Social media pro: Facebook Messenger
SAY GOODBYE TO SMS AND HELLO TO YOUR FACEBOOK FRIENDS.
A METHOD OF communication previously dominated by the likes of MSN Messenger, in the last ten years we’ve seen a rise in apps offering two-way communication via text, voice and video. While WhatsApp, Viber and WeChat continue to rank highly in app stores, there’s one platform that still reigns supreme. Conceived in 2011, Messenger is the younger sister of the official Facebook app. While other services require you to add contacts one by one using phone numbers or usernames, Messenger instead works with your existing Facebook friends list, making the setup process almost effortless. In this guide we’ll run you through the process of getting set up on Messenger, before highlighting some of the more advanced and lesser-known features of this chat-based app.
THE BASICS
SIGNING UP. Begin by downloading the Messenger app either from Google Play or the Apple app store. If you’re already using the Facebook app, you won’t even need to login – when you first open Messenger just tap Continue as [your name here]. Next you’ll be asked whether you’d like to add a mobile number so Facebook can attempt to find contacts you’re not yet friends with on Facebook. For this same reason the app will also request access to your phone contacts, but the decision to allow is entirely up to you. If you don’t already have a Facebook account, you can also sign up using a mobile number.
SENDING MESSAGES. To send someone a message tap the new message icon in the top-right corner of the Home tab and type their name. Now within the messaging screen, tap the text box at the bottom of the page to reveal a keyboard for typing your message. It’s also here that you can send photos and videos by pressing the camera or picture icon. Last but not least, tap the emoji icon next to the text box to unveil a range of stickers, along with the ability to search for and send animated GIFs.
GROUP CONVERSATIONS. One of the very useful functions of Facebook Messenger is the ability to engage in conversations involving multiple people. To create a new group, from the Home tab press the new message icon and enter each recipient’s name one by one. To adjust a conversation’s appearance, tap the list of names displayed at the top of the screen – it’s here that you can then create a group nickname, change the colour of messages, pick a default emoji, and generate a URL that can be used to invite new group members via SMS or email.
VIDEO CALLING. If you’re feeling distant from close family and friends, you’ll appreciate the ability to conduct free voice and video calls over Wifi or 4G. To initiate a call, select a contact and tap the phone (voice) or camera (video) icon displayed in the right-hand corner of the messaging screen. Not only for one-on-one chats, You can also conduct calls with multiple people by tapping the same icons displayed in group chats. During a video call you can also access a range of Snapchat-esque filters that can be applied in real-time.
STEP IT UP A LEVEL
VOICE RECORDINGS. While it may be uncomfortable for some, voice recordings are a great alternative if you’re too busy (or lazy) to type. To send someone an audio message, tap and hold the microphone icon and begin talking. If you’re not happy with a recording drag your finger up to cancel, otherwise take your finger off the screen to send.
GAMES. If you’re running out of things to talk about, then why not challenge your friends to a little competition. In the Games tab you’ll find a wide range of games that you can play with friends within the Messenger app. Activities range from chess right through to Tetris.
POLLS. A problem common in many group chats is an inability to make decisions, especially when it comes to organising catch-ups. Luckily, Messenger includes the ability to poll your friends in order to reach a decision fairly. Within a group conversation tap the plus icon at the bottom of the messaging screen and select Polls. You can then enter a question along with a series of possible answers.
PLANS. As a social butterfly, it can be difficult keeping track of the many events you’ve committed too with friends. If this sounds like
you, then it’s worth trying out Messenger’s calendar tool. To create a new event, tap the plus icon in a conversation and select Plans before choosing a date and time for your meetup. The plan will then show up in the messaging screen for others to see – you can tap it to add a name and location.
REACTIONS. Sometimes messages won’t always warrant a typed response. It’s for these occasions then that reacting via an emoji might be more appropriate. To send a reaction, tap and hold on a message to unveil a series of emojis conveying emotions such as love, anger and sadness.
MUTING. It’s not uncommon for certain conversations to be more active than others, especially when it comes to group chats. But while the constant ‘ping’ might be fine for some, there are times when you may want to
switch off to focus on the things happening in front of you. Rather than disable app notifications entirely, you can choose to snooze individual conversations for up to 24 hours. To do this, tap the recipient or group’s name at the top of the screen and then select Notifications.
GOING PRO
SECRET CONVERSATIONS. If you’re discussing overly sensitive information, then you might want to ramp up the security of your messages. Secret conversations are encrypted end-toend, meaning only you and the recipient can see them. To create an encrypted conversation, tap the new message icon and select Secret from the right-hand corner of the screen. The timer allows you to specify how long a message can be seen before it self- destructs.
LOCATION SHARING. Like many other chatbased apps, Messenger lets you share your
exact location with friends. Just tap the plus icon and select Location to be taken to a screen for sharing your whereabouts or a particular point of interest using the search tool. You can also broadcast your location as you move around for up to an hour.
MESSAGE REQUESTS. If someone who isn’t your Facebook friend attempts to contact you, their messages won’t appear in the Home tab. In fact, messages that aren’t from friends will be sent directly to a separate inbox accessed by visiting the People tab and selecting Requests.
SEARCH. Conversation’s that’ve gone on for many weeks, months, or even years can make finding old messages a challenge. Rather than endlessly scrolling, we’d recommend using the search tool.
From any conversation, tap the recipient or group name at the top of the screen and select
TO SEND A REACTION, TAP AND HOLD ON A MESSAGE TO UNVEIL A SERIES OF EMOJIS CONVEYING EMOTIONS SUCH AS LOVE, ANGER AND SADNESS.
Search in Conversation before typing a word or phrase.
MULTIPLE ACCOUNTS. It’s important to note that after logging into Messenger, you can’t log back out. If you have multiple accounts, tap your profile picture in the top left of the Home tab and select Switch Account before adding additional logins one by one. Doing so will allow you to alternate between them quickly.
BLOCKING. If you’re feeling uncomfortable with how a conversation is progressing, there’s a number of steps you can take. Ignoring a user will move the conversation to the requests section of the app. Alternatively, blocking someone will prevent them from ever messaging you again. You can see both these options in the menu revealed by tapping the recipient’s name at the top of the conversation.