Facebook Messenger Not Sending Messages? 12 Ways To Fix It (Solved)

In today’s interconnected world, staying in touch with friends, family, and colleagues has never been easier, thanks to apps like Facebook Messenger. However, users occasionally face issues such as messages not sending, which can be frustrating. This article will explore effective solutions to resolve the issue of Facebook Messenger not sending messages. Whether you’re using a smartphone, tablet, or desktop, we’ve got you covered with 12 practical fixes to enhance your Messenger experience.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

The first step in troubleshooting any messaging app, including Facebook Messenger, is to ensure that you have a stable internet connection. Messages cannot be sent if you are not connected to Wi-Fi or your cellular data is turned off.

How to Check:

Wi-Fi Connection: Look at the Wi-Fi icon at the top of your smartphone or tablet to ensure you’re connected to a network.
Mobile Data: If you rely on cellular data, ensure it’s enabled. Go to your device’s settings and look for "Mobile Data" or "Cellular Data".

After confirming your connection, try sending the message again. If you are connected but still face issues, consider the next steps.

2. Toggle Airplane Mode

Sometimes, your device might have a temporary glitch with the connectivity. A quick fix is to enable and then disable Airplane Mode. This simple action can refresh your connection.

How to Toggle:

On your device, go to the settings or swipe down your notification panel.
Enable Airplane Mode and wait a few seconds.
Turn off Airplane Mode and check if Messenger can send messages now.

3. Restart the Messenger App

A good old restart can work wonders. Sometimes, the app might experience bugs or crashes that affect its functionality.

Steps to Restart the App:

On Android: Open the recent apps view (usually through the square button or swipe-up gesture), find Messenger, and swipe it off the screen.
On iOS: Double-tap the home button (or swipe up from the bottom of the screen for newer models) and swipe up on Messenger to close it.

Once you’ve closed the app, reopen it and try sending your messages again.

4. Update the Facebook Messenger App

Using an outdated version of Messenger can lead to various problems, including issues with sending messages. Check if there’s an available update for the app.

How to Update:

On Android: Go to the Google Play Store, tap on the three lines in the top-left corner, and select "My apps & games". Look for Messenger in the list and tap "Update" if available.
On iOS: Open the App Store, tap on your profile icon at the top right, and scroll down to see updates needed. Tap "Update" next to Messenger.

After updating, try sending your message again.

5. Clear the App Cache (Android Users)

If you are using an Android device, clearing the app cache can resolve minor glitches related to performance.

Steps to Clear Cache:

Go to "Settings" on your device.
Tap "Apps" or "Application Manager".
Find and tap on "Messenger".
Tap on "Storage", then select "Clear Cache".

This action will not delete any of your messages or data but will remove temporary files that could be causing issues. After clearing the cache, open Messenger and attempt to send your message.

6. Restart Your Device

If you’re still having trouble, it might help to restart your smartphone or tablet. This clears temporary files and can resolve any underlying issues affecting Messenger.

Restarting Your Device:

For iOS: Hold the side button and either volume button until the slider appears. Slide to power off, then hold the side button again to restart.
For Android: Press and hold the power button, select "Restart" from the menu.

Once the device restarts, open Messenger and try again.

7. Check Facebook Messenger Server Status

Occasionally, the problem is not on your end but rather with Facebook Messenger’s servers. To find out if the service is experiencing downtime:

How to Check Server Status:

Visit websites like Downdetector or Is It Down Right Now, where users report issues in real-time.
Alternatively, you can check Facebook’s official Twitter account for updates regarding service outages.

If the server is down, there’s little you can do but wait for Facebook to resolve the issue.

8. Reinstall the Messenger App

If none of the above solutions work, reinstalling the app can be a viable option. This process can eliminate issues stemming from corrupt files within the app.

How to Reinstall:

On Android: Press and hold the Messenger app icon, select "Uninstall", and confirm. Go to the Google Play Store to download and install Messenger again.
On iOS: Press and hold the Messenger app icon on your home screen, select "Remove App", and confirm. Go to the App Store to reinstall it.

After reinstalling, log in to your account and see if the issue persists.

9. Disable VPN or Proxy Settings

If you are using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or any proxy settings, they might interfere with your message-sending capabilities on Messenger. Try disabling them temporarily to check if that resolves the issue.

How to Disable:

Simply go into your VPN app and disconnect it, or go to your device settings to turn off any proxy configurations.

Once you’ve disabled the VPN or proxy, try sending your messages again.

10. Check App Permissions

Messenger requires various permissions to function properly. If these permissions have been inadvertently revoked, you might experience issues.

How to Check Permissions:

Go to your device’s Settings and select "Apps" or "Application Manager".
Tap on "Messenger", then "Permissions".
Ensure that essential permissions like Contacts, and Storage are enabled.

After ensuring the right permissions are in place, restart Messenger and send a message.

11. Update Your Device’s Operating System

An outdated operating system can also cause application issues including Messenger. Keeping your device updated ensures compatibility with apps.

Steps to Update:

For iOS: Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If updates are available, tap "Download and Install".
For Android: Go to Settings > System Updates. Your device will check for available updates.

After updating, try sending a message on Messenger once again.

12. Contact Facebook Support

If you’ve gone through all these steps and still encounter issues with Messenger, it’s time to seek help from Facebook’s support team. They may be able to provide additional insight or help resolve more complex problems.

How to Contact Support:

Open Messenger, tap on your profile picture.
Scroll down and tap "Report a Problem" and follow the prompts.

This will send a report to Facebook regarding your messaging issues, potentially leading to a fix.

Conclusion

Experiencing problems with Facebook Messenger not sending messages can be frustrating, but most of the time, it can be resolved with a few simple steps. By starting with checking your internet connection to eventually contacting support, you can troubleshoot effectively and get back to using Messenger seamlessly.

Whether you are using the app for personal chats, business communication, or group discussions, keeping Messenger functioning as intended is key to staying connected. By following these 12 effective solutions, you should be able to diagnose and fix the issue swiftly. Stay connected and enjoy your messaging experience!