The Apple Watch is an incredibly useful device that allows you to access notifications, track fitness and health data, make calls, and more right from your wrist. With social media being such a big part of most people’s lives, it’s only natural to want access to your favorite messaging apps like Facebook Messenger directly on your Apple Watch.
In this article, we’ll take a look at whether or not you can get the Facebook Messenger app on your Apple Watch. We’ll cover the pros and cons of having Messenger on your wrist and go over some alternative options if the main Messenger app isn’t available. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to message friends and family right from your Apple Watch.
Is there an Official Facebook Messenger app for Apple Watch?
Unfortunately, Facebook has not released an official version of their Messenger app designed specifically for the Apple Watch. Both the Apple Watch and Facebook Messenger have been around for years now, but for whatever reason, Facebook has not made a watchOS iteration of Messenger.
So in short, there is no dedicated Facebook Messenger app made by Facebook that you can download onto your Apple Watch from the App Store at this time. Facebook has not announced any plans to develop a Messenger app for Apple’s wearable device either.
However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t still some options for accessing Messenger and sending Facebook messages from your Apple Watch. Let’s look at some of the alternatives.
Using the Built-In Apple Watch Messages App
The easiest way to send and receive Facebook messages from your Apple Watch is to use the Messages app that comes pre-installed on watchOS. Apple’s Messages app works seamlessly with Facebook Messenger and is integrated directly into the platform.
Here’s how to use it:
- Open the Messages app on your Apple Watch. This is the app with the blue chat bubble icon.
- Scroll down through your message threads and tap on a contact.
- If you have an active Messenger thread with that contact, you’ll be able to see the full conversation history and continue messaging as normal.
- Type out a new message using dictation, scribble, or emoji.
- Tap the send button and your message will be delivered instantly via Messenger.
This built-in integration allows you to easily pick up conversations with your Facebook contacts without needing to install any third-party apps. You’ll also get all of your Messenger notifications directly on your Apple Watch.
The one catch is that this only works for contacts that you already have an existing Messenger thread with. You can’t start new Messenger conversations natively through the Apple Watch Messages app. But for staying up to date on ongoing conversations, it works quite well.
Using the Facebook App for Apple Watch
If you want quick access to more Messenger features from your wrist, another option is to use the official Facebook app for Apple Watch. Here are some of the things you can do with Facebook’s app:
- View your Messenger inbox and see all recent messages.
- Read full Messenger conversations and replies.
- Send new Messenger messages to friends.
- Like and react to Facebook comments and posts.
- Get real-time Facebook notifications.
While Facebook’s Apple Watch app is not as full featured as Messenger on your phone, it provides a simple and convenient way to carry out basic messaging tasks without needing your phone nearby.
To start using Facebook’s app on your Apple Watch:
- Make sure you have the Facebook app installed on your iPhone.
- On your Apple Watch, open the App Store app.
- Search for “Facebook” and tap Get to install the Facebook app.
- Once installed, open the Facebook app and log in with your account.
- You can now access your messages and notifications.
The main Facebook app is free and available on both Apple Watch and iPhone. With it installed on both devices, you’ll be able to send and receive Messenger communications even when you don’t have your phone on hand.
Using Third-Party Messenger Apps
In addition to the first-party options from Apple and Facebook, there are also a few decent third-party Messenger apps for Apple Watch worth considering:
Messenger by Appares
One of the better third-party choices is Messenger by Appares. This fully functioning Messenger client lets you:
- Send and receive Messenger messages
- Read full conversations
- Respond via voice dictation, emoji, or presets
- See message requests
- Get Messenger notifications
Messenger by Appares has a clean, simple interface tailored for the Apple Watch experience. It also offers customizable notifications and quick reply options.
Messenger++
Messenger++ is another option that provides complete Messenger capabilities on your Apple Watch. Features include:
- Full messaging with friends and groups
- Read, like, and reply to messages
- Review shared photos
- Real-time chat notifications
- Dictate, scribble, or send emoji responses
Messenger++ is free to download and specifically designed for both iPhone and Apple Watch messaging.
WatchChat 2
WatchChat 2 bills itself as a messaging app for WhatsApp, Messenger, and SMS. As far as Messenger goes, you can use it to:
- Send and receive messages via Messenger
- View your full Messenger history
- Quick reply functionality
- Receive real-time notifications
In addition to Messenger, WatchChat 2 also integrates WhatsApp, SMS, WeChat, and Telegram messaging. The app costs $4.99 but offers a full messaging experience across different platforms.
Which is the Best Way to Get Messenger on Apple Watch?
Based on the options we’ve covered, what’s the best method for accessing Messenger on your Apple Watch? Here’s a quick comparison:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Messages App | – Pre-installed on watchOS – Easy to use – Fully integrated with existing Messenger threads |
– Can’t start new Messenger conversations |
| Facebook App | – Made by Facebook – Full messaging capabilities – Free download |
– Some features limited compared to phone app |
| Third-Party Apps | – Offer advanced features – Specialized for Apple Watch |
– Hit or miss reliability – Cost money to purchase |
As you can see, each option has certain advantages but also some limitations to be aware of. Here are some quick recommendations based on your needs:
- If you just want basic Messenger access, use the built-in Messages app.
- For more features and fuller conversations, try the official Facebook app.
- If you want the most advanced third-party experience, go with Messenger++ or Messenger by Appares.
Take some time to test out the various options. See which provides the best blend of functionality and convenience that fits your messaging habits.
Troubleshooting Messenger on Apple Watch
While accessing Messenger on your Apple Watch is relatively straightforward, you may run into occasional hiccups. Here are some troubleshooting tips for common issues:
Can’t sign into Facebook app
If you’re unable to log into the Facebook Apple Watch app, first make sure you’re using the right Facebook login credentials. It’s easy to mistake your regular password so double check that.
Also ensure Facebook is installed on your paired iPhone and that you’re logged in properly there too. The watch app mirrors data from the phone version.
Force quit and restart both the iPhone and Apple Watch Facebook apps if still unable to login. This will reset the login process.
Messenger messages not showing up
If your Messenger conversations are not appearing on your Apple Watch, open the Messenger app on your iPhone and make sure notifications are enabled. On your Apple Watch, check that notifications are turned on for Messenger in the Watch app.
You also need to make sure background app refresh is enabled for Messenger on both devices. Force quitting both apps can refresh your message data.
Can’t send or receive Messenger messages
Issues with sending/receiving Messenger messages on Apple Watch are usually due to WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity problems. Make sure your watch and phone are within close range of each other and connected on the same WiFi network.
Turn both devices off and back on to reconnect WiFi and Bluetooth. Verify cellular data is working if away from WiFi on just your watch. Force quit Messenger and restart it to reset the messaging functionality.
Conclusion
While Facebook has yet to launch an official Messenger app for Apple Watch, you still have several solid options for accessing messages on your wrist. The built-in Messages app, Facebook’s watchOS app, and select third-party choices provide varying degrees of Messenger integration.
Ideally, Facebook will develop a standalone Messenger app optimized for the Apple Watch experience in the future. But until then, the existing alternatives fill the gap quite well. Take some time to experiment with what’s currently available and see what works best for your messaging needs.
With the proper apps and setup, you can absolutely use Facebook Messenger directly on your Apple Watch. Just follow the instructions in this guide to get connected. Enjoy keeping in touch with friends and family right from your wrist wherever you are.