With the emergence of instant messaging applications, data privacy concerns have become a top priority. Although Meta It doesn't have the best track record, but the end-to-end encryption andSecret Chat On WhatsApp and Messenger, respectively, users have been appeased for the time being. If you're not familiar, here's how to view secret chats on Messenger.
Having a secret chat on Messenger ensures that your conversations are transmitted over encrypted channels. This allows messages to remain end-to-end. Additionally, you can set timers to ensure your conversations are deleted after a specified time.
So, let's check out all the ways you can view and use secret conversations on Messenger.
Things to know before using secret chats on Messenger
Before we begin, let's take a quick look at what's involved when you start or view a secret conversation on Messenger.
- Messages are end-to-end encrypted, which means no one outside the chat window can access them.
- Secret chats will appear separate from regular chats and have a visible lock icon.
- Only you and the other participant can see the Secret Chat conversation window. Other users cannot see or access it.
- You can set a timer to ensure that chats are automatically deleted within the specified time frame once they are read.
- Secret conversations will always be between two people. There is no option to use the secret conversation feature with group chats.
- You can only set up secret chats using the Messenger Android and iOS apps. The option is currently not available for web browsers.
- You can access your previous secret conversations using Messenger on a web browser.
Now that we know what secret conversations on Messenger mean, let's take a look at how to start and view secret conversations on Messenger.
How to start a secret chat on Messenger
There are two ways to start a secret conversation on Messenger: using the good old chat window and the search option. When using these methods, we found the chat window to be more convenient if you already have a regular conversation open with the user.
However, we'll show you how to use both methods to start a secret chat. Then, you can use the method that's easiest for you.
Method 1: Use the chat window
Step 1: Open Messenger app for mobile.
Step 2: Here, click on Contact related to.
Step 3: Now, click i icon In the upper right corner. Users can iOS click User name in the upper left corner.
Step 4: Here, scroll down and tap on “Go to a secret chat.”
This will instantly start a secret conversation on Facebook Messenger. Simply send a message in the chat window to get it on your home screen.
Method 2: Use search
Step 1: Open Messenger And press pencil icon.
Step 2: First, in the upper right corner, turn on lock toggle switch.
Step 3: Then, in Search bar , write User name Who would you like to have a secret conversation with?
Step 4: Now, press the user from the search results.
If you've previously interacted with the selected user through Facebook Messenger's Secret Conversations, a chat window with previous chats will open. If not, you'll be redirected to a new chat window. Now, send secret messages to get the contact to your dashboard.
How to view secret chat history on Messenger
If someone has previously contacted you via a secret conversation, but you're not yet friends, Facebook Messenger may not display those conversations in the main chat window. However, you can still view your secret conversation history using the Messenger mobile and desktop apps on Facebook. Here's how.
The first method: Through the Facebook Web application
Step 1: Open Facebook on any web browser.
Step 2: Click here on the icon The bell.
Step 3: Now, once the chats window opens, click on Chat related to.
Step 4: Alternatively, click “View all in Messenger.”
This will open Messenger on your web browser with all your message requests currently displayed.
The second method: by requesting a message
Step 1: Open Messenger app for mobile.
Step 2: In the upper left corner, tap Three horizontal lines icon.
Step 3: From the menu options, tap Message requests.
Step 4: Here, you can switch between "You know" and spam to find the relevant user.
This will allow you to view your secret chat history on Messenger.
How to view archived secret chats on Messenger
If you've previously archived a secret conversation, you can view it using the Archived Messages window. Additionally, you also have the option to unarchive and restore these conversations to your Messenger chat window. Follow the steps below to do so.
Step 1: Open Messenger app For mobile and click on Three horizontal lines icon.
Step 2: Here, click on archives.
Step 3: Now, use this page to find Secret Chat related to.
Step 4: To unarchive, long press on Chat related to.
Step 5: Once Show options , Click Unarchive.
This will immediately unarchive the secret conversation and make it available in the main Messenger chat window.
Bonus: Turn on disappearing messages for secret conversations on Messenger
In addition to having a secret chat, you can add an extra layer of security by enabling disappearing messages. With this, once your message is viewed, it will automatically disappear from the chat window for a specified period of time. Additionally, while taking screenshots, they will be blocked. If the other user successfully takes them, a notification will be sent in the chat window.
Invisible disappearing messages will automatically be deleted from the chat window after 14 days. Please note that any user can change the duration of a disappearing message, but previously sent messages will be deleted within the pre-selected period. If you'd like to try it, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Open an app Messenger for mobile.
Step 2: From the Chats window, tap Secret Chat related to.
Step 3: Here, click on i icon In the upper right corner. iOS users can click User name.
Step 4: Scroll down and tap Disappearance letters.
Step 5: Click on OK.
Step 6: From this page, click on the relevant duration.
Now, a message in the chat window will inform both users of the time limit for disappearing messages. While you can report any disappearing messages to Facebook, this must be done within six hours of the original message disappearing.
Tip: Check out our article to learn more about What happens when you report someone on Facebook Messenger?.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. Can you view deleted secret conversations on Facebook Messenger?
The answer: Currently, Messenger doesn't have a native option to view or recover any deleted secret chats. Users can use third-party apps to view deleted chats. However, you'll need to grant access to your account credentials and other details to do so, which we don't recommend.
Q2. Can you view secret conversations on other people's phones on Messenger?
The answer: Some third-party parental control apps like AirDroid Parental Control View secret conversations on other people's phones on Messenger. However, you may need a subscription to access the full suite of services.
Q3. Can you send secret chats via Messenger on a web browser?
The answer: No, there are no native options to start secret chats when using Messenger on a web browser.
Q4. Is it possible to know if someone is having a secret conversation with another user on Messenger?
The answer: No, secret conversations happen between you and the other user. No one outside your chat window can see your secret conversations on Messenger.
See hidden messages
The ability to send and view secret conversations on Messenger is a new and powerful way to communicate securely. If you want to take your privacy to the next level, consider Hide your Messenger status About other users.
