How to Fix Messenger “Waiting for Network” Issue (Android)

Quick Tips

• Open Settings and tap on Apps > Messenger > Storage > Clear cache.
• Go to Settings > Connections > Data usage > Data saver > disable Turn on now toggle.
• Open General management settings > Reset > Reset network settings > Reset settings. Then, check again.

Basic Fixes:

• Enable and disable Airplane mode: Temporary connectivity issues can cause the Messenger app not to work properly. To fix this, enable Airplane mode. This will disable all device radio communications. Turn it off after a while, and try using the Messenger app again to check.
• Check Messenger server status: Issues in the backend can affect the Messenger app functions. To check, go to Downdetector’s server status page and see if any outage reports are visible. If so, wait before using the Messenger app again.
• Disable battery saver: Battery saver restricts app functions to save battery life. This can cause the Messenger app to show a “Waiting for network” error. So, once your device is sufficiently charged, disable the battery saver and check.
• Close and reopen the Messenger app: Open all background apps and close them on your Android phone. Then, reopen only the Messenger app and see if this fixes the issue.
• Check for Messenger app updates: App updates contain important bug fixes and security updates. So, if automatic updates have been disabled, check and install the latest Messenger app updates. Then, reopen the app and try using it again.

Fix 1: Clear Messenger App Cache

Over time, most Android apps build their caches to improve app functions. However, if this cache gets too big or corrupted, it can disrupt app functions instead. So, clear the cache for the Messenger app on your Android phone. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on Apps. Tap on Messenger.

Step 2: Tap on Storage. Then, tap on Clear cache.

Fix 2: Turn off Data Saving Mode

Data savers help reduce mobile data usage. While they’re helpful if you’re on a metered connection, they can inadvertently cause the Messenger app to show the “Waiting for network” error by restricting data access. To ensure this does not happen, here’s how to disable the data saver on Android.

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on Connections. Then, tap on Data usage.

Step 2: Tap on Data saver and disable the Turn on now toggle. Then, tap on Apps that can always use data.

Scroll through the list of visible apps and ensure the Messenger app toggle is enabled on your Android phone.

Fix 3: Reset Network Settings

Certain custom network settings can also interfere with the Messenger app, preventing it from working properly. To fix this, reset all network settings on your Android phone. This will remove all custom network settings without affecting other device data. Here’s how.

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on General management. Tap on Reset.

Step 2: Here, tap on Reset network settings. Tap on Reset settings to confirm.

Fix 4: Reinstall the Messenger App

If you still get the “Waiting for network” error when using the Messenger app but are unsure why, uninstall and reinstall it. This will delete all app settings and data and replace them with a fresh copy. Follow the below steps to do it.

Step 1: Long-press the Messenger app and tap on Uninstall. Tap on OK to confirm.

Then, go to the Google Play Store and reinstall Messenger. Finish the setup and try using the app on your Android phone to see if the issue has been fixed.