Facebook Messenger is a messaging app and platform developed by Facebook that allows users to communicate with friends and connections on the Facebook platform. One of Messenger’s core features is the ability to send and receive text messages, allowing you to have conversations with individuals or groups.
There are a few different ways to send text messages using Facebook Messenger depending on whether you are using the mobile app or web browser version. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the steps for sending text messages via Facebook Messenger on both platforms.
Sending Text Messages on the Facebook Messenger Mobile App
The Facebook Messenger mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices. Once you have the app installed on your smartphone or tablet, sending text messages via Messenger is quick and easy.
Start a New Conversation
To start a new text conversation with someone:
- Open the Facebook Messenger app on your mobile device.
- Tap on the pencil icon in the top right corner.
- At the top of the screen, tap on the “New Message” icon (it looks like a square with a pencil inside).
- Type in the name of the Facebook friend you want to message. A list of matching names will appear below – tap on the correct match.
- With your recipient selected, you can now begin typing your message in the text box at the bottom of the screen.
- Once your message is typed, hit the send button (it looks like an arrow pointing to the right).
Your text message will now be sent instantly to the recipient through Messenger. If they have notifications turned on for the app, they will receive an alert on their device.
Continue an Existing Conversation
If you already have an existing text conversation going with someone:
- Open the Facebook Messenger app and tap on the “Chats” tab at the bottom.
- This will display a list of your recent conversations – tap on the one you want to continue.
- You will now see your existing messages with this person. To continue the conversation, simply type your next message in the text box at the bottom and hit send.
The conversation will now resume right where you left off last time. You can keep sending messages back and forth to have an ongoing text discussion.
Start a Group Conversation
Messenger also allows you to text multiple people at once in a group conversation:
- Open the Facebook Messenger app and tap the pencil icon to start a new message.
- Tap the “New Group” icon at the top of the screen (it looks like two speech bubbles).
- Type in the names of the people you want to include in the group message. Tap on each match as it appears below.
- Once you’ve selected all the recipients, tap “Next” at the top right.
- Type your message for the group in the text box and hit send when ready.
Your text will now go to everyone included in the group conversation. They can all reply and join in the discussion!
Sending Text Messages on Messenger for Web
You can also send text messages using the Messenger platform on the Facebook website. Here is how to do it:
Start a New Conversation
To start messaging someone new:
- Go to www.facebook.com and log into your account.
- Click on the Messenger icon in the top right corner – it looks like a speech bubble.
- Click on the pencil icon near the top left to start a new message.
- Type the name of the person you want to message into the “To:” field at the top.
- Enter your text message in the composition box.
- Hit the Enter key or click the send button (arrow icon) to send your message.
That’s all there is to it! Your recipient will now see your text message through the Messenger website or app.
Continue an Existing Conversation
To continue an ongoing text conversation on Messenger for web:
- Go to the Messenger website as described above.
- You will see a list of your recent conversations under the “Chats” tab on the left side.
- Click on the conversation you want to reopen.
- Type your next message in the composition box.
- Hit Enter or click the send icon to continue the conversation.
Your existing messages will be visible, so you can easily pick up right where you left off in any ongoing text discussions.
Start a Group Text
You can also send a group text using Messenger for web:
- Follow the steps above to open the new message window.
- Click the “New Group” button near the top left.
- Type in the names of everyone you want to include in the group text, selecting each match.
- Compose your message for the group in the text box.
- Click send or press Enter to send the group text.
It’s that easy! Each person included will now be part of the group conversation on Messenger.
Text Messaging Features in Facebook Messenger
Now that you know the basics of how to send text messages in Facebook Messenger, here are some of the other useful text messaging features to take advantage of:
Emojis
Emojis and stickers are a fun way to spice up your text conversations. To access them on mobile:
- Tap the smiley face on the left side of the text box.
- This will bring up your emoji and sticker options for the conversation.
- Tap an emoji or sticker to insert it into your message.
On desktop Messenger, click the smiley icon next to the text box to bring up your emoji choices.
Photos & Videos
You can send photos and videos inside your text messages too. To do so:
- Tap the camera icon on mobile or the image icon on desktop.
- Select a photo/video you want to send from your device.
- The image or video will be inserted into the message thread.
Message Reactions
Messenger allows you to react to any text message. Reactions appear below the message.
- Long press or double click on a message.
- Select your reaction from thepopup menu – e.g. heart, thumbs up, smiley face.
Read Receipts
See when your messages have been read by toggling read receipts on.
- In your conversation, tap recipient name at the top and select “Turn On Read Receipts”.
- You will now see “Read” below messages after they have been viewed.
These are just a few of the features that can enhance your text messaging experience on Facebook Messenger! They help add a fun and dynamic feel to your conversations.
Troubleshooting Facebook Messenger Text Issues
While Facebook Messenger makes texting straightforward and easy, you may occasionally run into issues. Here are some potential problems and solutions:
Can’t Send Messages
If your messages won’t send at all, try the following troubleshooting tips:
- Close and restart the Messenger app/website.
- Check your internet connection – connect to wifi or cellular data.
- Update the Messenger app to the latest version.
- Turn your phone to airplane mode briefly, then switch it back.
- Log out and back into your Facebook account.
Message Not Delivered
If you see a notification that your message wasn’t delivered:
- The recipient may have you blocked.
- They may have messaging turned off.
- Their account may be deactivated or disabled.
- They may not be connected to the internet.
Not Receiving Messages
If you aren’t getting messages others are sending you:
- Check your notifications settings and make sure they are enabled.
- You may have messaging disabled – check settings.
- Toggle airplane mode on/off to reset connectivity.
- Close and relaunch the Messenger app.
Following basic troubleshooting like this will usually get Messenger texting working again smoothly.
Conclusion
Facebook Messenger provides a simple, user-friendly platform for sending text messages seamlessly between Facebook users. Whether you prefer the mobile app or web browser experience, starting a new conversation, continuing an existing thread, or texting groups is quick and straightforward.
Leverage Messenger’s fun features like emojis, photos, videos, and message reactions to liven up your text conversations. If you do run into any issues with sending/receiving texts, there are troubleshooting tips you can follow to easily get Messenger working properly again.
With its integration directly into the Facebook platform and ecosystem, Messenger makes keeping in touch with friends, family and connections through text messaging easier than ever. So open up those conversations and start typing!