How Do You Get Back Deleted Messages On Messenger: A Comprehensive Guide

Syble Wolf 18 Jun 2025

Have you ever accidentally deleted an important message on Messenger and wondered how to retrieve it? In today's fast-paced digital world, losing important conversations can be frustrating. Luckily, there are several methods to recover deleted messages on Messenger. This guide will walk you through step-by-step processes, provide useful tips, and answer common questions related to retrieving deleted messages.

Facebook Messenger is one of the most widely used messaging platforms globally, with over 1.3 billion active users. Despite its popularity, many users face challenges when it comes to recovering deleted messages. Whether you've deleted a message intentionally or accidentally, there are solutions available to help you regain access to those conversations.

Understanding how to get back deleted messages on Messenger is essential for anyone who relies on this platform for personal or professional communication. In this article, we will explore various methods, tools, and strategies to help you recover lost messages effectively.

Understanding the Basics of Messenger's Deleted Messages

What Happens When You Delete a Message on Messenger?

When you delete a message on Messenger, it does not immediately vanish from the server. Instead, the message is marked as deleted and removed from your view. However, in some cases, the message may still exist on the recipient's device or on Facebook's servers for a short period of time. Understanding this process is key to retrieving deleted messages.

According to Facebook's official documentation, messages can only be fully deleted if both parties delete the conversation. This means that if you delete a message, the recipient may still have access to it until they also delete it.

Can You Retrieve Deleted Messages on Messenger?

Yes, it is possible to retrieve deleted messages on Messenger under certain conditions. The success of recovery depends on factors such as the time elapsed since deletion, the device used, and whether backups are enabled. Below, we will explore various methods to help you recover deleted messages effectively.

Method 1: Check the Recipient's Device

If you've accidentally deleted a message, the first step is to check the recipient's device. Since messages are stored on both devices during a conversation, the recipient may still have access to the message. You can ask them to forward the message back to you or share a screenshot.

Contact the recipient and explain the situation.
Ask them to check their Messenger app for the deleted message.
If the message is still available, request them to forward it back to you.

Method 2: Use Messenger's Search Function

How to Use the Search Feature to Find Deleted Messages

Messenger's search function can sometimes help you locate deleted messages. Although the message may no longer appear in your chat history, remnants of the conversation might still be searchable.

Follow these steps to use the search feature:

Open the Messenger app on your device.
Go to the chat where the deleted message was sent.
Tap the search icon (magnifying glass) at the top of the screen.
Enter keywords or phrases from the deleted message.
Review the search results to see if the message reappears.

Method 3: Enable and Utilize Backups

How to Set Up Messenger Backups

One of the most reliable ways to recover deleted messages is by enabling backups on your device. Messenger allows users to back up their chat history to cloud storage, ensuring that conversations are preserved even after deletion.

To enable backups on Android:

Open the Messenger app.
Go to Settings > Chats > Backup Chats.
Select the frequency of backups (e.g., daily, weekly).
Sign in with your Google account to save backups to Google Drive.

To enable backups on iOS:

Open the Messenger app.
Go to Settings > Chats > Backup Chats.
Select the frequency of backups.
Sign in with your iCloud account to save backups.

Restoring Messages from Backups

If you have enabled backups in the past, you can restore deleted messages by following these steps:

Go to Settings > Chats > Restore Chats.
Select the backup you wish to restore.
Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your chat history.

Method 4: Use Third-Party Recovery Tools

In cases where backups are unavailable, third-party recovery tools can be a viable solution. These tools scan your device for deleted files, including messages, and allow you to recover them. However, it's important to choose reputable tools to ensure data security and privacy.

Popular Third-Party Recovery Tools

Dr.Fone: A widely used tool for recovering deleted messages on both Android and iOS devices.
Tenorshare UltData: A reliable option for iOS users looking to recover lost messages.
EaseUS MobiSaver: A versatile tool that supports both Android and iOS platforms.

Steps to Use Third-Party Tools

Download and install the chosen recovery tool on your computer.
Connect your device to the computer using a USB cable.
Launch the tool and select the "Message Recovery" option.
Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your device for deleted messages.
Preview the recovered messages and choose which ones to restore.

Method 5: Check Your Device's Cloud Storage

If you have synced your device with cloud storage services like Google Drive or iCloud, you may be able to recover deleted messages from there. These services often retain backups of your data, including chat history, which can be restored if needed.

Steps to Check Google Drive Backups

Log in to your Google Drive account on your computer or mobile device.
Look for a folder named "Messenger Backups" or similar.
Download the backup file and restore it to your device.

Steps to Check iCloud Backups

Open the iCloud website on your computer and log in with your Apple ID.
Navigate to the "Manage Storage" section.
Look for backups of your device and select the one you wish to restore.
Follow the instructions to restore the backup to your iOS device.

Tips for Preventing Future Message Loss

Enable Automatic Backups

To avoid losing important messages in the future, it's crucial to enable automatic backups on your device. This ensures that your chat history is regularly saved to cloud storage, making it easier to recover messages if needed.

Use Message Archiving

Another effective way to prevent message loss is by archiving important conversations. Archiving moves chats to a separate section in Messenger without deleting them, allowing you to access them later if needed.

Regularly Backup Your Device

In addition to enabling Messenger backups, it's important to regularly back up your entire device. This ensures that all your data, including messages, photos, and other files, is securely stored in case of accidental deletion or device failure.

Common Questions About Recovering Deleted Messages

Can You Recover Deleted Messages After 24 Hours?

Yes, it is possible to recover deleted messages even after 24 hours, provided that backups are enabled or third-party tools are used. However, the chances of recovery decrease over time, so it's important to act quickly.

Are Deleted Messages Permanently Gone?

Deleted messages are not always permanently gone. In many cases, they remain on the server or device for a short period of time before being fully erased. Using the methods outlined in this article, you may be able to recover them before they are permanently deleted.

Can You Recover Deleted Messages Without Backups?

While it is more challenging to recover deleted messages without backups, it is still possible using third-party recovery tools or by checking the recipient's device. However, the success rate may vary depending on the situation.

Conclusion

Recovering deleted messages on Messenger is a common concern for many users, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done effectively. By understanding the basics of Messenger's deleted message process, enabling backups, and utilizing third-party tools, you can increase your chances of retrieving lost conversations.

We encourage you to take proactive steps to prevent future message loss by enabling automatic backups and regularly archiving important chats. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with others who may benefit from it. Additionally, feel free to leave a comment below with any questions or feedback.

Understanding the Basics of Messenger's Deleted Messages
Method 1: Check the Recipient's Device
Method 2: Use Messenger's Search Function
Method 3: Enable and Utilize Backups
Method 4: Use Third-Party Recovery Tools
Method 5: Check Your Device's Cloud Storage
Tips for Preventing Future Message Loss
Common Questions About Recovering Deleted Messages
Conclusion

References:

Recover deleted messenger messages motionvse

How to recover deleted messages in messenger lopoll

How to find deleted messages on messenger suwqp

Vacay Vibes