How do I download the messenger app?

On iPhone, open the App Store and search for "Messenger." On Android, open the Google Play Store and search for "Messenger." Download the app from Meta Platforms. Open the app and sign in with the same email and password you use for Facebook. If you do not have a Facebook account, you can create one from within the Messenger app.

How do I start a new conversation?

Once signed in, you will see your recent conversations on the main screen. To start a new conversation, tap the compose icon (a pencil or square-with-pencil icon) in the top right corner. A list of your Facebook friends will appear. Tap a person's name to open a conversation with them. Type your message in the box at the bottom and tap the send arrow.

How do I share a photo or video?

Inside any conversation, tap the photo icon (looks like a small image or mountain) next to the text box. Your phone's photo library will open. Tap a photo or video to select it, then tap Send. You can select multiple photos at once. Add an optional caption by tapping where it says "Say something..." before sending.

How do I make a video call?

Open a conversation with the person you want to call. Tap the video camera icon in the top right corner of the conversation screen. Messenger will call that person's Messenger app. When they answer, you will see their face on your screen. Make sure your camera and microphone are facing toward you and that you are in a well-lit area so they can see you clearly.

How do I create or join a group chat?

To create a group chat, tap the compose icon to start a new message. Instead of selecting just one person, select multiple people from your friends list. Once you have selected everyone, tap the arrow or Create Group button. The group chat will open and you can name it by tapping the group name at the top. Everyone in the group can see all messages sent to the group.

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Facebook Messenger is a free app that lets you send text messages, photos, and videos to your friends and family — and make voice or video calls — all over the internet, which means no phone minutes are used. As long as you have Wi-Fi or a mobile data connection, Messenger calls and messages are free no matter how far away the other person is.

Messenger works with your Facebook account. If you have Facebook, you already have Messenger — your Facebook friends are automatically available to message. You do not need to share your phone number with anyone; contact is through Facebook.

Many families use Messenger as their main way to stay in touch because it works the same on iPhone and Android, it is free, and it makes video calls accessible even for people who are not comfortable with technology. You tap one button and you are face-to-face with someone.

Messenger also supports group chats — a single conversation thread where multiple people can all message and respond together. This is popular for family group chats where everyone can share news, photos, and jokes in one place.

Here is what you can do with Messenger: - Send text messages and replies - Share photos and videos from your phone - Make free one-on-one video calls - Start a group video call with multiple family members at once - Send voice recordings when typing is inconvenient - React to messages with emojis (like, love, haha, wow, sad, angry) - See when a message has been read (small circle shows recipient's photo)

Messenger is separate from the main Facebook app. You need to install Messenger as its own app to make calls.