Facebook Messenger allows users to make video calls to one another. This can be a great way to stay in touch with friends and family. However, sometimes you may want to save or retrieve a video call after it’s over. For example, you might want to save an important conversation or show someone a funny moment from a recent call.
The ability to retrieve Facebook Messenger video calls depends on a few factors. By default, Facebook does not save or store Messenger video calls. However, there are some workarounds and third-party tools that may allow you to record or download a Messenger video call after the fact.
Does Facebook Messenger save video calls?
No, Facebook Messenger does not natively save or store video calls. Once a video call ends, there is no way to access a recording or transcript of the call within Messenger itself.
Facebook has stated this is due to privacy concerns. They want Messenger video chats to mimic in-person conversations and disappear when completed. Storing the calls could pose risks to users’ privacy and security.
So by default, Facebook does not keep a copy of any Messenger video calls on their servers. The call data is not saved locally on your device either once the call ends. This means you cannot retrieve past video calls within the Messenger app itself.
Can you record a Messenger video call?
Since Messenger does not natively save video calls, the only way to keep a record of a call is to use a third-party app or service to manually record your screen during the call. Here are a few ways you can record a Messenger video conversation:
– Screen recording software – Apps like QuickTime on Mac or Game Bar on Windows 10 allow you to record your entire screen. You’ll need to start recording before the call begins and stop it when finished. The resulting video will show the call.
– Third-party call recording apps – Some apps are designed specifically for recording calls from various messaging platforms. Examples include Cube Call Recorder or Call Recorder iCall. These may offer more features but usually cost money.
– Video call converter tools – Websites like VideoCall2MP3 can record your screen and audio during a call. The file is then converted and saved as an MP3 or other format.
– Physical recording – You can use an external camera or smartphone to physically record the call. Simply prop up the device and point it at your screen throughout the call.
The legality of recording calls varies by region, so check your local laws first. All parties in the call should consent to being recorded. And be aware that recording a Messenger call requires you to display the call on your screen.
Can you retrieve past Messenger video calls?
Unfortunately, there is no built-in way to retrieve a Facebook Messenger video call from the past beyond the call duration itself.
As mentioned above, Facebook does not store or save Messenger video calls on their servers. So there is no Messenger archive or feature that lets you access old call recordings.
The only way to save a Messenger call is to use a third-party recording method before the call ends. This effectively creates your own locally saved version that can be retrieved and watched later.
If you did not record the call when it happened, you cannot go back and retrieve it from Messenger after the fact. The video, audio, and conversational data is permanently lost.
Are Messenger calls saved in your Facebook data?
No, Facebook Messenger call history and recordings are not included in the data Facebook stores about you.
If you request a copy of your Facebook data, it will contain information from your Facebook profile, posts, photos, messages, etc.
But this archive only includes text messages from Messenger. Any voice or video calls you’ve made within Messenger will not be in your downloaded Facebook data.
Again, this is because Facebook does not store or retain the actual call data and has no way to provide it in your archived information. Only text conversations are saved in your long-term Messenger history.
Can you recover deleted Messenger video calls?
Unfortunately, there is no way to recover or retrieve Messenger video calls that have been deleted.
Since Facebook does not save copies of Messenger video calls externally, there are no archives or backups to restore from. The only record of a video call would be if you manually recorded your screen during the live conversation.
If this screen recording file is subsequently deleted from your local device storage, it is permanently gone. There are limited options for trying to recover deleted files on phones or computers. But with no Messenger server copy, a deleted call recording cannot be retrieved.
The same is true if you delete an active Messenger call history. Once you or the other party deletes the conversation thread, the associated calls are wiped from existence. So be sure to manually save important video calls before removing the chat history.
Third-party apps to record and save Messenger video calls
While native Messenger does not allow saving video calls, these third-party apps can record and retrieve your calls:
| App | Platform | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cube Call Recorder | Android, iOS | Free/$4.99 monthly subscription |
| ScreenRec | Android | Free |
| Call Recorder iCall | iOS | $5.99 |
| AZ Screen Recorder | Android | Free |
These apps work by recording your screen and call audio. Some focus specifically on calls while others can record any activity on your device.
Advanced features may include cloud storage integration, call transcription, organizing recordings, and sharing capabilities.
Be sure the app is compatible with the latest version of the Messenger mobile app and your phone OS. And check recording consent laws for your location before saving calls.
Steps to record and save a Messenger video call
If you want to keep a record of an important Messenger video conversation, follow these general steps:
1. Download a call recording app
Choose an app like those mentioned above and install it on your smartphone prior to the call. Make sure the app has permission to record screen activities.
2. Initiate the call inside Messenger
Place the Messenger video call to the other person as you normally would through the Messenger mobile app.
3. Start recording with the app
Open the call recording app and begin recording your device’s screen. Make sure the microphone is activated to capture audio.
4. End recording when call finishes
Once the Messenger call ends, stop the screen recording. The app will then process and save the video file.
5. Retrieve the recording
Access the recording in the app to replay, share, or save the Messenger video call externally on your camera roll or cloud storage.
Other call recording options
Beyond third-party apps, you can also record Messenger calls using:
Mac screen recorder QuickTime
QuickTime lets you record any activity on your Mac’s screen. Open QuickTime > File > New Screen Recording to capture a Messenger call.
Windows 10 Game Bar
Windows 10 has a built-in screen recorder via the Game Bar. Open the Game Bar (Windows + G) and click the camera icon to record your Messenger call.
Physical video camera
Set up a smartphone, GoPro, or video camera on a tripod to physically record your computer screen during the Messenger call.
Limitations of recording Messenger calls
While recording Messenger calls is possible, there are some downsides and risks to be aware of:
– You must display the call on-screen for the full duration in order to record. Can’t minimize Messenger.
– Informs others you are recording. Ethics of consent to being recorded.
– Apps may have time limits or leave watermarks on free versions.
– Performance impact on device while simultaneously recording screen.
– Requires proactive setup and action before each call you want to save.
– Recordings may not be legal depending on local laws.
– Only captures one side of the call’s video and audio by default.
– Quality depends on device screen resolution and microphone.
Why Messenger won’t add built-in call recording
Given the demand, why doesn’t Facebook implement native recording of Messenger calls? There are a few reasons:
Privacy concerns
Facebook wants to protect Messenger users’ privacy. Built-in recording that’s saved could expose private conversations.
Data storage costs
Storing large amounts of call data would be expensive for Facebook’s servers. Transcripts also require processing power.
Legal risks
Saving calls opens Facebook up to subpoenas and other legal requests for data access. More liability.
User experience
Recording could negatively impact the real-time feel of Messenger calls. Some users may act differently if calls are saved.
Development resources
Building call recording features would take substantial engineering work that Facebook prefers to put elsewhere.
So ultimately, the costs outweigh the benefits for Facebook to add native Messenger call recording capabilities. They have focused on privacy and ephemeral conversations as differentiators.
Users who want to record calls can opt for third-party tools instead. But call saving is unlikely to ever be a native Messenger feature.
Conclusion
Facebook Messenger does not natively save or store video calls. Once a call ends, there is no built-in way to retrieve a recording or access the conversation again through Messenger.
If you want to keep a record of an important Messenger video chat, you need to use external apps or tools to manually record your screen during the live call. This effectively creates your own saved version that can be watched later.
However, any Messenger call recordings can still be permanently lost if the recording file is deleted afterward. And there are limitations to recording calls versus native saving within the app.
Ultimately, Facebook prioritizes privacy over archiving and intends Messenger video chats to mimic ephemeral in-person conversations that disappear when over. But with the right tools and foresight, you can create retrievable recordings of Messenger calls for future reference.