6 Fixes for Facebook Messenger Not Sending Messages (iPhone and Android)

Quick Tips

• Ensure a stable internet connection by toggling Wi-Fi or switching to mobile data.
• Close and reopen the Facebook Messenger app to refresh its functionality.
• Ensure you’re using the latest version of Facebook Messenger by checking for updates in the App Store or Google Play Store.

Preliminary Fixes

• Enable and Disable Airplane Mode: Network glitches can prevent Facebook Messenger from sending messages. Enabling and disabling Airplane Mode can refresh your connection and resolve minor network-related issues.
• Check Messenger Servers: Sometimes, the problem might not be on your end but with Facebook Messenger’s servers. Messenger might fail to send messages if the servers are down or experiencing issues. Go to websites like Downdetector or IsItDownRightNow and check if there’s a spike in reported issues.
• Force Stop Messenger and Restart: Force-stopping Messenger can help resolve any background processes that may be causing the app to malfunction.
• Reset Network Settings: If your network settings are misconfigured, it can cause issues with sending messages. Resetting network settings can often resolve these issues. You can read our dedicated guide to resetting network settings on iPhone and Android.
• Another Person Has Blocked/Unfriended You: If the person you’re trying to message has blocked or unfriended you on Facebook, your messages won’t go through. Use the search bar in the Facebook app or Messenger; they may have blocked or unfriended you if you can’t find their profile or view their details.

Fix 1: Disable Data Saver Mode for Messenger

On Android

Step 1: Open Messenger on your phone and go to Settings by tapping the hamburger menu.

Step 2: Select Data Saver from Preferences.

Step 3: Now, turn off the toggle for Data Saver mode.

On iPhone

Step 1: Open Settings on your iPhone. Select Mobile Service.

Step 2: Select the primary number and disable the Low Data Mode toggle.

Fix 2: Enable Background Data Usage

On Android

Step 1: Long-tap on the Messenger icon and open the app info menu.

Step 2: Select Mobile Data from the Usage menu.

Step 3: Enable the toggle for Background data.

On iPhone

Step 1: Launch Settings and scroll to Messenger.

Step 2: Enable the Background App Refresh toggle.

Fix 3: Allow Data Usage While Data Saver Is On

Step 1: Go to the Messenger app info menu.

Step 2: Select Mobile data and Wi-Fi and enable the Unrestricted data usage toggle.

Fix 4: Facebook Restricted Your Account

Facebook might restrict your account for violating community guidelines or due to suspicious activity, which could prevent you from sending messages. Go to the Facebook Help Center > Log into Facebook and check for any notifications regarding restrictions on your account.

If your account is restricted, follow the on-screen instructions to resolve the issue or wait until the restriction is lifted.

Fix 5: Try Facebook Messenger Lite

If the standard Messenger app isn’t working, Facebook Messenger Lite, a lightweight version, may work better, especially on older devices or in areas with poor internet connectivity. Go to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android), search for Messenger Lite, and install it.

Fix 6: Use Messenger Web

If the mobile app is not working, you can use the Messenger web version as an alternative to send messages. To do so, Launch a web browser on your device > Visit Messenger.com and log in with your Facebook credentials > try sending messages through the web interface.

If messages are sent successfully, the issue might be specific to the mobile app.

FAQs on Messenger Not Sending Messages