Losing a critical Facebook conversation could be annoying; no, it’s awful. Those messages could be very precious to you. You never wanted to lose those memories. But don’t panic! We can tell you how to Recover Permanently Deleted FB Messages on Messenger. We thought of providing the topmost workable solutions so that you can easily retrieve those chats. This guide focuses on retrieving deleted messages on messenger with simple and swift steps.
So, without further ado, let’s start the process of Facebook Messages Recovery!
Before You Proceed:
Remember Facebook stores all your deleted data for up to 90 days. If you try recovering messages after this duration, the chances of restoring deleted messages are quite thin. For more help, you can always visit their Messenger Help Center.
How To Completely Recover Deleted Facebook Messages?
- STEP 1- Log in to your Facebook Account & Go to Settings & Privacy >Settings.
- STEP 2- Click on the ‘Your Facebook Information’ section.
- STEP 3- Click on the ‘Download Your Information’ button.
- STEP 4- Check on the data you wish to download, include your Messages & Click on ‘Create File’.
- STEP 5- Once your files are processed, Click on the Download button to recover lost/deleted messages.
This is the first and foremost step on how to recover deleted messages in messenger.
Also Read – Best File Recovery Software
Top 5 Ways To Recover Permanently Deleted Facebook Chats On FB Messenger
Check out these straightforward ways one by one to see which method helps you to restore those deleted messenger chats quickly:
What To Do? | Workarounds |
---|---|
METHOD 1 | How To Find and Recover Deleted Chats Via Unarchiving Messages? |
METHOD 2 | How Do You Retrieve Lost Facebook Messages on PC? |
METHOD 3 | Recover Facebook Messenger Messages On Android With File Explorer |
METHOD 4 | Completely Restore Deleted Facebook Messages On Android Device via PC |
METHOD 5 | Get Back Permanently Deleted Texts On FB Messenger Via Third-Party App |
In A Hurry? Watch This! | Watch Video |
METHOD 1- How To Find and Recover Deleted Chats Via Unarchiving Messages?
Note: In case you haven’t deleted the FB messages but accidentally archived it!
Archived messages are no longer present in your recent conversations area, as they are not permanently deleted. So, make sure to check out the Archived Messages Folder, because the chances are that you haven’t deleted the FB messages.
Follow the steps to find & retrieve deleted messages from Facebook Messenger on Android/iPhone:
STEP 1- Launch the Facebook Messenger App on your device. Make sure you’re logged in!
STEP 2- Go to the search bar and look for the conversation you think you deleted.
STEP 3- When you see the desired chat, send another message to the recipient, which will unarchive the entire conversation. This is the easiest method on how to retrieve deleted messages on messenger.
To Perform Facebook Messages Recovery On Desktop:
STEP 1- On your PC, Launch FB Messenger > Go to Messages Tab > Click on the ‘gear’ icon > Hit ‘Archived Threads’ option, all the archived messages will be listed there. This will list all the messages that were thought to be deleted and is an easy way among the other steps on how to see deleted messages on messenger.
Also Read: How To Recover Deleted Facebook Account?
METHOD 2- How Do You Retrieve Deleted Facebook Messages on PC?
Thankfully, Facebook realizes the fact that anyone can delete messages or files accidentally. So, they offer a direct way for users to restore deleted messages from their settings. To start recovering your conversation:
STEP 1- Login to your Facebook account and head towards ‘Settings & Privacy.’
STEP 2- From General Account Settings, go to ‘Your Facebook Information’ section from the left panel > click on the ‘Download your information’ button.
STEP 3- Now, you will be redirected to the next page where you can download every bit of information. It includes every activity you’ve done on your Account, since the time you’ve joined Facebook.
Here, if you want to save your storage space, you need to click on Deselect All first. This will help you optimize your data.
STEP 4- Check and put a Tick on what data you wish to download, which in this case the Messages. So, we scroll down and select it by marking the box in front of Messages. Once done, click on the ‘Create File’ button.
STEP 5- Once you click the Create File button, a small pop-up message will appear on your screen, stating about the processing of your files & you’ll be notified via Facebook notification when it gets completed.
A download link will be sent to your associated email ID. Click on the link given in your mail from Facebook, and it will direct you to Facebook’s Download Your Information Page. You’ll be asked to enter your Password for security purposes.
STEP 6- Hit ‘Download’ option to continue the process.
Unzip the folder and find the ‘Index’ file that contains all your Facebook Data > Choose ‘Messages’, and you’ll be able to see all your deleted Facebook messages. And this concludes the second way on how to recover deleted messages in messenger.
Also Read: How To Delete Facebook Account Permanently?
METHOD 3- Recover Facebook Messenger Messages On Android With File Explorer
Facebook Messenger follows the principle “Off the Internet”, which means there is another copy of your data in your device’s storage space. This means a simple method on how to retrieve deleted messages on messenger is to try and locate your deleted chats in your File Management App.
STEP 1- Launch the File Explorer on your device & go to the Storage/SD Card folder.
STEP 2- Find & Open the Android folder; it stores all the data related applications.
STEP 3- Find Data folder > Cache folder > fb_temp.
It holds backup files related to each app. So, there might be a probability that FB Messenger saves your messages right in the folder making this your golden chance to recover deleted Messenger messages.
Also Read: How To Deactivate Facebook Messenger Once Facebook Is Deactivated?
METHOD 4- Completely Restore Deleted Facebook Messages On Android Device via PC
Unable to find deleted Facebook messages using the aforementioned method? You can certainly try another way by accessing your smartphone memory from the PC.
STEP 1- Connect your phone with your system via USB cable and locate your device.
STEP 2- Head towards ‘SD Card or Internal Storage’ > click on ‘Android’ > ‘Data’ > find “com.facebook.orca” named folder.
STEP 3- In the “com.facebook.orca” folder > find ‘cache’ > fb_temp > locate your Facebook messages with backups in the folder.
Start recovering deleted messages on Facebook Messenger from your computer! This is a bit too technical a method in the list of how to see deleted messages on messenger.
Also Read: How To Transfer Facebook Photos & Videos To Google Photos?
METHOD 5- Get Back Permanently Deleted Texts On FB Messenger Via Third-Party App
If the above-mentioned methods were not that helpful, you could take help from a third-party application that offers the easiest yet the fastest way to recover deleted Messenger messages in a couple of taps and swipes.
How To Recover Deleted Facebook Messages from your Android using Stellar Data Recovery Application?
Stellar Data Recovery For Android is an amazing application that extracts photos, text messages, and contacts among other data that has been deleted from your phone. It supports over 6000 Android devices and tablets assisting users to recover chat and media from WhatsApp and Facebook. Here are some of its features:
Supports Multiple Languages. This application allows users to choose from 5 international languages namely English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
Export data in multiple formats. Users can choose among VCF, HTML, or PDF formats to export the recovered data.
Recovers files deleted due to Malware Infection. It is now possible to retrieve your messages and contacts that might have been deleted due to virus or malware infection.
Quick Recovery mode. The Stellar Data Recovery for Android helps users to recover deleted data within three simple steps that are Select, Scan, and Recover.
Sort Results Of Recovered Data. The recovered files can be easily sorted with various filters to locate and recover important files only.
Processor | Pentium Class |
Operating System |
Windows 10 / 8.1 / 8 / 7 |
Memory |
1 GB RAM |
Hard Disk |
100 MB of Free Space |
Single User License |
Yes |
Language Supported |
English, German, French, Italian & Spanish |
Price |
$39.99 |
Click here to download Stellar Data Recovery For Android
STEP 1- Install Stellar Data Recovery for Android, it’s a dedicated tool designed to recover lost or deleted text messages, contacts, photos, videos and other multimedia data from Android devices.
STEP 2- Connect your Android device to the computer & download the software on your Windows PC.
STEP 3- Now launch the software & let the data recovery tool scan all your lost or deleted messages. It offers a ‘one-click preview’ of messages, photos, videos and documents after the scan soon, which you can go through the data you wish to recover.
STEP 4- Once you are done locating the files you wish to retrieve > export files to save it!
All the files would be saved in PDF file format and you would be able to recover deleted Messenger messages.
How To Recover Deleted Facebook Messages from your iPhone using Stellar Data Recovery Application?
iOS users can try using Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone to recover deleted data from their iPhone devices efficiently.
The process to recover deleted Facebook messages on the iPhone is more or less the same as Android.
Help Recover iCloud files. This data recovery software carries out the recovery process swiftly and with ease and at the same time ensures that every single bit of data stored in your iCloud backup files is recovered.
Recover Safari Bookmarks. This application assists users to retrieve the bookmarks made on your Safari browser of the iPhone.
Helps retrieve deleted Notes. Now you can recover deleted notes of large sizes consisting of attachments from your iPhone.
Recover Voice Memos and Call History. Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone recovers missing Voice Memos from iPhone along with the call log of your iPhone that has been either lost or deleted.
Complete Recovery. Complete iOS data recovery application that allows users to recover lost and deleted information from iPhone, iPad, iTunes, and iCloud.
Processor | IntelClass |
Operating System |
Mac OS X 10.8 and above |
Memory |
2 GB RAM |
Hard Disk |
250 MB of Free Space |
Single User License |
Yes |
Language Supported |
English, German, French, Italian & Spanish |
iPhone Version |
iPhone 12/ 12 Pro/ 12 Pro Max/ 12 Mini/ SE/ 11 / 11 Pro / XS / XS Max / XR / X / 8 Plus / 8 / 7 Plus / 7 / 6S Plus / 6S / 6 Plus / 6 / 5S / 5c / 5 / 4S / 4 |
Price |
$39.99 |
Here are the steps to use this application:
Step 1: Download the Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone from the button below
Step 2: Install the app and launch it open.
Step 3: Select the data type you wish to recover and click on the Next button.
Step 4: Click on Scan to initiate the process.
Step 5: Preview the results displayed and choose the folder where you want to save the recovered data.
In A Hurry? Watch This!
Were You Able To Completely Recover Deleted Facebook Messages? (2020)
Hope these methods were effective enough to help you find and recover deleted Facebook messages on Messenger. Do mention in the comments section below which one of the how-to see deleted messages on messenger worked for you. Stay Tuned for more ‘How-To’ fixes, tips and tricks on the latest tech!
FAQs
Q1. Can Deleted Facebook Chat be recovered?
Fortunately, deleted Facebook Chats can be recovered by downloading your information in the Settings section. There are third-party software like Stellar Data Recovery that can scan your device and retrieve deleted text messages, contacts, images, video & audio clips, and other data.
Q2. Can you recover deleted secret conversations on Messenger?
Yes, you can recover deleted secret conversations on Messenger only from the original device that was involved in the conversation provided the Facebook cache is not deleted from this device.
Q3. How can you tell if someone has deleted Messenger?
If the profile appears unavailable, then the person may have deleted Messenger. But, if your messages are not delivered, the person may have blocked you.
Q4. How to recover permanently deleted messages on Messenger?
Follow the methods on the blog to learn how to recover deleted messages on Messenger. Using a third-party tool is your best bet in this case.
Q5. How do I delete the messages in my Messenger?
To delete messages on Messenger, select each message, hold it when it shows options, and select Remove. To delete the entire chat, go to more and click on Delete. Remember this will not delete messages for the recipient. You can unsend a message before they see it to remove it from both sides.
NEXT READ:
Tasha Patterson
Help me get my conversations back on my message Facebook messengerMansi Vijay
Hello Tasha, to recover deleted conversations you can simply go to your General Accounts Settings > click on ‘Download Your Information’ option > on the next page, select what information you would like to download (check Messages option) > click on Create File button > let Facebook gather all your information, once done you’ll be notified in your notification section to download the copy > Click Download option to continue the process. You can also watch this video to understand the whole procedure to recover deleted messages on FB Messenger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJFl8Xi7gqMSomnath Sarkar
This is so helpful for me….Thank u.Mansi Vijay
Hey Somnath, thanks for the comment. Glad this article helped you!Parisonline
is there a way to recover a post in a chat that the sender deleted? So only one post that was deleted from an active chat by the sender?Mansi Vijay
Hey, unfortunately there’s no way to recover such posts! However, you can always try the above methods to check what works for you.Judd
It doesn’t work for me. Tried every way listed, still didn’t recover what I am looking forMansi Vijay
Hey Judd, This should be kept in mind that, Facebook stores your data for up to 90 days. If your data is older than this duration, the probability of getting that data back is quite thin.Claudia
Hi, I’ve tried this method and I’ve seen all my old messages that I’ve deleted but one conversation that I’m actually looking for does not appear. How is that possible?Mansi Vijay
Hey Claudia, According to Facebook, it stores your data for up to 90 days. If your data is older than this duration, the probability of getting those data back is quite thin!Mansi Vijay
Hey Stephanie, this should be kept in mind that, Facebook stores your data for up to 90 days. If your data is older than this duration, the probability of getting that data back is quite thin.lourdes magnaye
hiii. if i follow these methods is the deleted messages still appear on messenger or not?Mansi Vijay
Hey Lourdes, we’ve tried to incorporate all the ways through which you can retrieve accidentally deleted messages. However, you have to try applying each method to see which one works for you!Boo
i tired all 4 methods T_T still can retrieve the deleted photosMansi Vijay
Hey Boo, Thanks for your comment. It’s unfortunate that you were not able to recover your deleted photos. But if your deleted data is older than 90 days. The probability of getting it back is quite thin. Since Facebook doesn’t store the deleted data on their servers for more than 90 days of duration.Supriya
Hi by mistake I have deleted few conversation (i mean entire) chat but now for some very urgent reason I need them back so that I can prove myself matter is really serious please tell me can I get back all those deleted msgs ? I just need that no issue with PDF or in messenger or any other formMansi Vijay
Hi Supriya, You can watch this quick tutorial to recover accidentally deleted messages on Facebook Messenger. However, please note that Facebook stores your data for up to 90 days. If your data is older than this duration, the probability of getting the chat messages back is quite thin.WladimirKlitchko
I have a problem. I got the picture in a messenger chat and deleted it. can i get it back? I tried via FB to send me a download chat for this period and it is not in the photos folder. Is there any way to get that picture back?Mansi Vijay
Hi, You can try using a third-party tool like Stellar Data Recovery for Android & iPhone. The download links for both the apps are mentioned in the article. Use them & see if it works for you to get the deleted picture back!Mike
How long will it take to process a copy of information on facebook to be done? I requested a “Download Your Information”. Will it take just an hour or more?Mansi Vijay
Hi Mike, Depending on the amount of data, the download process can take time. Keep patience you’ll be notified on your associated Email Id when it’s done!Felicity
Hi there, I just recently delete a whole conversation by accident. I wanted to recover it but the thing is when I try to download all the messages from previous convos, but the one that I’m trying to find was not there. How come not all messages appear to be downloaded? And why can’t I get the recently deleted conversation that I want recovered?Felicity
Hi there, When I downloaded all of my previous conversations on facebook. I can’t find that one conversation that I’m looking for. How can I find and recover the conversation that i recently deleted?Missy
Hi I actually accidentally deleted a chat conversation today 10.03.2020 I tried recover it today itself but unfortunately unable to get the messages I’m looking for Any other methods pleaseRose
Hi I actually accidentally deleted a chat conversation today 10.03.2020 I tried recover it today itself but unfortunately unable to get the messages I’m looking for Any other methods pleaseChivon
Hello I need to recover a message from 23feb this year and wondered what recover app is best ? My messages are not in archive files please help. I’m being bullied at work and accused and this will help prove I’m not lying to my boss,Justin
Do you have to open iTunes for the third party iPhone method ?David de Leon
How long do I usually have to wait in order for my information to be copied? Facebook tells me that a copy of my information is being created but the duration of time which I have to wait is not specified. How long does this process usually take?Gowtham
I retrieved only the archieved msgs and not the deleted msgs.. please helpBehealthis
Following these quick steps, you can easily find and recover deleted messages on Facebook Messenger on Android. Many of these tips include built-in features and using third-party tools for instant results. If you know more such effective ways that helped you recover your deleted messages, then feel free to share in the comments below.Dafny
Hello, this is very informative as well as very tedious to do. So I before I do anything I would to confirm first if is possible to retrieve just one specific message? My case is that I delete just one message in the entire chat but I really need that message back. Do you think it would be possible? thank you!Dafny
Hello, this is very informative as well as very tedious to do. So I before I do anything I would want to confirm first if is possible to retrieve just one specific message? My case is that I deleted just one message in the entire chat but I really need that message back. Do you think it would be possible? thank you!Lourdes
All I want is to back the normal conversation of my group chats which i accidentally deleted all the messages.?noman
how can i recover permenantly deleted chats on messenger its been a long time deletedmansi neha
was anyone able to retrieve deleted messages of more than years ?Sachin
I deleted my Facebook massenger chat can I recover thatHaan
The second method only shows current messages not deleted texts, I followed all the steps and it only showed currents texts, it only copies current Facebook data. Thank you for wasting my time with this bullshit articleAnonymous
Hi Mansi Vijay I need to speak to you privately. Please could you send me your email so I can attend to a serious matter regarding deleted messages from messenger.Pippa
Doesn’t retrieve deleted messages!! This is only messages that you’ve archived, your best bet is to get into contact with Facebook support and explain your situation to them as any permanently deleted messages are gone from any backups on your accounts but not from Facebook servers.Aru
I actually accidentally deleted chat (during lockdown official conversation)from 10.04.2020 to 27/04/2020. I tried recover it today itself but unfortunately unable to get the messages I’m looking for Any other methods please. Please help me.Kayce Pettit
Well put together perform you might have the following.eugene
hey i tried this method but the archived messege is only recovered but not the deleted oneANGEL SANTOS
Hi! I hope my facebook messages will recover after this. I’m trying after I read those methods. My last question is how many hours it takes to recover it all?Prashant srivastava
i want to recover my facebook massenger but i m trying continue still i not recovered my fb masseges in massenger please help meAjmal
This is so helpful for me….Thank u.akshita
Quite an informative blog. Thankyou for providing me with the ways to recover Facebook messages.Mridula Nimawat
Hello, we are glad to hear that the information was helpful.Kimberly
What do you do if it’s in a different language and not in English… I know that my boyfriend changed it so I can’t read it if I found it…Kripa
My sister’s account has been deleted due to age issue I’ve sent some important msgs to my account from her but i m unable to access those information even after using so mmany methods The msgs sent from MY ID TO HER r there But i m not able to access the msgs sent from HER ID TO MINE PLEASE HELP THOSE ARE REALLY IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS N I HAVE REALLY IMPORTANT INFORMATION THEREMark Ashford
Download info dosent work. The deleted messages is not there ?Bhagyashri
Hi I am not able to retrieve my messages of messenger which I have deleted .Also It’s only 20 days when I deleted. Kindly help it’s urgent.Magda
Hi I deleted an old conversation, then started a new conversation in messenger 48h later when I tried to retrieve my information in this way and received the download for messaged it didn’t include the older deleted messages only the more recent conversation is there another way around this? ThanksShashank
Does this really help get the deleted messages on facebook back?Biran
what method should done for recover All deleted message messanger?Malsha
I couldnt get any deleted messages..only can get archivesCarrisa Bainbridge
I need to recover deleted chat on messengerMridula Nimawat
Hello, Please follow the steps on the blog to recover deleted chats on messenger. Thank youJK
I have deleted the whole chat not some messages is there some way to recover the whole chat please reply.Mridula Nimawat
Hello, Once you have deleted the chat from your Facebook, only one way it is possible to retrieve it i.e. by asking the other person as their inbox still has it. Hope it helps.Kristina A Smith
I tried to download deleted messenger messages using my PC. I recieved the zip file but it didn’t have anything that was deleted in it.Preeti Seth
Hello Kristina, Please note that if the deleted messages weren’t archived, you would not see anything in the folder. However, if you are sure the messages were archived, we suggest contacting Facebook support. Also, you can visit https://www.facebook.com/help/1573156092981768/?helpref=login_help. Thank You.Sydney
I got some messages back, but only half of a conversation, do you know why that would be? And how I can get the whole conversationMridula Nimawat
Hello Sydney, It is possible the entire data is not recovered because some of them might have been deleted by the other person. You can repeat the procedure to see if this time you recover more messages. Hope it helps!