3 Ways to Fix “Something Went Wrong” Error on Facebook Messenger

Quick Tips

• Ensure the Messenger servers are not experiencing an outage and that you are using the most recent version of the app.
• Turn off data saver mode in the Messenger app and avoid using a VPN connection to prevent such errors.
• If the issue persists, consider clearing the Messenger app cache.

Try Basic Fixes

• Update the app: The Facebook Messenger app could malfunction if you haven’t updated it in a while. Head to the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone) on your phone to update the Messenger app and see if that helps.
• Temporarily disable VPN connection: Problems with your VPN connection could prevent Messenger from connecting to its servers, resulting in the “Something went wrong” error. You can temporarily disable your VPN connection to see if that helps.
• Check Messenger server status: It’s possible that Meta’s messaging service is down. If that’s the case, Messenger may continue to display the “Something went wrong” error no matter what you do. You can visit a website like Downdetector to check if it’s a widespread issue.

Fix 1: Enable Mobile Data for Messenger (iPhone)

Even if your internet connection is functional, Facebook Messenger can’t make the best of it when it lacks the necessary permissions. Here’s how to check if mobile data permission for Messenger is enabled on your iPhone.

Step 1: Open the Settings app and scroll down to tap on Messenger.

Step 2: Enable the toggle next to Mobile Data if it isn’t already.

Fix 2: Turn Off Data Saver Mode in Messenger (Android)

Although Messenger’s data saver feature limits data usage, it also prevents the app from using mobile internet freely when your phone is running low on battery. It’s a good idea to disable data saver mode in Messenger if the app keeps showing the “Waiting for Network” or “Something went wrong” error.

Step 1: In the Messenger app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner and then tap the gear icon to visit the settings menu.

Step 2: Scroll down to tap on Data Saver and turn off the toggle from the following menu.

Fix 3: Clear Messenger App Cache (Android)

Cache files are not required for an app to run, but they are useful. However, if the Messenger cache files on your phone are corrupted or missing, it may cause more harm than good. You can get rid of the Messenger app cache on your Android to resolve the error message.

Step 1: Long-press on the Messenger app icon and tap the info icon from the menu that appears.

Step 2: Go to Storage and tap the Clear cache option at the bottom-right corner.