The Messenger app is used for all kinds of tasks, and we tend to rely on it too much. That is why, in the event of Messenger app not working or any problem in the app for that matter, it’s going to be a major problem for us.
For one, you will be left behind from the news on your job or at school. This is especially true for many people who don’t have any day that they don’t use the Messenger app. Fortunately, this article offers those people solutions for this problem so you won’t be inconvenienced too much the next time you encounter the problem.
But before anything else, it’s worth having a general idea of why is Messenger app not working.
Part 1: Why is Messenger App Not Working?Part 2: Solutions for Messenger App Not WorkingPart 3: Final Thoughts
Part 1: Why is Messenger App Not Working?
There are many possible reasons why is Messenger app not working. Although there have been many reports about this problem, it’s still unclear what the main cause is. We can only educate ourselves so we can handle it as much as possible.
On the other hand, the signs of the Messenger app not working is clear and obvious. Thus, we’ve categorized the problem according to what happens when the problem occurs, whether it only affects the messages, or the app itself. To give you a better idea, here are the four issues that you will often notice with the app.
Issue #1: Messenger App Not Displaying Messages
The first issue which is pretty simple is when messages aren’t displaying on the Messenger app. In this case, the solution would, of course, be much simpler as well. This is often caused by a low-signal internet or when the device is receiving no network connection. Either way, solving this issue would only take a while.
Issue #2: Messenger App Not Sending or Receiving Messages
On the other hand, even when messages that already exist are displayed, sometimes it can be impossible to create new messages. Just like Issue #1, it can be due to a network problem, but a software issue can also be the culprit. Another reason why messages cannot be received or sent is if the person sending or receiving the message is blocked by you, or blocked you.
Issue #3: Messenger App Keeps Crashing
The third issue, which might also be considered as the second most severe case is when the app crashes frequently. This is very inconvenient when you’re in the middle of communicating with someone important.
Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that this problem is often caused by a bad operating system update since most users report this issue when they have just recently done an update. In any case, it might be fixed the next time you update your OS since they should’ve already handled the issue.
Issue #4: Messenger App Won’t Open
The last and perhaps the worst-case scenario of the Messenger app not working is when the app isn’t opening at all. In this case, you’re working with a virus that is eating away your app. However, it can be fixed by simply using a tool, reinstalling the app, or resetting your device. Now that you know the root of the problem, it might be time to discuss how to fix the Messenger app not working.
Part 2: Solutions for Messenger App Not Working
#1: Restart Your Internet Connection
The first entry we have, which is also the simplest and wide-ranging solution is making sure that you have a sufficient internet signal. This is because most of the issues that we’ve tackled all have one thing in common, they can be caused by a network issue.
To solve any network connection, the recommended solution is to restart your router or modem, since most network signal resets to default when restarted. All you have to do is turn off the router, wait for a few minutes, then turn it on again. Also, make sure that you disconnect your device first before doing this.
After doing this, any network issue should be resolved. For that reason, if the problem is still not fixed, you can assume that the problem doesn’t lie on your internet. In such a case, you might want to search for other options.
#2: Head to the Mobile Site
Another simple fix for the Messenger app not working is accessing the app through its mobile site. This is the best solution if your situation belongs to Issue #1, where your messages won’t display itself. This is because it might’ve been archived accidentally. While you may think that it won’t be possible to get them again, they’re actually still on your account, you just have to use the desktop version of the platform.
In that case, use your mobile device or even your desktop and go to the Messenger site by entering www.messenger.com on the search bar. If you’re using your mobile device for this, make sure to switch to the desktop version. Now follow these steps carefully:
- Click on the Settings icon of the Messenger platform, represented by a gear.
- Select Archived chats.
- You will be given a list of chats that you’ve archived in the past. Just click on the conversation you want to view. Once you enter a new message, the conversation will be visible again on your mobile app.
Using the Messenger site may also inform you if the problem was caused by a server issue since the server for the app and the site supposedly runs into issues at different times.
#3: Restart the App
The third solution for this list is restarting the Messenger app. Although it’s not the best idea to fix the problem since it’s likely to have no effect, it’s still worth trying considering that it won’t take too much of your time. However, it won’t be as simple as closing and opening the app respectively. To give you a better idea, here are the steps to do this:
- Close the Messenger
- Go to the Settings of your device.
- Navigate to Applications.
- There should be a list of applications showing up. Find and select Messenger.
- Tap on the Force Stop button to ensure that the app isn’t running in the background.
- Now open the Messenger app again.
With this, the Messenger app has successfully restarted. Remember that this solution is often used for minor problems, so don’t expect too much from it.
#4: Clear Cache
Clearing the cache follows the same concept as restarting the app. Both of them ensures that the internal memory of the Messenger app is cleared, making sure that minor problems are taken care of. However, the difference between the two is that clearing the cache might erase some important data from the Messenger app.
Given that it’s a bit riskier than restarting the app, it’s also more effective. Here’s how you can clear your Messenger’s cache:
- Navigate to the Settings
- Go to the Applications.
- Find and select the Messenger app from the list of apps.
- Select Storage.
- Tap on Clear Cache and Clear Storage.
After doing this, you might be asked to log in to your account again, but it would ensure that any corrupted internal memory will be erased.
#5: Update Your OS
As previously said in our first section, particularly on Issue #3, one of the main reasons for Messenger app not working is a bad update on your operating system. This happens both on Android and iOS devices, so there’s no exception. Either way, you should at least know how to update your operating system. So, here are the steps on how to do this:
- Go to the Settings app of your device.
- Tap on About device found at the bottom of the Settings window.
- Select the Software update.
- Tap on Update now.
- Wait for the update to complete.
With that, you’ll be able to update your operating system as long as an update is available. Just make sure you have an internet connection and at least 50 percent battery to make sure the update won’t be interrupted by a sudden shutdown.
#6: Restart Your Device
Just like restart the Messenger app, restarting your device can also fix the Messenger app not working. While restarting the app can be considered as a small-scale solution, restarting the device is for more severe problems. This is because it not only clears the internal memory of the Messenger app, it also clears all the internal memory of the device.
This should fix any software bugs as well as glitches that are causing Messenger to malfunction. Regardless, the process on how to restart your device will depend on what phone you have, so we won’t be able to provide a detailed guide.
#7: Reinstall or Update the App
Your last option is to reinstall or update your Messenger app. This is our last resort because, as previously said, the app might be corrupted to the point that simply restarts the app or clearing the cache won’t do any good. Now if you’re planning to reinstall the app, here are the steps on how to do so:
- Go to the Home screen of your phone.
- Tap and hold on the Messenger app, or even on other apps.
There should be an X icon showing up on the top-right corner of some of the apps, particularly the ones installed from the Play Store.
- Tap on this Xicon on the Messenger app to uninstall it.
- A confirmation message should pop up. Simply confirm your decision.
- Restart your device to make sure no internal memory from the app gets left behind.
- Go to the App Store of your device.
- Type in Messenger on the search bar.
- Select the Messenger app from the search results.
- Tap on Install.
- Wait for the installation to complete.
With that, any issues that are related to Messenger will be fixed, since the settings will be set to default and any virus that exists on the app before will be deleted.
On the other hand, if you’re planning on simply updating your app, then you’ll have to follow these steps:
- Go to the Play Store.
- Search for
- Select the official Messenger app.
- Tap on Update.
- Wait for the update to complete.
Just like that, you’ll be able to fix any problem that was caused due to the app being outdated. These are the solutions that you have for fixing the Messenger app not working. But what if after all that, you’ve noticed that some of your files were deleted. Fortunately, we have just the thing for you.
#8: FoneDog iOS Data Recovery
FoneDog iOS Data Recovery is a specialized software made for recovering all kinds of files on your iOS device. It also supports iOS devices of versions up to iOS 12. The best thing about this software is that it allows you to recover data precisely from third-party apps such as Line, Viber, WhatsApp, and of course, Messenger.
It provides you with three options including recovery through iTunes, recovery through iCloud, and finally, recovery directly from your iOS device. Either way, you should be able to recover any lost files from your Messenger with this tool.
Part 3: Final Thoughts
It can be very troublesome when we encounter problems on important apps such as Messenger. This is especially true if you just have to do something important using the app. That’s why the Messenger app not working can be a real pain. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix this problem.
However, you should still make sure that you don’t mess with the app too much so you won’t encounter needless issues too often.
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