Permanently Delete Text Messages? Expert Forensics Analysis

How Hard Is It to Permanently Delete Text Messages?

July 17, 2026August 3, 2015 John Carney

Permanently deleting text messages is extremely difficult, with Carney Forensics' expert John Carney stating in 2015 that the likelihood of accidental permanent deletion is "well less than 1 percent." This is because a device's durable memory chips, which store texts, require significant and precise force to be damaged beyond recovery. Common methods of device destruction, such as shattering screens or water submersion, often do not render text messages irretrievable. To ensure data is gone forever, complete obliteration of the device is typically required. The Boston Globe interviewed me during the summer of 2015 about Tom Brady’s deleted text messages, where I answered this question. I based my answer on Carney Forensics’ cell phone forensics practice, examining hundreds of smartphones for mobile evidence for over a decade. Breaking a smartphone to the point where text messages are completely unrecoverable would have to be done on purpose, as memory chips are small, durable, and require serious, precise force to damage. Many common methods for intentionally destroying phones do not make text messages and other data irretrievable. To ensure texts are gone forever, complete obliteration of the device is typically required.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 How difficult is it to permanently delete text messages?

According to John Carney of Carney Forensics, the likelihood of accidentally permanently deleting text messages is "well less than 1 percent." This suggests that such deletions are typically intentional and may still leave recoverable traces.

2 What was Carney Forensics' role in the Tom Brady text message controversy?

John Carney was interviewed by The Boston Globe in 2015 to provide expert insight into the difficulty of permanently deleting text messages, specifically in the context of the Tom Brady case. He offered his professional opinion on the matter.

3 Can Carney Forensics help recover deleted text messages for legal purposes?

While the article focuses on the difficulty of permanent deletion, Carney Forensics specializes in digital forensics, including cell phone forensics and services to recover deleted text messages. Their expertise is crucial for legal and investigative needs.

4 Why is expert digital forensics important for deleted text messages in legal cases?

Expert digital forensics, as provided by Carney Forensics, is vital for analyzing deleted text messages to determine intent, assess recoverability, and provide credible expert testimony. This expertise supports legal professionals in understanding complex digital evidence.

Carney Forensics Blog

Frequently Asked Questions