Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with millions of users. It allows people to connect with their friends and family members, share photos and videos, and communicate with others through the messenger app. However, sometimes we accidentally delete our Facebook messages, and it can be a stressful experience. Fortunately, there are several ways to recover deleted Facebook messages. In this article, we will guide you through the process of recovering your deleted Facebook messages step-by-step, so you can retrieve your valuable conversations and enjoy peace of mind.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of How to Recover Facebook Messages That Have Been Deleted
Facebook makes it challenging to recover deleted messages as there is no recycle bin like on your PC or smartphone. Also, once you delete a message, it gets permanently deleted from Facebook servers. There is no straightforward way to retrieve your deleted Facebook messages. However, there are some methods that you can use to recover them. Let’s dive into a few methods that can help restore Facebook messages.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before attempting to recover your deleted Facebook messages, there are a few things you need to prepare. Firstly, ensure that you have a stable internet connection on your device. Secondly, ensure that you have logged in to your Facebook account correctly. Thirdly, you can check whether you have enabled the feature that allows you to receive a copy of your Facebook data. This feature will make it easy to recover your deleted Facebook messages.
Method 1: Facebook Messenger App
If you have downloaded and installed the Facebook Messenger App on your mobile device, then you can use this method to recover your deleted Facebook messages. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Open the Facebook Messenger app on your device.
2. Sign in to your Facebook account.
3. Select the person whose messages you want to recover.
4. Tap and hold the conversation with that person.
5. Select the "Unarchive" option that appears on the device’s screen.
6. After that, the conversation will be restored to its original location, and you can see your deleted Facebook messages.
Pros:
– This method is effortless and straightforward.
– No PC is required.
– You can recover your deleted Facebook messages within minutes.
Cons:
– Sometimes the Facebook messenger app may not find all of your deleted conversations.
Method 2: Facebook Website
This method involves using the Facebook website on your PC. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Open your web browser on your computer.
2. Go to the Facebook website and sign in to your account.
3. Click on the "Settings" option.
4. Select "Your Facebook Information" from the left-hand menu.
5. Click on the "Download Your Information" option.
6. Choose the data range and format for the data you want to download.
7. Click on the "Create File" button.
8. Once your download is ready, click the "Download" button and extract the downloaded file to your computer.
9. Open the HTML folder, look for the "messages.htm" file, double-click on it to open it.
10. After that, you can see all your messages with friends, including deleted messages, and recover your deleted Facebook messages.
Pros:
– This method allows you to download all your Facebook data.
– You can recover deleted Facebook messages, not only those from one conversation.
– Facebook provides a copy of your data in different formats.
Cons:
– It takes longer to download your Facebook data depending on the file size.
– You may not find what you are looking for within the massive data file.
Method 3: Third-Party Applications
If you aren’t tech-savvy, using a third-party tool is the easiest way to recover your deleted Facebook messages. Some third-party software can help you recover your deleted Facebook messages. You can choose from several options but, before you decide which tool to use, ensure you choose a reliable one. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Choose the third-party application that suits your needs.
2. Download and install the application on your computer.
3. Open the application.
4. Log in to your Facebook account using the application.
5. Follow the prompts to recover your deleted Facebook messages.
6. After that, you will see your deleted Facebook messages and be able to recover them.
Pros:
– Some third-party applications offer a free trial.
– These applications make it effortless to recover deleted Facebook messages.
– Some applications recover deleted messages that other methods cannot find.
Cons:
– You may need to pay to use some applications.
– You need to do your research to find a trustworthy tool.
Why Can’t I Recover Deleted Facebook Messages?
There are several reasons why you may not be able to recover deleted Facebook Messages. Here are the most common reasons:
Q1: Why can’t I find my deleted Facebook messages?
A: Sometimes, Facebook deletes messages for security reasons. If Facebook detects a message that violates its security policy, it may delete that message permanently.
Q2: Can I recover deleted Facebook messages from more than 90 days ago?
A: Unfortunately, Facebook only allows you to recover deleted messages up to 90 days old. After that time, they will be permanently deleted, and there’s no way to retrieve them.
Q3: Can I recover messages that I have deleted from my friend’s account?
A: No, once you delete messages from your friend’s account, you cannot recover them. You need to ask your friend to send the messages back to you.
Additional Tips
1. Always back up your Facebook messages to avoid losing them.
2. Consider downloading Facebook data regularly to get a continuously updated backup file.
3. Be cautious of third-party software that claims to recover your Facebook messages. Research the tool before using it.
4. Check your Facebook security settings regularly.
5 FAQs about How to Recover Facebook Messages That Have Been Deleted
Q1: How do I backup my Facebook messages?
A: To back up your Facebook messages, go to "Settings > Your Facebook Information > Download Your Information." You can choose what data to backup and the format, then begin the download.
Q2: Can I recover deleted Facebook messages from more than 90 days ago?
A: No, you can only recover deleted Facebook messages up to 90 days old.
Q3: Does Facebook keep a backup of my chats?
A: Yes, Facebook keeps a backup of your chats. However, you can only access this backup when you download your Facebook data.
Q4: Is it safe to download a copy of my Facebook data?
A: Yes, it is safe to download your Facebook data.
Q5: How can I check my Facebook security settings?
A: To check your Facebook security settings, go to "Settings > Security and Login." You can see your login sessions, two-factor authentication status, and more.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, recovering deleted Facebook messages may seem daunting, but it’s not impossible. With the methods outlined above, you can quickly recover your deleted Facebook messages. Always remember to backup your Facebook messages regularly, check your security settings, and use reliable third-party applications to recover your deleted messages.