Facebook’s Messenger app is the only messaging app that competes with WhatsApp. Unlike WhatsApp, it links with your Facebook profile and it is optional to add your phone number.
These features make it one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide. But what if you encounter a “this person is unavailable on messenger” notification. This warning indicates that you can no longer send messages to the person. But why so?
“this person is unavailable on messenger” is a burgeoning error message for app users. The app doesn’t give any clear explanations and you are befuddled by the sudden break of contact.
We extensively researched this problem and discovered many reasons behind it. In this post, you will learn about the probable causes behind this problem. Moreover, you will be able to fix it using 8 possible solutions.
Here are some common causes of the “this person is unavailable on messenger” problem.
- The person you’re trying to chat with has deactivated their account.
- Facebook may have suspended the account.
- The person has blocked you on Messenger.
- The other person doesn’t have an account on Messenger.
- You have blocked the person on Facebook or Messenger.
- You are trying to message a private profile.
- Update the Facebook messenger app
- Check if the recipient has blocked you on Facebook
- Check if the recipient’s Facebook account was deactivated or deleted
- Make sure you haven’t blocked the person by mistake
- Check your Facebook memories
- Check your internet connection strength
- Try sending messages from the Facebook web
- Why not try Facebook lite?
1. Update the Facebook messenger app
Updating an app is the most basic yet effective method you can try. If there is an exciting bug in the version of Messenger you’re using, an app update can fix it. Simply go to the App Store to Google Play Store on your phone and update the app.
Check if you are running the latest version of the FB messenger. If the update methods don’t have any effect, you can also try clearing the app data and cache files. This method rules out the chances of anything wrong with the app on your device. You will need to re-login if you clear the app data and app cache files.
2. Check if the recipient has blocked you on Facebook
If you are unable to send a message, it is possible that the other person blocked you on Messenger. Blocking some on Messenger and Facebook has different consequences. If someone blocks you on Messenger, you cannot communicate with them using the app. But you can message them on Facebook web and app.
However, if the other person blocks you on Facebook then it closes doors for messaging on both apps. So, you won’t be able to send a message via Facebook or Messenger. You can try searching for that profile or tap their profile icon. If you cannot access their profile, they have definitely blocked you.
3. Check if the recipient’s account was deactivated or deleted
Facebook is stern with its policies and blocks and deactivates accounts for violations. The person you’re trying to contact may have flouted Facebook community norms. As a result of which Facebook may deactivate the account for some days. If they repeat their actions, Facebook can delete the account permanently.
One way to know if an account is deactivated is by trying to search for the person’s name on FB. If such a profile exists and is active, you will spot it in the search results. You can narrow down the search results by finding them using their email address.
Another way is by using the messages section and trying to open their profile from there. If it opens, then it means that their account status is active. You could try taking a mutual friend’s help and search for the person from their account.
4. Make sure you haven’t blocked the person by mistake
If you cannot message a person on Messenger, it is possible that you may have blocked them. Unintentional blocks are common on Facebook and Messenger. If you block someone, all further communication is cut-off.
The only method to re-enable messaging is by unblocking them on Facebook or Messenger. You need to dive into the account settings and check the block list. Then toggle the unblock option.
5. Check your Facebook memories
Facebook Memories is a handy feature to check if the person blocked you on Facebook. If you cannot see their stories anymore, then the other person has indeed blocked you.
You can even find them out by seeing the stats of memories you posted earlier. If the person reacted to your memories, you try to open their profile link from there. If it doesn’t open their profile, then you are blocked by the other person.
6. Check your internet connection strength
Messenger application relies on internet connectivity to enable message communication. If you are on a sluggish network that disconnects abruptly, your messages won’t go through.
However, you won’t see the”this person is unavailable on messenger” message on your mobile phone. Your messages won’t have a ‘tick’ sign beside them. So avoid using a low-speed mobile data connection. You can reconnect your internet or switch to a reliable Wi-Fi and try resending the message.
7. Try sending messages from the Facebook web
As mentioned above, blocking on Facebook and blocking on Messenger are different things. If someone has only blocked you on Messenger, you can still message them on Facebook.
But the vice-versa is not true. So, you should check if you can view the person’s profile on Facebook. If you manage to do that, you can contact the person on the Facebook desktop version or app.
8. Why not try Facebook lite?
Facebook Lite is a lightweight app that offers access to messaging capabilities. If you cannot open Facebook app due to low-speed internet connectivity, the Lite app is a life-saver.
It integrates the Messenger app and consumes very little bandwidth in the process. So, you can use this app if there is a network issue and the Messenger app is unable to send messages.
Conclusion
These were the 8 easy solutions to fix the Facebook Messenger issue. The most probable reason why you can’t message someone is because they have blocked you. Another reason is that either they or Facebook deactivated their account. An app glitch/uninstallation also causes the ‘this person is unavailable on messenger’ issue.
FAQ’s
You need to check if the other person blocked you on Messenger or not. After verifying that, you can try to reach them out on Facebook and ask them to unblock you. You can also try updating the Messenger app to resolve any inherent bugs from the last version.
You can see the profile picture because you chatted with that person. It could be also because the person isn’t using the Messenger app anymore. You can see your past conversions but that’s it.
It means that you cannot send messages to them anymore using the app. It could be due to a permanent block, account deactivation, or Messenger app uninstallation. Or, you might have blocked the person accidentally. It will result in being unable to send messages anymore.
There are many reasons why a person is unavailable on Messenger. The most probable reason is that they have uninstalled the Messenger app. Sometimes it could also be due to a temporary or permanent account ban by Facebook.
