Where Is Messenger Cache Stored?
Local Messenger cache, databases, and download locations on Android and Windows.
Last updated
Messenger on Android stores messages in private SQLite databases with image and audio fragments in cache. The Windows desktop app stores cache and local storage under the user profile.
Most message history syncs from the server on login. Cache files are temporary and can vanish after cache clear, app update, or storage pressure.
Where Messenger stores this, by platform
/data/data/com.facebook.orca/databases
Internal databases including threads_db2, contacts_db2, call_log.sqlite, and prefs_db (exact set varies by version). Also seen as /data/user/0/com.facebook.orca/databases. Requires root. Deleting app data here signs the app out and removes offline copies while server history normally resyncs.
/data/data/com.facebook.orca/cache
Internal cache including audio, fb_temp, and image/image.stash subfolders for voice clips and sent or received pictures and videos. Also mirrored in part at /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.facebook.orca/cache on some versions. Requires root for the internal path. Files may have generic extensions and partial content. Downloads explicitly saved by the user go to shared Download, Pictures, or DCIM folders instead of this cache.
C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Messenger
Windows desktop app data root (Electron based builds). Contains Cache, Code Cache, Local Storage/leveldb, AsyncStorage.sqlite3, msys_[id].db, and Partitions subfolders. A second copy of settings and logs exists under C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Messenger. Program files are under C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Programs\Messenger. Replace [username] with the Windows account name. Downloaded attachments default to the browser or system Download folder unless changed.
Frequently asked questions
Can deleted Messenger messages be found in fb_temp or image.stash?
Sometimes fragments remain in cache after deletion, but cache is unreliable and routinely purged. Check /data/data/com.facebook.orca/cache/fb_temp and image.stash with root promptly, and also check server history and saved files in Download or Gallery.
Where do Messenger downloads go on Windows?
Files saved from chats go where the save dialog points, commonly C:\Users\[username]\Downloads. The AppData Messenger folders hold cache and app state, not a stable archive of all downloads.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.