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How to delete messages in Facebook Messenger

Let’s face it, we’ve all said things online we wish we could take back, whether it be not-so-nice gossip or messages sent to the wrong recipient. Thanks to a recent Facebook Messenger update, the long-awaited ability to delete messages for both parties is finally available. While not fool-proof, quick action usually means your message won’t be seen on the other side of the conversation.

Further reading

You can also archive and delete entire threads you no longer wish to look at. Deleting Facebook messages on your desktop or mobile device takes mere seconds, but deleting whole threads only applies to your own inbox, not your friends. Here’s how to do it:

Deleting messages on your desktop

Step 1: Log into Facebook like you normally would.

Step 2: Click the chat bubble in the upper-right corner, followed by See All in Messenger. The latter option is located in the bottom left.

FB Messenger Desktop screenshot step 2
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Step 3: To delete an entire message thread, hover over the conversation and click the three horizontal dots icon on the right side of the message in your inbox. Afterward, select Delete from the menu that pops up.

FB Messenger desktop website screenshot
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Step 4: You will then be presented with three options: Cancel, Delete, or Hide Conversation. Click Delete to continue.

Step 5: To delete a part of your conversation, click into the conversation and hover over the message you would like to delete. Then click the three horizontal dots and press Remove.

Screenshot of how to remove FB message from desktop FB Messenger
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Step 6: If it’s been less than 10 minutes since you’ve sent the message, you will then be given the option to remove the message for everyone or just for yourself. Once you’ve made your selection, press remove.

The person on the other end of the conversation will be able to see that you removed a message if you chose the for everyone option, but the content will no longer be available. If it’s been more than ten minutes, you’ll only be able to remove the message for yourself.

Deleting messages on your mobile device

Step 1: If you haven’t already, download the Messenger app for either iOS or Android, and log in as you normally would.

Step 2: If you want to delete an entire conversation, hold down the thread or swipe to the left and select the red trash can. Then select Delete to confirm.

FB Messenger mobile screenshot
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Step 3: If you just want to delete a single message, go into the conversation, hold down the message you want to delete, and select Remove at the bottom.

FB Messenger mobile screenshot
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If it’s been less than 10 minutes since you’ve sent the message, you will then be given the option to remove the message for everyone or just for yourself. Once you’ve made your selection, press remove. The person on the other end of the conversation will be able to see that you removed a message if you chose the for everyone option, but the content will no longer be available. If it’s been more than ten minutes, you’ll only be able to remove the message for yourself.

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