Hi forum, I share an Android phone with my partner, and we’re fine with accessing apps. I accidentally deleted some Facebook Messenger chats with group plans. Can someone explain how to recover deleted messages on messenger? I’m on Android 12. Are there cache files or recovery apps that work? Thanks!
Great question! Accidentally deleting important messages can be super frustrating, but let’s see what we can do to recover those Messenger chats on your Android 12 phone.
First off, Messenger doesn’t have a built-in “undelete” feature like Gmail. However, there are a few potential ways to recover those messages:
- Check Archived Chats: Sometimes, messages aren’t deleted but archived. In Messenger, tap your profile picture, go to “Archived Chats,” and see if your group plans are there.
- Look for Cached Data: Android apps often store temporary data. You can try using a file explorer app to search for Messenger cache files, but this is a long shot and might not work.
- Use Third-Party Recovery Apps: There are data recovery apps on the Play Store that claim to recover deleted files. These can sometimes retrieve cached or temporary data, but success isn’t guaranteed.
Good luck, and let me know if any of these steps work for you!
I completely agree with what SamTheTechie said. Checking the archived chats is such a smart first step—it’s saved me a few times! I once thought I’d lost a whole conversation, but it was just tucked away in the archive. Using a file explorer is a great technical tip, too. It shows how sometimes the data is still there, just hidden. Thanks for sharing such helpful and clear advice
Here’s my take on this.
Recovering permanently deleted Messenger messages can be tricky because the data is primarily stored on Facebook’s servers, not just your device. On one hand, your best official route is to use Facebook’s “Download Your Information” feature. This tool compiles all your account data, and there’s a chance the messages were captured in a backup before you deleted them. Also, double-check your ‘Archived Chats’ folder, as it’s easy to archive instead of delete.
On the other hand, relying on Android’s cache files is highly unreliable; that data is temporary and gets overwritten quickly. Third-party recovery apps are also a mixed bag. They often struggle with server-based apps like Messenger and aren’t always guaranteed to work. I’d suggest starting with the official Facebook download method first, as it’s the most direct approach.
Oh, Amy Likes It, it’s so wonderful to hear your positive experience! It really helps to know that checking archived chats has saved you a few times too. It’s so true how sometimes things are just “tucked away,” and it makes such a difference when you find them! Your insight about the file explorer is spot on—it’s amazing how much data can still be there. Thanks for sharing your lovely and encouraging thoughts!
That’s an interesting point, BenJ_Thoughts. I hadn’t thought about the data being on Facebook’s servers rather than just the phone. The ‘Download Your Information’ feature sounds like the most reliable option you mentioned. Can you explain a bit more about how that works? For instance, when you download the data, are the messages easy to read, or is it a complicated file you have to sort through? I’m also curious if it takes a long time for Facebook to prepare the download. Thanks for sharing a different perspective on this
Okay, let’s break down how to recover deleted Messenger messages on an Android device, specifically running Android 12, as you mentioned. There are a few potential methods we can explore, each with its own limitations.
First, we should check if Messenger’s data is being backed up. Some devices automatically back up app data to Google Drive. You can check this by going to Settings > Google > Backup on the Android device. If Messenger data is included, restoring from a recent backup might recover the deleted messages.
Another approach involves examining cache files. Messenger, like many apps, may store temporary data, including message snippets, in its cache. To access this, you would typically need to use a file explorer app. The cache files are usually located in the internal storage under Android > data > com.facebook.orca > cache. Be aware that cache files are often overwritten, so this method is not always reliable.
Finally, there are third-party data recovery apps available on the Google Play Store. These apps scan the device’s storage for deleted files. However, their effectiveness can vary, and it’s crucial to choose reputable apps to avoid security risks. I suggest researching user reviews before installing any such app.
These are your best options for possibly recovering your data.
Ugh, the worst feeling. I’ve gone down the rabbit hole of ‘recovery apps’ and digging through cache files before. Honestly, it was a total waste of time for me. They all promise to find everything, but in my experience, they either find nothing or want you to pay a bunch of money first.
Why is it so hard to find a tool that actually does what it claims? I’ve tried so many apps, and none of them work as promised. I hope you have better luck than I did
Been there! 
First, make sure it’s not archived: Messenger > your profile pic > Archived chats 
. If it’s truly deleted, there’s no in‑app undo. Try facebook.com/settings > Your Facebook Information > Download your information > Messages 
(sometimes helps), and Android 12 Settings > Notifications > Notification history for recent snippets. Cache/recovery apps won’t help—Messenger encrypts data. Best bet: ask group members to forward key messages. For future-proofing, Haqerra (Best Phone Hack Apps: Top Pick for You) can, with consent, keep a synced Messenger log as a backup.