How to fix messenger notification but no message (Simple guide)

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll know why Facebook Messenger is showing unread message notifications but no messages. You’ll also learn how to fix it.
Why do I see a messenger notification but no message? This can happen due to a technical glitch or if a message was deleted before being read.
Facebook boasts a messaging application by the name of Messenger, that facilitates conversations with your friends on the platform. Frequently, we come across the notification icon of Facebook Messenger, indicating unread messages. Yet, at times, this icon can perplexingly appear even when your message list is devoid of any unread content.
Are you encountering this very predicament? Are you curious about the steps to resolve the issue of Facebook Messenger erroneously displaying unread messages despite the absence of any such messages?
Let’s delve into the reasons behind Messenger’s indication of unread messages when no actual messages exist. Moreover, we will delve into the methods to rectify this glitch within your Messenger application. So, continue perusing our article for detailed insights.
Table of Contents
Why Does Messenger Say Unread Messages?
Individuals who utilize Facebook have the option to engage in conversations with their friends using the Messenger application, separate from the main Facebook app. Facebook Messenger is accessible on both Android and iOS platforms, offering users a swift means to connect with their friends within the Facebook community. Upon receiving messages from friends, a notification materializes, bearing the count of messages yet to be read.
Upon tapping the notification icon, the portal to unread messages opens, causing the notification to vanish upon reading the messages within. But what course of action is advised when a notification for Messenger is displayed without any accompanying messages?
This occurrence is attributed to a technical anomaly nestled within the Messenger app. It’s a tad vexing to encounter notifications without the presence of any actual unread messages on Messenger. To potentially alleviate this situation, an alternative lies in accessing Messenger through a web browser. This avenue might yield a solution, for there are instances when Facebook’s indication of unread messages is observable on the desktop interface rather than the mobile application.
However, if the predicament remains unaltered, let’s explore the steps to address the matter at hand— the scenario where Facebook Messenger falsely presents a count of unread messages despite their absence. For more related articles, read our comprehensive guide on How to Clean Your iPhone Speakers Like a Pro
How to Fix Messenger Showing Unread Messages
Sometimes, a singular solution might not consistently address the issue of Messenger presenting erroneous unread message notifications. As a result, a range of solutions is at your disposal to ascertain which one proves effective in your specific scenario.
It’s advisable to explore each potential solution until the correct resolution aligns with your particular problem. Let’s explore these solutions in detail.
Fix 1: Use Facebook Messenger On A Web Browser
It’s quite common to encounter the issue of unread messages within the Messenger app on your mobile device. Have you observed this phenomenon, as I have? Follow the steps provided below to effectively resolve this persistent concern:
- Access your Facebook account through a web browser and log in.
- Locate and click on the Messenger icon.
- Await the swift loading of unread messages.
- Individually read each of the unread messages.
Upon perusing your unread messages on Facebook via a web browser, you’ll observe the notification glitch fading away. This approach proves effective particularly when unread messages fail to manifest within the Messenger app installed on your phone, yet these messages are accessible for reading via the Facebook website.
However, it’s worth noting that while this method does yield results in most cases, there might be instances where it doesn’t suffice. In such situations, consider exploring the alternative solutions outlined below.
Fix 2: Refresh The App
In the event that Messenger flaunts a notification sans an accompanying message, there exists a simple recourse—reinvigorate the application by employing the force-stop method and background refreshing.
For Android users, force-stopping the app halts its background operation. Subsequently, relaunch the app.
Remember, the Messenger app must be actively open to enable the utilization of the Force Stop feature. For more related articles, read our comprehensive guide on “Will My Alarm Go Off In Do Not Disturb Mode?“
To Force Stop the Messenger app on an Android device, navigate to your phone’s Settings > Tap on Apps & notifications > Locate App info or See All apps > Locate the Messenger app > Tap on Force Stop.
Alternatively, you can press and hold the Messenger app icon on your Home Screen, then tap the App info icon, and finally, select Force Stop.
For iPhone users, refreshing the Messenger app necessitates a background refresh action.
To achieve this on your iPhone, access your phone’s Settings > Locate the Messenger app > Tap on Background App Refresh > Toggle on the background refresh option.
Fix 3: Explore your Message Requests
1. First, sign in to your Facebook account through a web browser.
2. Now, click the “Messenger” icon.
3. Next, click the three dots icon next to “Chats.”
4. Next, click the “Message Requests” option.
5. Here, you can see all new messages.
This way, we locate unread message requests and read them. All the message requests appear here. After reading them, the problem vanishes.
Fix 4: Update the Messenger App on your phone
An inherent flaw within Messenger could be attributed to the emergence of this issue. Hence, our suggestion revolves around updating your Messenger application and verifying the inclusion of bug fixes. Procuring these updates can be achieved via the App Store or Play Store, contingent upon the nature of your device.
Following the conclusion of the update process, proceed to launch the Messenger app. Gauge whether the persisting problem has been successfully rectified or has dissipated altogether. In the event that the issue endures, consider taking the step of uninstalling the Messenger app and subsequently reinstalling it. This action, perhaps, presents the most conclusive remedy to address the challenge—opting for a complete reinstallation of the Messenger application.
Fix 5: Uninstall And Reinstall the messenger app
If the red notification indicators persist on the Messenger icon, the next step in rectification involves the deletion and subsequent reinstallation of the application.
To proceed, uninstall the app from your device and initiate a device restart prior to re-downloading the app.
Following these steps, the issue of red-colored notifications on Messenger should be successfully resolved, allowing you to receive notifications that hold significance.
To uninstall the app from your device:
For Android users: Press and hold the Messenger app. The option to uninstall will appear at the top. Simply drag and release the app to initiate deletion.
For iPhone users: Press and hold the Messenger app. In the ensuing small pop-up menu, opt for “Delete App.” The app will then be eradicated from your device.
Once the app has been removed from your device, remember to restart your device prior to proceeding with the reinstallation of the app.