Facebook Messenger: Find Hidden Messages from Non-Friends

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Quickly view your filtered message requests

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This wikiHow will show you how to see the “other” folder in Facebook Messenger on iPhone, iPad, Android, and PC (Windows and Mac use the same method).

Things You Should Know

  • For iPhone, iPad, and Android, tap the Message Requests option in your user profile menu. This will show you the “other” folder filled with filtered messages.
  • On a desktop or laptop, go to https://www.messenger.com/ and click the Message Requests button in the left menu bar.
  • You can delete, block, or report a message request on all platforms. To delete a group message request, select “leave group.”
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Mobile

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  1. Its icon is blue and purple with a white lightning bolt inside it. The process to see the “Other” folder (officially called Message Requests) is the same on iPhone, iPad, and Android.
    • This “other” folder is different from archived messages. You can unarchive messages if needed.
    • If you’re looking for how to get rid of any message, check out our guide on deleting messages .
    • You might also be interested in deleting entire groups .
  2. This is the profile picture in the top right of the app. [1]
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  3. This will open the Message Requests menu.
  4. There are two folders in Message Requests, “You may know” and “Spam.”
    • You may know shows you people that Facebook thinks you might be familiar with.
    • Spam contains message requests that Facebook filtered out as potentially spam.
  5. You have a few options once you open a conversation’s chat page:
    • Reply to a message to start a conversation with the sender. This will allow them to call you, see your info, and view read receipts.
    • Block will block the sender from sending you additional messages.
    • Delete removes the message request from the list.
    • The Leave Group option will be present if it’s a group message request. This is the same action as deleting a 1-on-1 message request.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Desktop & Laptop

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  1. Go to https://www.messenger.com/ . You can use any web browser to access Messenger on a computer. [2]
  2. This is the chat icon with three horizontal dots in the left menu bar. This will open the Message Requests panel.
  3. There are two folders in Message Requests, “You may know” and “Spam.”
    • You may know shows you people that Facebook thinks you might be familiar with.
    • Spam contains message requests that Facebook filtered out as potentially spam.
  4. You have a few options once you open a conversation’s chat page:
    • Reply to a message to start a conversation with the sender. This will allow them to call you, see your info, and view read receipts.
  5. This will open a menu with two options.
    • Delete chat removes the message request from the list.
    • The Leave Group option will be present if it’s a group message request. This is the same action as deleting a 1-on-1 message request.
    • Block will block the sender from sending you additional messages.
  6. It’s the three horizontal dots in the top right of the chat. This will show you additional actions you can take regarding the message sender.
    • Block will block the sender from sending you additional messages.
    • Report the conversation if they’re threatening you or going against Facebook’s Community Standards. [3]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Is there an alert to see unknown contacts messages besides going to requests
    Kyle Smith
    wikiHow Technology Writer
    Kyle Smith is a wikiHow Technology Writer, learning and sharing information about the latest technology. He has presented his research at multiple engineering conferences and is the writer and editor of hundreds of online electronics repair guides. Kyle received a BS in Industrial Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
    Kyle Smith
    wikiHow Technology Writer
    Expert Answer
    There doesn't seem to be a way to turn on notifications for message requests as of October 2022.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question
    I have a notification that I have a message on FB messenger. I go there and there are no new messages on my iPhone 8
    Kyle Smith
    wikiHow Technology Writer
    Kyle Smith is a wikiHow Technology Writer, learning and sharing information about the latest technology. He has presented his research at multiple engineering conferences and is the writer and editor of hundreds of online electronics repair guides. Kyle received a BS in Industrial Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
    Kyle Smith
    wikiHow Technology Writer
    Expert Answer
    This might indicate that you have an unread message somewhere in your messages list.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/help/messenger-app/984163458313035/?cms_platform=iphone-app&helpref=platform_switcher
      2. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/help/messenger-app/984163458313035
      3. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/help/messenger-app/1165699260192280

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open Messenger.
      2. Tap People.
      3. Tap Message Requests.
      4. Tap Show All.

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