Encountering the Facebook Messenger Waiting for Network issue? In this troubleshooting guide, we address common causes behind this issue and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve it. Discover how to ensure a stable network connection and enjoy uninterrupted communication on Facebook Messenger.
Solutions for the Facebook Messenger Waiting for Network Issue
- Check Messenger Servers
- Turn on Mobile Data for Messenger (iPhone)
- Turn off the Low Data Mode (iPhone)
- Reset the Network Configuration to Default (iPhone)
- Turn off the Low Power Mode (iPhone)
- Deactivate the Power Saving Mode (Android)
- Kill the Running Messenger App (Android)
- Delete App Cache for Messenger (Android)
Fixing the Facebook Messenger Waiting for Network Error
Check Messenger Servers
Verify if there are any server issues or outages with Facebook Messenger by visiting the Facebook Status Page or official social media accounts. If there’s a server problem, you may need to wait for it to be resolved by Facebook’s technical team.
Turn on Mobile Data for Messenger (iPhone)
To turn on Mobile Data for Messenger on an iPhone, follow these steps:
- Unlock your iPhone and go to the home screen.
- Open the “Settings” app, which is represented by a gear icon.
- In the Settings app, scroll down and tap on “Cellular” or “Mobile Data,” depending on your device’s settings.
- Look for the list of apps that can use mobile data. Find and locate “Messenger” in the list.
- To enable Mobile Data for Messenger, ensure that the toggle switch next to Messenger is turned on. The switch should appear green when it’s enabled.
Once you’ve turned on Mobile Data for Messenger, the app will be able to use your iPhone’s cellular data connection to send and receive messages, photos, and videos.
Turn off the Low Data Mode (iPhone)
To turn off Low Data Mode on an iPhone, follow these steps:
- Unlock your iPhone and go to the home screen.
- Open the “Settings” app, which is represented by a gear icon.
- In the Settings app, tap on “Cellular” or “Mobile Data,” depending on your device’s settings.
- Scroll down to find “Cellular Data Options” or “Mobile Data Options” and tap on it.
- Look for “Low Data Mode” and ensure that the toggle switch next to it is turned off. The switch should be white when it’s turned off.
- Exit the Settings app, and Low Data Mode will now be disabled on your iPhone.
When Low Data Mode is turned off, your iPhone will use its regular data settings, and apps will consume data as usual without any restrictions imposed by Low Data Mode.
Reset the Network Configuration to Default (iPhone)
Resetting the network configuration on an iPhone can help resolve network-related issues. To reset the network configuration to default on an iPhone, follow these steps:
- Unlock your iPhone and go to the home screen.
- Open the “Settings” app, which is represented by a gear icon.
- In the Settings app, tap on “General.”
- Scroll down and find “Reset” near the bottom of the General settings.
- Tap on “Reset” to access the reset options.
- Select “Reset Network Settings.” You may be prompted to enter your device passcode or Apple ID password for confirmation.
- A warning message will appear, stating that this action will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords, cellular settings, and VPN configurations. Tap on “Reset Network Settings” again to confirm.
- Your iPhone will reset the network settings to default. It may take a few moments, and your device will restart.
Once the network settings are reset to default, your iPhone will be free from any previous network-related configurations, and you will need to set up Wi-Fi connections, cellular data settings, and VPN configurations again.
Turn off the Low Power Mode (iPhone)
To turn off Low Power Mode on an iPhone, follow these steps:
- Unlock your iPhone and go to the home screen.
- Open the “Settings” app, which is represented by a gear icon.
- In the Settings app, you will see “Battery” listed. Tap on it.
- Look for “Low Power Mode” in the Battery settings.
- To disable Low Power Mode, ensure that the toggle switch next to it is turned off. The switch should be white when it’s turned off.
- Exit the Settings app, and Low Power Mode will now be disabled on your iPhone.
When Low Power Mode is turned off, your iPhone will operate normally without any power-saving restrictions.
Deactivate the Power Saving Mode (Android)
To deactivate Power Saving Mode on an Android device, follow these general steps:
- Open the “Settings” app, which is represented by a gear or cogwheel icon.
- In the Settings app, scroll down and look for “Battery” or “Battery & device care” depending on your device and Android version.
- Tap on “Battery” to access the battery settings.
- In the battery settings, you should see the option for “Power Saving Mode” or “Battery Saver.” Tap on it to open the Power Saving Mode settings.
- To deactivate Power Saving Mode, simply tap on the toggle switch next to it. The switch should be grayed out or indicate “Off” when it’s deactivated.
- Exit the Settings app, and Power Saving Mode will now be deactivated on your Android device.
With Power Saving Mode deactivated, your Android device will operate normally without any power-saving restrictions.
Kill the Running Messenger App (Android)
To kill or force close the running Messenger app on an Android device, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the home screen or press the “Home” button to go to the home screen.
- Open the “Recent Apps” or “Overview” menu. This can usually be accessed by tapping the square or recent apps button at the bottom of the screen (navigation bar).
- In the “Recent Apps” or “Overview” menu, you’ll see a list of recently used apps, including Messenger.
- Swipe left or right or scroll through the list to find the Messenger app’s thumbnail or preview.
- Swipe the Messenger app’s thumbnail left or right, or upwards (depending on your device) to close the app. Alternatively, you can tap the “Close” or “X” button on the Messenger app’s thumbnail to force close it.
- The Messenger app will be terminated, and it will no longer be running in the background.
Force closing the Messenger app can help resolve issues or glitches and provide a fresh start when you relaunch the app.
Delete App Cache for Messenger (Android)
To delete the app cache for Facebook Messenger on an Android device, follow these steps:
- Open the “Settings” app on your Android device.
- Scroll down and tap on “Apps” or “Applications,” depending on your device’s settings.
- Find and tap on “Messenger” in the list of installed apps. You may need to swipe left or right to access the “All” or “Installed” tab.
- In the Messenger app settings, tap on “Storage” or “Storage & cache.”
- Tap on the “Clear Cache” button to delete the app’s cache. This will remove temporary data stored by the app.
- If you want to clear more data, you can also tap on “Clear Data” but note that this will reset the app, and you may need to log in again.
- Confirm the action when prompted.
Once you’ve cleared the app cache for Messenger, the temporary data accumulated by the app will be removed.
By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can overcome the “Waiting for Network” issue on Facebook Messenger. Stay connected with your friends and family without interruptions. Ensure a stable network connection and enjoy seamless messaging on Facebook Messenger, keeping your conversations flowing smoothly.