In an era where conversations happen at lightning speed, mistakes happen just as fast. A message sent to the wrong person, an emotional text fired off impulsively, or sensitive information mistakenly shared these are everyday realities for millions of Facebook Messenger users. And naturally, the first question that follows is: Can I delete this message from both sides before the other person sees it?
Facebook Messenger now offers a straightforward way to unsend messages for both sides, but the rules, limitations, and outcomes aren’t always obvious. This guide breaks down exactly how deleting Messenger messages works and what you need to know before hitting “Unsend.”
What Does “Delete From Both Sides” Mean on Facebook Messenger?
When you delete a message on your device, you’re only removing it from your own chat history.
But deleting from both sides, also called unsending, permanently removes the message from:
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Your chat
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The recipient’s chat
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Messenger’s servers (with some exceptions for safety reviews)
This is the closest thing Messenger offers to erasing a message entirely.
How Facebook Messenger’s “Unsend” Feature Works
Facebook introduced the Unsend feature to help users take control of accidental messages. Here’s how it works today:
When can you use Unsend?
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You can unsend any message at any time, whether delivered or not.
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The feature works for texts, photos, videos, voice notes, reactions, stickers, and GIFs.
What happens after you unsend a message?
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The message disappears for everyone.
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A placeholder text may appear saying: “You unsent a message.”
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Recipients do not receive a notification of what the original message said.
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However, they might see that something was unsent.
Can unsent messages still be reported?
Yes. For a limited time, Messenger keeps a copy for safety review in case the recipient reports abuse or harassment.
How to Delete Facebook Messenger Messages From Both Sides (Step-by-Step)
Whether you’re using the mobile app or desktop, the process is similar. Here’s the simplest breakdown.
1. Using Facebook Messenger Mobile App (Android/iPhone)
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Open Messenger and go to the conversation.
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Tap and hold the message you want to delete.
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Select More → Unsend.
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Choose Unsend for Everyone.
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Confirm deletion.
Your message instantly disappears from both sides.
2. Using Messenger on Desktop (Messenger.com or Facebook.com)
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Open the conversation.
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Hover over the message and click the three dots (…).
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Select Remove.
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Choose Unsend for Everyone.
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Confirm.
Why Users Want to Delete Messenger Messages on Both Ends
People unsend messages on Messenger for many reasons, such as:
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Accidental sends (wrong person, wrong group)
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Emotional messages sent in anger or stress
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Typos or incorrect information
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Sharing private data unintentionally
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Professional or workplace miscommunication
As digital communication becomes more fluid and more permanent the ability to erase mistakes has become essential.
Limitations: What You Cannot Do When Deleting Messages
Despite its usefulness, the Unsend feature has boundaries:
1. You Can’t Hide That You Unsent Something
The recipient may still see a notification that “You unsent a message.”
2. Deleted Messages Cannot Be Recovered
Once you unsend a message, it’s gone permanently from your end and theirs.
3. Screenshots Aren’t Preventable
If the recipient screenshotted the message before deletion, you cannot undo that.
4. Unsend Does Not Always Stop Reporting
Facebook may retain a temporary encrypted copy for abuse reporting.
How Deleting vs. Unsending Differ (Side-by-Side)
| Feature | Delete for You | Unsend for Everyone |
|---|---|---|
| Removes from your chat | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Removes from recipient chat | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Leaves an “unsent” note | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Works anytime | ✔️ | ✔️ (2025 update) |
| Reversible? | ❌ | ❌ |
Best Practices Before You Hit “Send” on Messenger
To avoid needing the Unsend option:
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Double-check the recipient.
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Reread emotional messages before sending.
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Avoid sending sensitive data through chat apps.
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Use voice or call for private information.
A small pause can save a lot of digital regret.
FAQs
Q1. Can I unsend a message after the other person has seen it?
Yes. Even if they read it, you can still unsend it but they may remember what they saw.
Q2. Does Messenger notify the other person when I unsend a message?
They won’t receive a push notification, but the chat will show “You unsent a message.”
Q3. Can I delete an entire conversation from both sides?
No. You can only unsend individual messages, not full threads.
Q4. Can someone recover a deleted message?
No, unsent messages cannot be restored by you or the other person.
Q5. Do third-party apps claim to recover unsent messages?
Yes, but these apps are unsafe and often violate privacy. Avoid them.
Conclusion
Deleting Facebook Messenger messages from both sides gives users a powerful second chance a chance to correct mistakes, retract emotional messages, or protect privacy. While the feature isn’t a perfect eraser, it remains an essential tool in today’s fast-moving online communication world.
If this guide helped you understand Messenger’s Unsend feature more clearly, don’t forget to share it, leave a comment, or bookmark it for later.
