How to Update Facebook Messenger

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A quick and easy guide to keep Facebook Messenger updated

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: August 26, 2024 Fact Checked

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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

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You can find this on one of your Home screens.^{[1]
X
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You'll see this in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

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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
Tap the Update button. You may want to ensure you're connected to a wireless network first, as the update may be large.^{[2]
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- 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
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
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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Android

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You'll find this in your Apps list. The icon looks like a shopping bag with the Google Play logo on it.^{[3]
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Research source}
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.
This will open the app's store page.
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.^{[4]
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- You may want to connect to a wireless network before updating, as the app can be fairly large.
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
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.

Community Q&A

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Question

How can I update my messenger when my storage is full?

Community Answer

Delete something to free up enough space for the application to update.

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Question

How do I get the newest version of Facebook Messenger?

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.

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Question

Will I lose my messages when I update Messenger?

Faiza Talukder

Community Answer

No, you will not lose your messages or settings when you update Messenger.

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