How to check archived messages

This teaches you how to see archived messages on Facebook Messenger. You can use the Facebook Messenger mobile app's search bar to look up archived conversations by name, or you can view a list of conversations you've archived on your computer...

Method 1

On Mobile

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   1
   Understand that you can't browse archived conversations on mobile. While you can view an archived conversation by searching for it specifically, you can't open a list of your archived messaged in the Messenger app.
   

   • If you want to see a list of your archived conversations, use the Facebook website to do so.
2. 
   

   
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   Open Facebook Messenger. Tap the Facebook Messenger app icon, which resembles a blue speech bubble icon with a white lightning bolt in it.
   

   • You'll be prompted to enter your phone number and Facebook password (or select your Facebook account) before continuing if you're not logged in.
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   Tap Home. It's the house-shaped icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
   

   • If Facebook Messenger opens to a conversation, first tap the "Back" button in the top-left corner of the screen.
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   Tap the search bar. It's at the top of the screen. Doing so brings up your smartphone's on-screen keyboard.
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   Enter your archived conversation's recipient's name. Type in the name of the person with whom the archived conversation took place. You should see several results appear in a drop-down menu.
   

   • If the conversation is with a group, type in any one of the group members' names.
   • If you're looking for a named group conversation, type in the group's name.
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   Select the conversation. Tap the name of the person (or group) with whom the conversation happened. This will open the archived conversation for your viewing.
   

   • If you're looking for a group conversation that didn't have a name, you may have to scroll down to find the specific group conversation you want to view.

Method 2

On Desktop

1. 
   

   
   1
   Open Facebook Messenger. Go to https://www.facebook.com/messages in your computer's web browser. This will open your Facebook Messenger inbox if you're logged in.
   

   • If you aren't logged in, enter your Facebook account's email address and password when prompted.
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   Open Settings
   

   

   . Click the blue, gear-shaped icon in the top-left corner of the page. A drop-down menu will appear.
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   Click Archived Threads. It's in the drop-down menu.
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   Review your archived conversations. You'll see a list of conversations on the left side of the page; these are all archived conversations.
   

   • To view an archived conversation, click it.