Messenger users getting ‘This chat will be archived soon’ alerts as Meta pushes for end-to-end encryption

Some Messenger users are starting to notice a new alert popping up in some of their chats – “This chat will be archived soon.” Below that, in smaller text, it explains that Messenger is upgrading security, and only end-to-end encrypted chats will stay active. There’s a button labeled “Switch to other chat,” nudging users toward the encrypted version. It’s a clear sign of Meta’s big push to boost privacy across its platforms.

So, what’s end-to-end encryption? It’s a security feature that locks messages so only the sender and receiver can read them. Not even Meta can peek inside. It’s a solid move to protect user data at a time when privacy matters more than ever. But this rollout isn’t going as smoothly as some might hope. Users are confused, and many are worried about losing years of chat history.

Take Mr-Fable, for instance. He posted on Reddit, “Makes me nervous because the chat is with my closest friend and it goes back years, would hate to lose it.” He’s not alone. ASleepandAForgetting chimed in, “Experiencing the same, I have a chat that’s 13+ years old that I would really hate to lose. Please update if you find any solutions, and I will do the same!” There are a few other posts on the r/facebook subreddit discussing the alert. These chats aren’t just messages – they’re memories, some spanning over a decade.

The issue seems tied to how the upgrade works. For some, chats flip to encrypted mode automatically. But if a separate encrypted “secret conversation” already exists — like one accidentally started years ago – the original chat gets archived instead. That’s left users scrambling to figure out what happens next. Will their old messages vanish? Can they still find them?

An alleged member of the Messenger team, Ok-computer888, clarified, “Just to reassure you, your past history in the archived chat will always be available there, so you won’t lose it.” The catch? Archived chats might not be as easy to search through. That’s a sticking point for people who rely on old messages for more than nostalgia. Still, it’s a relief to know the history isn’t gone for good.

Want to play it safe? There’s a fix. Messenger lets users download their chat history as a backup. It’s a simple process – just follow Meta’s instructions. Users like beezbeeb have already done it, saying, “I did a backup to my chat in case they actually delete it a few min ago.” It’s a smart move for anyone feeling uneasy about the change.

Once Facebook does archive your chat, you might see a message like the following (H/T u/virtualtrack32): 

This shift to end-to-end encryption is a big step for security, but it’s not without hiccups. Meta’s working to iron out the kinks, and while the transition might feel messy, it’s clear they’re not out to erase your past. Those precious chats are still there, just tucked away in the archive. With a quick download, users can keep their memories close, no matter what Messenger does next.

Featured image credit: 5artlam5 / Reddit