What deleting Messenger actually means

Deleting Messenger can mean three different things, and which one you want depends on what you're trying to do. You can delete individual conversations, remove the Messenger app from your phone or computer, or shut down your entire Facebook account (which also removes Messenger). Most people who say they want to "delete Messenger" actually want to remove the app from their device or clear out old messages — not close their Facebook account permanently.

Facebook owns Messenger, so the two are linked. If you have a Facebook account, you can use Messenger. If you delete your Facebook account, Messenger goes with it. But you can remove the Messenger app without touching Facebook, and you can clear messages without removing the app.

Key Takeaways

  • Deleting individual messages or conversations removes them from your chat list but does not affect your Facebook account or the Messenger app itself.
  • Uninstalling the Messenger app from your phone or computer removes the program but keeps your account active and your message history intact.
  • Deactivating or permanently deleting your Facebook account removes Messenger along with it, and the process takes different amounts of time depending on which option you choose.
  • On mobile devices, you can use Facebook's main app to message people without installing the separate Messenger app.

How to delete individual messages or conversations

If you want to remove specific messages or entire conversations from your Messenger list, the steps differ slightly between phone and computer. On an iPhone or Android phone, open Messenger, find the conversation you want to remove, press and hold it until a menu appears, then tap "Delete." The conversation disappears from your list, but the other person still has their copy of the messages.

On a computer, open Messenger in your web browser, find the conversation, hover over it until three dots appear on the right side, click those dots, and select "Delete." Again, this only removes it from your view. If you want to delete a single message within a conversation rather than the whole chat, press and hold that specific message on a phone or hover over it on a computer, then choose "Remove" or "Delete."

Deleted messages cannot be recovered. If you think you might need them later, take a screenshot or copy the text before you delete.

How to uninstall the Messenger app

Removing the Messenger app from your phone or computer does not delete your account or your messages. It just removes the program from your device. You can still access Messenger by logging into Facebook through a web browser, and you can reinstall the app anytime.

On an iPhone, press and hold the Messenger app icon on your home screen, tap "Remove App," then tap "Delete App" and confirm. On Android, press and hold the Messenger app icon, tap "Uninstall," and confirm. On a Windows or Mac computer, the process depends on your operating system — on Windows, go to Settings, find Apps, search for Messenger, and click "Uninstall"; on Mac, open Applications, drag Messenger to the Trash, and empty the Trash.

If you use Facebook's main app on your phone, you can send and receive messages through it without the separate Messenger app installed. Open Facebook, tap the message icon (usually at the bottom of the screen), and you can chat from there.

How to deactivate your Facebook account (temporary removal)

Deactivating your Facebook account hides your profile and removes you from Messenger temporarily. Your messages stay on Facebook's servers, and you can reactivate your account anytime within 30 days by logging back in. After 30 days, Facebook begins the process of permanently deleting your data, though this can take up to 90 days total.

To deactivate, log into Facebook on a computer, click the downward arrow at the top right, select "Settings and Privacy," then "Settings," then "Deactivation and Deletion" on the left side. Choose "Deactivate Account," follow the prompts, and select a reason if you want to. Facebook will ask you to confirm your password and may offer options to stay in touch. Complete the process, and your account goes inactive when ready.

While your account is deactivated, other people cannot see your profile or message you through Messenger. If you log back in within 30 days, everything returns to normal.

How to permanently delete your Facebook account

Permanently deleting your Facebook account removes it completely and also removes Messenger. Unlike deactivation, you cannot change your mind — after 30 days, the deletion is final. Facebook takes up to 90 days to fully remove all your data from its servers, but your account is gone when ready and cannot be reactivated.

To permanently delete, log into Facebook on a computer, click the downward arrow at the top right, select "Settings and Privacy," then "Settings," then "Deactivation and Deletion" on the left side. Choose "Delete Account," not "Deactivate Account," and follow the prompts. You will need to enter your password and may see a confirmation screen. Once you confirm, the deletion begins.

Before you delete, read your information if you want to keep copies of your photos, messages, or other content. In the same Settings menu, look for "read Your Information" and follow the steps to create a file of your data.

What happens to your messages when you delete Messenger

If you delete individual messages or conversations, they disappear from your view but remain on the other person's device. If you uninstall the Messenger app, your messages stay in your account and you can see them again if you reinstall the app or use Facebook's website. If you deactivate your Facebook account, your messages are hidden while your account is inactive but return if you reactivate. If you permanently delete your Facebook account, your messages are removed from Facebook's servers within 90 days, but copies may remain on other people's devices or in their backups.

There is no way to delete messages from someone else's Messenger without their cooperation. You can only remove them from your own view.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete Messenger but keep my Facebook account?

Yes. You can uninstall the Messenger app from your phone or computer, and your Facebook account stays active. You can still message people through Facebook's main app or website. Your message history remains intact and you can reinstall Messenger anytime.

If I deactivate Facebook, can people still message me?

No. When you deactivate your Facebook account, your profile disappears and people cannot send you messages through Messenger. If they try to message you, the message may not go through or may be held until you reactivate. You can reactivate anytime within 30 days by logging back in.

How long does it take to permanently delete Facebook and Messenger?

Your account is removed when ready and you cannot log back in. Facebook takes up to 90 days to fully delete all your data from its servers, but the account itself is gone right away. During those 90 days, your information is being removed from backups and other systems.

Will deleting Messenger delete my photos and videos?

Uninstalling the Messenger app does not delete anything — your photos and videos stay in your Facebook account. If you permanently delete your Facebook account, photos and videos you posted to Facebook are removed, but photos and videos you sent through Messenger may remain on the recipient's device.

Can I recover deleted messages?

No. Once you delete a message or conversation from Messenger, it cannot be recovered. The other person still has their copy unless they also deleted it. If you think you might need messages later, take screenshots or read your Facebook information before deleting your account.