Messenger Lite is a lightweight version of Facebook Messenger that uses less data and works well on slower networks. It has all of Messenger’s core features like messaging, group chats, photos, videos, and stickers, but in a smaller app size. Here is a guide on how to download and install Messenger Lite on both Android and iOS devices.
Facebook introduced Messenger Lite in 2016 as a fast and simple alternative messaging app. It was initially launched for Android users in Kenya, Tunisia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Venezuela. The main aim was to provide an instant messaging option for people in emerging markets who may have slower internet speeds and lower data caps on their mobile plans.
Over the years, Messenger Lite has expanded to over 100 other countries on Android and iOS. It provides the key Messenger features while using less than 10MB of storage space. The smaller app size also means Messenger Lite uses less data than the main Messenger app.
Here are some of the key benefits of Messenger Lite:
- Uses less data – The app is under 10MB and utilizes less data when sending messages and media.
- Works on slow networks – Optimized to work on 2G networks and in areas with limited internet connectivity.
- Fast performance – Quick launch time and smooth messaging experience on low-end smartphones.
- Cross-platform – Available for both Android and iOS devices.
- Core messaging features – Ability to message friends, create group chats, share photos/videos.
If you want a fast and light Facebook messaging app for basic chatting, then Messenger Lite is a great choice. Here is a step-by-step guide on installing it.
Downloading Messenger Lite
Android Devices
Follow these steps to download and install Messenger Lite on Android:
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
- Search for “Messenger Lite”. The search result will show the official Messenger Lite app published by Facebook.
- Tap on the Messenger Lite icon to open the app page.
- Tap on the “Install” button.
- The app will begin downloading. The download time will depend on your internet connection speed.
- Once the download completes, the “Open” button will appear. Tap it to launch Messenger Lite.
Alternatively, you can install Messenger Lite by tapping this direct link to the app page on Google Play Store. This will take you straight to the Messenger Lite page where you can download it.
iOS Devices
To get Messenger Lite on an iPhone or iPad, follow these instructions:
- Open the App Store app on your iOS device.
- Search for “Messenger Lite”. Look for the app by Facebook.
- Tap the Messenger Lite icon to go to the app page.
- Tap the “Get” button to begin the download process.
- If prompted, enter your App Store password or use Touch ID for authorization.
- Wait for the app to finish downloading. Then you can find it on your home screen and launch Messenger Lite.
You can also tap this direct App Store link which will take your straight to the iOS Messenger Lite page.
Account Registration
When you open Messenger Lite for the first time, it will ask you to log in or sign up with a Facebook account. Messenger Lite uses your existing Facebook profile and friends list for messaging.
If you already have a Facebook account, enter your email and password when prompted to log into Messenger Lite. This will link your account and sync your Facebook friends for messaging.
If you do not have a Facebook account yet, tap the “Sign Up for Facebook” option. This will open a page where you can register for a new Facebook account which will then be linked to Messenger Lite.
Once your Facebook account is connected, Messenger Lite will open up your Facebook friends list. You can start messaging your friends right away. The app syncs your Facebook friends so that you can easily message people you already know on Facebook.
Main Features
Messenger Lite provides a quick and easy messaging experience. Here are some of the key features available in the app:
Messaging
You can send instant text messages to any of your Facebook friends who also have Messenger Lite. The messaging is real-time, allowing you to have conversations.
Group Chats
Create group message threads to chat with multiple friends at once. Name the group and add up to 100 participants.
Media Sharing
Exchange photos and videos with friends. Messenger Lite compresses media to reduce data usage.
Stickers
Enhance conversations by sending cartoon stickers and emojis.
Notifications
Get notified when you receive new messages so you don’t miss a chat.
Offline Messaging
The app queues up messages when offline. Messages get sent when you reconnect.
Setting Up Your Profile
Messenger Lite will use your existing Facebook profile info and profile photo by default. But you can customize your Messenger Lite profile if you want.
Here are some profile settings you can tweak:
- Profile Photo – Tap your profile photo on the main Chats screen to change it.
- Status – Tap your name in the Chats tab to set a status message.
- Chat Color – Change the color theme for your chats.
- Notifications – Manage notifications for new messages.
- Data Usage – Control how media is downloaded on limited connections.
Customizing these settings helps personalize your Messenger Lite experience.
Chatting with Friends
After registering your Facebook account, Messenger Lite automatically syncs your friends list. To start chatting with a friend:
- Tap the Chats tab at the bottom.
- Tap the name of the friend in your friends list.
- This opens up a one-on-one messaging thread with your friend.
- Type your message in the text box at the bottom and hit send.
You’ll see when your friend reads your message and when they are typing a reply. This allows seamless back and forth conversations.
If you want to message a Facebook friend that is not on your Messenger Lite friends list, you can use the search bar at the top of the Chats tab to find their name.
Group Chats
Messenger Lite also lets you message multiple friends at once in a group conversation:
- Tap the Chats tab and tap the “+” icon in the top right.
- Give the group a name e.g. “College Friends”.
- Tap the “+” icon to add people to the group chat.
- Search for and select each friend you want to add.
- Tap “Create” when done. This will open up a group message thread.
- Type a message and hit send to message everyone in the group.
The group chat allows seamless conversations between multiple people. Anyone in the group can reply and join the discussion.
Sharing Photos and Videos
In addition to text messages, you can share photos and videos with Messenger Lite. Here’s how:
Sharing Existing Photos/Videos
- When chatting someone, tap the Photo icon in the attach options.
- This will bring up your device’s Photos – tap a photo/video to select it.
- You can select multiple photos/videos to share.
- Tap “Send” to share the media to your friend or group.
Taking New Photos/Videos
- In a chat, tap the Camera icon in the attach options.
- This opens your device’s camera so you can take a new photo/video.
- Once taken, the photo/video will be attached to your message.
- Tap “Send” to share the newly captured media.
Note that Messenger Lite compresses photos and videos before sending to reduce data usage. But the quality remains high.
Using Stickers
Messenger Lite has a huge selection of fun cartoon stickers and emojis to make your chats more fun and expressive.
To use them during a chat:
- Tap the smiley face icon in the message box.
- This will bring up different sticker/emoji categories.
- Browse categories like “thumbs up”, “hearts”, “smileys” to see available stickers.
- Tap a sticker to send it in your message.
Stickers help add some personality to your messages. There are tons of stickers to explore in each category.
Read Receipts
Messenger Lite allows you to see when your messages have been delivered and read by friends.
- A delivered receipt means your message reached your friend’s device.
- A read receipt means they actively opened and read your message.
To see message delivery status:
- Look under your last sent message.
- You’ll see “Delivered” if delivered and “Read” if read.
- This helps confirm your friend got your important messages.
Read receipts help you see if your chat message has been viewed. This feature can be turned off in Settings if you prefer.
Typing Indicators
When friends are actively typing a message to you, Messenger Lite shows typing indicators.
You’ll see these types of indicators beneath a friend’s name:
- Blank – Friend is not currently typing.
- “…” – Friend is typing a message to you.
- “Recording Audio” – Friend is recording an audio message.
The typing indicators provide real-time feedback to you that your friend is in the process of messaging you back. This adds to the instant messaging feel of Messenger Lite.
Managing Your Friends
Over time, your Messenger Lite friends list will grow as you connect with more people. Here are some tips for managing your friends list and contacts:
- View your full friends list under the Chats tab. Scroll to browse alphabetically.
- Search for friends using the search bar at the top of the Chats screen.
- Tap a friend’s name to open your message thread with them.
- Long press a friend’s name to access options like pinning chats, muting notifications, deleting chats etc.
- Hide inactive friends from your Chats list via Settings.
- Create Groups and Group Chats to message multiple friends together.
Managing your friends properly lets you stay organized and in touch with key people. Take time to organize your friends list to your liking.
Privacy
Messenger Lite has privacy options to control your messaging experience.
Go to Settings > Privacy to manage preferences like:
- Who can message you first
- Read receipts
- Typing indicators
- Call and video call privacy
Adjust these settings as needed to tailor Messenger Lite’s privacy to your comfort level around messaging.
Notifications
By default, you’ll get notified when you receive new Messenger Lite messages. To customize your notifications:
- Open Settings > Notifications
- Manage notifications for new messages, group invites, friend requests etc.
- Set notification sounds and vibrate preferences.
- Enable/disable pop-up notifications.
Configuring notification settings lets you control when and how you’re alerted about new Messenger Lite activity.
Data Usage
Messenger Lite is optimized to work well even on 2G networks and limited internet connections. But you can further control data usage in Settings.
- Set Auto-download preferences for photos, videos and file attachments.
- Choose when to download media over Wi-Fi only.
- Enable options to reduce image quality and file size.
If you have limited data available, make sure to configure the data usage options for smoother messaging performance.
Conclusion
Messenger Lite delivers fast, simple messaging through an app that uses less data than the standard Messenger. Just download it for free from the app stores, register with your Facebook account, and start messaging your friends.
With core features like messaging, group chats, media sharing, stickers, and more – Messenger Lite is a great way to stay socially connected through easy-to-use chat. The smaller app size makes it perfect for regions with limited networks and for phones with less storage.
Learning how to install Messenger Lite and use key features allows you to enjoy convenient messaging through a lite Facebook chat experience.