How to Permanently Delete Facebook Messages

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow teaches you how to delete Facebook messages from both the Facebook Messenger app and the Facebook website.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using an iPhone

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-1-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-1-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-1-Version-5.jpg\/aid2585339-v4-728px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-1-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's a white app with a blue message bubble and white lightning bolt inside.
    • If you aren't signed into Messenger, type in your phone number, tap Continue , and enter your password.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-2-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-2-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-2-Version-5.jpg\/aid2585339-v4-728px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-2-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's the house-shaped icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
    • If Messenger opens to a conversation, tap the Back button in the top-left corner of the screen first.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-3-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-3-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-3-Version-5.jpg\/aid2585339-v4-728px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-3-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If it's an old conversation, you may have to scroll down several times.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-4-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-4-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-4-Version-5.jpg\/aid2585339-v4-728px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-4-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Doing so will bring up a row of options on the right side of the conversation box.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-5-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-5-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-5-Version-5.jpg\/aid2585339-v4-728px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-5-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's the red button on the far-right side of the screen.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-6-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-6-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-6-Version-5.jpg\/aid2585339-v4-728px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-6-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This option is at the top of the pop-up window that appears after tapping Delete . Doing so will permanently remove the conversation from your message history.
    7. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Android

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/aid2585339-v4-728px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's a white app with a blue message bubble and white lightning bolt inside.
    • If you aren't signed into Messenger, type in your phone number, tap Continue , and enter your password.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/72\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/72\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-8.jpg\/aid2585339-v4-728px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's the house-shaped icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
    • If Messenger opens to a conversation, tap the Back button in the top-left corner of the screen first.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ec\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ec\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-9.jpg\/aid2585339-v4-728px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-10.jpg\/aid2585339-v4-728px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    After a second or so, a window with the heading "Conversation" will pop up.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-11.jpg\/aid2585339-v4-728px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's the option at the top of the "Conversation" window.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-12.jpg\/aid2585339-v4-728px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Doing so will remove the conversation from your Facebook messages history.
    7. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using the Desktop Site

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-13.jpg\/aid2585339-v4-728px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Open the Facebook website . If you're logged into Facebook, doing so will open your News Feed.
    • If you aren't logged into Facebook, enter your email address (or phone number) into the top-right corner of the screen and click Log In .
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-14.jpg\/aid2585339-v4-728px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":342,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":541,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It looks like a message bubble with a lightning bolt inside, in the row of options located in the top-right side of the Facebook page.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-15.jpg\/aid2585339-v4-728px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":350,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":554,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This link is at the bottom of the Messenger drop-down menu. Clicking it will open the Messenger utility.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-16.jpg\/aid2585339-v4-728px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":347,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":549,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your conversations are stored on the left side of this page.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e5\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e5\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-17.jpg\/aid2585339-v4-728px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":544,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You should see a small gear icon appear in the bottom-right corner of the selected message.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-18.jpg\/v4-460px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-18.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-18.jpg\/aid2585339-v4-728px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-18.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Doing so will open a drop-down menu with several options.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-19.jpg\/v4-460px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-19.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-19.jpg\/aid2585339-v4-728px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-19.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's near the middle of the drop-down menu.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-20.jpg\/v4-460px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-20.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-20.jpg\/aid2585339-v4-728px-Permanently-Delete-Facebook-Messages-Step-20.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":342,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":542,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You should see this option on the pop-up "Delete Conversation" window. Clicking it will permanently remove your selected conversation from your messages history.
    9. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • 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.
    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
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 84 Helpful 65
  • 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.
    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
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 5
  • 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.
    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
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 19 Helpful 15
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Make sure you absolutely want to delete a Facebook message before doing so--you won't be able to retrieve it once it's gone.
        Thanks
        Helpful 6 Not Helpful 5
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      Delete Your Facebook Account Permanently on Mobile & Desktop
      How to
      Delete Messages on Facebook Messenger
      How to
      Unfriend on Facebook
      How to
      Quit Facebook
      How to
      Contact Facebook: Easy Ways to Get Account Help
      Recovering a Disabled Facebook Account: Appeal & Reactivation Guide
      How to
      See a Facebook Profile Without an Account
      How to
      Find Saved Drafts on Facebook
      How to
      Temporarily Disable a Facebook Account on the App or Website
      Your Guide to Logging into Facebook + Troubleshooting Advice
      How to
      Create a Facebook Account on a Computer, Phone, or Tablet
      4 Simple Ways to Sign Out of Facebook on Any Device
      How to
      Change (Or Hide) Your Date of Birth on Facebook
      How to
      Find and View Liked Posts on Facebook
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 811,824 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Aug 5, 2016

        "Wow, very helpful, thanks for sharing."
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement