Messenger Says Waiting for Network? What to Check and Fix

You hit send, and instead of a tick you get a message that Messenger is waiting for a network. Or the app sits on a status line and nothing moves. It usually means the app can't reach the internet at that moment, but it's worth being straight about what Messenger's own help centre does and doesn't say. I searched its help pages for that exact wording and found no article using it, so this page sticks to the fixes Messenger does publish for messages that won't send or load.

Messenger says waiting for network: what it points to

In plain terms, the app is telling you it hasn't got a connection it can use right now. Messenger's help pages list the connection as one of three common reasons a message fails: there may be problems with your app, your device or your internet. That gives us a sensible order. Check the connection first, then the app, then the device.

Fix the connection first when Messenger is waiting for network

• Connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network. Messenger's help pages list this as one of its basic tips.
• If you're on Wi-Fi, check another app loads a page. If nothing does, the fault is the connection, not Messenger.
• Move closer to your router or switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see whether the status changes.
• Close the Messenger app and open it again once your connection looks healthy.

The third point is my own common-sense suggestion rather than something Messenger's help pages spell out, but it's a quick test with no downside. The aim is to find out whether the connection or the app is the weak link before you start changing settings.

Restart the app and your device

Messenger's help pages tell you to close the Messenger app and restart your device. It's the oldest advice around, and it's on the official list because it clears stuck connections and half-finished tasks. Close Messenger fully, restart the phone, wait for it to reconnect to Wi-Fi or mobile data, then reopen the app.

Update Messenger when it keeps waiting for network

Installing the latest version may help to fix problems when something's not working, according to Messenger's help pages. If you haven't updated in a while, do that before anything drastic. My step-by-step on updating Messenger covers iPhone, Android and computer. If the update itself won't download, the help pages say to check your internet connectivity and to connect to Wi-Fi first for best results.

If updating doesn't fix it, they also suggest you can uninstall and then reinstall Messenger. Remember that reinstalling means signing in again, so make sure you know your login details before you start.

Check your phone's storage

Messenger's help pages say to make sure your device has enough storage. A phone that's full can make apps misbehave. Remove large files or apps you no longer use, then try again. It's a dull fix, but it's on the official troubleshooting list.

Messenger can't send even with a good connection

If your connection is fine and messages still won't go, Messenger's help pages name several other causes:

• The person has deactivated or deleted their account.
• You've blocked them, or they've blocked you.
• You're replying in a group chat that the other members have left.
• You sent a lot of messages recently.
• Your messages went against Community Standards, which can temporarily restrict your account and stop you replying.

The help pages say a block on sending messages is temporary, and that you can still connect with confirmed friends through the Facebook app or facebook.com while it lasts, for example by commenting on posts. If you're blocked from messaging, you may also be temporarily blocked from sending friend requests.

Don't mix it up with the Waiting for this message notice

There's a different notice that sounds similar. In some chats you might see Waiting for this message. This may take a while. instead of what someone sent you. Messenger's help pages explain that's about end-to-end encrypted chats. The other person's phone needs to be online to help your phone decrypt the message, so a delay can happen when one of you was offline or recently reinstalled Messenger.

To speed that up, the help pages say to ask the person to open Messenger on their phone, and to make sure you're both on the latest version. If a message still doesn't arrive, ask them to resend it. That's a delivery issue, not a network problem on your side.

Another possibility: the person is unavailable

If your message sends but the person seems to have disappeared, that's a separate matter. I've written about why Messenger says user unavailable and what it can mean.

When to report Messenger waiting for network

If you've been through the whole list and Messenger still says it's waiting for a network, the help pages point you to report the problem. Look in the Fix a problem section of the Messenger Help Centre for the option to report a problem with the Messenger app. Describe what's on screen, what device you have and which fixes you tried, because it helps them see the pattern.

This guide is part of my Facebook Help: 80 Guides to Pages, Groups, Ads, Stories and Fixes.

Frequently asked questions

Why does Messenger say waiting for network?

It generally means the app can't reach the internet at that moment. Messenger's help pages list problems with your app, device or internet as common reasons messages fail.

How do I fix Messenger waiting for network?

Connect to reliable Wi-Fi, close the app, restart your device, update Messenger and check you have enough storage. Reinstall the app if those don't work.

Is waiting for network the same as Waiting for this message?

No. Waiting for this message relates to end-to-end encrypted chats, where the other person's phone needs to be online to help decrypt a message.

Can I still use Facebook if Messenger can't send?

Messenger's help pages say that if you're temporarily blocked from sending messages you can still connect with confirmed friends through the Facebook app or facebook.com.

Should I reinstall Messenger?

It's one of the steps Messenger's help pages mention. Update first. If that doesn't help, uninstall and reinstall, and have your login details ready.

Where do I report a Messenger problem?

Use the Fix a problem section of the Messenger Help Centre, which includes an option to report a problem with the Messenger app.