use trusted iPhone data recovery tools that scan your device’s internal storage for deleted data.

Popular Options

  • Appgeeker iPhone Data Recovery (source)
  • Tenorshare UltData
  • iMobie PhoneRescue
  • Dr.Fone – Data Recovery (iOS)

Steps (General Process)

  1. Download and install a reputable recovery tool on your computer.
  2. Connect your iPhone via USB.
  3. Launch the program and select Recover from iOS Device.
  4. Scan your iPhone for deleted data.
  5. Preview and select Call History or Recent Calls.
  6. Click Recover to save the data to your computer or restore it to your device.

Result: You’ll be able to view and export deleted call logs, even without a backup.

⚠️ Note: Success depends on how long ago the calls were deleted and whether new data has overwritten them.


📱 Method 4: Check iCloud Sync (If Calls Are Synced Across Devices)

If you use the same Apple ID on multiple devices (like another iPhone or iPad), your call history might still be visible there.

Steps

  1. On another Apple device signed in with the same Apple ID, open the Phone app.
  2. Check the Recents tab — your deleted calls might still appear.
  3. If you see them, take screenshots or note down the numbers.

🔍 Method 5: Contact Your Carrier

Some mobile carriers keep call records for a limited time and can provide a list of incoming and outgoing calls upon request.

Steps

  1. Log in to your carrier’s online account portal.
  2. Look for Call History or Usage Details.
  3. If unavailable, contact customer support and request your recent call records.

Result: You can retrieve a list of phone numbers, dates, and durations — though not the exact call log inside the iPhone app.


🧠 Tips to Prevent Future Data Loss

  • Enable iCloud Backup:
    Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Turn On.
  • Back up regularly to iTunes or Finder.
  • Use iCloud Drive or third‑party apps to store contacts and call logs safely.
  • Avoid using your iPhone immediately after deleting important data — new data can overwrite deleted files.

✅ Final Thoughts

Even though deleted call logs aren’t stored forever, you often have multiple ways to retrieve deleted phone calls on iPhone — especially if you use iCloud or iTunes backups.

If you don’t have a backup, reliable recovery tools like Appgeeker iPhone Data Recovery or Tenorshare UltData can often recover lost data directly from your device.

🛠️ Pro Tip: Always back up your iPhone before updating iOS or resetting settings — it’s the best way to make sure you never lose important call history again.

iPhone 13 Options

Losing call history on an iPhone 13 can be frustrating, especially if important information was stored there. To recover deleted phone calls on an iPhone 13, you can restore your device from a recent iCloud backup. This method is the most effective way to retrieve lost call logs. Ensure you back up regularly to avoid losing more recent data.

Another approach is using third-party recovery software. These tools scan your device and recover deleted data, including call history. Make sure to use reputable software to protect your data and privacy.

Lastly, resetting network settings can sometimes help in recovering recent calls. This method can fix minor software glitches that might cause call logs to disappear, though it doesn’t guarantee data recovery.

Key Takeaways

  • Restore from iCloud backup
  • Use third-party recovery software
  • Reset network settings for minor glitches

Understanding iPhone Call History Recovery

Recovering deleted call history on an iPhone 13 requires a few steps. Different methods are available, depending on whether you have backup files or not. It’s important to handle your data with care and follow legal guidelines.

The Role of iCloud and iTunes in Data Backup

iCloud and iTunes play a crucial role in data recovery. iCloud automatically backs up iPhone data, including call history, if enabled. Accessing these backups requires logging into your iCloud account from your phone. Select “Restore from iCloud Backup” to retrieve your data.

iTunes offers another way to back up your iPhone. Connect your phone to your computer, open iTunes, and choose “Back Up Now” in the Summary section. To restore from an iTunes backup, connect your iPhone, select “Restore Backup,” and pick the desired backup file. Both methods ensure your call records are retrievable.

Recovery Options for Deleted Phone Calls

Multiple options are available to recover deleted phone calls. If you lack a backup, third-party tools like Disk Drill and AppGeeker can help. These applications scan your iPhone for recoverable data. Once the scan is complete, select “Call History” to view and restore your deleted calls.

Another method involves using Finder if you use macOS. Connect your iPhone via USB, open Finder, and select your device. Find the “General” tab and click “Restore Backup.” Choose a backup from before you lost your call history. Enter your password if encrypted. These methods provide practical solutions to recover lost calls.

Legal and Privacy Considerations

Recovering deleted call history comes with legal and privacy considerations. It’s essential to ensure you’re compliant with local laws regarding data recovery. Unauthorized access to someone else’s call history can be illegal. Always recover data from your device or one you have permission to access.

Privacy is also crucial. Use trusted applications to avoid security risks. Make sure your backup files are secure and encrypted if possible. By adhering to these guidelines, you protect both your data and yourself from potential legal issues.