Top 7 Ways to Fix Facebook Messenger Not Showing Messages

With themes, stickers, emojis, and tons of other features, Messenger feels bloated. Sometimes the app won’t open on the mobile, doesn’t send messages, and during a recent fiasco, Facebook Messenger fails to display recent messages. If you are in pain later on, it’s time to fix it.

If Facebook Messenger isn’t showing you recent messages, it can be confusing. You may have to wait for new messages to arrive and then respond accordingly. Fixes the issue of Facebook Messenger not displaying messages.

1. Activate mobile data for Messenger (iPhone)

If you’ve turned off mobile data for Messenger, it’s time to turn it on from the Settings app. Here is what you need to do.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on iPhone.

2nd step: Scroll down to the Messenger app.

Step 3: Enable mobile data failover in the next menu.

Open the Messenger app and you should see new messages in the app.

2. Disable low data mode (iPhone)

Low Data mode reduces the use of mobile data. When Low Dara mode is on, automatic updates and background tasks are suspended, such as syncing photos. If you are on a slow mobile network, you will experience issues with Facebook Messenger not showing messages.

You need to turn off Low data mode on iPhone. Here’s how.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on iPhone.

2nd step: Go to the Mobile data menu.

Step 3: Select your primary SIM.

Step 4: Deactivate ‘Low Data Mode’ in the next menu.

Open the Facebook Messenger app and you are ready to receive new messages on your account.

3. Check the Facebook servers

Recently, the business has suffered massive downtime and all of its services, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger, have been idle for hours.

You can use Twitter or websites like Downdetector to confirm Facebook server downtime. Visit Downdetector from the link above and search for Messenger. You will notice great spikes of indignation.

Let Facebook solve the problem on its side, then you can see the new messages in the Messenger app.

4. Force stop Messenger (Android)

If the Facebook Messenger app is running, you can force stop the app and its associated services from the app’s info menu. Here’s how.

Step 1: Search for the Messenger app from the home screen or from the app drawer menu.

2nd step: Long press the app icon and open the app info menu.

Step 3: Force stop Messenger and try to open it again.

You will receive new messages in the app.

5. Clear Messenger cache (Android)

This tip applies to experienced users. If you are a heavy Messenger user, the app can collect lots of cache data in the background. Overloading such a cache can cause Messenger to not display the latest messages on Android. You need to clear the Messenger cache and try again.

Step 1: Long press the Messenger app icon and open the app info menu.

2nd step: Go to the Storage menu.

Step 3: Tap Clear cache from the bottom button.

6. Update the Messenger app

Facebook Messenger not showing messages could be due to an outdated app on your iPhone or Android. After all, not everyone is used to updating apps on their phones.

You can go to Google Play Store or Apple App Store and update the Messenger app to the latest version.

After successfully updating Facebook Messenger to the latest version, open the app and you will see the new messages from your friends and family.

7. Use Messenger Lite

Try the Messagern Lite app if you have any issues despite updating the app and completing all of the above steps. The Messenger Lite comes with a few removed features and should be good enough for texting your friends.

As the name suggests, Messenger Lite is a lightweight version of Messenger. It’s not as feature rich as the main Messenger app. But it gets the job done with normal conversations on Facebook. Download the app from the link below and try it out.

Download Messenger Lite for Android

Start receiving messages on Facebook Messenger

Messenger not showing messages can lead you to competitors like WhatsApp, Telegram or Signal. With other apps, you lose Facebook integration. The above steps should help you troubleshoot issues with Facebook Messenger.