# Finding past chats
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When contacts no longer appear in the sidebar, you can use the following methods to restore them and view the messages you've exchanged.

## Use your Contacts list
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When a contact disappears from the sidebar, open your **Contacts** list and select the contact. 

**To add a contact (desktop client)**

1. On the navigation bar, choose **Contacts**.

1. In the **Contacts** dialog box, select the contact.

**To add a contact (web app)**

1. Under **Quick actions**, choose **View my contacts**.

1. In the **Contacts** dialog box, select the contact.

## Using the All messages command
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Your contacts list may not display some of your past contacts. For example, a contact may have left your company. If you need to see the messages you exchanged, use the All messages command. These steps apply to both clients.

**To use the command**

1. In the sidebar, choose **All messages**.

1. Scroll through the messages and select the contact.

**Note**  
The number of past contacts and messages varies, depending on your company's data retention policy. For more information about your company's policy, contact your manager or IT administrator.