Facebook app: messages do not arrive or are delayed - what to do?

With the Facebook app it can happen that messages do not arrive or are delayed. Rather unlikely, but it is possible that the message function was deactivated for a short time due to maintenance work by Facebook itself. There is nothing you can do about it except send the message again. The problem is more often due to incorrect settings or problems with the app. We show you how to correct them in this practical tip.

Set Facebook's privacy settings correctly

Your privacy settings also affect your Facebook messages. Check them to remove any message catchers:

• Open the privacy settings via the gear wheel at the top right.
• At the point "Who can contact me?" a tick on the "Basic Filtering". Otherwise all messages that do not come from your friends end up in the "Other" inbox.
• In addition, you will not receive messages from people who block you. Under "Block", make sure that there is nobody on your restricted list whose messages you miss.

Change the app: Alternatives to the Facebook app

In recent years, the Facebook app has not only got new functions through numerous updates, but also more and more bugs. Even if all of your settings are correct, it may happen that the Facebook app does not send all messages to you. You can recognize this from the fact that your messages are displayed in the browser but do not arrive via the app. Therefore, choose one of the following alternatives:

• The "Messenger" is a messaging app with which you only manage your Facebook messages. It is more reliable than the chat function of the Facebook app.
• An even better alternative is the "Go! Chat for Facebook".
• If you do not want to install an alternative app on your smartphone or tablet, you can also call Facebook via the browser.

More alternatives to the sluggish Facebook app can be found here.