Facebook Messenger is one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 1 billion monthly active users. However, like any software, Messenger can sometimes encounter bugs and issues. Here are some quick answers to common questions about fixing bugs in Facebook Messenger.
What are some common Facebook Messenger bugs?
Some of the most frequently reported Facebook Messenger bugs include:
- App crashing or freezing
- Messages not sending
- Notifications not working properly
- Trouble logging in or connecting
- Chat heads disappearing
- Problems with group chats
- Issues with photos/videos
- Problems linking Facebook account
- UI bugs like missing tabs/options
How can I fix Facebook Messenger bugs on my iPhone or iPad?
Here are some steps to try for fixing Facebook Messenger on iOS:
- Force quit and relaunch the Messenger app – Double tap the Home button and swipe up on the Messenger preview to fully close it, then reopen Messenger.
- Check for app updates – Open the App Store, tap your profile icon, and check if any Messenger updates are available to install.
- Disable notifications – Go to Settings > Notifications > Messenger and toggle off Allow Notifications, then turn them back on after a few minutes.
- Reinstall the app – Delete Messenger, power cycle your device, and reinstall Messenger from the App Store.
- Restart device – Turn your iPhone/iPad off completely, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
- Reset network settings – Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings (this will not delete any data).
- Update iOS – Make sure you’re running the latest iOS version, install any available updates via Settings > General > Software Update.
How to fix Facebook Messenger issues on Android?
For Android devices, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Force stop the app – In your Settings go to Apps > Messenger > Force Stop.
- Clear app cache and data – In App Settings go to Storage > Clear Cache and Clear Data.
- Check for updates – Open the Play Store, go to Menu > My Apps and check if any Messenger updates need installing.
- Disable notifications – Go to App Settings > Notifications and toggle off Allow Notifications, then re-enable after a few minutes.
- Uninstall updates – In App Settings go to the top and select Uninstall Updates to revert to the original version.
- Restart device – Power off your Android completely, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
- Reset app preferences – Go to Settings > Apps > Reset App Preferences.
- Factory reset device – Backup data and then perform a factory reset (Settings > Backup & Reset > Factory Data Reset).
How can I fix sending/receiving message issues?
If you’re having problems sending or receiving messages in Messenger, try these steps:
- Check your internet connection – Make sure you have a stable wifi or mobile data connection.
- Restart the Messenger app – Force close and relaunch Messenger.
- Update Messenger – Install any available updates from your device’s app store.
- Reinstall Messenger – Delete and reinstall the app.
- Verify your account – Open Messenger, go to your profile and make sure your account is verified.
- Clear message cache – On Android go to App Settings > Storage > Clear Cache.
- Reset advertising ID – On Android go to Google Settings > Ads > Reset advertising ID.
- Check if you’re blocked – Log in to Facebook on a browser to see if the other user may have blocked you.
- Report issues to Facebook – Let Facebook know about any persistent sending/receiving issues.
Why is Messenger crashing or freezing?
Some common reasons Messenger may crash or freeze include:
- Buggy app update – An recent Messenger update may have bugs causing crashes.
- Insufficient device storage – Check that your device has enough free storage space for Messenger.
- Too many app notifications – Disable notifications in Messenger settings if you get too many.
- Incompatible device/OS – Very old smartphones may not be supported.
- Corrupt app data – Try clearing Messenger’s cache and data.
- Outdated device software – Make sure your device is updated to the latest OS version.
- Third-party app conflicts – Interference from other apps can cause stability issues.
- Server problems – Temporary issues with Facebook’s servers.
How to fix Messenger crashing on startup
If Messenger crashes right after opening it, try:
- Updating Messenger and your device software
- Disabling other apps that may conflict
- Clearing Messenger’s cache and data
- Reinstalling Messenger
- Logging in and out of your Facebook account
- Using Messenger Lite instead
Why won’t Messenger notifications work properly?
Here are some troubleshooting tips for notification issues:
- Check notification settings – Make sure they are enabled for Messenger in your device settings.
- Update Messenger – Install the latest update from the app store.
- Restart device – Power cycle your smartphone.
- Reset advertising ID – On Android go to Google Settings > Ads > Reset advertising ID.
- Disable battery optimizations – For Android go to Settings > Apps > Messenger > Battery > Optimize > All apps > Don’t Optimize.
- Disable power saving mode – Ensure power saving/battery saver mode is not blocking notifications.
- Make sure Messenger is not force closed – Re-open Messenger if forcibly closed in your device’s app settings.
Fixing delayed Messenger notifications
If notification delays are the issue try:
- Disabling battery optimization for Messenger
- Switching off power saving/battery saver mode
- Setting Messenger notifications to Priority
- Ensuring you have a strong internet connection
Why can’t I log in to Messenger?
Some troubleshooting tips for login issues:
- Check your internet connection
- Update or reinstall the Messenger app
- Restart your device
- Clear Messenger’s cache and data
- Make sure you’re entering the correct login details
- Try resetting your Facebook password
- Log out then log back into your Facebook account
- Ensure your Facebook account is not disabled or locked
Fixing the Facebook login loop
If you’re caught in an endless Facebook login loop:
- Force quit and relaunch Messenger
- Clear Messenger’s app data
- Log out of your Facebook account on browser
- Delete and reinstall Messenger
- Try logging in with Facebook Lite
How do I fix disappearing Messenger chat heads?
If Messenger chat heads are missing, try these steps:
- Open Messenger settings and check if chat heads are disabled
- Force close and relaunch the Messenger app
- Clear cache and data for Messenger
- Check for any Facebook or Messenger updates
- Toggle chat heads off and on in Messenger settings
- Ensure other apps don’t have overlay permissions
- Restart your device
Making Messenger chat heads reappear
To make vanished chat heads show again:
- Reinstall the latest Messenger update
- Log out then log back into your Facebook account
- Reset all app preferences in device settings
- Change chat head settings to “Always Show”
How can I fix issues with group chats?
For problems with Messenger group chats try these troubleshooting tips:
- Have everyone leave the group and recreate it
- Inform Facebook support of any issues
- Ask the group admin to add/remove people
- Make sure everyone in the group has the latest Messenger update
- Disable then re-enable group notifications
- Check your internet connection is working properly
Dealing with folks not getting group messages
If some people aren’t getting group chat messages:
- Have them update Messenger to the latest version
- Remove them from the group, then add them back
- Get them to double check their notification settings
- Ask them to reset their advertising ID (Android only)
Why can’t I send or receive photos/videos in Messenger?
Here are ways to fix photo and video issues:
- Check for Messenger app updates
- Clear the app’s cache and data
- Ensure you have a good internet connection
- Restart your device
- Free up device storage space if full
- Reinstall Messenger
- Try sharing lower resolution photos/videos
- Report persistent media issues to Facebook
Troubleshooting unable to open received photos/videos
If you can’t open photos or videos:
- Ask the sender to resend the file
- Update Messenger to fix potential bugs
- Clear Messenger’s cache and saved media
- Check the file type is supported
- Make sure your OS/device is not too old
How do I link my Facebook account to Messenger?
To link your Facebook account with Messenger:
- Open the Messenger app
- Go to your profile/account settings
- Tap “Link Account”
- Log into your Facebook account
- Tap “OK” to confirm linking
If you can’t link accounts, try:
- Updating Facebook and Messenger
- Reinstalling both apps
- Clearing Messenger’s cache/data
- Logging out then back into Facebook
- Using Facebook Lite if available
What should I do about missing Messenger tabs and options?
If certain tabs or options are missing in Messenger:
- Update to the latest Messenger version
- Force quit and relaunch the app
- Clear cached data and restart
- Check if you’re on the latest iOS/Android version
- Reinstall Messenger from the app/play store
- Log out then log back into your Facebook account
Getting Messenger discovery tab to appear
To restore Messenger’s disappeared discovery tab:
- Enable Web Platform in Messenger settings
- Update your Facebook app as well
- Check your internet connection
- Toggle discovery tab visibility off and on
Conclusion
In summary, here are some general tips for troubleshooting Facebook Messenger bugs:
- Update Messenger and your device software
- Force quit and relaunch Messenger
- Clear the app cache and data
- Disable then re-enable notifications
- Check for connection and storage issues
- Uninstall and reinstall Messenger
- Log out then back into your Facebook account
- Restart your smartphone
- Report persistent bugs/issues to Facebook
Following the troubleshooting steps for your specific Messenger problem should help get the app working properly again. Make sure to keep Messenger updated and don’t hesitate to contact Facebook support if bugs continue to occur.