How to Recover Permanently Deleted Messages on Facebook Messenger

We’ve all been there – that moment when you accidentally tap the wrong button and watch in horror as an important message vanishes into thin air. But fear not, because there are ways to salvage those conversations. In this guide, we’ll explore various methods to recover permanently deleted messages on Facebook Messenger, ensuring your precious memories and crucial information are never truly lost.

Understanding Deleted Messages on Facebook Messenger

When you delete a message on Facebook Messenger, it’s not immediately wiped from existence. Instead, it’s moved to a hidden folder, giving you a chance to recover it. However, if you remove the message from this hidden folder or if it’s been in the folder for too long, the message becomes irretrievable. But fret not; there are still methods to rescue those messages if you act swiftly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Recover Permanently Deleted Messages

Enabling Message Saving

Before you encounter a situation where you need to recover deleted messages, consider enabling the “Save on Devices” option in your settings. This ensures that messages are also saved on your device and can be recovered if needed.

Recovering Deleted Messages on Mobile

• Open the Messenger app and tap on your profile picture in the top left corner.
• Select “Settings” and go to “Your Facebook Information.”
• Tap on “Download Your Information” and select “Messages.”
• Choose the conversation you want to recover messages from and click “Create File.”
• Once the file is ready, you’ll receive a notification. Download it and extract the contents to view your messages.

Retrieving Deleted Messages on Desktop

• Log in to your Facebook account on a computer.
• Click on the small triangle in the top right corner and select “Settings & Privacy,” then “Settings.”
• On the left sidebar, click on “Your Facebook Information.”
• Click on “Download Your Information” and select “Messages.”
• Choose the conversation and other message-related data you want to include.
• Click “Create File” and wait for the notification to download and extract the file.

Checking the Archived Conversations

Sometimes, messages aren’t deleted but rather archived. To check your archived conversations:

• Open Messenger and click on your profile picture.
• Select “Archived Chats” to view all archived conversations.

Utilizing Third-Party Tools for Recovery

While Facebook provides methods to recover messages, there are third-party tools available as well. These tools may offer more flexibility and options for recovery, but exercise caution and ensure the tool is reputable and secure before proceeding.

Best Practices to Prevent Message Loss

To avoid the heartache of losing important messages, follow these best practices:

• Double-check before deleting any messages.
• Regularly back up your messages and media.
• Enable the “Save on Devices” option.
• Archive conversations instead of deleting them.

Conclusion

Losing messages on Facebook Messenger can be distressing, but it’s not the end of the world. By following the methods outlined in this article, you have a good chance of recovering those deleted messages and maintaining your valuable conversations.

FAQs

1. Can I recover messages that were deleted a long time ago?

While messages deleted a long time ago might be more challenging to recover, it’s still worth trying the methods mentioned in this article.

2. Is it safe to use third-party tools for message recovery?

It’s crucial to research and select reputable third-party tools to avoid compromising your privacy and security.

3. Will the other person know if I retrieve a deleted message?

No, retrieving a deleted message won’t notify the other person involved in the conversation.

4. How can I archive conversations instead of deleting them?

To archive a conversation, long-press on the conversation and select the “Archive” option.

5. Is there a way to recover messages if my account is deactivated?

Unfortunately, if your account is deactivated, you won’t be able to recover messages until you reactivate it.