Content

• Steps
• Advice

This article will show you how to update the Facebook Messenger app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: iPhone and iPad

1. 

   Open the App Store. You can find this item on the home screen of your device.

2. 

   
   
   Press Update (Updates). This item is in the lower right corner of the screen.

3. 

   Skim over the section Updates available (Available Updates) to find Messenger. The Messenger app is not included in "Facebook", but just "Messenger".
   • If Messenger is not in the Available Updates section, there are no updates available for the app.

4. 

   
   
   Press the button Update (Update). Make sure you're connected to the wireless network before, as the update can be large.
   • Click What's New (What's New) to see update details. You might not see a lot of information here, as Facebook doesn't release specific documents recording app updates and changes.

5. 

   
   
   Start Messenger after installing the update. You should see the Update button change to a progress meter. Once the watch is filled, the update will be downloaded and installed.
   • Messenger can be started by pressing the icon on the home screen. You can also swipe down on the home screen and type "Messenger" to search.

6. 

   Uninstall and reinstall the app if you can't update. If you're having trouble installing updates for Messenger, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. All data will be stored on your Facebook account, so you won't lose any conversations:
   • Go back to the home screen if you're in the App Store.
   • Press and hold any app icon until it starts to wiggle.
   • Click "X" in the top corner of the Messenger app
   • Press "Delete" to confirm.
   • Download the app again from the App Store.
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Method 2 of 2: Android

1. 

   Open Play Store. You will find this item in the Application list. The icon looks like a shopping bag with the Google Play logo on it.

2. 

   Press the button ☰ in the upper left corner.

3. 

   Press My apps and games (My apps & games).

4. 

   Skim over the section Update (Updates) to find Messenger. Be careful as there may be many apps available also called Messenger (Google has its own Messenger app). Look for the words "Facebook" below the name of the application.
   • If Messenger isn't listed in the Updates section, there are no updates available for your device.

5. 

   Press Messenger. This will open the app's store page.

6. 

   Press the button Update (Update). The update will start downloading, if you don't download other updates at the same time. If you are downloading more updates, the Messenger update will be queued up to start downloading the next time.
   • You need to be connected to a wireless network before updating, as the application can be quite large.

7. 

   Wait for the updates to install.

8. 

   Start Messenger. You can either press the Open button from the Messenger app store page in the Play Store or click the Messenger app in the list of apps.

9. 

   Uninstall and reinstall Messenger if you can't update. If you're having trouble installing updates, you can fix it by uninstalling and reinstalling the Messenger app. You will not lose any conversations, as they are all already stored on your Facebook account.
   • Open Play Store and search for Messenger.
   • Click on Facebook Messenger in the list of results
   • Click Uninstall and then click OK to remove the application.
   • Tap Install to reload the app.
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Advice

• Restarting your device can assist in fixing all installation and update errors.