Facebook Hidden Inboxes: How to Find Them

Discovering Facebook's Hidden Message Inboxes

It's possible you've encountered discussions regarding a lesser-known Facebook inbox where numerous filtered messages may be overlooked. In reality, Facebook utilizes not one, but two such inboxes. Understanding how to access these ensures you receive all incoming communications.

Facebook’s platform is continually evolving. Recently, online conversations centered around a “secret” inbox containing a collection of missed messages. However, the platform has since implemented a more efficient, less concealed system. Despite these changes, a significant number of messages may still go unnoticed by users.

Accessing Message Requests

A direct route to the filtered inbox is by clicking the message icon located at the top of the Facebook homepage. From there, select 'Message Requests'.

The "Message Requests" inbox displays messages you may not have previously seen, typically originating from individuals who are not currently in your friend network. You might be surprised by the content you uncover. Alternatively, you may already be aware of this inbox and regularly check it.

Exploring Filtered Requests

Further options are available. Clicking "See filtered requests" reveals a third set of messages that Facebook has filtered based on its internal criteria.

Alternatively, within your inbox, click the "More" button at the top. Then, from the dropdown menu, select "Filtered".

This action directs you to your filtered messages inbox, containing communications from non-friends seeking to initiate contact. You might even rediscover a distant relative or reconnect with someone from your past within these messages.

Accessing Filtered Messages via the Messenger App

If you utilize the Facebook Messenger application, you can access your filtered inbox by navigating to the "Settings" icon.

On iPhones and iPads, the icon appears as follows:

On Android devices, the icon is displayed differently:

Regardless of your platform, select "People" and then tap "Message Requests" to view the initial set of hidden messages. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and choose "See Filtered Requests" to reveal even more filtered communications. You can then review and respond to these messages as desired.

In conclusion, these are the current methods for accessing your filtered messages inbox. While finding these inboxes isn’t overly complex, many users may remain unaware of their existence, particularly if they primarily use the Messenger app instead of the Facebook website. Credit for initially sharing this tip goes to Hello Giggles.