Have you accidentally deleted important messages on Messenger? Don’t panic! There are several ways you can recover them. In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to restore deleted Messenger messages on various devices. Whether you use an iPhone, Android phone, or computer, we have got you covered.
First, let’s address the most common scenario: recovering deleted Messenger messages on an iPhone. Fortunately, iPhone users have access to a convenient feature called “Recently Deleted.” This feature allows you to retrieve messages that have been deleted within the past 30 days. To access the “Recently Deleted” folder, simply open the Messenger app and tap on “Settings” in the bottom-right corner. From there, select “Recently Deleted” and you will see a list of all your recently deleted messages. Simply tap on the “Recover” button to restore the message to your inbox.
If you’re an Android user, recovering deleted Messenger messages is a bit more challenging. However, there are still a few methods you can try. One option is to use a third-party data recovery app. These apps scan your device for deleted files, including Messenger messages. Another option is to contact Facebook support and request a copy of your Messenger data. While this process may take some time, it’s worth trying if you’ve lost important messages.
Retrieving Deleted Messages Directly
Messenger provides a convenient way to retrieve deleted messages without the hassle of reaching out to Facebook support. Here’s a detailed guide to help you recover lost messages directly from your Messenger account:
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Access the Message Requests Folder
Open the Messenger app on your mobile device or web browser and click on the “Message Requests” tab. This section holds messages from people who aren’t in your contacts list.
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Filter by “Deleted Chats”
Once in the Message Requests folder, select the “Filter” option located at the top right corner of the screen. Choose “Deleted Chats” from the drop-down menu. This will display a list of all the conversations that have been deleted from your inbox.
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Restore Deleted Messages
Locate the conversation containing the deleted messages you wish to recover. Click on the “Actions” button associated with that chat and select “Restore Conversation.” The conversation will be restored to your inbox, along with any messages that were previously deleted.
Note: This method is only effective for messages that have been deleted locally from your Messenger account. If the messages were deleted directly from the server, they cannot be recovered using this method.
Accessing the Messenger Message Archive
To recover deleted messages on Messenger, you can access the Message Archive feature. This feature allows you to store a copy of all your Messenger conversations and messages, including those that you have deleted.
To access the Message Archive:
- Open the Messenger app on your computer or mobile device.
- Click on your Profile picture in the top left corner.
- Select “Settings & Privacy” from the menu.
- Click on “Settings”.
- Scroll down to the “General” section and click on “Message Archive”.
Accessing the Message Archive on a Specific Conversation
You can also access the Message Archive for a specific conversation by following these steps:
- Open the Messenger app and go to the conversation you want to access.
- Click or tap the “i” icon in the top right corner of the conversation.
- Select “Message Archive” from the options.
Once you have accessed the Message Archive, you can search for deleted messages by typing keywords into the search bar. You can also filter the messages by date or message type.
If you find the message you are looking for, you can click on it to view the content. You can also download or forward the message if needed.
Additional Information
The Message Archive feature is not enabled by default. You need to manually turn it on to start archiving your messages.
The Message Archive has a storage limit of 10,000 messages. If you exceed this limit, the oldest messages will be automatically deleted.
The Message Archive is not a backup solution. If you delete a message from the Message Archive, it will be permanently deleted.
Using Facebook’s Recovery Tools
Method 1: Download Your Messenger History
Messenger allows you to download a copy of your chat history, including messages, photos, and videos. To do this:
- Open Facebook and click on the down arrow in the top right corner.
- Select “Settings & Privacy” and then “Settings.”
- Click on “Your Facebook Information” in the left sidebar.
- Select “Download Your Information.”
- Under “Select Data to Download,” make sure the box next to “Messages” is checked.
- Choose the desired file format (HTML or JSON) and date range.
- Click “Create File” and wait for the download to complete.
Method 2: Access the Messenger Archive
If you have archived messages, you can recover them from the Messenger archive. To do this:
- Open Messenger and click on the “Chats” tab.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the chat list and click on “See All in Messenger.”
- Click on the “Archived Chats” tab.
- Select the conversation you want to recover and click on “Unarchive.”
Method 3: Contact Facebook Support
As a last resort, you can try contacting Facebook support for assistance with recovering lost messages. Here are the steps:
| Contact Method | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Send an email to support@fb.com explaining your situation. | |
| Help Center | Visit the Facebook Help Center (https://www.facebook.com/help) and search for “recover messages.” |
| Live Chat | Start a live chat with a Facebook representative (if available). |
Checking Third-Party Recovery Software
In case your device or Facebook account is not accessible, you can turn to third-party recovery software. These specialized applications scan your device or the chat logs stored on the Facebook server to retrieve deleted messages. Here are some popular options to consider:
1. iMyFone D-Back
iMyFone D-Back is a comprehensive data recovery software compatible with both iOS and Android devices. It supports the recovery of various data types, including deleted Messenger messages, even without a backup.
| Features |
|---|
| Scan for deleted Messenger messages |
| Recover messages from iOS and Android devices |
| Preview messages before recovery |
2. Dr.Fone for Android Data Recovery
Dr.Fone for Android Data Recovery is another reliable tool that allows users to recover lost Messenger messages with ease. It supports scanning external devices connected to your computer, making it an efficient option if you have backed up your Messenger data.
| Features |
|---|
| Recover messages from Android devices and external storage |
| Supports selective recovery of specific messages |
| Advanced scanning algorithms for improved recovery rates |
3. Disk Drill
Disk Drill is a free and open-source data recovery software available for both macOS and Windows. It offers various recovery modes, including one specifically designed to retrieve deleted messages from social media platforms, including Messenger.
| Features |
|---|
| Recover messages from multiple social media apps |
| User-friendly interface and easy-to-use recovery wizard |
| Deep scan option for thorough data recovery |
Restoring Messages from an iPhone Backup
If you have an iPhone, you can restore your messages from a backup. This is a great way to recover messages that you have accidentally deleted or that have been lost due to a software update.
1. Connect your iPhone to your computer
Using the cable that came with your iPhone, connect your iPhone to your computer. Your computer should automatically open iTunes.
2. Select your iPhone in iTunes
Once your iPhone is connected, it will appear in the left-hand sidebar of iTunes. Click on your iPhone to select it.
3. Click on the “Restore Backup” button
In the “Backups” section of the iTunes window, click on the “Restore Backup” button. A list of available backups will appear.
4. Select the backup you want to restore
From the list of available backups, select the backup that you want to restore. The date and time of each backup will be listed.
5. Click on the “Restore” button
Once you have selected the backup you want to restore, click on the “Restore” button. iTunes will begin restoring your iPhone from the selected backup. This process may take some time, depending on the size of the backup.
Once your iPhone has been restored, your messages will be restored as well. You can now open the Messages app and view your restored messages.
Additional Information
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when restoring messages from an iPhone backup:
- You can only restore messages from a backup that was created on the same computer that you are using to restore your iPhone.
- If you have multiple backups, the most recent backup will be restored by default. However, you can choose to restore an older backup if you want.
- Restoring your iPhone from a backup will overwrite any existing data on your iPhone. If you have any important data on your iPhone, be sure to back it up before restoring from a backup.
Utilizing an Android Data Recovery App
Recuva is not the only available program for recovering lost data from your Android device. A wide range of Android data recovery apps are available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some of the most popular Android data recovery apps include:
- EaseUS MobiSaver for Android
- iMyFone D-Back for Android
- Dr.Fone for Android
- Wondershare Recoverit
- DiskDigger for Android
- GT Recovery – Undelete, Restore
These apps allow you to easily scan your device for lost data and recover it with just a few clicks. However, it is important to note that no data recovery app is 100% effective. The success of data recovery depends on a number of factors, including the type of data loss, the condition of your device, and the specific data recovery app you are using.
| Data Recovery App | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| EaseUS MobiSaver | Recovers deleted messages, contacts, photos, videos, and more | $69.95 |
| iMyFone D-Back | Recovers deleted messages, contacts, photos, videos, and more | $49.95 |
| Dr.Fone | Recovers deleted messages, contacts, photos, videos, and more | $49.95 |
| Wondershare Recoverit | Recovers deleted messages, contacts, photos, videos, and more | $49.95 |
| DiskDigger | Recovers deleted photos and videos | Free |
| GT Recovery | Recovers deleted messages, contacts, photos, videos, and more | $39.95 |
Contacting Facebook Support
If the above methods haven’t solved the problem, you can reach out to Facebook support. Here are the steps to contact them:
1. Visit Facebook’s Help Center
Access the Help Center through this link. This platform offers a comprehensive database of articles and troubleshooting guides to answer various Facebook-related queries.
2. Select the “Messenger” Category
On the left-hand menu, scroll down and select “Messenger.” This will filter the available support articles to those specific to Messenger.
3. Browse Help Center Articles
Explore the provided articles to find one that addresses your issue with recovering messages. Facebook provides detailed instructions and potential solutions in these articles.
4. Submit a Support Request
If you haven’t found a suitable article in the Help Center, you can submit a support request by clicking the “Report a Problem” option located at the bottom of the page. Provide as much detailed information as possible about the issue you’re experiencing.
5. Provide Contact Information
Enter your email address or phone number so that Facebook can contact you for further assistance.
6. Describe the Issue
In the provided text field, describe your messenger recovery problem as thoroughly as possible. Include specific details about the time frame of missing messages, any troubleshooting steps you’ve already attempted, and any relevant screenshots or other supporting documents.
7. Submit the Request
Once you’ve provided all the necessary information, click the “Submit” button to send your support request to Facebook. They will review your request and contact you back with a resolution or further instructions as soon as possible.
| Response Time | Expected Resolution |
|---|---|
| Within 24-48 hours | Guidance on how to recover messages, assistance with troubleshooting, or escalation of the issue to a higher support tier |
Searching the “Message Requests” Folder
If you accidentally deleted a Facebook Messenger conversation, there’s a chance you can recover it from the “Message Requests” folder. This folder contains messages from people who are not on your friends list. To check for deleted messages:
- Log in to Facebook and click the Messenger icon in the top-right corner.
- Click on the “Settings” icon (gear symbol) in the bottom-left corner.
- Select “Message Requests” from the left-hand menu.
- Click on the “See Filtered Requests” link at the bottom of the page.
- Review the list of messages to see if the one you are looking for is there.
If you find the message you want to recover, hover over it and click on the “Actions” button (three dots). Then, select “Move to Inbox” to move the message to your regular inbox.
Here’s a table summarizing the steps:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Log in to Facebook and open Messenger. |
| 2 | Click on “Settings”. |
| 3 | Select “Message Requests”. |
| 4 | Click on “See Filtered Requests”. |
| 5 | Find and select the message you want to recover. |
| 6 | Click on “Actions” and select “Move to Inbox”. |
Employing Messenger’s “Keep Messages” Feature
Messenger allows you to mark specific conversations as “Kept,” ensuring they remain accessible despite having been archived or deleted. This feature is particularly useful for preserving messages you consider important or wish to revisit later. To activate it, navigate to the conversation you want to keep, tap on the three dots in the top-right corner of the screen, and select “Keep Message,” as shown in the steps below:
1. Open the Messenger app on your device.
2. Locate the conversation you want to keep.
3. Tap on the three dots in the top-right corner of the conversation.
4. Select “Keep Message.”
Once you have enabled this feature for a particular conversation, it will remain accessible in your Messenger inbox, even if you have other conversations archived or deleted.
Preventing Future Message Loss
To avoid the inconvenience of lost messages in the future, consider implementing these proactive measures:
1. Enable Chat Backup
Messenger offers an essential feature called chat backup, which automatically stores your messages in Google Drive or iCloud. This ensures that even if you lose your phone or delete the app, your messages will remain safe. To enable chat backup:
- Open the Messenger app.
- Tap on your profile picture in the top left corner.
- Select “Settings” > “Chat Settings” > “Backup and sync.”
- Toggle on “Back up to Google Drive” (for Android) or “Back up to iCloud” (for iOS).
2. Take Screenshots
In situations where you need to preserve an important message, taking a screenshot is a quick and effortless method. Simply press the “Power” and “Volume Down” buttons simultaneously to capture the screen. You can then save the screenshot to your phone’s gallery or share it with others.
3. Copy and Paste Messages
If you don’t want to take screenshots, you can manually copy and paste important messages into a separate document or messaging app. To do this:
- Tap and hold on the message you want to copy.
- Select “Copy” from the menu that appears.
- Open the desired destination (e.g., a text editor, another messaging app).
- Tap and hold on the text field and select “Paste.”
4. Use a Third-Party Recovery Tool
If you have already lost messages and the above methods don’t work, you can consider using a third-party recovery tool. These tools scan your phone’s storage for lost data, including deleted messages. However, it’s important to note that success rates using these tools may vary.
5. Contact Messenger Support
As a last resort, you can reach out to Messenger’s support team. They may be able to assist you in recovering lost messages if other methods have failed.
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Chat Backup | Automatic, secure storage | Requires an active internet connection |
| Screenshots | Quick, easy, and free | Can be time-consuming for large amounts of messages |
| Copy and Paste | Manual but accurate | Requires manual effort |
| Third-Party Recovery Tool | Potential to recover deleted messages | Success rates may vary, can be costly |
| Contact Messenger Support | May provide additional assistance | Not guaranteed to be successful, time-consuming |
How To Recover Messages On Messenger
If you’ve accidentally deleted a message on Messenger, don’t worry – it’s possible to recover it. Here’s how:
- Open Messenger and go to the conversation where the message was deleted.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner of the conversation.
- Select “Message Requests.”
- If the deleted message was sent to you, it will appear in the “Message Requests” list. Click on it to open it.
- If the deleted message was sent by you, it will not appear in the “Message Requests” list. However, you can still recover it by using the “Search” function.
- To search for the deleted message, click on the magnifying glass icon in the top right corner of the Messenger window.
- Type in the text of the deleted message in the search bar.
- If the deleted message is found, it will appear in the search results.
Once you have found the deleted message, you can click on it to open it. You can then copy and paste the message into a new conversation or save it to your computer.
People Also Ask
How can I recover deleted Messenger messages without a backup?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to recover deleted Messenger messages without a backup. However, you can try using a data recovery tool to scan your device for the deleted messages.
How long does Messenger keep deleted messages?
Messenger keeps deleted messages for 30 days. After 30 days, the messages are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.
Can I recover deleted Messenger messages from my friend’s account?
No, you cannot recover deleted Messenger messages from your friend’s account. Messenger messages are only stored on the accounts of the people who sent and received them.
