Messenger operates as a separate app to the main Facebook platform, though the two remain linked in terms of support and help, account issues, and of course the contacts you can chat to.
When your Facebook Messenger stops working, it can be incredibly frustrating – keeping you from getting in touch with friends and connections, and potentially ceasing customer service interactions and responses for your business.
Which is why being able to diagnose an issue and take steps to repair it is so important.
Common Issues With Messenger
Some of the most common complaints relating to Facebook Messenger are:
- The app not opening properly
- New messages not loading
- Being unable to connect to your Messenger app properly
- Not being able to send any messages to your connections
- A cap or limit on messages that you can send
Some of these issues relate to the app itself and the version that you are running or your connection, while others are linked closely with your account status.
Without further ado, here are just some of the reasons why your Messenger app may not be working…
Messenger Diagnosis: Why Your App May Not Be Working Properly
Your Internet Connection Is Poor
This is one of the most common reasons for Messenger issues and is luckily one of the easiest issues to fix.
If your internet connection is poor, you will find that new messages do not arrive in your inbox and that any outgoing messages you are trying to send get stuck.
The only way to fix this issue is to connect to a different network or wait until you have better signal.
Your App Is Outdated
With regular changes occurring on both the Messenger and Facebook apps, it’s important to stay on top of the recent app updates.
If you get left behind, you will find that features start to become blocked and stop working properly – with old versions eventually becoming completely void in place of the new iteration of the app.
To prevent the gradual decline in quality of your Messenger app, set up automatic updates or frequent the app store to download the latest version with its changes and fixes.
Check Your Device Storage
Messenger is always receiving new messages and storing new data. What this means is that, over time, your Messenger app will start to take up more space – competing with other apps which also require adequate storage space.
If you start to notice issues with Messenger and are aware that your device is becoming clogged with data, clear some space. You will likely see your Messenger app becoming more streamlined as you free up space for it to use.
Are You Messaging a Deactivated Account?
If the issue you are experiencing is that messages won’t send to a specific content, then it’s worth checking that their account hasn’t been deactivated (or that you haven’t been blocked!)
If you cannot see their profile picture, then the chances are their profile is no longer active. This could be because they have deactivated their account or because they have blocked you – to confirm either way, you’ll have to follow one of our other blogs for advice.
Your Account Has Been Limited or Suspended
Account suspension or limitation occurs when you are being penalised for violating a specific term or condition of use.
The likelihood is that something like this will prevent you from sending messages for a period of time. The only thing you can do is to wait out the suspension when your account will be restored to full use again.
Still Struggling With Messenger?
Because Messenger is a separate app to Facebook, it requires its own storage capacity and can be used even when you decide to cease using the main Facebook platform.
Having said that, if you are struggling with Messenger and experiencing issues within the app, then the best thing to do is reach out via Facebook’s plethora of support and advice pages.
We hope this helps!
