Facebook has developed a special chat application (messenger) for mobile devices that allows you to chat with Facebook friends. Facebook Messenger, or Messenger, is a separate messaging program that replaces the messaging function of the Facebook app. You can use this app to get more advanced chat features, such as changing the color of messages or emojis. Messenger is regularly updated with new features, including money transfers, chatbots, ride-hailing requests/orders, and Photo Magic which allows you to send friends photos you take with just one touch.
Step
Part 1 of 12: Installing Messenger
Step 1. Open the app store via mobile device
You can download the Messenger app for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android devices, and Windows Phone. Go to the app store on the device to search for and download the app.
You can also open the Messenger page in the app store directly by going to the “Messages” section of the Facebook app
Step 2. Search for the app with the search keyword “Messenger”
There will likely be multiple results displayed, and some apps that appear named "Messenger".
Step 3. Install the Messenger app from Facebook
Check the app developer/publisher in the list shown and look for an official app from Facebook. Touch the “Install” button to download and install the app.
The device must be connected to a wireless network in order for you to download the app
Step 4. Sign in to Messenger
When you open Messenger, you will be asked to log into your Facebook account. If you already have a Facebook account on your device, you don't need to enter any login information.
If you don't have a Facebook account, you can create a special Messenger account using your mobile number. With this account, you can chat with other people in your contact list who also use Messenger, but you can't access chats on Facebook. Tap the “Not on Facebook” option on the login page to create a Messenger account. Keep in mind that this feature is not always available in all areas
Part 2 of 12: Chat with Friends
Step 1. Review your chats on Facebook
When you launch Messenger, you can see all the chats on Facebook in the “Recent” tab. Touch the chat to open it.
Step 2. Start a new chat
You can create a new message from the “Recent” tab by touching the “New Message “button:
- iOS – Tap the “New Message” button in the upper-right corner of the screen.
- Android – Tap the "+" button in the lower right corner of the screen and select "Write Message".
Step 3. Add friends to the new message
After creating a new message, you will see a list of your most frequently contacted friends. You can select a friend from the list or search at the top to find a friend in your friends or contacts list. You can also add groups that you create.
You can add more friends by typing their name after selecting the recipient of the first message
Step 4. Write a message
At the bottom of the chat page is a text box labeled “Write a message”. Touch the box if the device's keyboard is not already displayed.
Unlike SMS messages, there is basically no character limit on the characters you can use in Facebook messages (20,000 characters)
Step 5. Touch emoji button to enter emoji
This key will replace the regular keyboard displayed on the screen with the emoji keyboard. You can swipe the keyboard left and right to view the different categories, and swipe the keyboard up or down to see all the emojis in each of the available categories.
- iOS – Touch the “Smiley” button on the left side of the spacebar. Touch the “ABC” key to return to the regular keyboard.
- Android – The emoji button is to the right of the text field, and looks like four smiling faces arranged in a box. Touch the key to open the emoji keyboard, and touch the key again to return to the regular keyboard.
Step 6. Touch the “Like” button to send the phrase “cool” or “agree” (thumbs up icon)
If you haven't written anything yet, you can see a “Like” button next to the text field. Touch the button to quickly send a like every time your friend posts something interesting. Likes will be sent as soon as you touch the button.
Press and hold the “Like” button to increase the size of the thumb icon. If you press and hold on it too long, the icon will “burst” like a balloon
Step 7. Touch “ⓘ” (Android) or conversation name (iOS) button to change color, emoji and other settings
You can change some chat related settings on this page. Keep in mind that some changes are visible to all chat participants.
- Touch " Notifications " to enable or disable chat notifications.
- Touch " Color " to change the chat color. Other participants can see this color change.
- Touch " Emoji " to assign a special emoji character to the chat. This emoji will later replace the “Like” button.
- Touch " Nicknames " to assign a special nickname to each participant. This change applies to the selected chat only.
- Touch "View Profile" to view the user's Facebook profile.
Step 8. Notice how far the other person has read the message in the chat window
You can see a small profile photo on the right side of the chat. The photo indicates how far the user in question has read the messages.
Part 3 of 12: Sending Photos, Stickers, Animated GIFs, and Voice Messages
Step 1. Touch camera button to take and send Tap photo or video
You can use your device's camera to quickly take and send photos to people who are joining a chat. You may need to allow Messenger to access the camera and device storage space.
- Touch the circle to take a photo. Press and hold the circle to record a video. You can record videos with a maximum duration of 15 seconds. To cancel the recording, you can drag your finger out of the circle.
- Touch the camera button in the corner of the screen to switch from the front camera to the rear camera (or vice versa).
- Touch "Send" after taking a photo or recording a video to send it to the chat.
Step 2. Touch the “Gallery” button to send the photos stored on the device
You can use the “Gallery” button to search for photos stored in the device gallery and send them to the chat.
- Touch the photo you want to send and select "Send" to send it.
- You can also touch the pencil button to draw and write a message on the photo before sending it.
Step 3. Touch the “Smiley” button to send the sticker
Facebook Messenger offers a variety of stickers that you can insert into messages. Swipe left and right at the top of the sticker panel to view the different sticker packs.
- Touch the sticker to send it directly to the chat.
- Press and hold a sticker to preview it. Many stickers display animations on Facebook.
- Touch the "+" button at the far right of the sticker pack to view the new stickers in the Sticker Store. There are many sticker packs available, and currently all of them are free to use.
Step 4. Touch the “GIF” button to search for and send an animated GIF
- Find the animated-g.webp" />
- Touch the animated-g.webp" />
Step 5. Touch the microphone button to send a voice message
You can record a voice message that anyone who joins the chat can play, whenever they want. If you are using a device with a small screen, you may need to touch the "…" button first.
Press and hold the record button to start recording voice messages. Release your finger to send the recording. Drag your finger outside the record button and release to cancel it
Step 6. Activate the Photo Magic feature so that Messenger can detect friends in the photos you take
Photo Magic will scan the photos you take with your phone, even when you're not using Messenger, and try to match the faces in the photos with those of your Facebook friends. If a face matches, you'll be notified and can instantly send the photos to anyone tagged in the photo via Messenger.
- Go to the “Settings” or “Profile” tab in Messenger.
- Select "Photos & Media".
- Touch " Photo Magic " and slide the switch to the on position.
- Open the notification that appears when you take a photo of your friends. Touch "Send" to send the photo to a chat involving anyone tagged in the photo.
Part 4 of 12: Making a Phone or Video Call
Step 1. Open a chat with the person you want to contact
You can make free phone or video calls with anyone using the Messenger app. If you open a chat with someone and the call button shown at the top of the screen is grayed out, or you see the message “Invite “Friend Name” to Messenger”, the user is not using the Messenger app and cannot be contacted.
You can see who's using Messenger by looking at the icon in the corner of a friend's profile photo. If you see the distinctive Messenger lightning icon on a friend's profile photo, he or she is using the Messenger app. If you see the Facebook icon, the user sent a message through the Facebook website
Step 2. Touch the “Phone Call” or “Video Call” button to start the call
Messenger will try to contact the person you want to call. The device will ring if the user activates a phone call notification and is connected to an internet connection.
Step 3. Speak as long as you want
There's no charge for phone or video calls through Messenger, but you'll use cellular data if you're not connected to a wireless network. Video chats can eat up a lot of data quickly so it's a good idea to make video calls when your device is connected to a WiFi network only.
Part 5 of 12: Sharing Location with Friends
Step 1. Open the chat
You can enter your location into chats so your friends can find you easily. You can find this option on the chat page that opens.
Step 2. Touch"
.." and select "Location." Activate the location sharing feature when prompted by Messenger.
Step 3. Drag the bookmark to the location you want to share
When the map is first opened, a marker will be placed at your current location. You can drag the map under the marker to select a different location that you want to share.
- You can select the nearest store or place of business displayed in the list at the bottom of the screen, or search for a specific location using the search field at the top of the screen.
- Touch the crosshair icon or the directional navigation button to return the marker to your current location.
Step 4. Touch "Send" to send the bookmark location
After that, a map will be displayed on the chat page, with markers placed at the place or destination you selected. When someone opens the map, the map will be displayed in full screen so that he can know the direction to the location you shared.
Part 6 of 12: Making Payments Through Messenger
Step 1. Open the “Settings” (iOS) or “Profile” (Android) menu
You can send and receive money using Messenger, and all you need is a valid debit card. To get started, you need to add card information. With this information, you can transfer money to and from your bank account.
Step 2. Touch the "Payments" option in the settings menu
After that, the “Payments” page will be displayed.
Step 3. Touch “Add New Debit Card”
This is the only payment method supported by Messenger. You need a debit card issued by a bank or credit cooperative in order to send or receive money. Credit cards, prepaid debit cards and PayPal are not supported.
You need a debit card to send and receive money
Step 4. Enter the debit card information
Enter the card number, expiration date number, security code (on the back of the card), and postal code. Touch “Save” to add the card to the account.
Messenger does not support all banks so your debit card may not be supported yet
Step 5. Go to the chat page with the person you want to send or ask for money
Once the card is added, you can start sending and receiving money. You can open a chat with one person or a group.
Step 6. Touch"
.." and select "Payments".
After that, the options for sending and receiving money will be displayed.
If there are several people in the conversation, you will be asked to choose someone before moving on to the next stage
Step 7. Enter the amount of money you want to send or receive
You can select the “Pay” or “Request” tab to switch from one mode to another. Enter the amount of money you want to send or receive from someone.
Step 8. Enter the reason (optional)
You can provide clarification regarding the money sent or received. Give reasons if the other person is unsure about the choice of sending or receiving money.
Step 9. Submit a money request or payment
When finished, select “Next” to submit a payment request. The recipient of the message needs to accept it (and set the payment information for his account), then the money will be transferred. It usually takes about 3 business days for the money to arrive in your account.
Part 7 of 12: Ordering an Uber or Lyft
Step 1. Go to the chat page with someone
You can book a ride from Uber and Lyft through a conversation in Messenger. This can be a great way to let a friend know you're on a trip, or to book a ride for someone else.
- You need an Uber or Lyft account to use this feature. Plus, you'll be guided to create an account if you haven't already.
- You can also open a conversation directly with the Uber or Lyft chatbot. Start a conversation with an Uber or Lyft bot, then follow the rest of the instructions.
Step 2. Touch"
.." and select "Transportation".
After that, the ordering menu will be displayed.
Step 3. Select the service you want to use
Currently, you can choose between Uber and Lyft services (if available in your city or area of residence). However, you will still need the service account. You won't see this option if you start the ordering process directly with the service bot.
If you do not have an Uber or Lyft account, you will be guided through the process of creating an account and adding payment information
Step 4. Allow the service to access the Messenger account
This permission is required so that you can connect with transportation services via the Messenger app.
Step 5. Select the desired car type
You may have several vehicle options, depending on the location and service selected. Use the tabs to switch from one option to another, and check the company's support site to see the differences between the options.
Step 6. Set the pick up location
By default, the pick up location will be set at your current location. You can change it anywhere. Of course, an option like this is useful when you're booking a vehicle for someone else.
Step 7. Determine the desired goal
You need to enter a destination before booking a vehicle.
Step 8. Touch " Request " to order a vehicle
The time it takes for the pick up to arrive will depend on factors in your area of residence. Payments will be managed by payment information stored in the travel service, or via a debit card linked to a Messenger account.
Step 9. Look for proof of order on the chat page with vehicle service
After ordering a vehicle, you will receive a message from the service chatbot containing a confirmation. You can find all the proof of order on this page, including a chat with customer support if necessary.
You can find chats with the service in the “Recent” tab
Part 8 of 12: Adding More Apps to Messenger
Step 1. Open the chat page with someone
Messenger allows you to install a variety of applications that are designed to run with Messenger. You can install it via any chat page.
Step 2. Touch the " button
..".
After that, a selection of additional chat pages will be displayed.
Step 3. Browse the list of available apps
You can swipe down on the screen to see all the apps that can run with Messenger in the list. Some apps are standalone apps that integrate with Messenger, while others are designed specifically for Messenger.
Availability of the application will depend on the device used
Step 4. Touch "Install" or "Open" to open the app page in the app store
All apps for Messenger will be installed through the device's app store.
Step 5. Install the app
Touch “Get” or “Install “and install the desired complementary application, just as you would any other application on the device.
Step 6. Touch the " button again
.. on the Messenger chat page.
Now, the button is marked with a blue dot indicating that a new option is available.
Step 7. Touch the new complementary app that has been installed
You'll find it in the list at the top of the screen. After that, the application will be opened on the device.
Step 8. Use pre-installed apps
Different applications, different functions or effects. However, most of the existing applications are related to the creation of content that can later be sent via Messenger. Please refer to the app's support page for guidance on using the app.
Step 9. Touch the “Send to Messenger” button
The placement of the button and the delivery process will depend on the app you're using, but you can usually send anything created through the app, directly to Messenger.
Step 10. Touch the "Send" button on Messenger to send what was created via another app
You can preview the content to be submitted before you send it.
Part 9 of 12: Chat with Chatbots
Step 1. Find the chatbot you want to chat with
Chatbots provide new avenues for people to interact with companies and organizations, without having to face phone calls or wait for email responses. Chatbot support was recently offered and there are currently only a handful of chatbots available. Below are some of the chatbot options available so far:
- CNN - m.me/cnn
- Wall Street Journal - m.me/wsj
- Poncho - m.me/hiponcho
- 1-800-flowers - m.me/1800flowers
- Spring - m.me/springNYC
Step 2. Open the “People” section of the Messenger app
After that, all the contacts you have will be displayed.
Step 3. Find the chatbot you want to add
If there is a chatbot available for you to contact, you can see it in the “Bots” list. The chatbot search feature is still not reliable so it will be easier for you to visit the chatbot's website (eg m.me/cnn) through your mobile browser and open the chatbot link via Messenger. Once opened, the chat window will appear immediately.
Step 4. Start a chat with the chatbot
At this stage, you can experience some interesting things. Chatbots can respond to certain commands and keywords, and don't respond well to natural language usage. Therefore, try to be as specific as possible, and use only a few words. Experiment with different approaches for different bots.
- For example, you can send a "headlines" message to a CNN bot account, and that account will reply to your message with today's headlines. You can also type, for example, "elections" and get news related to the upcoming election.
- For the 1-800-flowers bot account, you can type "order flowers" to view the available flower options and place an order. During the order process, you can type "changed my mind" to cancel the order.
Part 10 of 12: Customizing Notifications on iOS
Step 1. Open app settings
You can set notifications for new messages sent by Messenger via the settings menu. Tap the "Settings" button in the lower right corner of the screen.
Step 2. Select “Notifications”
After that, the app notification settings will be displayed.
Note: You can't completely mute notifications or change sound settings from this menu. You need to disable Messenger notifications from the device settings app, as explained in another step
Step 3. Slide the message preview switch to the on or off position
This switch determines what information can be displayed on the reminder sticker when you receive a message.
Step 4. Turn off notifications for a certain duration
Touch the “Mute” switch to turn off notifications for a certain amount of time. You can choose from a specific timeframe until the next morning (9am). However, you still can't completely disable notifications this way.
Step 5. Tap on “Notifications in Messenger” option in app preferences
Messenger has its own notification settings when the app is open and active. In this menu, you can enable/disable sound or vibration when a message is received in an open application state.
Step 6. Open the device settings menu (“Settings”) to change other notification options
If you want to change the appearance of notifications, enable/disable ringtones, or disable notifications completely, you need to use the iOS device settings.
Step 7. Touch “Notifications” on the list of settings menu (“Settings”)
After that, a list of apps installed on the device will be displayed.
Step 8. Touch "Messenger" on the list of displayed apps
After that, the Messenger app notification settings will be opened.
Step 9. Enable or disable notifications using the “Allow Notifications” slider
When turned off, Messenger notifications will be completely disabled.
Step 10. Set other notification settings
You can set the appearance of alerts from Messenger in the notification center (Notification Center), the ringtone that plays when a message is received, the appearance of a number indicating an unread message on the application icon, and the display of messages on the lock screen (lock screen). You can also set the display of notifications when you are using other applications on the device.
Part 11 of 12: Customizing Notifications on Android
Step 1. Open the “Profile” section of the Messenger app
You can find app settings in that section, including notification settings. Tap the “Profile” button in the upper right corner of the screen.
Step 2. Select “Notifications & Sounds”
After that, the Messenger app notification settings will be displayed.
You cannot disable Messenger notifications completely at this step. You need to use Android device settings to ensure app notifications, as described in different steps
Step 3. Slide the message preview switch to the on or off position
The preview will show the sender's name and the content of the new message you received on the notification. Turn off preview if you don't want the information to appear on the lock screen.
Step 4. Turn on/off vibration
You can turn off vibration every time a new message is received with this slider.
Step 5. Turn on/off notification light for new messages
If your device is equipped with an LED light, you can turn it on/off via this option. If your device is not equipped with these lights, you may not be able to see the options.
Step 6. Turn on/off notification sound
Use the “Sound” slider to turn on/off the notification sound from Messenger.
Step 7. Touch "Notification Sound" to change Messenger notification sound
You can choose the notification sound that is loaded on your Android device.
Step 8. Turn on/off the sound of the app when in use
Messenger uses several different sounds in the app, such as the sound that appears when you update your chat list. This slider allows you to turn the sounds on/off.
Step 9. Open the settings menu (“Settings”) of your Android device to turn off notifications completely
If you want to turn off notifications completely, you need to do so via the Android device's settings menu:
- Open the settings menu (“Settings”) and select “Apps” or “Application manager“.
- Select "Messenger" in the list of displayed applications.
- Uncheck the "Allow notifications" box.
- If the box is not displayed, return to the main settings menu and select "Sound & notification". Select " Apps " in the " Notifications " section. After that, select "Messenger" from the list of applications, and slide the "Block" switch to the on position.
Part 12 of 12: Using Messenger for Desktop Computers
Step 1. Visit
messenger.com via a desktop browser.
Messenger is now accessible via the Messenger.com website. You can use almost all of the Messenger features available on the mobile app, including payment features.
There is no dedicated Messenger application for computers. Do not download any program that is said to be able to connect to Facebook Messenger as such a program may actually risk compromising your account information
Step 2. Log in using Facebook account
If you are already logged into Facebook on a computer, you can proceed to the next step without entering your login details.
Step 3. Use the Messenger website as you would when you use the app
You can find the chat list on the left side of the page. Select a chat to open it in the main chart. In addition, you can find a selection of photos, stickers, animated GIFs, recorders, and payments to the right of the message field.
