Having issues with Facebook messages not sending can be frustrating. There are a few common reasons why your Facebook messages may fail to send and some troubleshooting steps you can try to get messaging working properly again.
Common Reasons for Facebook Messages Not Sending
Here are some of the most common causes of Facebook messages failing to send:
- Connectivity issues – If you have a poor internet connection, your messages may not go through. This could be due to weak WiFi signal, using mobile data with poor reception, broadband issues, or network outages.
- Software bugs – Facebook regularly rolls out software updates. Sometimes bugs introduced in new updates cause problems with messaging.
- chat/messaging settings – Check your Facebook app’s settings to make sure you have messaging enabled and notifications allowed.
- Blocked by recipient – If the person you’re trying to message has blocked you, your messages will not be delivered.
- Spam filters – Facebook’s automated spam filters may sometimes mistakenly flag legitimate messages as spam, preventing delivery.
- Account restrictions – If your account has been restricted in some way, like being temporarily locked or marked for suspicious activity, sending capabilities may be limited.
- Recipient account issues – If the recipient’s account is deactivated, disabled, or restricted, messages will fail to send.
Troubleshooting Steps
If your Facebook messages are not sending, here are some troubleshooting tips to try:
- Check your internet connection – Make sure you have a strong, stable internet connection whether on broadband, WiFi or mobile data.
- Restart your device – Power cycle your smartphone, computer, or tablet. This can clear up temporary glitches.
- Update Facebook app – If using the mobile app, update to the latest version in case bugs have been fixed.
- Check service status – See if Facebook is down or having an outage in your area.
- Enable messaging – Go to your Facebook app’s Settings & Privacy menu and check that messaging abilities are enabled.
- Check for blocks – Log into Facebook on a browser and check your blocked list to see if you’ve been blocked.
- Try another device – Attempt sending messages from a different device like a phone, tablet or computer.
- Clear cache/data – For the mobile app, go into App Settings and clear cached data and stored data.
- Contact recipient – If issues persist, contact the recipient through another method and ask them to check their settings.
- Report issues – File bug reports with Facebook through the Help Center.
Fix Connectivity Issues
One of the main reasons Facebook messages won’t send is some form of connectivity issue preventing proper transmission. Here are tips for tackling connection problems:
- Restart your router – Power cycle your router and modems turning them off and on.
- Switch networks – Try toggling between WiFi and mobile data if using a phone or tablet.
- Disable VPNs – VPNs can sometimes interfere with messaging apps. Temporarily disable them.
- Reset network settings – On smartphones, reset the network settings under General Management in Settings.
- Check area coverage – Make sure you have solid signal reception in your current location.
- Disable battery saver – Battery saver modes can limit background app activity. Add Facebook to allowed apps.
- Update network drivers – On computers, update your network adapter and Ethernet drivers.
- Uninstall extensions – Browser extensions can cause conflicts. Try disabling them.
Strong, fast connectivity is key for reliable Facebook messaging. Address any network problems to see if it fixes issues.
Ensure Messaging Abilities Enabled
Another step is verifying that messaging is actually enabled for your accounts. Here’s how:
- Open the Facebook app and tap the hamburger menu icon (three lines).
- Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
- Tap Messaging.
- Make sure Text Messages and Group Messages are enabled with green toggles.
- Notifications should also be turned on.
- Scroll down and confirm Active Status is enabled.
Having messaging disabled in the app is a common reason for messages not sending properly. Double check it’s all enabled.
Check for Blocks
If the recipient has blocked you, your messages will not go through. Here is how to check if you’ve been blocked:
- Go to the recipient’s profile page.
- See if the Add Friend or Message buttons are missing.
- Try commenting on one of their public posts – if comments are disabled, you may be blocked.
- Log into Facebook on a desktop browser and visit facebook.com/blocked to view your blocked list.
- Ask a mutual friend if they can see the recipient’s profile – if not, you’re likely blocked.
Being blocked prevents all messaging abilities. If you think you may have been blocked, follow the steps above to investigate further.
Avoid Spam Filter Detection
Facebook employs automated filters to detect spam and protect user accounts. Unfortunately, these filters are not 100% accurate and sometimes flag legitimate messages as spam, preventing them from being delivered. Here are some tips to avoid false spam detection:
- Avoid sending bulk repetitive messages – Mass messaging looks like spam.
- Refrain from using all CAPS titles – They come across as spammy.
- Don’t include sketchy looking links – Especially shortened URLs.
- Personalize each message – No copy-pasted content.
- Only message friends/connections – Don’t message strangers.
Spam filters are necessary, but can cause headaches. Craft messages carefully to not trigger any red flags.
Check Recipient Account Status
If the account you’re trying to message is disabled or deactivated, your messages will fail to go through. Some signs the recipient account has issues:
- Profile/cover photo missing
- Posts suddenly stopped
- Friends list empty
- Profile not searchable
- Named changed to “Facebook User”
Reach out to the recipient through other means to have them check their account status and reactivate it if needed.
Update Facebook App
Bugs in the Facebook app itself can sometimes disrupt messaging capabilities. When new versions of the app are released, bug fixes are often included. Keeping your Facebook app up-to-date can prevent issues.
- iPhone/iPad: Open the App Store, tap your profile icon in the top right, and check the Updates tab for any Facebook app updates.
- Android: Open the Play Store, tap the hamburger menu in the top left, tap My apps & games, and check the Updates tab for Facebook app updates.
- Windows: Open the Microsoft Store tile, click the Menu button represented by three dots in the top right corner, choose Downloads and updates, and check for Facebook in the update list.
- Mac: Open the App Store app, click Updates in the left sidebar, and install any updates listed for Facebook.
Regularly updating your Facebook app ensures you’re running the latest version with the most recent fixes.
Clear Cache and App Data
Clearing cached data and app data for the Facebook app can wipe out any corrupt files that may be interfering with messaging functions. Here are instructions for both:
Clear Cache
- iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings > Facebook > Storage & Data > Clear Cache
- Android: Go to device Settings > Apps > Facebook > Storage > Clear Cache
- Windows/Mac: Close the Facebook app completely, then reopen it – this automatically clears cache on each restart.
Clear App Data
- iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings > Facebook > Storage & Data > Clear Storage
- Android: Go to device Settings > Apps > Facebook > Storage > Clear Storage
- Windows: Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Facebook > Advanced options > Reset
- Mac: Go to Finder > Applications > Facebook > Right click > Show Package Contents > Contents > Resources > Delete files
Wiping the slate clean for Facebook app files forces it to freshly redownload messaging components.
Log Out and Back In
If all else fails, completely logging out of Facebook and logging back in can reset messaging issues. To fully log out:
- Click the down arrow in the top right of Facebook.
- Select Log Out.
- Close all Facebook windows/apps on all devices.
- Wait a few minutes, then log back into Facebook on your preferred device.
This forces Facebook to wipe your session data and reconnect from scratch. Upon logging back in, try sending a message again.
Use Facebook Messenger Instead
If your direct Facebook messages still aren’t sending properly after troubleshooting, try using the standalone Facebook Messenger app instead which is built solely for messaging purposes:
- Download and install the Facebook Messenger app on your device.
- Log into Facebook Messenger using your account credentials.
- Tap People at the bottom and select a friend.
- Type a message and hit Send.
Facebook Messenger is less prone to general Facebook app bugs that can disrupt messaging. Give it a shot as a messaging workaround.
Contact Facebook Support
If your messages persistently fail to send after trying all other troubleshooting, reach out to Facebook support for additional help:
- Go to Facebook Help Community and post about your issue or search for related problems.
- Use the Help Center’s Contact Form to report a messaging bug and submit support tickets.
- Call Facebook toll-free at 1-650-308-7300 for tech support assistance.
Facebook’s customer service team can further investigate your problem and work towards a solution tailored to your unique situation.
Conclusion
Facebook messages not sending can have countless causes, but some common troubleshooting techniques like checking settings, app updates, network connections and account statuses can get messaging working again in no time. Persistent issues may require contacting Facebook support to dig deeper into resolving your specific delivery problems. With a mix of self-help fixes and assistance from customer service when needed, you’ll be back to seamlessly sending and receiving Facebook messages.