How to Add Friends and Contacts in Facebook Messenger

Learn how to send friend requests on the Facebook Messenger app

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: May 19, 2024 Fact Checked

By default, your Facebook friends will automatically reflect in the Messenger app. However, if you don't have the Facebook app on your mobile device, you can search for friends to add using the Meta Accounts Center in Messenger. You'll just need to be logged into your Facebook account. This wikiHow will show you how to add friends and contacts in Facebook Messenger using your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.

Things You Should Know

Open the Messenger app. Tap "☰" and tap the cog icon. "Tap "See more in Accounts Center" at the very bottom.
Tap "Your information and permissions" → "Upload contacts" → tap your Facebook account → toggle on "Upload Contacts".
Tap "Continue" to view friend suggestions. Tap "Add friend" to send a friend request.

Steps

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1
Open the Messenger app. This looks like a lightning bolt in a purple-blue speech bubble. If you aren't already logged in, enter your email address and password to do so now.
- By default, your Messenger contact list is the same as your Facebook friends. You can add friends on Facebook to add those people to your Messenger list automatically, or you can do so from the Messenger app.^{[1]
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You can find this in the top-right corner.

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3
Tap the cog icon. This will be to the right of your name.
- A new page will open.
You can find this at the very bottom of the page, underneath Meta Accounts Center.
This will be below Search history.
A new page will open with a list of your connected Meta accounts. This can be your Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, or another connected account.
You can also select another connected Meta account.
The switch will turn green, and a new page will open. You'll be able to find Facebook friends, which will be transferred to Messenger.
9
Tap Continue. This is the blue button in the center of the page. Facebook will begin searching for friends to add using your email and phone number.
- If you don't have a phone number linked to your Facebook account, you can add it.
10
Tap Add friend. This is the blue button to the right of the person's name.
- You'll need to wait until the person approves the request. When they do, the person will appear in your friends list on Messenger.

Community Q&A

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Question

If someone adds me to Messenger and we are not Facebook friends, can they see if I read their messages?

Community Answer

No. It will go to the Message Requests corner, where you can either receive or reject them. The other person won't be notified either way.

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Question

How do I install Messenger?

Community Answer

You may install it in Google Play Store. Once you are done, you can freely give messages to people around the globe.

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Thank you for your feedback.
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