Wondershare Recoverit

Hard Drive Recovery

  • Recovers deleted or lost files from hard drive effectively, safely and completely.
  • Supports data recovery from 500+ data loss scenarios, including computer crash, partition loss, accidental human error, etc.
  • Supports 1000+ file formats recovery with a high success rate and without any quality loss.
Free Download Free Download Free Download Learn More >
hard drive recovery

How to Find Deleted Messages on Facebook?

Learn how to find deleted messages on Facebook with 6 easy methods. Recover deleted Facebook messages quickly on PC and Android with our step-by-step guide for beginners.
Raquel Alcocer
Raquel Alcocer Originally published May 27, 25, updated Jun 19, 25

Ever lost an important Facebook message? The panic sets in when you can't find a crucial conversation. Isn’t it? Well, how to find deleted messages on Facebook is one of the most common problems users face. Thousands of people search for solutions every day!

Don't worry - all hope is not lost. Even when messages seem gone forever, there are ways to bring them back. How to recover deleted Facebook messages is easier than most people think. Facebook's systems often keep copies of your data even after you've deleted it from your view.

how to find deleted messages on facebook

This complete guide will walk you through proven methods to recover deleted messages on Facebook. We'll cover everything from simple archive checks to advanced recovery tools. Whether you use a phone or computer, you'll find a solution that works for your situation. Let's explore how to find erased messages on Facebook step by step.

Try Recoverit to Recover Lost Data from Facebook

article-safe-itemSecurity Verified. Over 7,302,189 people have downloaded it.

In this article
    1. Method 1: Check your archived conversations
    2. Method 2: Download Your Facebook Data
    3. Method 3: Search Email Notifications
    4. Method 4: Check Messenger Cache (Android)
    5. Method 5: Ask the Other Person
    6. Method 6: Contact Facebook Support

Part 1: Why do Facebook Messages Get Deleted?

Understanding why messages disappear helps you recover erased Facebook messages more effectively. Messages can vanish for many different reasons, not just manual deletion.

  • Accidental deletion: The most common cause - you might tap the delete button without meaning to while sorting through conversations.
  • App crashes: When the Facebook app crashes during use, it might fail to display certain messages when restarted.
  • Storage problems: Your device might delete cached message data when running low on storage space.
  • Automatic cleanup: Facebook sometimes clears old cached data to improve performance.
  • Account security issues: If someone gains access to your account, they might delete conversations.
  • System updates: Updates to Facebook or your device can sometimes cause message display problems.
  • Sync errors: When using multiple devices, synchronization problems might make messages disappear.
  • Facebook bugs: Sometimes the Messenger app itself has bugs that cause messages to vanish from view.

Part 2: How to Find Deleted Messages on Facebook

There are several reliable ways to check deleted Facebook messages. Start with the simplest methods before trying more complex ones. One of these techniques will likely help you recover your lost conversations.

Method 1: Check your archived conversations

Many users think they've deleted messages when they've actually just archived them. Archived conversations are simply hidden from your main inbox but still exist. This is the first place to look when trying to recover Facebook messages.

The archive feature helps you clean up your inbox without permanently removing conversations.

  • No technical skills needed - just a few simple clicks
  • Works for conversations from any time period
  • Doesn't require downloading any extra tools or software
  • Provides immediate access to your missing conversations

Steps:

  1. Open the Facebook Messenger app on your phone. Tap on your profile pictur. Scroll down and select "Archived Chats".
    facebook archived chats
  2. Browse through the list to find your missing conversation. Send a new message in the conversation to move it back to your main inbox

Method 2: Download Your Facebook Data

Facebook keeps comprehensive records of your activity, including messages. Downloading this data is a reliable way to view deleted Facebook messages that you can't access through normal means.

This method uses Facebook's official data download feature, which gathers all your information from their servers. It's the most complete solution when you need to get deleted Facebook messages back after they've disappeared from your account.

  • Contains your entire message history since account creation
  • Includes photos, videos, and conversations.
  • Officially supported by Facebook and completely legal
  • Works even for messages deleted months or years ago

How to recover deleted messages from Facebook settings:

  1. Log in to your Facebook account on a computer. Select "Settings & Privacy" then "Settings". Click "Your Facebook Information". Select "Download Your Information."
    facebook download your information
  2. Check the box for "Messages" and uncheck other items if you only want messages. Choose your preferred date range, format (HTML recommended for easy viewing), and quality. Click "Create File" and wait for Facebook to prepare your download.
    create file
  3. You'll receive a notification when ready (usually takes 1-3 days). Download the file and open it to view your message history

Method 3: Search Email Notifications

If you have email notifications enabled for Facebook, your email account might contain copies of your messages. This method helps you recover deleted messages from Facebook settings without actually using Facebook.

Email notifications serve as a backup of your conversations. Each time someone sends you a message, Facebook sends an email with the content. This creates an accidental archive you can search.

  • Works even when messages are permanently deleted from Facebook
  • Doesn't require access to your Facebook account if you're locked out
  • Preserves the exact content and timestamp of messages
  • Allows for easy searching by sender name or message content

Steps:

  1. Log in to the email account connected to your Facebook profile. In the search bar, type "Facebook messages”.
    check gmail
  2. Add the sender's name to narrow down results, like "from

    .com John". Look through notification emails that contain message content. Save important messages by forwarding them to another email address or taking screenshots

Method 4: Check Messenger Cache (Android)

Android devices store temporary copies of Facebook data in cache files. This method helps you recover deleted Facebook messages by accessing these temporary files before they're overwritten.

For users wondering how to find Facebook fast delete messages on Android, this technique accesses data directly from your device storage. It works best for recently deleted messages.

  • Bypasses Facebook's servers completely
  • Can recover messages not available through other methods
  • Doesn't require special permissions from Facebook

Steps:

  1. Navigate to Android/data/com.facebook.orca/cache and copy the cache folder to a safe location.
    facebook cache android
  2. Search Using a Text Editor App – Open the cache folder in a mobile text editor (like QuickEdit) and search for keywords from your deleted conversation to piece it together.

Method 5: Ask the Other Person

Sometimes the simplest solution works best. If you can't recover erased Facebook messages through technical means, the other person in the conversation might still have access to it.

This direct approach avoids complicated recovery methods. Since Facebook conversations exist on both users' accounts, your messages might be intact in the other person's inbox.

  • Works when all technical methods fail
  • Gets you the complete conversation history without fragmentation
  • Includes all shared images and files at full quality
  • Requires no technical knowledge or special tools

Steps:

  1. Contact the person through another platform (phone, email, or in person). Explain that you've lost the Facebook conversation and need to reference it.
    facebook messenger
  2. Ask them to check if they still have the messages in their Facebook account. Request screenshots of important messages or the entire conversation. Have them forward or copy key information back to you through Messenger

Method 6: Contact Facebook Support

In certain situations, Facebook's support team may help you recover deleted Facebook messages. This is usually reserved for serious cases like hacking or unauthorized account access.

This official channel provides a way to restore deleted Facebook messages on PC when you can prove unusual account activity. Facebook maintains backups of user data for security purposes.

  • Works for recovering messages lost due to account compromise
  • Provides official support directly from Facebook
  • Helps with cases of unauthorized deletion
  • May recover messages that are otherwise permanently lost

Steps:

  1. Go to Facebook Help Center (https://www.facebook.com/help). Click on "Report a Problem" at the bottom of the page. Select "Something Isn't Working."
    facebook help
  2. Choose "Messenger" as the product with issues. Clearly explain that your messages were deleted without your permission. Provide details about when the deletion occurred and why you need the messages. Follow any additional instructions from the support team

Part 3: How to Restore Deleted Facebook Messages on PC: Use the Recoverit Tool

When official methods don't work, third-party recovery software can help recover deleted messages on Facebook. Recoverit is a powerful tool designed to find deleted data on your computer, including Facebook information.

This software helps get deleted Facebook messages back by scanning your computer's storage for fragments of deleted data. It works by accessing areas of your hard drive where deleted files still exist before being overwritten.

Free Download
Free Download

Steps:

  1. Download and install Recoverit. Launch the program. Choose the drive where your Facebook data would be stored (usually C: drive). Click "Start" to begin the scanning process.
    recoverit tool
  2. Wait for the scan to complete. Preview recoverable files to identify your messages.
    scan result
  3. Select the files containing your messages and click "Recover". Choose a different drive location to save the recovered files. Open the recovered files to access your message content.
    preview and save messages

Part 4: Quick Tips on how to find Facebook fast delete messages

Android users have unique options to recover deleted Facebook messages. These quick tips will increase your chances of recovery success on mobile devices.

  • Enable auto-backup in Messenger settings: Go to Messenger settings and turn on chat backup to prevent future losses.
  • Use file recovery apps: Install apps like DiskDigger or EaseUS MobiSaver to scan for deleted message files.
  • Check your Google Drive: Facebook sometimes backs up data to Google Drive if you've enabled Android backups.
  • Set up email notifications for all messages: Enable this in Facebook settings to create automatic email copies.
  • Use Android's built-in backup feature: Make sure "Back up to Google Drive" is enabled in your phone settings.
  • Keep your Facebook and Messenger apps updated: Newer versions have better recovery options and fewer deletion bugs.
  • Don't continue using your phone after deletion: This prevents new data from overwriting deleted messages.
  • Try recovery in safe mode: Boot your Android in safe mode to prevent interference from other apps during recovery.

Bonus Tip: In the guidelines below, we have designed a successful way to restore deleted messages using Facebook settings. Follow them accurately to receive favorable results.

  • First things first, launch the Facebook app from your desktop.
  • After that, the user will be asked to sign in to your account. It is advised that you type the email address and password correctly.
  • The next step is to open your "Settings."
  • From there, tap on "General Account Settings."
  • Then, from the menu bar that appears, the user is required to move to the left panel and tap on "Facebook Information."
  • Moving on, select "Download your Information" from the right panel service.

select download your information option

  • Then comes another menu bar window. Here, you are supposed to choose the option of "Messages."
  • Select the next option, "Create File," from the "Messages."

create a file for your messages

  • After allowing the software to create a file of your information, it will take some time. The user is advised to wait patiently until the process is completed.

file creation in process

  • A notification appears after the process is concluded. This will permit you to download the targeted file immediately.
  • Tap on the notification.
  • Afterward, select the "Download" option just beside the files that need to be recovered.

download your file

  • In the last step, you will be asked about your password. This question is usually asked for privacy issues. Type your accurate password.
  • A new pop-up window will appear related to the location of storing the file.

The file is successfully downloaded into your system. What is the benefit of it? You can easily open them and access them whenever you lose important text messages and restore them instantly. Pretty helpful, don't you think?

Conclusion

Finding your deleted Facebook messages is possible with the right approach. We've covered multiple methods to recover deleted messages from Facebook settings and external tools. Don't give up if the first method doesn't work - try each technique until you succeed.

Now you know how to find deleted messages on Facebook using various techniques. Whether you use Android, iPhone, or PC, these methods give you the best chance of recovery. Remember to share this guide with friends who lose their messages too. With patience and the right method, most deleted conversations can be recovered and saved for future reference.

Try Recoverit to Recover Lost Data from Facebook

article-safe-itemSecurity Verified. Over 7,302,189 people have downloaded it.

Wondershare Recoverit – Leader in All Lost Data Recovery
  • Recovers data from 1000+ file formats and 2000+ devices, including CFexpress, Drones, UAVS, SD, USB, Win On ARM, RAID, micro SD, HDDs, SSDs, Win/Mac, Linux/NAS etc.
  • Handles 500+ data loss scenarios, such as deletion, formatting, CF card damage, virus attacks, etc.
  • Recovers lost or deleted files, photos, videos, music, emails, full HD, Ultra HD, 4K, 8K videos, and other 1000+ file types effectively, safely and completely.

FAQ

  • Can I recover Facebook messages deleted years ago?
    Yes, you might still recover deleted messages on Facebook from years ago, but your chances decrease with time. The best method for old messages is downloading your Facebook data archive. Facebook often keeps complete records for many years. Even if you deleted messages long ago, Facebook's servers might still have copies. Try the data download method first, as it pulls directly from Facebook's comprehensive backup systems.
  • Will Facebook notify others when I recover deleted messages?
    No, when you find erased messages on Facebook using any of these methods, the other person receives no notification. The recovery process happens only on your side and remains completely private. The other person won't know you've recovered or viewed the conversation unless you mention it or send new messages. This makes these methods safe for reviewing sensitive conversations without alerting the other party.
  • Can I recover messages from a deleted Facebook account?
    Recovering messages from completely deleted accounts is much harder. After account deletion, you cannot get deleted Facebook messages back through Facebook's systems. Your best options are checking email notifications that might contain message content, asking conversation partners for copies, or using recovery tools on devices where you previously accessed the account. If you only deactivated your account temporarily, reactivating it will restore access to your messages.
Raquel Alcocer
Raquel Alcocer Jun 19, 25
Share article: