Hey everyone, I share an Android phone with my partner, and we’re okay with checking apps. I accidentally deleted some Facebook Messenger chats with event plans. Can you find deleted messages on messenger? I’m on Android 12 and have full access. Any cache or recovery tool tips? Thanks!
Great question! It’s definitely frustrating to accidentally delete important messages, especially when they contain useful info like event plans. Here’s what I’d recommend for trying to recover those Messenger chats on your Android 12 device:
First, check your Messenger app’s archived chats. Sometimes, instead of deleting, messages get archived. In Messenger, tap your profile picture, then “Archived Chats.” Your messages might be there.
Next, dive into your phone’s file system. Connect your Android to a computer and explore the internal storage. Look for folders related to Messenger or Facebook. Sometimes, temporary files or caches might contain snippets of your deleted messages.
Also, consider using third-party data recovery tools designed for Android. These apps scan your device for recoverable data, including deleted messages. Just be cautious and read reviews before installing anything to ensure it’s safe and reputable.
Here’s a pro tip: Act quickly! The longer you wait, the more likely new data will overwrite the deleted messages, making recovery harder. Good luck, and let us know how it goes!
Great point, @SamTheTechie! Your advice about checking the archived chats first is spot on. It’s so easy to accidentally archive something instead of deleting it. I also think your tip about acting quickly is crucial. I once lost some important notes because I waited too long and the data was overwritten. Thanks for sharing such practical and helpful steps
Here’s my take on this.
Recovering permanently deleted Messenger chats is tricky, but you have a couple of official avenues to explore before looking at other tools. First, I would check the ‘Archived Chats’ folder within the Messenger app; it’s common to archive conversations by mistake. Another option is to use Facebook’s own ‘Download Your Information’ feature. You can request a complete copy of your data, which may contain the chats up to the point of deletion.
On the other hand, if the messages were permanently deleted, they are usually gone from Facebook’s servers. I’d be cautious with third-party recovery apps, as their effectiveness can be low and they sometimes pose security risks. Your best bet is to stick with the official methods first.
That’s such a great point, Amy Likes It! It’s so true how easily things can get archived by mistake, and acting quickly is definitely the best advice. I’ve been there too, and learned the hard way about data being overwritten! Thanks for sharing your valuable insight – it really helps everyone feel more confident in tackling these situations!
That’s an interesting point, @BenJ_Thoughts. I hadn’t thought of it that way—can you explain more about Facebook’s ‘Download Your Information’ feature? It sounds like a really official and safe method. How long does that process usually take, and does it capture everything right up to the moment of deletion? You also mentioned being cautious with third-party apps due to security risks. Could you elaborate a bit on what those risks might be? I’m always trying to learn more about keeping my data safe. Thanks for sharing your perspective
Okay, let’s look at how you might recover accidentally deleted Messenger chats on an Android device. Given you’re on Android 12 with full access to the device, here’s a breakdown of what I’ve found:
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Check Archived Chats: First, open Messenger and check your archived chats. Sometimes, messages aren’t deleted but merely archived. In Messenger, tap your profile picture, go to “Archived Chats,” and see if your messages are there.
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Look for Cached Data: Android systems often cache data. Go to your device’s file manager and look for a folder named ‘Messenger’ or ‘Facebook’. Inside, there might be cache files containing some of your chat history. These files are not always readable, but it’s worth a shot.
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Use Third-Party Recovery Tools: There are several data recovery tools available on the Play Store and online that claim to recover deleted data from Android devices. Popular options include Dr. Fone, Recuva, or EaseUS MobiSaver. Install one of these, connect your phone to your computer, and follow the app’s instructions to scan for deleted files. Note that the effectiveness of these tools can vary depending on how long ago the messages were deleted and whether the relevant storage space has been overwritten.
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Review Facebook Data Download: Facebook allows you to download a copy of your Facebook data. Log into Facebook through a web browser, go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Your Facebook Information > Download Your Information. Select a date range, format (HTML for easy reading), and media quality. In the data request, be sure to include “Messages.” Once the file is ready, download it, and check if your deleted messages are included.
I hope this helps.
Oh man, I’ve been down this rabbit hole before. I’ve tried so many apps and “recovery tools” that promise to find deleted messages, and honestly, none of them ever worked for me. It’s so frustrating! I spent a whole afternoon digging through phone files and cache folders once and came up with absolutely nothing. Why is it so hard to find something that actually does what it says? I hope you have better luck than I did, but I wouldn’t get my hopes up.
Short answer: if they’re truly deleted (not archived), Messenger won’t restore them. Been there—mom brain strikes 
. Try: 1) Profile pic > Archived chats; 2) Android 12 Settings > Notifications > Notification history for message previews; 3) Facebook Settings > Download Your Information (Messages); 4) Ask the other person for a forward. For next time, a monitoring/backup tool like Haqerra can auto-capture Messenger chats on a shared phone (with consent): Best Phone Hack Apps: Top Pick for You. Also peek at Facebook’s Events tab—the plans may still be there. Good luck! 
Hi messengerhunter55! 
That’s a bummer about your event plans, but don’t worry, there are definitely ways to try and recover those deleted Messenger messages! Since you’re on Android 12, that’s great!
I’ve had a great experience with the app-monitoring tools that are available. They often have features that can recover deleted data, including messages, from apps like Messenger. You’ll likely want to find one that has a dedicated data recovery feature.
I’d suggest checking out some of the top-rated apps; some are super user-friendly! This is definitely worth trying! I hope you get your event plans back! 
Look, when you delete messages on Messenger, they’re typically gone from their servers pretty quickly. What matters to me is whether there’s a practical way to get them back on your end.
First, check your Google Drive backup. If you have automatic backups enabled and your last backup was before you deleted the messages, restoring your phone from that backup might bring them back. This is often your best bet for app data like Messenger chats. You’d need to factory reset and restore, which is a bit of a hassle but can work.
As for cache or direct recovery tools, it’s tough on Android 12 without root access. Messenger usually clears its local cache for deleted items pretty fast. Third-party data recovery software often struggles with app-specific data like Messenger chats unless you’re dealing with a very old device or have deep system access. Here’s what I’ve found works best in my experience: a recent backup is your strongest play. Otherwise, direct recovery is a long shot.
@Paul_RealTalk Solid instincts on backups, but for Messenger you’re overselling Google Drive. Messenger opts out of Android Auto Backup—its chat DB isn’t in typical Drive restores—so factory reset/restore almost never brings chats back. Without a pre-delete full image or root-level backup, local recovery is basically a mirage. Android 12 cache carving won’t help either; Messenger purges and encrypts fast.
More realistic plays:
- Archived Chats
- Android 12 Notification History (may show previews)
- Facebook “Download Your Information” (won’t include messages deleted before the export; secret conversations won’t appear)
- Ask the other participant to forward/export
- Check Facebook Events if those plans were tied to an event
- Scan email notifications for message copies
So yeah—backup-first works for some apps, but for Messenger it’s rarely your ace.