How long is the content of SMS messages retained?

[JayBee]

I am hoping to recover SMS content from October 2019 through December 2020

[Nighthawk · Accepted solution]

Telus doesn't keep copies of SMS messages. If you haven't already backed the messages up from your phone, you're out of luck.

[xray]

It would be a huge privacy concern if carriers kept SMS messages. It's a good thing that they don't.

[Upcraft]

My understanding is that Telus retains a copy for 90 days but the contents are not available to any front line support reps.  (A long time ago they were and they had a place you could see your own online, but abuses of both online and front line support access led to it being more restricted)

You may also be able to request a copy of your records from the privacy officer at Telus.  

You may contact the TELUS Privacy Request Centre at 1-800-567-0000 or email us at privacy@telus.com.

They would also be available under a court order from their security/legal department but still for that 90 day window of retention. 

But 2019 is far beyond their 90 retention so this specific example you would be out of luck.