Messenger Chat History Missing? How to Restore Encrypted Chats (PIN Help)

Does this match what you see?

• Your old messages are gone after logging in on a new phone.
• Messenger asks for a PIN you don’t remember.
• Chats are missing in a web browser.
• You’re asked for a 40-character code.

iPhone & iPadAndroidComputer (browser)

Based on Messenger Help “Restore end-to-end encrypted chats with a PIN”, “What end-to-end encryption on Messenger means and how it works” and “End-to-end encryption” (supplied by the site owner). Meta says PIN restore is gradually being introduced and may not be available to you yet.

Why this happens: the possible causes

Why chat history goes missing. How common each one is, is our own estimate.

• Encrypted history isn’t restored yetCheck this first

  Meta says end-to-end encrypted chat history doesn’t appear automatically on a new device; you need to restore it.

• Browser data was clearedPossible

  Meta says encrypted messages sent on the web are stored in your browser, and clearing cookies or using private mode may delete them from that browser.

• Your phone may not have web messagesLess likely

  Meta says that if you check the mobile app for messages sent on the web, they may not be there in some cases, such as a newly added device or one that hasn’t logged into Messenger in 30 days.

How to fix it, step by step

Work through these in order. They start with the quickest, safest checks and only move to steps that sign you out or remove data later.

Other ways to restore: Apple or Google account, 40-character code, one-time code

Meta says you restore your chats using the security method you chose when you set up your backup. Its options are:

• Your PIN: see restore with your PIN or reset it.
• Your Apple account / iCloud Drive (iPhone and other iOS mobile devices only, not Mac computers): if you previously allowed Messenger to save a key in iCloud Drive, open Messenger on the new iPhone, log in and tap Restore now. Meta says this restores your chats without entering your PIN. To turn it on, in Messenger on your iPhone: Menu > Settings > Privacy & safety > End-to-end encrypted chats > Message storage > switch on Save key in iCloud Drive.
• Your Google account (Android phones only, not computers): if you previously allowed Messenger to save a key in Google Drive, open Messenger on the new phone, log in, tap Restore now, choose the primary Google Account you used to set up the phone, then tap Allow. Meta says this works without a PIN. It also says Messenger only keeps a copy of a key to your backup in Google Drive; your chat history isn’t stored there. (See the December 2026 change below.)
• A 40-character code, if you generated one when you created your backup: enter it when asked on the new device. Can’t remember it? Meta says you may be able to use a one-time code instead, or generate a new code in the Messenger mobile app: Menu > Settings > Privacy & safety > End-to-end encrypted chats > Message storage > More options (below How you restore your chat history) > Generate 40-character code.
• A one-time code (if you’ve forgotten your PIN or other method): Meta says the code is sent to the Messenger app on a phone where you’ve recently used Messenger, and you can’t receive it on a computer. See the steps below.

Restore with a one-time code on a new phone or tablet

1. On the new device, open the Messenger app.
2. On the notice that appears, tap Use a one-time code instead. If you have a 40-character code, tap More options first.
3. On a different phone where you’ve recently used Messenger, check for the code and tap This was me.
4. Enter the one-time code on the new device.

Restore with a one-time code on a computer

1. Log in to messenger.com on the new device. (On facebook.com, log in and click Messenger.)
2. On the notice that appears, click Use a one-time code instead. If you have a 40-character code, click More options first.
3. On a phone where you’ve recently used Messenger (or Facebook, if you’re on facebook.com), check for the code and tap This was me.
4. Enter the one-time code on the new device.

Meta says if none of these work, or you’ve forgotten your PIN or 40-character code, you can reset your PIN. Meta notes these restore options are gradually being introduced.

Our note: Meta says it can’t restore your chats for you. It says only you and the people you chat with can see end-to-end encrypted messages, unless someone shares them with Meta (for example, by reporting or using Meta AI).

Chats missing in a web browser?

Meta says encrypted messages you send on the web are stored in your browser (for example, Chrome). If you clear your browser cookies or browse in private mode:

• your browser may delete those messages from its storage
• you may no longer see them in Messenger on that browser
• you may not see them in a different browser on the same device

To see your encrypted messages, Meta says log into the Messenger mobile app. It notes that in some cases they may not be on your phone either, such as a newly added device or one that hasn’t logged into Messenger in 30 days.

Which chats are end-to-end encrypted?

Meta says it’s in the process of securing personal messages with end-to-end encryption by default. To check a chat, look for End-to-end encrypted in the chat settings.

• Not encrypted for now: Meta says chats with businesses or accounts using business messaging tools, Marketplace chats and others.
• Not encrypted even in encrypted chats: nicknames, chat themes and reactions.
• Older messages: Meta says some actions, such as pinning or replying, may be unavailable for messages sent before the chat was upgraded.
• Meta AI: Meta says messages you share with Meta AI can be accessed by Meta under its Privacy Policy and Meta AI Terms.

How to know it worked

• Your older chats are back on the new device.

Still not working? Your next steps

1. Messages won’t send or Messenger keeps crashing? See Messenger not sending messages.
2. Can’t log in at all? See can’t log in to Facebook.

Frequently asked questions