Top 5 Ways to Fix Facebook Messenger Calls Not Working (iPhone and Android)

Quick Tips

• Ensure a stable, high-speed Wi-Fi or cellular connection.
• Allow Messenger to access the microphone and camera.
• Close and reopen the app to refresh its functions.
• Remove the Messenger cache to fix the corrupt files and make calling possible.

Preliminary Fixes

• Check the Network Connection: A stable internet connection is crucial for Messenger calls. Go to Settings > Network & internet (or Wi-Fi) to check the connection.
• The Recipient Turned off the Internet: If the recipient has turned off the internet on their phone, your Messenger call gets stuck on connecting status.
• Check Messenger Service Status: When Facebook servers face an outage, you may face issues with sending messages, calling, and other basic functions. You can visit Downdetector to confirm the downtime.
• Restart Messenger: Restarting the Messenger app can fix temporary glitches. Tap the recent apps button, swipe away the Messenger app, and try restarting it.
• Update Messenger: Your Messenger calls may not work on an outdated app build. Facebook frequently releases updates to add new features and fix bugs on Messenger. You can head to the Play Store or App Store and download the latest Messenger update.

Fix 1: Enable Microphone and Camera Permission

When you first try to use a microphone and camera on Messenger, the app asks for relevant permission to access them on the phone. Messenger calls won’t work if you deny such permissions.  

iPhone

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone and scroll to Messenger.

Step 2: Enable the Camera and Microphone permissions from the following menu.

Android

Step 1: Long-press on the Messenger app icon and tap the i icon to open the App Info menu.

Step 2: Select Permissions and tap Camera.

Step 3: Tap the radio button beside Allow only while using the app.

Return to the previous menu and enable the permission for the microphone.

Fix 2: The Person Has Blocked You

When things go south, the person may block you on Facebook. Your Messenger calls won’t work when someone blocks you on the platform. Refer to our post to learn the indications when you are blocked on Messenger.

Fix 3: Clear Messenger Cache

You can clear the Facebook Messenger cache and try composing calls without any problem.

Step 1: Long-press on the Messenger app icon and tap the i icon to open the App Info menu.

Step 2: Select Storage and cache and tap Clear cache.

Fix 4: Disable Low Data Mode

Messenger calls may not work on an active data saver mode on iPhone and Android. The system compresses mobile data usage and leaves you with less internet bandwidth to utilize on your phone.

iPhone

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

Step 2: Select your main SIM and turn off the Low Data Mode toggle.

Android

Step 1: Launch the Settings app and select Network and internet.

Step 2: Tap Data Saver and disable the same.

Fix 5: Reinstall Messenger

iPhone

Step 1: Long-press on the Messenger app icon and select Remove App.

Step 2: Tap Delete App to remove it from your phone.

Android

Step 1: Head to the Messenger app info menu (check the steps above).

Step 2: Tap Uninstall and confirm the same.

Download the Messenger app, log in with account details, and try calling your friends or family members.