When using Facebook Messenger, you may have noticed that messages are labeled either as “sent” or “delivered.” At first glance, these two terms may seem interchangeable, but there is a significant difference between the two. In this article, we will explore the nuances of each term, what they mean, and how they affect your messaging experience.
What does “sent” mean in Facebook Messenger?
When you send a message on Messenger, it will be labeled as “sent” until it reaches the Facebook servers. This means that your message has not yet been received by the intended recipient and is in transit. If your message is still labeled as “sent,” it could be for several reasons. It could be that the recipient’s phone is turned off, or they have not opened the Messenger app. Alternatively, there may be a problem with your internet connection, which is preventing the message from reaching the Facebook servers.
What does “delivered” mean on Facebook Messenger?
Once a message has reached the Facebook servers and been received by the recipient’s device, it will be labeled as “delivered.” This means that the recipient’s phone has received the message, but it does not necessarily mean that they have seen or read it yet. The message may be sitting in their inbox until they open the app and check their messages. There is also a chance that the recipient has enabled message notifications, and the message has been displayed on their lock screen or notification panel.
What’s the difference between “sent” and “delivered” on Facebook Messenger?
The difference between “sent” and “delivered” on Messenger is significant because it can impact your messaging experience. For example, if a message is labeled as “sent” for an extended period, you may worry that there is an issue with your internet connection, phone, or the recipient’s phone. Conversely, if a message is labeled as “delivered” but has not been marked as “seen,” you may wonder why the recipient hasn’t responded yet.
Another difference between the two labels is that “sent” messages can be canceled or edited before being delivered, while “delivered” messages can’t. If you catch an error in your message or want to retract it altogether, you can do so while it is still labeled as “sent.” All you need to do is hold down on the message and select the “Delete” or “Unsend” option. On the other hand, if the message is labeled as “delivered,” it means that it’s already in the recipient’s inbox, and you can’t change or take it back.
When messaging, it’s essential to keep in mind that the status of your message can vary based on a few factors, such as the recipient’s phone type, their connectivity, and the Messenger app’s version. Besides, sometimes the recipient may also mute notifications or go offline, making it impossible to receive messages even if they are labeled as “sent” or “delivered.”
What are other message statuses on Facebook Messenger?
Other message statuses in Messenger include “seen,” which means that the recipient has opened the message, and “typing,” which indicates that the recipient is typing a response. If you see the “typing” status, it means that the recipient is actively engaged in the conversation and is likely to respond shortly. Additionally, “sent” or “delivered” messages may also have a checkmark or an exclamation point next to them. The checkmark means that the message has been delivered, while the exclamation point indicates that the message was not sent due to an issue with the internet connection or recipient’s device.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while “sent” and “delivered” may seem like interchangeable terms, they are quite different when it comes to Messenger. “Sent” means that the message is in transit and has not yet reached the recipient’s device, while “delivered” indicates that the message has reached the recipient’s phone but not necessarily that they have seen it. By understanding the nuances of each label, you can have a better messaging experience on Facebook Messenger.