You can delete messages one at a time or in batches, depending on which device you use
Facebook Messenger lets you remove messages from your chat history, but the steps differ between phone and desktop. On a phone, you can select and delete multiple messages at once. On a computer, you delete them one by one. Neither method removes the message from the other person's phone or computer — they will still see what you sent unless you use Messenger's "unsend" feature, which deletes a message for both of you but only works within 10 minutes of sending it.
Knowing which method works on your device matters because the batch-delete option on phones is faster if you have many messages to remove, while the desktop version requires more steps. Neither approach is difficult, but the time it takes depends on how many messages you want gone and what device you are using.
Key Takeaways
- On iPhone or Android, you can select multiple messages at once and delete them together by long-pressing a message, tapping more messages to add them to your selection, then tapping the trash icon.
- On a computer, you must hover over each message individually and click the three-dot menu, then choose delete — there is no batch option.
- Deleting a message removes it only from your own chat history; the other person still sees it unless you unsend it within 10 minutes of sending.
- Unsending a message deletes it for both people, but only works on messages you sent yourself and only within 10 minutes.
- Deleted messages do not appear in your Messenger search results, but Facebook may still store them in your account data.
How to delete multiple messages on iPhone
Open Messenger and go to the conversation that contains the messages you want to delete. Long-press (press and hold) on the first message you want to remove. A menu will appear with options, and a checkmark will show next to the message you pressed.
Tap each additional message you want to delete. Each one will show a checkmark as you select it. You can select as many as you want in one conversation. Once you have chosen all the messages, look for the trash icon (usually at the bottom right of the screen) and tap it. The messages will disappear from your chat history.
How to delete multiple messages on Android
The process on Android phones is nearly identical to iPhone. Open the conversation, then long-press the first message you want to delete. A checkmark will appear next to it. Tap each additional message to add it to your selection — each one will also show a checkmark.
Once you have selected all the messages you want gone, tap the trash icon at the bottom of the screen. The messages will be removed from your chat. If you change your mind before tapping the trash icon, tap a selected message again to deselect it, or tap "Cancel" if that option appears.
How to delete messages one at a time on a computer
On Facebook Messenger's web version or desktop app, you cannot select multiple messages at once. Instead, hover your mouse over the message you want to delete. A three-dot menu icon will appear to the right of the message. Click it.
A small menu will pop up with options including "Remove". Click "Remove" and the message will disappear from your chat. Repeat this process for each message you want to delete. This method takes longer if you have many messages to remove, but it is the only option available on desktop.
The difference between deleting and unsending
Deleting a message removes it from your own chat history only. The person you were talking to will still see the message on their phone or computer. It is useful if you want to clean up your own inbox or remove something you do not want to see again.
Unsending a message removes it from both your chat and the other person's chat. To unsend a message, long-press it (on phone) or hover and click the three-dot menu (on desktop), then select "Unsend" instead of "Remove" or "Delete". Unsending only works on messages you sent yourself, and you have only 10 minutes from the time you sent the message to unsend it. After 10 minutes, the unsend option disappears and you can only delete it from your own view.
If you sent a message with a typo, a wrong link, or something you regret, unsending is the better choice because it removes the message from both sides of the conversation. If you straightforward want to declutter your own chat history, deleting is sufficient.
What happens to deleted messages in your account data
When you delete a message from Messenger, it no longer appears in your chat history or in Messenger's search function. However, Facebook may retain a copy of the message in your account data for a period of time. This is standard practice for social media platforms — they keep records of user activity for legal, security, and operational reasons.
If you want to see what data Facebook has stored about you, including old messages, you can request a copy of your information through Facebook's read Your Information tool. Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Your Information > read Your Information. You can choose a date range and the types of data you want included. Facebook will compile a file that shows messages you have sent, even if you deleted them from Messenger.
Deleting messages from Messenger does not mean they are gone from Facebook's servers. If privacy is a concern, unsending messages within the 10-minute window is more effective because it removes them from both your chat and the recipient's chat before they are stored in either person's permanent history.
Clearing an entire conversation
If you want to remove all messages from a conversation at once rather than selecting individual ones, you can delete the entire chat. On a phone, long-press the conversation name in your message list, then tap "Delete" or the trash icon. On a computer, right-click the conversation and select "Delete Chat".
Deleting a conversation removes all messages from your Messenger inbox, but the other person will still have their copy of the conversation. You can always start a new conversation with that person later, and if they have not deleted their side of the chat, they can still see the old messages. This is useful if you want a fresh start with someone or if you want to remove a conversation you no longer need to see.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete messages after more than 10 minutes?
Yes, you can delete messages from your own chat history at any time. However, the unsend feature only works within 10 minutes of sending a message. After that, you can only delete it from your view, and the other person will still see it on their end.
Will the other person know I deleted a message?
If you delete a message, the other person will not be notified and will still see the message in their chat. If you unsend a message, they will see that a message was unsent (it will show as "You unsent a message" or similar), but they will not see the content of what you sent.
Can I recover a message I deleted?
No, once you delete a message from Messenger, you cannot recover it through the app. However, if you have downloaded your information from Facebook, you may be able to see the deleted message in that file. The message is gone from Messenger itself.
Does deleting a message on Messenger delete it from Facebook's servers?
Deleting a message from Messenger removes it from your chat history and search, but Facebook may keep a copy in your account data. To see what Facebook has stored, use the read Your Information tool in your settings. Unsending a message is more effective if you want to prevent it from being stored on both sides of the conversation.
Can I delete messages from a group chat?
Yes, the same deletion and unsending methods work in group chats. You can delete messages from your own view, and other group members will still see them. Unsending removes the message from everyone's view, but only within 10 minutes of sending it.