Facebook Message Problems - Missing/Not Receivng Messages

[Carl]

There is a 6-digit code I have to enter to be able to access FB messages. This code was something I had to set when FB brought in end-to-end encryption, as opposed to a login style verification code that is received via an SMS etc.

with that 6 digit code it is possible that you could be losing messages if the browswer/app is not in sync (from personal experience) so I would check that and clear the caches on both app and see that clears it up as well (granted that you might have to put in the 6 digit code in )

I will check and try your suggestion Michael, and post an update when done.

Went through those actions Michael, unfortunately with no change.

I also installed the FB app for PC just to see if Messenger on that provided a different result, but what it showed was consistent with Messenger accessed elsewhere, so its appears everything is in sync. Maybe this is one of life's oddities, of a technical nature.

[freddo]

Have a look through Messages on your mobile, which should be next to the Messenger Icon

[Carl]

Have a look through Messages on your mobile, which should be next to the Messenger Icon

Good morning Fred. My Messages are empty, it not something I use and the only inbound messages I receive are from Movistar either telling me my balance is low or trying to sell me something, or verification codes for the likes of Wise or Amazon.

[freddo]

Are you entering through Facebook or Messenger

[Carl]

Are you entering through Facebook or Messenger

Morning Fred. It is normally via the Facebook website on PC, although I have also checked messages in the past few months via the Facebook and Messenger Apps' on both PC and phone, just to see if it showed the missing messages/would resolve the problem.

[freddo]

Yes, many users are experiencing issues with Facebook Messenger after the introduction of end-to-end encryption, including message visibility problems, disappearing messages, and difficulty accessing encrypted conversations. These problems often stem from the new encryption features and potentially corrupted data within the app. While there's no guaranteed fix, potential solutions include checking internet connectivity, ensuring the app is updated, and verifying secure storage settings.
Potential Problems and Solutions:
Disappearing Messages and Inability to See Messages:
Some users report messages disappearing after the introduction of secure storage and end-to-end encryption. This can be due to the way Messenger handles encrypted conversations and the need to enable secure storage.
Internet Connection Issues:
A poor internet connection can disrupt the synchronization of messages, causing them to appear as if they haven't been sent or received.
Outdated App Version:
Using an older version of Messenger can lead to compatibility issues with the new encryption features.
Secure Storage Settings:
If Secure Storage is not properly enabled, or if the PIN or code is forgotten, it can prevent access to encrypted messages.
Troubleshooting Steps:
Check Internet Connection: Ensure a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data) is active.
Update Messenger: Make sure the Messenger app is updated to the latest version.
Restart the App and Device: Restarting the app and the device can resolve temporary glitches and connection problems.
Verify Secure Storage:
Go to Messenger settings, then Privacy & Safety, and then End-to-end Encrypted Chats.
Check if Secure Storage is enabled and that a PIN or code is set.
If Secure Storage is off, turn it on and follow the prompts to set a PIN or generate a recovery code.
Clear App Cache: Clearing the app's cache can remove corrupted data that may be causing the issues.
Reinstall Messenger: If the problem persists, try uninstalling and reinstalling the Messenger app.
Contact Facebook Support: If none of the above steps work, consider reaching out to Facebook support for further assistance.
Bypassing Encryption (Not Recommended):
Some users have found ways to bypass the forced end-to-end encryption by accessing messages through the Facebook app or by going directly to a friend's profile page and messaging from there. However, this method is not recommended as it circumvents the security features that Facebook is trying to implement.

[Carl]

Yes, many users are experiencing issues with Facebook Messenger after the introduction of end-to-end encryption, including message visibility problems, disappearing messages, and difficulty accessing encrypted conversations. These problems often stem from the new encryption features and potentially corrupted data within the app. While there's no guaranteed fix, potential solutions include checking internet connectivity, ensuring the app is updated, and verifying secure storage settings.
Potential Problems and Solutions:
Disappearing Messages and Inability to See Messages:
Some users report messages disappearing after the introduction of secure storage and end-to-end encryption. This can be due to the way Messenger handles encrypted conversations and the need to enable secure storage.
Internet Connection Issues:
A poor internet connection can disrupt the synchronization of messages, causing them to appear as if they haven't been sent or received.
Outdated App Version:
Using an older version of Messenger can lead to compatibility issues with the new encryption features.
Secure Storage Settings:
If Secure Storage is not properly enabled, or if the PIN or code is forgotten, it can prevent access to encrypted messages.
Troubleshooting Steps:
Check Internet Connection: Ensure a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data) is active.
Update Messenger: Make sure the Messenger app is updated to the latest version.
Restart the App and Device: Restarting the app and the device can resolve temporary glitches and connection problems.
Verify Secure Storage:
Go to Messenger settings, then Privacy & Safety, and then End-to-end Encrypted Chats.
Check if Secure Storage is enabled and that a PIN or code is set.
If Secure Storage is off, turn it on and follow the prompts to set a PIN or generate a recovery code.
Clear App Cache: Clearing the app's cache can remove corrupted data that may be causing the issues.
Reinstall Messenger: If the problem persists, try uninstalling and reinstalling the Messenger app.
Contact Facebook Support: If none of the above steps work, consider reaching out to Facebook support for further assistance.
Bypassing Encryption (Not Recommended):
Some users have found ways to bypass the forced end-to-end encryption by accessing messages through the Facebook app or by going directly to a friend's profile page and messaging from there. However, this method is not recommended as it circumvents the security features that Facebook is trying to implement.

I will gradually work through that Fred and post the outcome. Thank you.

[Carl]

Worked through this today.

Yes, many users are experiencing issues with Facebook Messenger after the introduction of end-to-end encryption, including message visibility problems, disappearing messages, and difficulty accessing encrypted conversations. These problems often stem from the new encryption features and potentially corrupted data within the app. While there's no guaranteed fix, potential solutions include checking internet connectivity, ensuring the app is updated, and verifying secure storage settings.
Potential Problems and Solutions:
Disappearing Messages and Inability to See Messages:
Some users report messages disappearing after the introduction of secure storage and end-to-end encryption. This can be due to the way Messenger handles encrypted conversations and the need to enable secure storage.
Internet Connection Issues:
A poor internet connection can disrupt the synchronization of messages, causing them to appear as if they haven't been sent or received.
Outdated App Version:
Using an older version of Messenger can lead to compatibility issues with the new encryption features.
Secure Storage Settings:
If Secure Storage is not properly enabled, or if the PIN or code is forgotten, it can prevent access to encrypted messages.
Troubleshooting Steps:
Check Internet Connection: Ensure a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data) is active.
Update Messenger: Make sure the Messenger app is updated to the latest version.
Restart the App and Device: Restarting the app and the device can resolve temporary glitches and connection problems.
Verify Secure Storage:
Go to Messenger settings, then Privacy & Safety, and then End-to-end Encrypted Chats.
Check if Secure Storage is enabled and that a PIN or code is set.
If Secure Storage is off, turn it on and follow the prompts to set a PIN or generate a recovery code.
Clear App Cache: Clearing the app's cache can remove corrupted data that may be causing the issues.
Reinstall Messenger: If the problem persists, try uninstalling and reinstalling the Messenger app.
Contact Facebook Support: If none of the above steps work, consider reaching out to Facebook support for further assistance.
Bypassing Encryption (Not Recommended):
Some users have found ways to bypass the forced end-to-end encryption by accessing messages through the Facebook app or by going directly to a friend's profile page and messaging from there. However, this method is not recommended as it circumvents the security features that Facebook is trying to implement.

To ensure I was not using any old App versions, I did a fresh install of the Messenger App on PC and phone, plus fresh install of Facebook App on PC.

Before the fresh install of the Apps I checked the Message Storage setting, all were set to on. The 6 digit code and 40 character code within the security settings of Message Storage was also set to on. After fresh install, rechecked all settings were on.

The above feedback covers most of the suggestions in Fred's post, with the exception of internet connection issues in the post.

Internet connection is generally good. As someone that sends messages (or receives) infrequently, then it would have to be an extremely rare coincidence that messages were being sent at exactly the same time the internet connection was weak for them to have disappeared down a black hole.

I do get the odd Facebook alert 'We noticed a new login from a device or location that you don't usually use'. For me this is always a location issue not device, despite always accessing Facebook from one location - home.

Not sure I can add anything else at this time.

[freddo]

I do get the odd Facebook alert 'We noticed a new login from a device or location that you don't usually use'. For me this is always a location issue not device, despite always accessing Facebook from one location - home. That is the VPN you must be using reporting from a location it is set to show I get it all the time but not when I completely turn off the VPN. May be you are using an app that has a vpn built in

[Carl]

I do get the odd Facebook alert 'We noticed a new login from a device or location that you don't usually use'. For me this is always a location issue not device, despite always accessing Facebook from one location - home.

That is the VPN you must be using reporting from a location it is set to show I get it all the time but not when I completely turn off the VPN. May be you are using an app that has a vpn built in

I only use VPN occasionally (Windscribe free version) Fred, and it is always switched off when logging into sites such as Facebook or Yahoo and Google to prevent site access problems caused by VPN.

The alerts from Facebook are sporadic, and can show me as logging in from locations between 9 - 35 kms away from where I am physically sat, at home.

As far as I am aware I have no Apps on PC or phone that have a built in VPN.