Facebook Messenger stories enable users to share memorable moments through texts, photos, or videos. Sometimes, though, users may encounter difficulties when trying to delete a story, causing quite a bit of frustration.
This article provides useful tips to successfully delete your stories and fix the Messenger issue.
Troubleshooting Tips for Couldn’t Delete a Story Error on Facebook Messenger
Force Close and Reopen the Facebook Messenger App
Sometimes, a glitch in the app could prevent you from deleting your story on the Facebook Messenger app. If you come across a consistent ‘This can’t be undone’ message, try restarting the Messenger app.
- On Android, to force close the Messenger, long-press its app icon and tap the info icon. On the “App info” page, press the “Force stop” option.
- For iPhone users, you can swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or double-press the Home Screen button) to access the app switcher, then swipe up the Messenger card to close it.
Double-Check Your Internet Connection
An unstable or slow internet connection could be the reason why your story on the Facebook Messenger app isn’t deleting. This often shows as a ‘Waiting for network’ message at the top of the app.
So, before anything else, verify your internet connectivity by opening a few websites or playing a video on YouTube. If your internet is indeed slow, try switching to another network and deleting the story again.
Clear Facebook Messenger App Cache
Facebook Messenger uses temporary files stored on your device to operate smoothly and load content faster. However, outdated or corrupted data can cause issues. If you still can’t delete your Messenger story, clearing the app’s cache might help.
- Long-press on the Messenger app icon and tap the ‘i’ icon.
- Go to “Storage” and tap the “Clear cache” option at the bottom-right corner.
- Then restart the Messenger app and try to delete the story.
Delete Story from the Facebook App
Since Messenger stories also appear on Facebook, remember you also have the option to delete them using the Facebook app.
- Open the Facebook app on your device and tap on “Your story.”
- Tap the three horizontal dots at the top and select “Delete photo.”
- Then, hit “Delete” to confirm.
This method is a handy workaround and can be used if you’re short on time. However, to resolve the underlying issue with the Messenger app, consider trying the tips below.
Wait for the Story to Post on Facebook Messenger
The Messenger app may not show the delete option if your story isn’t fully uploaded yet. If that’s the case, wait until the story is completely uploaded before trying to delete it. You’ll know it’s ready when the blue circular progress indicator around your story icon turns grey.
Update the Facebook Messenger App
Regular updates for the Messenger app are released by Meta. These updates often include new features and bug fixes. If your device’s automatic updates have been disabled, manually updating the app via the Play Store for Android or App Store for iPhone users might be the solution.
Keeping your stories updated and free of any unwarranted content is vital for a better user experience. By following these simple fixes, you can ensure that you have full control over what appears on your Messenger stories, helping you maintain your online presence in the way you desire.
