How to Update Facebook Messenger

A quick and easy guide to keep Facebook Messenger updated

This wikiHow teaches how to update the Facebook Messenger app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

iPhone and iPad

  1. Image titled Update Facebook Messenger Step 1
    1
    Open the App Store. You can find this on one of your Home screens.
  2. Image titled Update Facebook Messenger Step 2
    2
    Tap the Updates tab. You'll see this in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
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  3. Image titled Update Facebook Messenger Step 3
    3
    Scroll through the Available Updates section to find Messenger. The Messenger app does not say "Facebook," just "Messenger."
    • If Messenger is not listed in the Available Updates section, there is no update available for the app.
  4. Image titled Update Facebook Messenger Step 4
    4
    Tap the Update button. You may want to ensure you're connected to a wireless network first, as the update may be large.
    • Tap What's New to view the update details. You may not see much information here, as Facebook doesn't release specific patch notes for updates.
  5. Image titled Update Facebook Messenger Step 5
    5
    Start Messenger after the update installs. You'll see the Update button turn into a progress meter. Once the meter is filled, the update will have downloaded and installed.
    • You can start Messenger by tapping the icon on your Home screen. You can also swipe down on your Home screen and type "Messenger" to search for it.
  6. Image titled Update Facebook Messenger Step 6
    6
    Uninstall and reinstall the app if you can't update. If you're having difficulties installing the update for Messenger, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. All the data is stored on your Facebook account, so you won't lose any conversations:
    • Return to the Home screen if you are in the App Store.
    • Press and hold on any app icon until the start to wiggle.
    • Tap the "X" in the corner of the Messenger app.
    • Tap "Delete" to confirm.
    • Download the app again from the App Store.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Android

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    1
    Open the Play Store. You'll find this in your Apps list. The icon looks like a shopping bag with the Google Play logo on it.
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    2
    Tap the ☰ button in the upper-left corner.
  3. Image titled Update Facebook Messenger Step 9
    3
    Tap My apps & games.
  4. Image titled Update Facebook Messenger Step 10
    4
    Scroll through the Updates section to find Messenger. Be aware that you may have multiple apps called Messenger installed (Google has a separate Messenger app). Look for "Facebook" underneath the app name.
    • If Messenger is not listed in the Updates section, there is no update available for your device.
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    5
    Tap Messenger. This will open the app's store page.
  6. Image titled Update Facebook Messenger Step 12
    6
    Tap the Update button. The update will begin downloading, unless you are currently downloading other updates. If this is the case, the update will be queued to begin downloading next.
    • You may want to connect to a wireless network before updating, as the app can be fairly large.
  7. Image titled Update Facebook Messenger Step 13
    7
    Wait for the update to install.
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    8
    Start Messenger. You can tap the Open button from the Messenger store page in the Play Store, or you can tap the Messenger app in your Apps list.
  9. Image titled Update Facebook Messenger Step 15
    9
    Uninstall and reinstall Messenger if you can't update. If you're having problems installing the update, you may be able to fix them by uninstalling and reinstalling the Messenger app. You won't lose any conversations, as they are all stored on your Facebook account.
    • Open the Play Store and search for Messenger.
    • Tap Facebook Messenger in the list of results.
    • Tap Uninstall and then OK to remove the app.
    • Tap Install to download the app again.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    How can I update my messenger when my storage is full?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Delete something to free up enough space for the application to update.
  • Question
    How do I get the newest version of Facebook Messenger?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Go to the app store for your device and do a search on Facebook Messenger. Click on Facebook Messenger; if there are updates available, there will be an Update button (or if it's not installed, you'll have the opportunity to do so). If no updates are available, you are running the most current version supported by your device.
  • Question
    Will I lose my messages when I update Messenger?
    Faiza Talukder
    Faiza Talukder
    Community Answer
    No, you will not lose your messages or settings when you update Messenger.
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/help/community/question/?id=10151952859735808

About This Article

wikiHow Staff
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 350,023 times.
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Co-authors: 7
Updated: August 19, 2022
Views: 350,023
Categories: Facebook Messenger
Article SummaryX

1. Open the App Store.
2. Tap the Updates tab.
3. Tap Available Updates.
4. Scroll to Messenger.
5. Tap UPDATE.

Did this summary help you?
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