How to Send a Voice Message on Messenger (Phone and Computer)

Some things take thirty seconds to say and five minutes to type. A voice message is the quick fix: a client update on the move, directions for a friend, or a long explanation you can't be bothered to thumb out. Messenger has the feature built in, on the phone apps, on the computer apps and on Facebook in a browser. Below are the steps from Messenger's help pages, plus a few things that trip people up.

Send a voice message on the Messenger phone app

According to Messenger's help pages, the options for sending things sit at the bottom of a conversation, next to the text box. The steps are short:

1. Open Messenger and open any conversation.
2. Look at the row of options next to the text box. If you can't see them, tap the icon next to the text box first.
3. Pick the option for recording a voice message and start speaking.
4. Send it when you're finished.

The help page shows these options as icons, so the exact look of the microphone button can differ by app version. If you can't spot it, hover on the options one at a time or look for the one that records a voice message. The help pages also note that audio messages are not available for everyone, which I'll come back to below.

Send a voice message on Messenger from a computer

The computer routes differ a little depending on whether you use the Messenger desktop app or the messenger.com website, and Messenger's help pages describe both.

Messenger desktop app

Open a conversation and click the option next to the text box that lets you record a voice clip or add an attachment.

messenger.com

Open a conversation, then use the options next to the text box. If you can't see them, click the icon beside the text box. One of them is for recording a voice message.

Voice message in a Facebook chat on facebook.com

If you chat through Facebook rather than the Messenger app, there's a separate article for it. It says to do this:

1. At the top right of facebook.com, click Messenger.
2. Click a conversation to open it.
3. Click Record and start speaking.
4. Click Pause when you've finished. You can click Play to listen back, then click Send.

The preview step is useful. If you're sending something sensitive or you've coughed halfway through, you can listen back before it goes.

Give your browser access to the microphone

Voice recording on a computer needs a microphone, and Facebook's help pages say you must give Facebook permission to use it. They suggest checking the permission from your computer or browser settings. If the Record button does nothing or you see a permissions prompt, that's the first place to look.

Messenger also has a separate help article about fixing problems with your camera, microphone or speakers for audio and video calling. It's written for calls, but if your mic isn't being picked up, it's a sensible next read.

Why you might not see the voice message option on Messenger

The most honest answer in the help pages is this one: audio messages are not available for everyone. Messenger doesn't explain who gets them, so if the button is missing for you, it may simply not be offered on your account or app version yet. Before you assume that, though, try the sensible checks:

• Update Messenger to the latest version.
• Tap the icon next to the text box in case the options are hidden.
• Try the same chat in the other place, such as the computer app or facebook.com, using the steps above.
• Check you're in a chat where sending is possible. Messenger says you can't send if the other person has blocked you or deactivated their account.

If you'd rather not guess, my guide to updating Messenger covers the update step on each device.

How big can a voice message on Messenger be?

Messenger's help pages say you can send photos, voice messages, GIFs, stickers or AI stickers of up to 25 MB in file size. Voice messages are normally small, so you're unlikely to hit that, but it's useful to know if you're sending several things at once.

What happens after you send a voice message on Messenger

The person receives the voice message in the chat like any other message. If you want to know whether it arrived, my explainer on what Delivered means on Messenger covers the little status icons under your messages.

If someone sends you a voice message that is abusive or breaks the rules, Messenger has a separate help article for reporting a voice recording or audio message. If you ever feel unsafe, report it to Messenger and, if you're in danger, contact the police.

Using voice messages for business on Messenger

If you chat with customers on Messenger, voice messages feel personal and they save time on longer answers. A few habits make them work better:

• Say your name and what the message is about in the first sentence.
• Keep each message to one point so it's easy to find again.
• Follow up in text with anything the customer needs to copy, such as a date or an address.
• Start new conversations through search if you've never chatted before. I've explained how in finding someone on Messenger.

If you want the full set, start at the Facebook Help: 80 Guides to Pages, Groups, Ads, Stories and Fixes.

Frequently asked questions

How do I send a voice message on Messenger?

Open a conversation, tap the option next to the text box that records a voice message, speak, and send. On a computer, use the voice clip or record option next to the text box.

Why can't I see the voice message button on Messenger?

Messenger's help pages say audio messages are not available for everyone. Update the app, tap the icon next to the text box to reveal hidden options, and try another device.

How do I send a voice message on facebook.com?

Click Messenger at the top right, open a conversation, click Record, speak, click Pause, then Play to preview and Send to send.

Why won't my voice message record on a computer?

Facebook's help pages say you need to give Facebook permission to use your microphone. Check the permission in your computer or browser settings.

Is there a size limit for Messenger voice messages?

Messenger's help pages say photos, voice messages, GIFs and stickers can be up to 25 MB in file size.

Can I report a voice message on Messenger?

Yes. Messenger has a help article on reporting a voice recording or audio message. If you're in danger, contact the police.