Facebook Messenger is still a rather important part of the company’s suite of messaging apps. With constant updates to the app introducing new features and more, Facebook does at times break the app too.
In this article, we’re looking at why Facebook might not be sending messages and the solutions you can take to fix the problem.
Why isn’t Facebook Messenger working?
There are several reasons why Facebook Messenger might stop working for you all of a sudden, some of the most popular ones being:
- Network issues
- Outdated app version
- Data Saver mode
- Blocked by the recipient
Also read: This person is unavailable on Messenger: Explained
How to fix the problem?
Here are a few steps you can take to fix the problem.
Restart the device
The first thing you should try out in such situations is restart your phone. Restarting can resolve many seemingly random issues, primarily network or SIM issues. You can also try toggling airplane mode on and off.
Check Messenger server status
Another thing you should do before blaming your phone is to check and see if Messenger is facing an outage. You can use sites like Downdetector to check if anyone reports any outage spikes.Â
You have been blocked or unfriended
One more reason why Messenger won’t let you message specific people is when a particular user has unfriended or blocked you. In either of these cases, your messages might not get delivered, or the other user might get asked if they want to see your messages or not.Â
Disable the Data Saver
Messenger has an in-built data saver that can sometimes cause problems for you.Â
- Open Messenger and tap on your profile picture in the top right.
- Tap Data Saver.
- Make sure that the Data Saver slider is disabled.
Now restart the app and try again.
Also read: Why is WhatsApp not working? 16 Fixes
Force stop the app
Force stopping an app and restarting it again can also help resolve issues with unresponsive apps.
- Head over to your phone’s settings and tap Apps.
- Tap See all apps.
- Find Messenger in the list.
- Tap the Force stop button.
Now try opening the app again, and it should work fine.Â
Enable background data
Background data lets an app access internet on your phone even when it’s minimised. If that’s disabled for Messenger, you might not be able to send or receive messages.
- Head over to your phone’s settings and tap Apps.
- Tap See all apps.
- Find Messenger in the list.
- Tap Mobile data and WiFi.
- Make sure the Background data slider is enabled. Additionally, make sure that the Unrestricted data usage slider is enabled as well.
Now try restarting the app, and it should work just fine.Â
Also read: YouTube Music sleep timer: Everything you need to know
Clear the app cache
Clearing the app cache can help eliminate any corrupt data files that might be causing problems for you.Â
- Head over to your phone’s settings and tap Apps.
- Tap Show all apps.
- Find Messenger in the list.
- Tap Storage and cache.
- Tap the Clear Storage and Clear Cache buttons to remove these files.
Now restart your phone and try again.
Reset your phone’s network settings
Incorrect network settings can cause all sorts of problems, including SIM cards not being detected or malfunctioning. This resets your WiFi networks, Bluetooth connections, cellular and even VPN settings.
Check out our detailed guide on how to reset network settings what doing so can do here
Try Messneger Lite
If nothing else works and you’re constantly facing issues with the app, you can try to switch to Messenger Lite. This is a stripped-down version of Messenger with only the primary functionality users need to message one another and often works without any problems, especially on low-end devices.
Also read: How to fix ‘Facebook Messenger Video Calls Not Working’ issue?
