# How to see and restore deleted text conversations

In Onyx Phone, deleting a text conversation hides it from Messages but never erases it. Account admins can see every deleted conversation on a line, who deleted it and when, read it, and restore it with one click. This guide also shows how to choose whether everyone or only admins can delete texts.

Works on: Web app. Updated November 6, 2026. Web page with labeled screenshots: https://www.onyxphone.io/guides/deleted-texts

## Before you start

- You need to be an account admin. Teammates don't see deleted conversations.

## Step 1. Open a line's deleted texts

- Step 1.a: In the left menu, click Messages.
- Step 1.b: Find the line's heading and click Deleted texts at its right.
- Step 1.c: Read the list. Each deleted conversation shows the number, when it was deleted and by whom, and how many texts it holds.

![The Messages page with the Deleted texts button next to the Minneapolis line highlighted.](https://www.onyxphone.io/guides/shots/web-deleted-link.webp)

![The Deleted texts page listing a deleted conversation with who deleted it and when.](https://www.onyxphone.io/guides/shots/web-deleted-list.webp)

## Step 2. Restore a conversation

- Step 2.a: Click a deleted conversation to read it first, if you like.
- Step 2.b: Click Restore next to the conversation. It returns to Messages for everyone on the line, and to the phone apps on their next sync.

![The Restore button next to a deleted conversation.](https://www.onyxphone.io/guides/shots/web-deleted-restore.webp)

## Step 3. Choose who can delete texts

- Step 3.a: Click your initials at the top right of the screen, then click Team.
- Step 3.b: Click Deleting texts to open the setting.
- Step 3.c: Tick the box to let everyone on a line delete its conversations, or clear it so only admins can.
- Step 3.d: Click Save.

![The Deleting texts setting on the Team page, with its checkbox and Save button highlighted.](https://www.onyxphone.io/guides/shots/web-deleting-texts-setting.webp)

## Questions and answers

### Are deleted texts gone for good?

No. Onyx Phone never erases texts. Deleting a conversation only hides it, and an admin can restore it at any time from Deleted texts.

### If a customer texts again after I delete the conversation, what happens?

Their new text starts a fresh conversation in Messages. The deleted texts stay hidden until an admin restores them, which joins them back into the conversation.

### Can teammates see deleted texts?

No. Only account admins see Deleted texts and can restore conversations.

### How do I stop teammates from deleting texts?

Open Team, click Deleting texts, clear the box, and click Save. Then only admins can delete conversations, on the web and in the apps.

### Does deleting a conversation stop the number from texting us?

No. To stop a number from reaching you, block it. See Block numbers.