Buzz
This article provides a detailed guide on how to retrieve old messages on Facebook. You can use either the Facebook Messenger app or the Facebook website on your computer.
Steps
On Mobile Devices
Launch the Facebook Messenger app. The app features a white lightning bolt icon on a blue background.
- If you're not logged into Messenger, enter your phone number, tap Continue, and then input your password.
Tap the Home tab. This tab, represented by a house icon, is located at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
Select a conversation. Older messages are positioned higher up, so you’ll need to scroll down to view them.
Scroll through the messages. The further you scroll, the older the messages you’ll be able to access.
Click on the message you wish to read. This action will open the selected message.
On Desktop
Access Facebook. Navigate to the website https://www.facebook.com using your browser. This will display your News Feed if you’re already logged in.
- If you’re not logged in, enter your email address (or phone number) and password before proceeding.
Click the Messenger icon. This icon, shaped like a speech bubble with a white lightning bolt inside, is located at the top-right corner of the Facebook window. A dropdown menu will appear.
Tap See All in Messenger. This link is found at the bottom of the dropdown menu.
Scroll through the conversations. Conversations are displayed in chronological order, so older chats will appear further down the list.
Click on the message you want to read. This will open the selected message.
Scroll up through the conversation. The further you scroll, the older the messages you’ll be able to access.
Click Archived Threads. This option is located in the middle of the dropdown menu.
View archived messages. All the messages you’ve archived will appear here. If you can’t find old messages in your inbox, they might be located in this section.
Tips
- You cannot recover deleted messages on Facebook.
Warning
- You cannot reply to archived messages.
