This guide teaches you how to update the Facebook Messenger app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
Before you start: Ensure you have a working internet connection and sufficient storage space on your device.
How to update the Facebook Messenger app on your device
Follow these steps to successfully update the Messenger app on either iOS or Android.
For iOS devices
- Open the App Store. You can find this on one of your Home screens.
- Tap the Updates tab located in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- Scroll through the Available Updates section to find Messenger. The app will just say Messenger, not Facebook.
- If Messenger does not appear, there is no update available.
- Tap the Update button. It’s advisable to be connected to a wireless network as updates can be large.
- Tap What’s New to view update details. Note that Facebook may not provide detailed patch notes.
- After the update installs, the Update button will change to a progress meter. Wait until the meter is full to confirm installation.
- Start Messenger by tapping the icon on your Home screen or by searching for it using the Home screen search feature.
- If you cannot update Messenger, consider uninstalling and reinstalling the app. Your conversations are stored in your Facebook account, so you won’t lose them.
- Return to the Home screen if you are in the App Store.
- Press and hold any app icon until they begin to wiggle.
- Tap the X in the corner of the Messenger app.
- Confirm by tapping Delete.
- Download the app again from the App Store.
For Android devices
- Open the Play Store. You’ll find this in your Apps list.
- Tap the ☰ button in the upper-left corner.
- Select My apps & games.
- Scroll through the Updates section to find Messenger. Make sure you are looking for Messenger with “Facebook” beneath the app name.
- If Messenger is not listed, there is no update available for your device.
- Tap Messenger to open the app’s store page.
- Tap the Update button. The download will start unless there are other updates currently downloading.
- Connect to a wireless network before updating, as the update size can be substantial.
- Wait for the update to install.
- Start Messenger by tapping the Open button from the store page, or find it in your Apps list.
- If you experience issues, try uninstalling and reinstalling Messenger.
- Open the Play Store and search for Messenger.
- Tap Facebook Messenger in the results.
- Tap Uninstall, then confirm by tapping OK.
- Tap Install to download the app again.
Pro tip: If you encounter installation issues, rebooting your device may help resolve them.
To ensure you have the latest features and security updates, regularly updating the Messenger app is essential. These updates help improve app performance and fix potential bugs, leading to a better user experience. By following these steps, you can keep Messenger functioning smoothly on your device. Remember, updates don’t affect your messages or settings, so you can feel confident in keeping your app current.
