There are a few potential reasons why you may be unable to make calls on Messenger:
You don’t have an internet connection
In order to make calls on Messenger, you need to have an active internet connection. If you don’t have a WiFi or cellular data connection, you won’t be able to make or receive calls.
Try toggling your WiFi on and off or enabling cellular data to see if that resolves the issue. You may also want to check that your device has a strong signal wherever you are. Move closer to your router or go outside if you are indoors.
Your Facebook account is restricted
If your Facebook account has been restricted in some way, you may lose access to certain Messenger features like calling. This can happen if you violate Facebook’s terms of service.
To restore your account access, you will need to resolve any violations flagged by Facebook. This may involve removing prohibited content, verifying your identity, or changing your password.
Messenger calling isn’t available in your country
Messenger calling is not available worldwide. It may not be enabled yet in your specific country or region.
You can check the Messenger calling availability page to see if it is offered where you live. If not, you will have to use a different calling method until it is supported.
Your Messenger app is out of date
Make sure you have the latest version of the Messenger app installed. Older versions may not support calling features.
On your phone, open the App Store or Google Play Store, search for Messenger, and update to the newest version if available.
Your phone settings are blocking calls
Some phone settings like Do Not Disturb mode can block Messenger calls. Make sure you don’t have any restrictions enabled that would prevent calls or notifications from coming through.
On an iPhone, check your Do Not Disturb and Focus modes under Settings > Focus. On Android, look for Do Not Disturb under Settings > Sound & vibration.
Your microphone permissions are off
The Messenger app needs access to your microphone to make calls. If you have previously denied microphone access, calls will fail.
On iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone and make sure Messenger is toggled on. On Android, go to Settings > Apps & notifications > Messenger > Permissions and allow Microphone access.
You’re calling someone who can’t receive calls
The person you are trying to call also needs to have calling enabled and be using a supported device. If they don’t have Messenger calls set up properly, the call won’t go through.
Make sure the recipient you are calling has gone through all the troubleshooting steps above as well. You may need to use a different communication method if they are unable to get Messenger calling working.
Messenger is down or having issues
Like any service, Messenger can suffer occasional outages that prevent calls from being made. Issues on Facebook’s end could prevent calling features from working properly.
Check Downdetector and social media to see if others are reporting widespread problems with Messenger. Try calling again later if the issues appear to be temporary.
Your Messenger account is banned from calling
If you have severely or repeatedly violated Messenger’s calling policies, your account could be banned from using calling features. This is usually only done in extreme cases of abuse.
You will need to appeal directly to Facebook support if your account has been fully restricted from Messenger calling. Explain the situation and ask them to remove the restriction.
Conclusion
Messenger calling problems typically stem from connectivity issues, app errors, phone settings, country restrictions, or account limitations. Check each troubleshooting step outlined above to identify and resolve the specific issue preventing calls from going through on your device or account.
Troubleshooting tips
- Make sure you have an active internet connection
- Update the Messenger app to the latest version
- Allow microphone permissions for Messenger
- Disable any phone settings blocking calls
- Check if calling is available in your country
Potential call issues
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| No internet connection | Enable WiFi or cellular data |
| Restricted Facebook account | Resolve flagged violations |
| Unsupported country | Use a different calling method |
| Outdated Messenger version | Update the app |
| Blocking phone settings enabled | Disable restrictions |
| Microphone permissions off | Enable microphone access |
| Recipient can’t receive calls | Use a different communication method |
| Messenger service issues | Try calling again later |
| Banned account | Appeal to Facebook support |
With over 2 billion users, Messenger is one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide. It offers convenient features like photo and video sharing, group chats, and free voice and video calling.
Launched in 2011, Messenger was originally built as a standalone messaging platform spun off from the Facebook app. It has since evolved into a robust communication hub with much more than just messaging capabilities.
Some key milestones in Messenger’s history include:
- 2011 – Messenger launches as a separate app focused on messaging
- 2013 – Audio calling is introduced on Messenger
- 2014 – Group chats allow up to 50 people
- 2016 – Video calling, stickers, and hand-drawn messages are added
- 2017 – Messenger Day and Messenger Kids launch
- 2018 – Group video chats support up to 50 callers
- 2019 – Messenger integrates with Instagram and WhatsApp
- 2020 – Watch Together feature lets users watch video content during calls
Over time, Facebook has looked for ways to monetize Messenger beyond just advertising within the app. Some of these efforts include:
- Messenger Platform – Allows businesses to connect with customers through chatbots and automated messaging
- Messenger Ads – Enables targeted advertising within the Messenger experience
- Messenger Rooms – Group video calls of up to 50 people, aimed at competing with Zoom and FaceTime
- Messenger Pay – Peer-to-peer payments system to send/receive money through Messenger
- Messenger Kids – Provides a controlled messaging environment for children under 13
Messenger’s calling features have evolved significantly since audio calling was first introduced in 2013. Some of the key developments include:
Audio calling
- Launched in 2013
- Enabled 1-on-1 calls between Messenger users
- Data usage optimized for reliability in emerging markets
Video calling
- Launched in 2016
- Allowed users to make video calls through Messenger for the first time
- Supported up to 6 participants in group video chats
Group calling
- Introduced in 2018
- Increased group video chats to support up to 50 callers
- Added AR filters, captions and reactions during calls
Watch Together
- Launched in 2020
- Lets users watch video content together during calls
- Syncs playback so everyone is watching at the same time
Facebook has made speed and reliability top priorities as Messenger’s calling capabilities have expanded. Some technical optimizations include:
- Adaptative bit rate technology to ensure clear audio and video even with bandwidth constraints
- Ping optimization to reduce latency in transmission
- Rapid hangup and connect times when switching between chats and calls
- Scalable real-time media routing infrastructure
- AI-enhanced processing for noise cancellation and low-light performance
Going forward, Facebook plans to continue enhancing Messenger’s calling functionality. Some potential features on the roadmap include:
- Screen sharing during calls
- Virtual avatars/memojis for video chats
- Augmented reality effects and filters
- Transcription of audio/video calls via AI
- Customer support bots for call assistance
- Integration with Portal video devices
- Call recording and storage options
With Messenger already surpassing over 150 billion voice and video calls annually, the platform still has significant room for growth as it looks to take on traditional phone services. Streamlining and upgrading the calling experience remains a priority for Facebook.
Ultimately, Messenger calling aims to make free audio and video connectivity an intuitive extension of the messaging experience as it strives to bring people closer together.