How to Delete Messages on Messenger or Facebook App

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Remove Facebook messages on both sides

Co-authored by Rain Kengly Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: December 16, 2024 Fact Checked

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Using the Messenger App

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Using the Facebook App

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Using the Facebook Website

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Q&A

If you send a risky message on Facebook, you can easily unsend it so it deletes on your end and the recipient's end. However, keep in mind that the deleted text may still be seen if they request a copy of their Facebook data. Here's how to permanently delete Facebook messages on your iPhone, iPad, Android, or computer.

Quick Steps

Tap Chats.
Tap a chat message.
Tap and hold the message or photo.
Tap Unsend.
Tap Unsend for everyone.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using the Messenger App

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1
Tap Chats. This is the tab at the bottom.
- If you aren't already logged into your Facebook account, do so now to use Messenger.
- You can delete messages you received or unsend messages you sent.^{[1]
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You'll see your chats from most recent to least recent.

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Tap and hold the chat or photo you want to delete. More options will appear.
4
Tap Unsend. This is in red.
- If you're deleting a message sent by another person, tap Remove.
5
Tap Unsend for everyone. If you only want to unsend it for yourself, tap Unsend for you.
- If you're deleting a message sent by another person, tap Remove for you to confirm.
6
Delete an entire conversation (optional). If you'd rather get rid of the entire chat conversation with someone, do the following:
- Open the Chats tab.
- Tap and hold the chat.
- Tap Delete.
- Tap Delete again.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using the Facebook App

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1
Tap the Messenger icon. This is the speech bubble with a lightning bolt in the top-right corner.
- You can delete messages you received or unsend messages you sent. Keep in mind that unsent messages can still be seen if the recipient requests a copy of their Facebook data.
You'll see your chats from most recent to least recent.
More options will appear at the bottom.
This is in the bottom-right corner.
5
Tap Unsend. This is the first option.
- If you're deleting a message sent by another person, tap Remove.
6
Tap Unsend for everyone. If you only want to unsend it for yourself, tap Unsend for you.
- If you're deleting a message sent by another person, tap Remove for you to confirm.
7
Delete an entire conversation (optional). If you'd rather get rid of the entire chat conversation with someone, do the following:
- Tap the Messenger icon.
- Swipe left on the chat.
- Tap More.
- Tap Delete twice.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using the Facebook Website

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1
Click the Messenger icon. This is the speech bubble with a lightning bolt in the top-right corner.
- While you can unsend messages, keep in mind the recipient may have already seen it.
You'll see your chats from most recent to least recent.
More options will appear on the left.
A pop-up menu will open.
5
Click Unsend. This is the second option.
- If you're deleting a message sent by another person, click Remove.
6
Select Unsend for everyone. If you only want to unsend it for yourself, select Unsend for you instead.
- If you're deleting a message sent by another person, select Remove for you to confirm.
This will unsend the message.
8
Delete an entire conversation (optional). To get rid of an entire chat conversation with another user, do the following:
- Click the Messenger icon.
- Hover over a chat.
- Click •••.
- Click Delete chat twice.

Community Q&A

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Question

Is it possible to delete the message to prevent the recipient from reading it?

Community Answer

No. Once you send a message, you can only delete it from your end. The other person will still be able to open and read your message.

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Question

How do I delete unsolicited group messages from people I do not know?

Community Answer

These can sometimes come from a mutual friend. If it really bothers you, look at these people's accounts to see their friends, and un-friend your mutual friend.

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Question

Is it possible to recover a deleted message?

Community Answer

You cannot recover a deleted message once you have confirmed you want it to be deleted. If the recipient has not yet deleted the conversation on their computer, they are able to read the message and copy/paste it to you manually.

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