The short answer is yes, you can receive messages on Facebook from people who are not your friends. Facebook has a few different ways that non-friends can message you.
Receiving Messages from Non-Friends
Here are the main ways someone who is not your Facebook friend can send you a message:
- Messages Request Folder – When a non-friend sends you a message, it goes to your Message Requests folder rather than your main inbox. You’ll get a notification that you have a new message request. You can then choose to accept the message request, which will let you view and reply to the message. Or you can delete the request.
- Being Tagged in a Post or Comment – If someone tags you in a post or comment, you’ll get a notification even if they aren’t your friend. You can see the post or comment where you were tagged.
- Group Messages – If you’ve joined a group chat with people who aren’t all your friends, they can message you through the group. You’ll see group messages in your inbox like normal messages.
- Page Messages – If you follow a Facebook Page, the admin of that Page can send you messages even if you aren’t Facebook friends.
So in summary, yes it is possible for non-friends to message you on Facebook without sending a friend request first. You ultimately have control over which non-friend messages you want to engage with.
Replying to Message Requests
When you get a new message request, you have a few options:
- Accept the message request – This adds the message to your inbox and allows you to reply. It does NOT add the person as a friend.
- Delete the request – This removes the message and does not let you reply.
- Report the message – You can report abusive messages to Facebook.
To accept a message request:
- Go to your Messages page
- Click Message Requests in the left menu
- Click on the message you want to accept
- Click Accept and Reply in the top right
This will move the message to your inbox where you can reply to it like any other message. Replying does NOT add the sender as a friend.
Turning Off Message Requests
If you don’t want to receive any message requests from non-friends, you can turn off the feature completely:
- Go to your Settings page
- Click Privacy in the left menu
- Go to the Message Requests section
- Uncheck the box next to “Who can send you message requests?”
This will block all incoming message requests. People will only be able to message you if they are in your Friends list.
Blocking Specific Users
You can also block specific people from being able to message you or see your profile and posts:
- Go to the profile of the person you want to block
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner
- Select Block User
This will prevent them from sending you any more messages unless you unblock them in the future.
Reporting Harassing Messages
If someone sends you offensive, abusive, or harassing messages, you should report them to Facebook:
- Click on the offensive message
- Click on the down arrow in the top right
- Select Report
- Follow the prompts to report the message to Facebook
Facebook will review the reported message and take appropriate action against the sender if it violates their rules. Make sure to also block the harassing user.
Changing Your Messaging Settings
In your Facebook Settings, you have options to control who can send you messages. Here are some of the key options:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Who can send you friend requests? | Controls who can send you friend requests if they aren’t already friends with you. Set to Friends of Friends or Strict to reduce unwanted requests. |
| Who can see your friends list? | Controls who can see your Facebook friends. Set to Friends Only for more privacy. |
| Who can look you up using your phone number? | Controls if your phone number can be searched to find your Facebook profile. Set to Friends to prevent abuse. |
| Who can send you message requests? | Turn this off to block all message requests from non-friends. |
Take the time to review all of your messaging settings and tighten them up if you are getting unwanted contact from strangers and vague acquaintances. The stricter your settings, the less unsolicited communication you will have to deal with.
Using Groups Safely
Joining public Facebook Groups can sometimes expose you to harassing messages from strangers. Here are some tips for joining groups safely:
- Research a group before joining – Read recent posts and reviews to ensure it’s reputable.
- Adjust your group notifications – Turn off notifications for busy/noisy groups.
- Be cautious about sharing personal information – Don’t reveal anything you wouldn’t want strangers to know.
- Report harassing messages – Use the Report feature on any offensive or abusive content.
- Leave any toxic groups – Don’t feel obligated to stay in unhealthy groups.
- Block abusive members – Prevent individual harassers from contacting you again.
Using Pages Safely
Following Facebook Pages can also expose you to unwanted messaging if the Page admin abuses the feature. Here are some recommendations:
- Research Pages before following them – Make sure they are legitimate.
- Be wary of sponsored/promoted Pages – They are more likely to spam you.
- Adjust your notifications – Control which Pages can notify you.
- Don’t accept offers through Pages – Avoid free giveaways, coupons, etc.
- Report harassing Page admins – Facebook will take action against violations.
- Unfollow any shady Pages – Remove Pages that spam or harass you.
Conclusion
While Facebook provides lots of options for communicating, it also presents opportunities for abuse if you aren’t careful. Take advantage of Facebook’s privacy settings and reporting features. Be cautious about who you friend and interact with. Limit messages and notifications from strangers. Report any harassing or offensive content. Follow these guidelines, and Facebook can remain a positive social experience.