Messenger used to be a Facebook feature until it became a standalone app. As awesome as the app might be in connecting you to friends and family, it is not immune to faults.
One of the most common issues faced by Messenger users is the Facebook Messenger not sending messages issue. This can be quite frustrating, especially when you have an important message to send or receive. We understand your frustration, and that’s why this article includes some common causes and the best fixes for the Messenger not sending messages issue.
Messenger Not Sending Messages? Best Fixes
Here are some quick fixes to try if your Facebook Messenger refuses to send messages.
Fix 1: Check Internet Connections
The first fix to try for the Messenger not sending messages issue is to check your internet connection. Confirm that you are connected to the internet by checking other apps on your phone to see that the internet works.
You can also disconnect and reconnect to your Wi-Fi if you are connected via Wi-Fi, and if you are connected with your mobile network, simply turn ON airplane mode, wait for a few seconds, and turn it OFF, or turn your data connection OFF, wait for some seconds and turn it ON again.
Fix 2: Clear Cache
You can also attempt to fix the Messenger not sending messages issue by clearing the stored cache on the Messenger app. Follow the steps below to do this:
- Open ‘Settings’ on your phone and go to ‘Apps and Notifications’ or ‘Apps’
- Locate the Messenger app on the list of all your apps
- Open it and click on ‘Storage and cache’
- Click on ‘Clear storage’ to clear the cache, then try to launch the app again
Fix 3: Update
You can try updating the app or your phone. The new update, if any, could come with bug fixes that might help fix the problem you are facing. To update the messenger app:
- Go to ‘Play Store’
- Click on your profile in the top right corner of the screen
- Select ‘Manage apps and devices’
- Under ‘Updates available,’ locate the Messenger app and update it
To update your phone:
- Go to ‘Settings’
- Select ‘System,’ then ‘System update’
- Here, you will see any available updates; simply download and install it
Fix 4: Uninstall and Reinstall
Another fix to try is to reset the app on your phone by uninstalling and reinstalling the app. After doing this, simply login to the app again, and all your data will be there waiting for you. To reset the app:
- Go to ‘Play Store’ and search for the Messenger app
- On the preview page, click ‘Uninstall’
- Once that’s done, tap ‘Install’ to get it back
- After installing it again, you can try to launch the app and see if it’s fixed
Fix 5: Disable Data Saver Mode/Allow Data Usage
If you have data saver mode ON for your Messenger, this could be the culprit stopping your messages from being sent. Simply disable it to see if that solves the problem. To disable data saver mode on Messenger:
- Open the ‘Messenger’ app on your phone
- Go to Settings in the app and then click on ‘Preferences’
- Select ‘Data saver’ and toggle it OFF
If you have the Android data saver mode ON for your phone, you might need to give the Messenger app unrestricted access to get your messages sent again. To do this:
- Open the Messenger ‘App info’ menu from the settings app on your phone
- Under ‘Usage’, click on ‘Mobile data’
- Then toggle ON ‘Allow data usage while data saver is ON’
Fix 6: Force Stop
You can try to force-stop the Messenger app and then launch it again to get it functioning properly. To do this:
- Open the Messenger ‘App info’ menu from the settings app on your phone
- Click on ‘Force stop’ at the bottom right corner of the screen
- After this, restart the app to see if it’s fixed
Messenger Not Sending Messages? Causes
One of the most common causes of the Messenger not sending messages issue is an overloaded or corrupted cache. The Messenger app temporarily stores some data to make the app run faster when next you open it. However, this cache can become corrupted or overloaded, and it would cause the Messenger to malfunction.
Outdated App/OS
Another reason why you might be facing the Messenger not sending messages issue is that the app is outdated. App updates usually come with bug fixes and general performance improvements, and when the app is not updated in due time, it will begin to malfunction. It could also be your OS and not the app itself; if your OS is outdated, it could cause the phone to malfunction, and apps may not run as they should.
Network Problems
Is your messenger not sending messages? It might be an issue with the network. If you are unable to send or receive messages on Messenger, then you just might have bad reception at your current location, or you might not be connected to the internet.
Issues from Other Apps
Some apps you installed recently could be causing the Messenger app to malfunction. It could be some sort of app blocker or VPN or anything that affects the proper functioning of the Messenger app.
Data Saver Mode
You might have data saver mode turned ON in your Messenger app, which might be causing the app to have trouble with sending messages. The built-in data saver mode in the Messenger app is intended to help manage data; sometimes, this might make some functions not work.
For those using the Android data saver mode with restrictions on data usage, this might stop the Messenger app from working at all.
Blocked
If you are trying to send messages to someone on Messenger and the messages aren’t sending, you should consider that the person could’ve blocked you on the app. If you have been blocked, you will not be able to send messages to the person.
When facing the Messenger not sending messages issue, these fixes are the first ones to try. If none of these fixes get your app working properly, then Facebook Messenger servers might be acting up. Just wait for a while, and they should be back up and running.