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End-to-end encrypted (E2EE) Messenger chats require a separate export path. Facebook keeps end-to-end encrypted messages only on your device — they are not included in a standard Facebook data download. Here is how to export them.
What are encrypted Messenger chats?
Since 2023, most Messenger conversations are end-to-end encrypted by default. These chats have a lock icon in the conversation header. Older conversations may not be encrypted.
How to export encrypted Messenger messages:
On iPhone:
1. Open the Messenger app.
2. Go to the conversation you want to export.
3. Tap the conversation name at the top.
4. Scroll down and tap "Export Chat" (if available in your version of Messenger).
5. This saves a text file to your Files app. Upload it to the tool.
On Android:
1. Open Messenger and navigate to the encrypted conversation.
2. Tap the conversation name at the top.
3. Tap "Export" or look for "More options" → "Export chat".
4. Save the file to your device and then upload it to the tool.
Important limitations:
- The export option may not be available in all regions or Messenger versions.
- If "Export Chat" is not visible, your conversation may be using legacy (non-E2EE) encryption or the feature has not rolled out to your account yet.
- Photos and videos shared in encrypted chats are stored on your device and are NOT included in a standard Facebook data download. You can access them from your device's camera roll or Downloads folder.
Alternative: screenshot or screen record
If export is unavailable, the only other option is to take screenshots of the conversation on your phone. This is tedious but guarantees you capture the content.
Once you have the exported file (text or JSON), upload it to the Facebook Messenger Conversation Binder to generate a readable PDF.