There are a few common reasons why your messenger screen may appear black or blank:
The App is Frozen or Glitched
One of the most common reasons for a black screen is that the app has frozen or glitched. Closing out of the app entirely and restarting it can often fix this problem. Here are the steps:
- Double click the home button on your iPhone to bring up the app switcher.
- Swipe up on the Messenger app preview to fully close out of the app.
- Open the Messenger app again from your home screen.
Restarting the app forces it to reload, which should take care of any glitches that were causing the black screen. If the problem persists, you may need to restart your iPhone as well.
Outdated App Version
Another possibility is that you’re using an outdated version of the Messenger app. Over time, bugs and glitches can develop if the app version becomes too old. Follow these steps to update:
- Go to the App Store on your iPhone.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Scroll down and tap “Update” next to Messenger if an update is available.
Updating to the latest version of the app may fix software bugs that were causing the black screen.
Connectivity Issues
In some cases, the black screen is a result of connectivity problems. Here are some things to try:
- Check your internet connection – Make sure you have a solid WiFi or cellular data connection.
- Restart your device – Toggle your iPhone off and back on to refresh the network connection.
- Update iOS – Install the latest iOS software update, which could improve connectivity.
- Reset network settings – Go to Settings > General > Reset and tap Reset Network Settings.
If connectivity improves, the black screen issue should resolve as well. Using Messenger requires an internet connection.
Account or Login Issues
Problems with your account login can also lead to a black screen in Messenger. Things to check include:
- Make sure you’re logging into the correct Facebook account.
- If you’re logged out, sign back in with your username and password.
- Double check that your Facebook account is in good standing and not restricted.
- Try resetting your Facebook password in case your account was compromised.
Logging out and back into your Facebook account linked to Messenger may help get rid of the black screen if account issues are the cause.
Messenger App Permissions
The Messenger app needs certain permissions to run properly on your iPhone. If permissions were disabled, it can lead to black screen issues. To check permissions:
- Go to iPhone Settings > Messenger.
- Make sure all permissions are enabled, like Camera, Contacts, Microphone, etc.
Re-enabling important permissions for Messenger can allow the app to function normally again in some situations.
Notification Settings for Messenger
How notifications are configured for Messenger in iOS can also impact the app. Here are some notification settings to verify:
- Open Settings > Notifications > Messenger.
- Confirm Allow Notifications is toggled ON.
- Check that Show on Lock Screen is enabled.
- Tap Sounds to verify notification sounds are turned on.
Properly configured notifications may help the Messenger app run smoothly without black screens.
Update Your iPhone Software
Keeping your iPhone’s operating system up to date is always recommended. Software updates contain bug fixes, performance improvements, and other optimizations.
To update iOS:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Download and install any available updates.
An iOS update could potentially fix an underlying problem causing Messenger to show a black screen.
Restart Your iPhone
As a general troubleshooting step, it never hurts to power cycle your iPhone. To restart:
- Hold down the Side button until the “Slide to Power Off” prompt appears.
- Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
- After 30 seconds, hold the Side button again until you see the Apple logo.
Restarting your iPhone essentially refreshes the device, which can clear up any temporary glitches.
Reset Your iPhone
Resetting your iPhone erases settings, content, and data, but can fix persist software issues such as a Messenger black screen. Before resetting, be sure to backup your iPhone. Then follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset.
- Choose Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode if prompted.
- Tap through to confirm the reset and erase your device.
Once your iPhone restarts, you can restore from a backup and see if the black screen in Messenger is resolved.
Uninstall and Reinstall the App
If all else fails, uninstalling Messenger and installing it again is worth trying:
- Delete the Messenger app from your Home Screen.
- Go to the App Store and re-download Messenger.
- Log into Messenger with your Facebook account.
A fresh install of the app may clear up underlying bugs that were disrupting the normal functioning of Messenger.
Contact Messenger Support
If you still see a black screen in Messenger after trying all troubleshooting steps, reach out to the Messenger support team:
- In the Messenger app, tap your profile pic > Settings & Privacy > Help Center.
- Choose Contact Support and explain your black screen issue.
The Messenger team may be able to provide customized troubleshooting tips or pinpoint an account-specific problem.
Get Help from Your Device Manufacturer
In rare cases, a black screen may be related to a hardware issue with your iPhone rather than a Messenger problem. Contact Apple support or bring your phone to an Apple Store for further diagnosis and repair if needed.
Common Messenger Black Screen Questions
Why does Messenger keep showing a black screen?
If Messenger keeps showing a black screen, some potential reasons include:
- Software bugs or crashes in the Messenger app
- Connectivity problems with your network or Facebook servers
- Issues with your Facebook account
- Need to reset iPhone or Messenger app
- Outdated app or iOS software version
How do I fix Messenger black screen iOS?
Fixes for a black screen in Messenger on iPhone include:
- Force close and restart the Messenger app
- Check for Messenger app updates
- Make sure proper permissions are enabled
- Reset network settings
- Update to latest iOS software
- Restart your iPhone
Why is my Messenger app not working?
Common reasons for Messenger not working properly:
- Connectivity issues
- Outdated app version
- Disabled notifications
- Account login problems
- Issues with iPhone software or hardware
- Need to reinstall Messenger app
- Server outages
How do I refresh Messenger?
To refresh Messenger:
- Force close the Messenger app
- Restart your iPhone
- Check for Messenger app updates
- Log out then back into your Facebook account
- Uninstall/reinstall Messenger
Does restarting your phone fix Messenger issues?
Restarting your iPhone can help fix Messenger issues including:
- Frozen app or black screen
- Connectivity problems
- Notification issues
- Glitches after iOS update
- General software crashes
Restarting refreshes the iPhone software and network connection, which resolves many temporary issues.
Troubleshooting Messenger Black Screen on Android
The troubleshooting steps are similar if experiencing a black screen in Messenger on Android:
Force Stop the Messenger App
- Open phone Settings > Apps & Notifications > Messenger.
- Tap Force Stop to close out of the app.
Check for App Updates
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Tap your profile icon > Manage apps & devices > Updates available.
- Update Messenger if an update is available.
Toggle App Permissions
- Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Messenger.
- Tap Permissions and make sure all are enabled.
Restart Your Android Device
- Hold down the Power button for about 30 seconds.
- Tap Restart when prompted to restart your phone.
Update Your Android Version
- Open Settings > About Phone > System Update.
- Download and install any available software updates.
Clear Messenger App Cache & Data
- Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Messenger.
- Tap Storage & cache > Clear cache and Clear storage.
Uninstall Updates or Reinstall Messenger
- Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Messenger.
- Tap three dots menu > Uninstall updates or Uninstall.
Reinstall from Google Play Store if you fully uninstalled.
Preventing Messenger Black Screens
Here are some tips to avoid Messenger black screen issues:
- Keep your apps updated in the app store
- Install iOS and Android software updates
- Reboot your device regularly
- Check for internet connectivity issues
- Don’t overload your device with apps & storage
- Monitor Facebook and Messenger server status
- Disable battery saver/low power modes
- Clear app cache and data occasionally
Conclusion
A black screen in Messenger can certainly be annoying, but the problem is usually fixable. The most common solutions involve force closing the app, installing updates, checking account settings, verifying permissions, resetting the device, reinstalling the app, or contacting support. With some focused troubleshooting, Messenger should be working again smoothly.