- What uninstalling the Messenger app does
- How to uninstall Messenger on Android
- How to uninstall Messenger on iPhone
- How to uninstall Messenger on iPad
- Uninstall, log out, remove an account or deactivate: which do you want?
- What happens to your chats when you uninstall Messenger
- How to reinstall Messenger after uninstalling it
- If you can't uninstall Messenger
- Using Messenger without the app after you uninstall it
- Frequently asked questions
To uninstall Messenger on Android, open your application manager in settings, tap Messenger, then tap Uninstall. On iPhone, press and hold the icon, tap Remove App, then Delete App. Uninstalling only removes the app: your account and chats stay put, and you can sign in again later.
Messenger can eat storage, buzz your phone at all hours and sit there reminding you of chats you'd rather avoid. Removing the app is the quickest fix, and it takes under a minute. The part that deserves a pause is what uninstalling does and doesn't do, because it isn't the same as closing your account. Below are the steps for each device, then the differences that catch people out.
What uninstalling the Messenger app does
Uninstalling takes the app off your phone or tablet. That's all. Your Facebook account and your Messenger account stay as they were, and you can sign in again from the app or Messenger.com whenever you like. Facebook's help pages describe a separate route to deactivate Messenger, and that route needs your Facebook account to be deactivated first. Deleting the app on its own changes none of that.
There isn't a dedicated Messenger uninstall article in the help centre. The device steps below come from Facebook's help for removing its app, plus Apple's guide for iPhone, and they work the same way for Messenger. Menus vary by phone and software version, so if your screen differs slightly, look for the same wording.
How to uninstall Messenger on Android
Facebook's help describes this route for its Android app:
- Go to your device's settings and open your application manager.
- Tap Messenger in the list of apps.
- Tap Uninstall.
To get the app back later, download it again from the Google Play Store, as Facebook's help says.
How to uninstall Messenger on iPhone
Facebook's steps for an iPhone are short:
- Press and hold the app icon.
- Tap Remove App.
- Tap Delete App.
Apple's own guide adds a confirmation step: after Delete App, tap Delete. Apple also draws a useful line between two choices. Removing an app from the Home Screen only moves it to App Library, so it isn't deleted. Deleting an app removes it and its data from your iPhone. If you only want a tidier screen, Remove from Home Screen is enough. If you want the storage back, choose Delete App.
How to uninstall Messenger on iPad
- Press and hold the app icon.
- Tap Delete App.
- Tap Delete.
Uninstall, log out, remove an account or deactivate: which do you want?
| What you want | What to do | Source of the steps |
|---|---|---|
| Free up space or stop the app | Uninstall the Messenger app | Facebook and Apple help pages |
| Stop one extra login on the app | Remove an additional account from Messenger | Facebook's Messenger help centre |
| Switch Messenger off altogether | Deactivate Messenger after deactivating Facebook | The Facebook help centre |
The second row is worth a note. Messenger's help says you can remove additional accounts you've added, but you can't remove all accounts or log out of Messenger, and at least one account must remain active. You also can't remove the account you're currently using. So if you only wanted to get rid of a second login, uninstalling is overkill.
What happens to your chats when you uninstall Messenger
Apple notes that deleting an app removes its data from the iPhone. That is the data stored on the device. Facebook's help pages don't describe uninstalling as touching your account, so signing in again after you reinstall is the normal way back. I'd still advise one precaution if you have important conversations, such as customer orders or agreements. Copy anything you need somewhere safe before you remove the app, because you shouldn't rely on a phone to be your only record. If you want a complete copy of your information, Facebook's Export your information tool is the official route.
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How to reinstall Messenger after uninstalling it
You can get it back whenever you want. Facebook's help says to download it again from the Google Play Store on Android. Apple says you can reinstall any app you previously downloaded from the App Store if it's still available: open the App Store, tap your picture, then Apps & Purchase History, then Your Apps. After that, sign in with the account you used before. If the app looks out of date, my steps for updating Messenger will help.
If you can't uninstall Messenger
- Check you're pressing and holding the app icon itself, on the Home Screen or in App Library, and choosing Remove App before Delete App.
- Remember that Remove from Home Screen only moves the app to App Library on iPhone. It hasn't been deleted until you choose Delete App and confirm.
- Apple's guide says Screen Time settings can be used to block an app, so a device managed by someone else may behave differently.
- Menus vary by phone and software version, so on Android search your settings for Apps if you can't spot the application manager.
Using Messenger without the app after you uninstall it
You don't have to give up Messenger completely. Facebook's help says you can use Messenger on Messenger.com in a browser, signing in with the same details. For a small business owner, that's a handy middle path: no app on your phone distracting you, but a tab you can open at set times to answer customers. It's what I'd choose if the notifications are the real problem. You can also mute chats instead, which keeps the app but silences it. If you aren't sure what Messenger offers beyond messaging, my overview of the Messenger app is a good place to start.
This guide is part of my Facebook Help: 80 Guides to Pages, Groups, Ads, Stories and Fixes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I uninstall Messenger?
On Android, open your application manager in settings, tap Messenger, then Uninstall. On iPhone, press and hold the icon, tap Remove App, then Delete App.
Does uninstalling Messenger delete my account?
No. Uninstalling removes the app from your device. Your account and its conversations stay with your account.
What's the difference between removing and deleting an app on iPhone?
Apple says removing from the Home Screen moves the app to App Library, while deleting removes the app and its data from your iPhone.
Can I get Messenger back after uninstalling it?
Yes. Download it again from the Google Play Store on Android, or from the App Store on iPhone, and sign in.
Can I use Messenger without the app?
Yes. Facebook's help pages say you can sign in at Messenger.com using the same details.
