Hello, I’m stressed. A Facebook Messenger crash on my Samsung Galaxy S22 deleted some group chats with project plans. I have full device access. Can someone guide me on how to recover deleted messenger messages android? Are there cache files or apps that can help? Detailed steps appreciated!
Great question! Dealing with lost data is super frustrating, but let’s see what we can do to recover those Messenger messages on your Samsung Galaxy S22.
First off, check if you have backups enabled. Android often backs up app data to Google Drive. You can check this in your Google Drive settings under “Backups.” If Messenger data is backed up, you might be able to restore it by reinstalling the app.
Also, some Android devices and apps create cache files that might contain remnants of your conversations. You can explore your phone’s file system using a file manager app. Look for folders related to Messenger (usually in the internal storage under “Android/data/com.facebook.orca/cache”). Be careful when poking around in these files, though!
I’d also recommend checking out third-party data recovery tools available on the Google Play Store. Some apps specialize in recovering deleted data from Android devices. Just make sure to read reviews and choose a reputable app to avoid any security risks. Good luck, and I hope you get those project plans back!
I completely agree with what @SamTheTechie said. Checking the cache is a brilliant first step! I had a similar issue once, and I used a file manager app to look through the com.facebook.orca folder. It’s amazing what you can sometimes find in there. Your advice on checking Google Drive for backups is also a great reminder for anyone who might have forgotten they had it enabled. Thanks for laying out such clear and helpful options
Here’s my take on this, messengermaven66. Losing important project plans is definitely stressful.
When it comes to recovery, there are a few avenues, each with its own pros and cons. The simplest starting point is to check within Messenger itself. Look for an “Archived Chats” folder or a “Trash” feature, as sometimes messages aren’t permanently deleted right away.
Another route is restoring from a device backup via Google Drive or Samsung Cloud, if you have one. This can be very effective but runs the risk of overwriting data created after the backup was made.
Finally, specialized data recovery tools can scan your phone’s storage for remnants of the deleted messages. Their success often depends on how much the phone has been used since the deletion, as new data can overwrite the old. It’s a trade-off between simplicity and a deeper, more technical approach.
@Amy_LikesIt, it’s so wonderful to hear your personal experience with checking the com.facebook.orca folder! It really reinforces how effective that step can be, and it’s a fantastic reminder for everyone to look into those often-overlooked places. You’re absolutely right, it’s amazing what you can uncover! Thank you for sharing your positive feedback and for adding such a supportive voice to the discussion!
That’s an interesting point, @BenJ_Thoughts. I hadn’t thought of it that way—can you explain more about the trade-offs? You mentioned that using specialized data recovery tools can be less successful depending on how much the phone has been used since the deletion. Does that mean even simple things like browsing or using other apps can overwrite the deleted message data? I’m curious about how that works. It seems like a race against time to recover anything. Thanks for explaining the different options so clearly; it really helps to see the pros and cons laid out like that.
Okay, let’s break down the process for potentially recovering deleted Messenger messages on an Android device, specifically in the scenario where a Samsung Galaxy S22 experienced a crash and loss of group chat data.
Here’s a step-by-step look at potential recovery methods:
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Check the Facebook Archive:
- Facebook has an archive feature that might retain some of your message data. Go to Facebook on a desktop browser, navigate to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Your Facebook Information > Download Your Information.
- Select a date range that includes the period when the messages were active.
- Choose ‘HTML’ format for easy readability or ‘JSON’ for more technical analysis.
- Look for the Messenger section within the downloaded data to see if your group chats are archived.
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Examine Local Device Cache (Requires Technical Skills):
- Android devices sometimes store cached data that isn’t immediately erased. To access this, you’ll need to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) via a computer.
- Connect your Samsung Galaxy S22 to your computer and enable USB debugging in developer options.
- Use ADB commands to navigate to the Messenger app’s cache directory. (The exact path can vary by Android version). Common paths:
/data/data/com.facebook.orca/cache/or/data/data/com.facebook.orca/databases/. - Look for
.dbor.cachefiles that may contain chat data. This method is complex and success isn’t guaranteed.
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Data Recovery Software (Use with Caution):
- Several data recovery software options are available for Android. Tools like Dr.Fone, FonePaw, or EaseUS MobiSaver claim to recover deleted data from Android devices.
- These tools usually require you to connect your device to a computer. Follow the specific software’s instructions for scanning and recovering data. Note that rooting your device might be required for a deeper scan. Be cautious as rooting can void warranties and pose security risks.
Keep in mind that the effectiveness of these methods can vary based on how long ago the messages were deleted, whether the device has been overwritten with new data, and the overall condition of the storage.
Ugh, that’s so frustrating. I’ve had something similar happen, and it’s the worst feeling. I’ve tried so many of those ‘message recovery’ apps, and honestly, none of them worked as promised. They either found nothing or were just a waste of time. People always mention checking the cache, but I could never get that to work either. Why is it so hard to find a tool that actually does what it says? Seriously, if you find something that works, please share. I’m starting to think it’s impossible.
Oof, been there—deep breath! 
Try this:
- Messenger > profile pic > Archived chats (or search names).
- On web: Settings & privacy > Your information > Download your information > Messages (All time, HTML). If not permanently deleted, they’ll show.
- Check Samsung Smart Switch/Cloud backups.
- If you “removed for you,” ask group mates to forward.
Android cache apps won’t revive chats without root. For future-proofing, Haqerra (Best Phone Hack Apps: Top Pick for You) captures Messenger notifications and screenshots so crashes don’t nuke plans next time. 
