When Facebook made adjustments to how incoming messages were handled and sorted, millions of users were thrilled to no longer have to check that pesky Other box. No more missed messages, right?
Turns out, that’s not actually the case.
What countless users are discovering today is that we still have a hidden message box. Only now, it’s even more hidden than before.
On March 26th, for instance, I received a message from John Lee Dumas. The problem is, I didn’t discover the message until April 6th.
And unfortunately, getting to these hidden messages is harder than ever, and different depending on whether you’re using Facebook on desktop, or Facebook Messenger on mobile.
Hidden Messages on Facebook Desktop
If you’re using Facebook within a desktop web browser, log in and click on Messages in the left side menu. Where we used to have “Other” there is now a “Message Requests” tab for people we’re not connected with who may want to chat with us. But that’s not where the hidden messages are.
You have to click on More and then click on Filtered Messages to see messages that Facebook has essentially considered to be spam and done you the courtesy of filtering them out.
Mine had 16 messages, including that note from John Lee Dumas, two questions from readers and prospects, and a person note from a contact trying to reach my Dad.
Ridiculous!
Hidden Messages on Facebook Messenger for Mobile
If you’re using Facebook on mobile, you’ll need to install and use the Facebook Messenger app. Within the app, tap on Settings in the lower right, then tap on People and then Message Requests. Then, finally, tap the small link for “See filtered requests.” That’s the only way you can get to those messages!
Unfortunately now, just like your spam folder in email, you’ve got one more place to check routinely for important messages you may have missed. Whether you’re using Facebook for business or pleasure, it’s likely that Facebook’s filters are getting some false positives and putting important messages, incorrectly, into this folder.
If you want to make sure you aren’t missing comments and messages on Instagram, proceed here.
