8 Easy Steps To Get Messenger Back On Your Phone

Facebook Messenger app icon

Losing access to Messenger on your phone can be frustrating, especially if you rely on it for communication. Whether you accidentally deleted the app or it disappeared due to a software issue, getting it back is relatively easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you restore Messenger to your phone without any hassle.

If you have recently deleted Messenger, you can quickly retrieve it from the app store. Open the app store on your phone and search for “Messenger.” Tap on the “Install” button and wait for the download to complete. Once installed, launch Messenger and log in with your Facebook account to start using it again. If you’re not sure whether you deleted the app, check your phone’s app drawer or home screen. Messenger may be hidden in a folder or on a different page.

In case Messenger has disappeared due to a software glitch or update, try restarting your phone. This simple step can often resolve minor software issues that may have caused Messenger to malfunction. If restarting your phone doesn’t solve the problem, check the app store for any available updates. Messenger updates typically include bug fixes and performance improvements, which may restore the app to its normal functionality. If you still encounter issues after trying these steps, you can contact Facebook support for further assistance.

Reinstalling Messenger from the App Store or Google Play

Messenger is not available for download on Windows Phones, BlackBerry phones, or Amazon Appstore. If you are unable to reinstall Messenger on your phone using the following steps, please check the Messenger Help Center for more information.

iPhone or iPad

Open the App Store.
Tap Search and type “Messenger”.
Tap Get next to the Messenger app.
Enter your Apple ID password.
Tap Install.

Android phone or tablet

Open the Google Play Store.
Tap the search bar and type “Messenger”.
Tap Install next to the Messenger app.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

Issue 1: Network Problems

Verify that your internet connection is stable and working. Weak or intermittent internet can disrupt the installation process. Try connecting to a different network or restarting your Wi-Fi router.

Issue 2: Device Storage

Check if your device has sufficient storage space for the Messenger app. Insufficient storage can prevent the installation from completing. Free up some space by deleting unused apps or moving files to a microSD card.

Tip: You can check your device’s storage by going to Settings > Storage.

Issue 3: Incompatible Device

Ensure that your device is compatible with the Messenger app. Some older devices may not support the latest version of the app. Check the app store for the minimum device requirements.

Issue 4: Corrupted Files

If the installation files are corrupted, the app may not install properly. Try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. If the issue persists, you may need to download the installation files again from the app store.

Issue 5: Permission Denied

During installation, the app may request permission to access certain features on your device. Grant these permissions to allow the app to install and function properly.

Restoring Messenger from a Backup

If you have previously backed up your Messenger data, you can restore it to your new phone or regain access to your messages after reinstalling the app.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to restore Messenger from a backup:

Ensure you’re signed in to the correct Facebook account: You must be logged into the same Facebook account used to create the Messenger backup to successfully restore it.
Reinstall Messenger: Download and install the latest version of Messenger on your phone.
Follow the on-screen prompts: When you open Messenger for the first time after installation, you will be prompted to restore your messages. Press the “Restore” button to initiate the process.

Note: If Messenger prompts you to create a new account, tap on the “Log In” option at the bottom of the screen and then enter your Facebook account credentials.
Wait for the restoration process to complete: The restoration process may take some time, depending on the size of your backup. Once it’s complete, your Messenger messages and conversations will be restored to your phone.

Additional Tips


Restore WhatsApp Chats from Previous Backup:	Follow these steps to restore WhatsApp chats from a previous backup. Ensure you are using the same phone number associated with your WhatsApp account.
iCloud Backup:	For iOS users, ensure your iCloud Backup is enabled to automatically back up your Messenger data. Go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Backup and toggle it on.
Google Drive Backup:	For Android users, connect your device to a stable Wi-Fi network, open Messenger, tap your profile picture, select “Settings” and then “Backup and Storage.” Tap “Back up to Google Drive” and select a backup frequency.

Updating Your Phone’s Operating System

Keeping your phone’s operating system up-to-date is crucial for many reasons, including the smooth functioning of apps like Messenger. Here’s how to do it:

Android:

Open the Settings app.
Go to About Phone or System.
Tap Software Update.
If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

iOS:

Go to Settings.
Select General.
Tap Software Update.
If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

4. Reinstalling Messenger

If the previous steps don’t resolve the issue, consider reinstalling Messenger. This will remove any corrupt or missing files that may be causing the problem.

Android:

Go to Settings.
Select Apps & Notifications.
Find Messenger and tap on it.
Tap Force Stop.
Tap Storage & Cache.
Tap Clear Storage.
Tap OK.
Uninstall Messenger by tapping Uninstall.
Go to the Google Play Store and reinstall Messenger.

iOS:

Touch and hold the Messenger icon on your home screen.
Tap Remove App.
Tap Delete App.
Go to the App Store and reinstall Messenger.

Device	Steps to Uninstall Messenger
Android	Open Settings > Apps & Notifications > Messenger > Force Stop > Storage & Cache > Clear Storage > Uninstall.
iOS	Touch and hold Messenger icon > Remove App > Delete App (tap again if prompted).

Once you reinstall Messenger, log back in with your credentials, and it should start working properly.

Checking Your Internet Connection

Before you troubleshoot the Messenger app itself, it’s important to verify that your internet connection is working properly. Here are some steps you can follow:

Verify Wi-Fi Connectivity: Ensure that your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Check the Wi-Fi icon in the notification bar; it should show a full signal. You can also try switching to a different Wi-Fi network or restarting your router.
Check Cellular Network: If you’re using a cellular connection, check the signal strength by looking at the bars in the notification bar. If the signal is weak, try moving to a location with better coverage.
Disable and Re-enable Airplane Mode: Sometimes, simply toggling Airplane Mode on and off can reset your network connections. Disable Airplane Mode for a few seconds, then re-enable it. This can refresh your Wi-Fi and cellular connections.
Use a Mobile Data Plan: If you’re having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi, try using your mobile data plan instead. However, keep in mind that using cellular data for Messenger can incur charges if you’re not on an unlimited plan.
Test Internet Connection with Other Apps: Open other apps that require internet connectivity, such as web browsers, email clients, or social media platforms. If these apps are also having connection issues, the problem might lie with your internet service provider (ISP).

Wi-Fi Troubleshooting	Cellular Troubleshooting
Check Wi-Fi signal strength Switch to a different Wi-Fi network Restart router	Check cellular signal strength Move to a better coverage area Disable and re-enable Airplane Mode

If you’ve followed all these steps and you’re still having trouble connecting to Messenger, proceed to the next troubleshooting section.

Clearing App Data and Cache

Clearing the app data and cache can sometimes resolve issues with the Messenger app. Follow these steps:

1. Open Settings

On your Android device, navigate to the Settings menu.

2. Find Apps

Depending on your device, find the “Apps” or “Applications” section in Settings.

3. Locate Messenger

Scroll down and find the Messenger app in the list of installed applications.

4. Tap on Storage

Select the “Storage” option under the Messenger app settings.

5. Clear Data and Cache

Tap on the buttons to clear both the App Data and Cache. Note that this will delete any saved data, such as login credentials or messages.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

If clearing the app data and cache does not resolve the issue, try the following:

Restart your phone: This can sometimes resolve temporary glitches.
Update the Messenger app: Check the Google Play Store for any available updates.
Check your internet connection: Ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.
Uninstall and reinstall Messenger: If nothing else works, try uninstalling the app and then reinstalling it from the Google Play Store.

Disabling Ad-Blockers or VPNs

Ad-blockers and VPNs are known to interfere with Messenger’s functionality. If you’re having trouble getting Messenger back on your phone, try disabling these tools temporarily.

Disabling Ad-Blockers

Most browsers have built-in ad-blockers that can be disabled through the browser settings. Here’s how:

Open your browser and click on the “Settings” icon.
Scroll down to the “Privacy and Security” section and click on “Content Settings.”
Click on “Ads” and toggle the “Block ads” option to “Off.”

Disabling VPNs

VPNs can also interfere with Messenger’s functionality. To disable your VPN, follow these steps:

Right-click on the VPN icon in your system tray.
Select “Disconnect” or “Disable.”

Additional Tips:

Tip	Description
Check your internet connection	Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
Restart your phone	Sometimes, restarting your phone can resolve minor issues.
Clear Messenger’s cache and data	Go to your phone’s Settings > Apps > All apps > Messenger > Storage > Clear Cache/Data.
Reinstall Messenger	If all else fails, try uninstalling and reinstalling Messenger.

Contacting Facebook Support

If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps above and still can’t get Messenger back on your phone, you can contact Facebook Support for further assistance.

Here’s how to contact Facebook Support:

Go to the Facebook Help Center: https://www.facebook.com/help/
Click on “Contact Us” at the bottom of the page.
Select “Messenger” from the drop-down menu.
Choose the most relevant option for your issue.
Fill out the contact form with your details and a description of your problem.
Click “Submit” to send your request to Facebook Support.

Facebook Support typically responds within 24 hours, but it may take longer depending on the volume of requests. They will provide you with personalized assistance to resolve your Messenger issue.

Using a Third-Party App Store

If you’re unable to find Messenger on the official Google Play Store, you can try downloading it from a third-party app store. Here’s how:

1. Enable Unknown Sources

Before you can install an app from a third-party store, you need to allow your device to install apps from unknown sources. Go to “Settings” > “Security” and enable the “Unknown sources” option.

2. Choose a Third-Party App Store

There are several reputable third-party app stores available, such as APKMirror, APKPure, and F-Droid. Visit the website of the store you prefer and browse for the Messenger app.

3. Download the Messenger APK File

Locate the Messenger app page on the third-party app store. Click on the “Download” button to download the app’s APK (Android Package Kit) file.

4. Install the APK File

Once the APK file is downloaded, open it using a file manager or tap on it in your browser’s downloads section. Grant permission to install the app and follow the on-screen instructions.

5. Verify the App’s Authenticity

After installing Messenger from a third-party store, it’s important to verify its authenticity. Go to “Settings” > “Apps” and check the app’s permissions. You should see the app listed as “Messenger” and the developer should be “Facebook”.

6. Update Messenger

Since you’re not getting updates from the official Google Play Store, it’s crucial to manually check for Messenger updates. Visit the third-party app store you used to download the app and check for updates regularly.

7. Use Messenger Normally

Once you’ve verified the app’s authenticity and updated it, you can use Messenger as usual. Sign in with your Facebook account and start messaging your friends.

8. Disable Unknown Sources

To protect your device, disable the “Unknown sources” option in “Settings” > “Security” once you’ve installed Messenger.

9. Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter any issues with Messenger downloaded from a third-party app store, here are some troubleshooting tips:

Issue	Solution
App won’t install	Make sure you have the latest version of the APK file and that your device meets the app’s requirements.
App crashes	Reinstall the app or clear its cache and data from “Settings” > “Apps”.
App is not authentic	Uninstall the app and download it from the official Google Play Store or a reputable third-party app store.

Factory Resetting Your Phone

Factory resetting your phone is a drastic measure, but it can be effective in resolving software issues. This process will erase all data from your phone, so it’s important to back up your important files beforehand. To factory reset your phone:

Go to your phone’s Settings.
Scroll down and select “System.”
Tap on “Advanced.”
Select “Reset options.”
Tap on “Erase all data (factory reset).”
Enter your PIN or password.
Tap on “Erase all data.”
Your phone will now reset to its factory settings.

Once your phone has reset, you can reinstall Messenger from the App Store or Google Play Store.

Additional Considerations

Before resetting your phone, make sure to back up all your important data, such as contacts, photos, and messages.
Factory resetting your phone will also remove all your other apps, so you’ll need to reinstall them after the reset.
If you’re still having issues with Messenger after resetting your phone, you may need to contact Messenger support for further assistance.

Pros	Cons
Resolves software issues	Erases all data
Can fix Messenger issues	Requires data backup
Removes all apps	May not be necessary

How To Get Messenger Back On My Phone

If you have deleted the Messenger app from your phone, you can get it back by following these steps:

1. Open the Google Play Store (for Android devices) or the App Store (for iOS devices).
2. Search for “Messenger.”
3. Tap on the “Install” button.
4. Once the app is installed, tap on the “Open” button.
5. Log in to your Facebook account.
6. You will now have access to the Messenger app again.