As one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, Facebook Messenger has many features that users can take advantage of to communicate with each other. However, one of the most confusing aspects of this app is the difference between “delivered” and “sent” messages. While most people may assume that these terms are interchangeable, they actually refer to different things.
In this article, we will explore the differences between “delivered” and “sent” messages on Facebook Messenger, and how this can affect your messaging experience.
What do “sent” and “delivered” mean in Facebook Messenger?
When you send a message on Facebook Messenger, it will either show up as “sent” or “delivered”. Here’s what they mean:
Sent: When a message is sent, it means that it has been successfully sent from your device to the Facebook servers. However, it does not guarantee that the message will be delivered to the intended recipient.
Delivered: A message is marked as “delivered” when it has been successfully delivered to the recipient’s device. The recipient may not have seen or read the message yet, but it has arrived on their device.
It’s important to note that there are some exceptions to when a message will be marked as “delivered”. For example, if the recipient’s device is turned off or if they have no internet connection, the message will not be delivered until the device is turned back on or internet connection is established.
How do you know if a message has been sent or delivered on Facebook Messenger?
When you send a message on Facebook Messenger, you will see one of three different icons next to it:
– A white circle with a checkmark: This indicates that the message has been sent from your device to the Facebook servers but has not been delivered to the recipient.
– A white circle with a blue checkmark: This indicates that the message has been sent and delivered to the recipient’s device but they have not seen or read it yet.
– A white circle with a blue checkmark and a small profile picture: This indicates that the message has been sent, delivered, and seen by the recipient.
It’s worth noting that the third icon may not always appear, even if the recipient has seen the message. This can happen if they have turned off read receipts in their Messenger settings.
Why are some messages only marked as “sent” and not “delivered”?
There are a few reasons why a message may only be marked as “sent” and not “delivered”:
– The recipient’s device is turned off or not connected to the internet.
– The recipient has blocked you on Facebook Messenger.
– The message is too large to be delivered (Facebook Messenger has a file size limit of 25MB).
If the message has been marked as “sent” for a long time and has not been delivered, it may be worth checking with the recipient to make sure that they have not blocked you or that their device is turned on and connected to the internet.
How long does it take for a message to be marked as “delivered” on Facebook Messenger?
The amount of time it takes for a message to be marked as “delivered” on Facebook Messenger can vary depending on a few factors, including:
– The recipient’s internet connection: If the recipient has a slow or unstable internet connection, it may take longer for the message to be delivered.
– The volume of messages being sent: If there are a lot of messages being sent at the same time, it may take longer for your message to be delivered.
– Technical issues on Facebook’s end: Occasionally, there may be technical issues on Facebook’s end that could cause delays in delivering messages.
In general, messages are usually marked as “delivered” within a few seconds or a minute after being sent. If a message has been marked as “sent” for more than a few minutes, it may be worth checking with the recipient to make sure that their device is connected to the internet and that they have not blocked you.
What happens if a message fails to send or deliver on Facebook Messenger?
If a message fails to send or deliver on Facebook Messenger, you will see a red exclamation mark next to it. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as:
– The recipient’s device is turned off or not connected to the internet.
– The recipient has blocked you on Facebook Messenger.
– The message is too large to be delivered (Facebook Messenger has a file size limit of 25MB).
– Technical issues on Facebook’s end.
To try sending the message again, tap on the red exclamation mark and select “Resend”. If the message continues to fail, you may want to check with the recipient to make sure that they are able to receive messages from you.
FAQs
1. Can I see if someone has read my message on Facebook Messenger?
Yes, if the recipient has not turned off read receipts in their Messenger settings, you will see a small profile picture next to the message, indicating that they have seen it.
2. How do I turn off read receipts on Facebook Messenger?
To turn off read receipts, open Facebook Messenger and go to your profile. Then, tap on “Privacy” and toggle off the switch next to “Read receipts”.
3. Can I delete a message after it has been sent on Facebook Messenger?
Yes, you can delete a message after it has been sent by tapping and holding on the message and selecting “Delete” or “Unsend”. However, you can only do this within 10 minutes of sending the message.
In conclusion, understanding the difference between “sent” and “delivered” on Facebook Messenger can help you better communicate with others and avoid confusion. Whether you’re waiting for a message to be delivered or trying to troubleshoot a message that won’t send, knowing how this app works can make your messaging experience smoother and more efficient.