How to Update Messenger on iPhone, Android and Computer

Messenger usually updates itself in the background, but not always. If a feature's missing, a call won't connect or chats are behaving oddly, an out-of-date app is one of the first things to rule out. It only takes a couple of minutes. Below are the routes Messenger's help centre gives for iPhone, Android and computers, plus what to do if the update refuses to go through.

Why it's worth updating Messenger

The help centre says it's important to keep the app up to date, and that installing the latest version may help fix problems when something isn't working. That's the honest reason to bother. If you handle customer enquiries through a Page, you don't want a bug making you miss a message.

How to update Messenger on an iPhone or iPad

According to the help centre, you update the iPhone and iPad app through the App Store.

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Search for Messenger, or find it in the list of apps with updates available.
3. If it shows an Update button, tap it.
4. Wait for it to finish, then open Messenger again.

Menus vary by app version and iOS version, so if your App Store looks different, look for the updates section. If Messenger isn't listed with an update button, it's probably already current.

How to update Messenger on an Android phone

On Android, the help centre says updates come through Google Play.

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Search for Messenger, or look for it among the apps with updates available.
3. Tap Update if you see that button.
4. Open Messenger once it's done.

Again, wording varies by device and Play Store version. You can also search for Messenger in the store, open its page and tap Update if you see the button.

How to update Messenger on a computer

This is where people get caught out. Messenger's help centre says the Messenger desktop app for Mac and Windows is no longer available. If you're looking for an update button on a computer app, there isn't one. To use Messenger on a computer, open it in a web browser. A web page always loads the current version, so there's nothing to update. If it's misbehaving, try refreshing the page or signing out and back in.

If Messenger won't update

Messenger's help pages on update trouble suggest working through the usual suspects. Do them in this order:

1. Check your internet connection. A weak connection can stall a download.
2. Free up storage on your device. A nearly full phone often can't finish an update.
3. Look for system updates in your device settings, and make sure your phone is compatible with the current app.
4. Restart the phone and try again.
5. Delete Messenger and reinstall it from the App Store or Google Play.

For Android specifically, the help centre also suggests updating the Google Play Store app itself, and logging out of your Google account on the device before logging back in. It's a bit of a faff, but it's the fix Messenger's help gives when the store itself is the problem.

After you update Messenger

Open the app and check it works as you'd expect: send a test message to a friend, or open a recent chat. If a feature you used has moved, look for the same word in the menu or search. App updates sometimes reshuffle things. If a problem is only with one person, such as a chat that says they're unavailable, the app version probably isn't the culprit, and my guide to why Messenger says user unavailable covers the other causes.

What Messenger-only accounts need to know

The help centre has a separate article about updating a Messenger-only account, a type of account that isn't tied to a full Facebook profile. It says these accounts need to be moved to a Deactivated Except Messenger account within the app, and that if you don't update within the time stated in that article, you'll lose access to Messenger. If that sounds like you, read the official article before doing anything else, because the details matter and they can change.

What changes after a Messenger update

Updates can bring new features, small design tweaks and fixes for faults. They can also move buttons around, which is why a feature you used to find in one place may suddenly be somewhere else. If something has vanished, use the search or settings screen before assuming it's been removed. Menus vary by app version, and the help centre's wording often lags behind the live app.

Should you turn on automatic updates for Messenger?

For most people, yes. Both app stores have a setting that lets apps update on their own, usually when you're connected to wifi. It saves you remembering, and it keeps the app current. If you'd rather stay in control, for instance because you're on a limited mobile connection, update by hand when you're on wifi. Whichever you choose, make sure the phone that handles your customer messages is current.

Updating Messenger, Facebook and Facebook Lite

They're separate apps with separate updates. If you use the lighter version of Facebook, you'll need to update that too. My explainer on what Facebook Lite is shows how it differs, and if you're new to the chat app itself, my plain-English guide to the Messenger app is a good start.

A simple habit for small business owners

If you run a Page, add a monthly reminder to check for updates on every phone that handles your messages. It's a quick job that avoids the embarrassing day when your phone can't send a reply to a customer. Turning on automatic updates in your phone's store settings does the job for you.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if Messenger needs updating?

Open the App Store on iPhone or Google Play on Android and look at Messenger's page. If you see an Update button, there's a newer version. If it says Open, you're current.

Is there a Messenger update for Mac or Windows?

No. Messenger's help centre says the desktop app for Mac and Windows is no longer available. Use Messenger in a web browser instead.

Why won't Messenger update on my phone?

Messenger's help suggests checking your connection and storage, looking for system updates, restarting, and reinstalling the app. On Android, update Google Play itself or sign out of your Google account and back in.

Will I lose my chats if I update Messenger?

Updating normally keeps your account and chats. Reinstalling signs you out, so make sure you know your login details first.

Does updating Messenger update Facebook too?

No. They're separate apps, so update each one from your phone's app store.