- Steps to leave a note on Messenger
- Where your note appears and for how long
- Delete or replace a note
- Replying to someone's note
- Why you can't post a note
- Seeing your friends' notes
- Who can see your note
- Notes versus stories
- Notes for business owners
- Note ideas that start conversations
- My verdict
- Frequently asked questions
To leave a note on Messenger, open the Chats list in the app, tap Post a note by your profile picture, type up to 60 characters and tap Share. Notes show next to your profile picture and on your Facebook story for up to 24 hours. You can change who sees it, and notes only work in the phone and tablet apps.
Messenger notes are short status updates that sit above your chats: a quick "at the beach" or "ask me about the launch" that friends see when they open Messenger. They're easy to post, they disappear on their own, and replies come to you privately. Here's how to post, edit and delete one, and why you can't find the option on a computer.
Steps to leave a note on Messenger
- Open the Messenger app on your phone or tablet.
- In Chats, tap Post a note by your profile picture at the top left.
- Tap Share a thought and type your note, up to 60 characters.
- To choose who sees it, tap Change at the bottom, pick an audience and tap Save.
- To change how long it shows, tap Change and pick a duration.
- Tap Share.
Where your note appears and for how long
Messenger says your note appears next to your profile picture in the Chats list and on your Facebook story, for up to 24 hours. After it expires, it's no longer visible. You can choose a shorter time when you post it.
| Detail | Rule |
|---|---|
| Length | Up to 60 characters |
| Visible for | Up to 24 hours |
| Where it shows | Chats list and your Facebook story |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad and Android apps, not computers |
| Replies | Arrive as a private chat with you |
Delete or replace a note
- In Chats, tap your note by your profile picture.
- Tap Options at the top right.
- Tap Delete.
To swap it for something new, tap your note and choose Replace note.
Replying to someone's note
Tap a friend's note and write a reply. Messenger says replies are sent in a chat between you and that person, so nobody else sees them. It's a low-pressure way to start a conversation, which is the main point of notes.
Why you can't post a note
- You're on a computer. Messenger says notes aren't available on computers.
- Your app is out of date. Update Messenger.
- You're looking in the wrong place. The Post a note option sits by your profile picture at the top of Chats.
Seeing your friends' notes
Friends' notes appear at the top of your Chats list, next to their profile pictures, in the same place yours shows. Tap one to read it in full and reply. Because notes expire after up to 24 hours, the row changes constantly, so it's worth a glance when you open Messenger. If you reply, it arrives with them as a normal private chat, so the conversation carries on in your inbox like any other.
Who can see your note
Because a note also appears on your Facebook story, it may reach more people than you expect. Use the Change option before sharing to pick the audience. If a note is upsetting or inappropriate, Messenger has a way to report notes from other people.
Notes versus stories
Notes and stories both disappear, but they're built for different things. A story is a photo or video that people tap through. A note is just a line of text that sits above your chats and invites a quick reply. Because Messenger says notes also appear on your Facebook story, a note is a light way to show up in both places without making a full story post. If you have something visual to share, use a story; if you just want to start a conversation, a note is quicker.
Notes for business owners
For small businesses that chat with customers on Messenger, a note is a gentle nudge rather than an advert. Mention an opening time change, a new product, or that you're answering questions today. Keep it friendly and short, since you only have 60 characters, and remember that replies land in private chats where you can follow up with each person one to one.
Note ideas that start conversations
- A question: "Best podcast for long drives?"
- A quick update: "Back from holiday, catching up on messages."
- For business owners: "Launching something new Friday, ask me."
- An invitation: "Anyone free for coffee Thursday?"
For other quick ways to say something, see my guides to sending a voice message on Messenger and making a poll on Messenger.
My verdict
Tap Post a note at the top of Chats, write up to 60 characters, choose your audience and share. It lasts up to 24 hours and shows on your Facebook story too, so check who can see it. Notes are phone and tablet only, so don't hunt for them on a computer.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I leave a note on Messenger?
In the app's Chats list, tap Post a note by your profile picture, type up to 60 characters and tap Share.
How long do Messenger notes last?
Up to 24 hours. You can choose a shorter time when posting.
Can I post a Messenger note on a computer?
No. Messenger says notes aren't available on computers.
Who sees my Messenger note?
It shows next to your profile picture in Chats and on your Facebook story. Use Change to pick the audience.
How do I delete a note on Messenger?
Tap your note, then Options at the top right, then Delete.
Can I edit a Messenger note after posting?
You can replace it. Tap your note and choose Replace note to post a new one.
Do Messenger notes show on Facebook?
Yes. Messenger says your note appears on your Facebook story as well as in the Chats list.
Where do I see my friends' notes?
At the top of your Chats list, next to their profile pictures. Tap one to read and reply.
Are replies to notes public?
No. Replies are sent as a private chat between you and the other person.
