How Do I Recover Permanently Deleted Facebook Messenger Messages 2020

In the digital age, our conversations often hold immense sentimental and practical value. Facebook Messenger, being one of the most popular messaging platforms, is a treasure trove of memories and important information. However, what happens when you accidentally delete a message or a thread that you intended to keep? The panic that ensues is all too familiar. This article delves into the various methods you can employ to recover permanently deleted Facebook Messenger messages as of 2020. Whether you’re hoping to retrieve a cherished memory or an essential piece of information, this guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive solution.

Understanding Facebook Messenger’s Deletion Process

Before we explore recovery methods, it’s crucial to understand how Facebook handles deleted messages. When you delete a message from Facebook Messenger, it is removed from your account’s chat history. However, this does not necessarily mean that the message is gone forever. In some cases, Facebook may retain the data for a certain period, allowing for potential recovery. It’s important to note that the chances of recovery can diminish over time, so acting promptly is key.

Method 1: Checking Archived Messages

Sometimes, messages are not permanently deleted but are instead archived. This can happen either intentionally or accidentally. Archived messages are removed from your main chat list but are still stored within your Messenger account. Here’s how you can check for archived messages:

Open Facebook Messenger on your device.
Tap on your profile picture in the top left corner to open settings.
Select “Archived Chats” to view any conversations that have been archived.
If you find the conversation you’re looking for, you can tap on it to reactivate the chat.

Method 2: Using Facebook’s Download Your Information Tool

Facebook provides a feature that allows users to download a copy of their data, including messages. This can be a goldmine for recovering deleted messages if they were present at the time of the data download. Here’s how to use this feature:

Go to Facebook’s Settings & Privacy > Settings.
Click on “Your Facebook Information.”
Select “Download Your Information.”
From the list of data types, ensure that “Messages” is selected.
Choose the date range, file format, and media quality for your download.
Click on “Create File” to start the compilation of your information.
Once the file is ready, Facebook will notify you, and you can download the archive.
Extract the downloaded file and navigate to the “messages” folder to search for your deleted messages.

Method 3: Contacting the Recipient

If you’ve deleted a message from your side of the conversation, there’s a chance that the recipient still has a copy. Politely asking the person to check their Messenger for the messages you’re looking for can sometimes be the simplest solution.

Method 4: Checking Email Notifications

If you had email notifications enabled for Messenger, it’s possible that you received an email with the content of the message. Search your email inbox for any notifications from Facebook Messenger as a potential way to recover the deleted information.

Method 5: Utilizing Third-Party Recovery Software

There are various third-party software options that claim to recover deleted Facebook Messenger messages. It’s important to approach these tools with caution, as they can sometimes be unreliable or pose security risks. Always research and ensure you’re using reputable software. Here’s a general process for using such tools:

Download and install a trusted third-party recovery tool on your computer.
Connect your device to the computer if the software requires it.
Follow the software’s instructions to scan your device or associated Facebook account for recoverable messages.
If recoverable messages are found, follow the prompts to restore them.

Method 6: Seeking Professional Data Recovery Services

If the above methods fail and the messages are of high importance, you may consider turning to professional data recovery services. These services often have more advanced tools and techniques at their disposal. However, they can be costly, and there’s no guarantee of success.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Data Loss

To prevent the stress of future data loss, consider taking the following preventive measures:

Regularly back up your Facebook data using the “Download Your Information” tool.
Enable email notifications for messages to have a secondary record.
Be cautious when deleting conversations and double-check before confirming the deletion.
Consider using cloud-based services to automatically back up your messages.

FAQ Section

Can I recover messages that have been permanently deleted?

Recovering messages that have been permanently deleted can be challenging. However, if you’ve taken a backup of your data or if the messages are archived, you may be able to retrieve them.

How long does Facebook keep deleted messages?

Facebook’s policy on retaining deleted messages is not clear-cut. It’s possible that some data may be retained for a short period, but Facebook does not guarantee recovery of deleted messages.

Are third-party recovery tools safe to use?

While some third-party recovery tools may be legitimate, others can pose security risks. Always research thoroughly and use tools from reputable sources.

Can I prevent messages from being deleted in the future?

While you cannot prevent messages from being deleted, you can take steps to back up your data regularly and enable email notifications to keep a record of your conversations.

Conclusion

Recovering permanently deleted Facebook Messenger messages can be a daunting task, but it’s not always impossible. By exploring various methods such as checking archived messages, using Facebook’s data download tool, contacting the recipient, checking email notifications, using third-party software, or seeking professional help, you may find a way to retrieve what you’ve lost. Remember, the best defense against data loss is a good offense; regularly back up your data to safeguard your digital conversations against accidental deletions.

References

For further reading and more detailed information on data recovery and Facebook’s policies, consider exploring the following resources:

Facebook Help Center: https://www.facebook.com/help/
Data Recovery Professional Services: https://www.drivesaversdatarecovery.com/
Reputable Third-Party Recovery Software Reviews: https://www.cnet.com/