Facebook Messenger: Safe and free messaging
Facebook Messenger is a popular iOS app that lets you chat, share photos and videos, and even make voice and video calls. It's become a go-to communication tool for many, thanks to its handy features and the fact that so many people already use Facebook. The company recently updated the app for iOS devices, and shrunk the previously heavy app, into a quarter of its size. While the stripped version has all the essential features, it has also included a few new ones such as dark mode, group video calling, GIF support, and more
Facebook Messenger features
Facebook Messenger is not just about sending text messages. It's a comprehensive communication tool designed to enhance user interaction through various features:
- Images and Videos: Easily share your moments by sending images and videos. Tap the image icon to choose media from your gallery or use the camera icon to capture and send photos and videos instantly. You can even personalize your media by adding filters, stickers, text, and doodles.
- Calls: With Messenger, you can make voice and video calls to anyone worldwide. The app supports both individual and group calls, making it a versatile tool for personal and professional communication.
- Group Chats: Organize group conversations for any occasion. Whether it's for coordinating a project or planning an event, you can create group chats by tapping the Pen icon and adding your contacts.
- Live Location: Enhance your safety or coordinate meetups by sharing your live location with friends or family for a specified duration.
- Encrypted Conversations: For confidential chats, use the Secret Conversation feature, which encrypts messages from end to end. You can also set messages to expire after a certain time, adding an extra layer of privacy.
- Disappearing Messages: For conversations that don't need to be saved, Vanish Mode makes messages disappear after the chat is closed, ensuring your chats leave no trace.
- Visibility: Control your online presence by toggling your Active Status, and manage your privacy settings to decide who can contact you and see your messages.
- Make Messenger Your SMS App: Android users can set Messenger to handle SMS messages, centralizing all text communication within one app.
- Receipts: Stay informed about the status of your messages with read receipts that show when your messages have been delivered and seen.
- Dark Mode: Customize your Messenger experience with Dark Mode, reducing eye strain in low light conditions and saving battery life on OLED displays.
New and improved features
Though many features have been removed from Messenger, a few good ones have been added. While you can use the search tab to find anyone, from friends to businesses, the Discover tab is no longer available.
Messenger’s menu section offers some new features like payments, privacy settings, dark mode, and message requests. The menu also consists of a ‘people’ setting, which allows you to browse through your contacts, including the ones you have blocked.
How can I access Facebook Messenger without the app?
You can use Messenger without downloading the app by going to messenger.com on your computer. Just log in with your Facebook account, and you're good to go.
Why can't I open Facebook Messenger?
If you're experiencing issues opening Facebook Messenger, there are several steps you can take to resolve the problem:
- Update Your App: Ensure that you have the latest version of Messenger by checking for updates in your device's app store.
- Clear Storage Space: Lack of storage can hinder app functionality. Try deleting unnecessary data or apps to free up space.
- Reinstall Messenger: Sometimes, uninstalling and then reinstalling the app can fix issues related to corrupted data or installation errors.
- Update Google Play Services: For Android users, keeping Google Play Services updated is crucial for the smooth operation of all apps, including Messenger.
- Log Out and Back In: Logging out of your Google or Facebook account and then logging back in can sometimes refresh your session and solve login issues.
Where can you run this program?
You can easily download and run Facebook Messenger on your iPhone. Moreover, you don’t need a Facebook account to use the platform; you can log in using your mobile number. In case you already have an account on Fb, you don’t have to share your number to use Messenger.
Is there a better alternative?
While the latest version of the app is pretty good, it does have strong competition. If you’re looking for alternatives, you may want to check out Apple Messages, WhatsApp, or Signal.
Our take
Messenger’s updated version for iOS devices offers a complete messaging package without unnecessary fluff. It is an excellent mobile chat application considering most people in the world already use Facebook.
Should you download it?
If you’re looking for an application to get in touch with your mates from school, college, or office, this is a must-have platform. Moreover, the latest update has also ensured that users can easily use it as their primary messaging application.
