Facebook Messenger Download - Complete Guide

Facebook Messenger was launched as a standalone app in 2011.

Key features:

• Sign in with your Facebook account

• Automatically connects with your Facebook friends

• Also usable with just a phone number

• Free voice and video calls

• Group chats (up to 250 people)

• File, photo, and video sharing

• Games, stickers, and GIFs

• Encrypted conversations (Secret Conversations)

Compared to other messengers:

• WhatsApp: Phone number-based, streamlined

• KakaoTalk: Korea-focused

• Telegram: Security-focused

• WeChat: China-focused, strong payments

Messenger is especially useful for connecting with international friends or for global business communication.

[iOS]

1. Open the App Store

2. Search for "Messenger"

3. Select Messenger (Meta Platforms)

4. Tap "Get"

5. Authenticate with Face ID / Touch ID

6. Tap "Open" after installation

[Android]

1. Open the Play Store

2. Search for "Messenger"

3. Select Messenger (Meta)

4. Tap "Install"

5. Tap "Open" after installation

[First-Time Login]

1. Open the app

2. Choose to sign in with a Facebook account or phone number

3. Facebook: Enter email/phone + password

4. Phone number: Verify via SMS

5. Sync contacts (optional)

6. Allow notification permissions

7. Login complete

[Windows 10/11]

1. Open the Microsoft Store

2. Search for "Messenger"

3. Select Messenger - Meta

4. Click "Get"

5. Launch after installation

6. Sign in with Facebook

[Web Version]

1. Go to messenger.com

2. Sign in with Facebook

3. Use directly in your browser

4. No installation required

[Mac]

1. Open the Mac App Store

2. Search for "Messenger"

3. Click "Get"

4. Sign in after installation

[Desktop Advantages]

• Fast keyboard typing

• Large screen for video calls

• Easier file management

• Multitasking support

• Screen sharing

[Basic Chat]

• New conversation: Tap the + button

• Emoji: Tap the smiley face icon

• Stickers / GIFs: Tap the corresponding icons

• Photos / Videos: Tap the clip icon or drag and drop

• Voice message: Press and hold the microphone

[Voice / Video Calls]

• Phone icon: Voice call

• Video icon: Video call

• Group call: Up to 50 people

• Screen share: Available during calls

• Background effects: In call settings

[Group Chats]

• New conversation > Create group

• Select multiple friends

• Set a group name

• Up to 250 members

[Message Reactions]

• Long press a message > Choose emoji

• Quick reactions displayed

[Unsend a Message]

• Long press > Unsend

• Only available within 10 minutes

[Secret Conversations]

• End-to-end encryption

• Auto-delete timer

• Screenshot notifications

[Message Search]

• Use the search bar at the top

• Search by name or message content

• Filter by date

[Chat Settings]

• Tap the name > Settings

• Toggle notifications on/off

• Change nicknames, chat color, and emoji

• Change chat wallpaper

[File Management]

• Conversation info > Media

• Browse shared photos

• Browse shared files

• Browse shared links

[Polls]

• + button > Poll

• Great for group decision-making

[Location Sharing]

• + button > Location

• Share your real-time location

[Games]

• Tap the games icon

• Play with friends

[Message Requests]

• Messages from non-friends go to Requests

• Accept or delete

• Helps prevent spam

[Hide Active Status]

• Settings > Turn off Active Status

• Others cannot see when you are online

[Read Receipts]

• Turning off Active Status also hides read receipts

• Note: You also won’t see the other person’s read receipts

[Message Filtering]

• Settings > Privacy

• Automatically block spam

[Blocking]

• Profile > Block

• Blocks messages and calls

• Also blocks on Facebook

[Notification Management]

• Settings > Notifications

• Toggle all or by time of day

• Do Not Disturb mode

• Per-conversation settings

[Data Saver]

• Settings > Data

• Disable auto-download on mobile data

• Download only on Wi-Fi

[Account Security]

• Two-factor authentication (via Facebook)

• Login alerts

• Suspicious login detection

[Messages Not Sending]

• Check your internet connection

• Restart the app

• Update the app

• Check if you have been blocked

[Not Receiving Notifications]

• Phone Settings > App Notifications (allow)

• Check Messenger notification settings

• Disable Do Not Disturb

• Add to battery saver exceptions

[Video Calls Not Working]

• Grant camera and microphone permissions

• Check if another app is using the camera

• Connect to Wi-Fi

• Update the app

[Messages Disappearing]

• The other person may have unsent the message

• Secret Conversation timer may have expired

• Account may have been hacked (change your password)

[FAQ]

Q. Can I use Messenger without a Facebook account?

A. Yes, you can sign up with just a phone number.

Q. If I delete a message, does the other person’s copy get deleted too?

A. No. You need to use the Unsend feature.

Q. Can I use Messenger on both PC and phone at the same time?

A. Yes, simultaneous login is supported.