7 common Facebook Messenger problems and how to solve them

Facebook Messenger is one of the best communication apps. It’s also the most popular in the U.S. If you use Facebook, it’s probably your de facto choice to stay in touch with your friends and family. Even though Facebook offers feature-rich Messenger apps on iPhone and the top budget Android phones, those apps aren’t without issues.

Sure, you can move to another platform when Facebook Messenger acts up, but your Facebook friends may not be available on that platform. Instead of abandoning ship, use the steps and troubleshooting tricks outlined below to fix your Facebook Messenger problems.

7 common Facebook Messenger problems and how to solve them

Can’t log in to Facebook Messenger

If you’re logged in to one of the Facebook apps, such as Instagram, Messenger automatically detects it and lets you log in with a single tap. But other times, you must sign in with your Facebook account details. If you face login issues on Messenger, try the tricks below.

Look for spelling errors on the login screen
Reset your Facebook password
Update the Facebook Messenger mobile app

Messages aren’t sent on Facebook Messenger

If Facebook Messenger doesn’t send messages, it defeats the purpose of using an instant messaging app. Try the tricks below to make sure your messages are sent.

Check your phone’s network connection
Turn off Facebook Messenger’s data saver mode
Turn on mobile data permissions for Messenger on your iPhone or iPad
Check Facebook Messenger’s status (and Meta’s too!)

Missing Facebook Messenger contacts

When you search for someone on Messenger, Facebook tries to find the person on your friends list, mutual friends list, and Instagram. Here are the possibilities if you still can’t find the person on Messenger:

The person blocked you on Facebook.
Facebook banned the person’s account.
The person deleted or deactivated their account.

The Facebook Messenger app crashes

Does Facebook Messenger frequently crash on your Android phone or iPhone? Try the tricks below

Restart the Messenger app
Force close Facebook Messenger on Android
Make sure you have enough storage on your Android or iPhone
Clear the Messenger cache

Facebook Messenger notifications don’t work

You’ll have to allow notification permissions for Messenger to receive instant alerts.

Allow notifications on iOS
Turn on Messenger notifications on Android

Can’t see stories in Messenger

Facebook automatically deletes stories after 24 hours. If you can’t see someone’s recently uploaded story, the person may have hidden the story from you. If you muted stories from several people, unmute them using the steps below and check their stories on Messenger.