Today Facebook has over 1.5 billion users, so if you need to connect with someone, the easiest way to do this is in the chat. This means that you probably already have the Facebook Messenger app installed on your mobile device, or will be there soon. Therefore, it will not be superfluous to get acquainted with some of the secrets of this program.
SMS messages
Facebook Messenger can be used not only to connect with friends who have accounts on this social network. The latest versions of the program have the ability to send and read SMS messages. So now Messenger may well take the place of the main messenger on users' mobile devices.
Bots
Short videos
Instead of sending boring text messages, you can send short videos on Facebook Messenger. To do this, press and hold the camera button to record a video up to 15 seconds long. Then click on the "Submit" button.
Sport games
Having said all the words doesn't mean you won't find something to do on Facebook Messenger. After all, there are several interesting games here that will not let you get bored. Find out which of you is the best. Test your accuracy by throwing the ball and show how you can handle it.
Coordinates
One of the most useful functions of Facebook Messenger, which allows you to send your contact your coordinates or the name of the place where you are now. To use it, you need to click on the button with three dots on the program toolbar, and then select the "Location" item.
Surprises
Facebook Messenger is full of various and sometimes very interesting surprises. Sometimes, using an emoji will suddenly activate a funny animation or, as I mentioned above, a built-in sports game. Try sending someone a heart-shaped emoticon and you will be pleasantly surprised.
Cat of the day
If your day doesn't work out and you feel sad, then Facebook Messenger will help you in this case too. Just send a message to @dailycute and your mood will definitely improve. Try it, the result is guaranteed!
Facebook Messenger is one of the most popular digital communication platforms. The messenger can work autonomously, so even people who are not registered on Facebook can use it. On the one hand, it's great. On the other hand, the application has its own set of bugs that are not related to Facebook bugs. Here are the most common problems users face after installing Facebook Messenger.
Battery consumption
Some users are faced with the fact that after installing Facebook Messenger, it begins to consume an unreasonable amount of energy and system resources of the smartphone. This is because Facebook has programmed the app to constantly search for updates and new messages. At the same time, external factors are not taken into account: even when there is no signal, the application still knocks on the void, trying to hear at least some answer. Also, Messenger gradually takes up the device's memory with accumulating garbage.
If you face such problems, the easiest way out is to uninstall the application. You can use instead web version of Messenger If you bring a website shortcut to your desktop and let it send notifications, you get a much lighter and more economical version of the messenger.
Another option is to install alternative clients like Metal or Tinfoil.
These small applications are essentially just wrappers for the web version of the Messenger client, so they don't consume much battery or system resources.
Problems sending and receiving messages
If you are faced with the fact that Messenger does not send or receive messages, first of all, you need to check the relevance of the version of the application. To do this, open the Google Play Store, go to the My Apps & Games section, and see if Messenger is on the list of apps for which an update is available. After receiving this update, the issue is generally resolved.
Of course, you can always use the web version of the service. Also usingthis resource you can check to see if there are currently connection problems with the Facebook Messenger servers in your area.
Disappeared messages
Messenger messages can disappear for two reasons. First, you deleted them. If so, then it will not be possible to restore them. But it is much more likely that the message thread was simply archived. To get to it, open the web version of Messenger, open in Settings and select "Archived Chains".
With a high probability, the missing messages will be found there.
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Messenger is a program that allows users to communicate with each other using messages.
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What are instant messengers and how to use them - let's look at an example.
Alina is a university student. Active and almost constant communication with friends and classmates is very important for her. To do this, she uses three applications that are installed on her smartphone. A message here can be sent immediately to a group of people, if necessary, send files, photos. It is convenient to use even in transport, free of charge - you only need access to the Internet. WhatsApp, Viber and Facebook messenger have almost completely replaced the usual calls and SMS.
Messenger: what is it
If I had to explain to my grandmother what a messenger is in simple words, then I would say that it is a program for connecting users to each other. Messages are sent almost instantly. The applications are developed by different companies and installed on a computer or smartphone. Depending on the functionality of each of the programs, you can simply exchange text messages (like SMS), add pictures - stickers to the correspondence, send files of different formats, communicate in groups, or even make video calls with one or more people.
There are two prerequisites for work:
By the way, in some countries there is a ban on instant messengers. The reasons are different. Somewhere they ban Telegram, because his correspondence is closed from state security services, and through it illegal actions can be carried out, including the organization of mass riots. In others, there are certain requirements for the technical aspects of the work. Blocking is the result of policies and restrictions on freedom of speech. These and other reasons can cause an application to stop working temporarily or permanently.
Let's consider the main of the popular instant messengers - what opportunities they provide.
Viber
This messenger shares the first place in terms of usage with the WhatsApp program. Works since the end of 2010, installed on 90% of smartphones. The number of his clients has reached almost a billion people. With its help, you can write text messages, organize communication between groups of participants, make calls, make video calls to subscribers around the world. Forwarding files, photos, interactive pictures, stickers, geolocation are the functions that are present in the application. Of the latest innovations - the ability to create, in which the message cannot be forwarded to others. And after a while, it will disappear by itself.
In the chat, you can rate comments, select an administrator, customize various graphical interfaces. The program can work both from a smartphone, tablet, and on a computer. Installation and use of the program is free. Contacts for communication from the phone book will be pulled up automatically.
The main disadvantage of Viber, users consider a large number of ads. It comes in the form of messages from all kinds of taxi services, shops, restaurants and other companies. In this service, in order to send something, you do not need to request the consent of the recipient.
The most popular and one of the first instant messengers in the world - more than a billion people use it. In recent years, popularity has been falling due to the emergence of new programs with extended functionality. For its use, a fee of $ 1 per year was taken, since 2017 it has become free. Developed in 2010 in the USA. The application is installed on popular operating systems and can be used as an online service.
Key features available in WhatsApp:
- communication using messages or calls (via the application);
- group chats;
- determination and display of the location of the subscriber;
- integration of contacts from the phone book;
forwarding contact information to other users; - customization of the interface design;
- customizable notifications;
- sending the history of correspondence by e-mail;
- sending and receiving photos.
The security of communication through WhatsApp is protected by the end-to-end encryption protocol, which is sufficient for ordinary subscribers.
Among the shortcomings, it can be noted that one account is installed on only one mobile device (additionally, a desktop application), since it is associated with a phone number. According to user feedback, synchronization between the two versions does not always work correctly.
Facebook messenger
The application is developed and linked to the popular social network - Facebook. The user account is just tied to the profile in it. One of the advantages of this messenger is multi-accounting - the ability to create multiple accounts in one application. Moreover, even when working in one profile, notifications about messages in others are received. Switching between profiles takes seconds.
In terms of popularity, Facebook messenger is one of the world leaders - over a billion people communicate in it. This is due to the integration with Facebook. To enter the program, you need a username and password from an account on a social network. The contact list consists of phone book data and Facebook friends. New ones can be added through the convenient search option.
Key features of Facebook messenger:
- correspondence messages, which include links, photos, videos and other information;
- file sharing;
- search for other users and groups;
- location information;
- calls;
- notification of new messages and the ability to turn it off for the desired time (at night, during business hours).
The main disadvantage is that the service takes up a lot of RAM and actively reduces the battery power of the smartphone.
Telegram
Developed by Pavel Durov, a Russian businessman and programmer. It is the leader in the number of clients in the Middle East, South America, and some European countries. You will need a mobile phone number to register.
In terms of functionality, it differs from other instant messengers (such as WhatsApp and Viber).
Key features of Telegram:
- Communicate using text messages and voice calls.
- Share files of different formats with other users.
- Participate in group chats - up to 200 participants and supergroups - up to 10 thousand participants.
- Secret chats - information is deleted after a while and is not saved anywhere.
- Forward dictated voice messages.
- Create and view feeds - recorded or online content on a variety of topics - politics, finance, fashion, education and others.
- Built-in media player.
- Store files (unlimited size and quantity) in a cloud server.
- Use bots - special programs that can perform a variety of actions - convert files from one format to another, search for information, weather forecast and other functions. You can use existing ones or create your own.
The minimalistic and understandable interface of the program, high speed of work, completely free provision of all functions, synchronization and work on two devices - all this is not a complete list of Telegram's advantages. This explains its growing popularity around the world. The program works on mobile and stationary devices with operating systems iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Mac OS, Windows and Linux. Moreover, in terms of the requirements for system resources, the application is very unpretentious.
Telegram is also known as a secure messenger - user correspondence is closed even from government services. Information is not provided upon request, and it will not be possible to seize it by force - the servers are located in different parts of the world and simultaneous access to them is impossible. Without this message, it cannot be completely recovered. This was the reason for the ban on the messenger in some countries.
The disadvantages of Telegram include the lack of video calls, communication with the technical support service in English, the availability of user information - a mobile number.
Skype
Has been working since 2003.
Key features of Skype:
The application is free and works on both mobile and stationary devices. Moreover, the interface and functionality are almost the same.
The program is completely free.
Signal
The most hack-proof messenger. It was the result of the merger in 2015 of two programs for messages and calls: RedPhone and TextSecure. Uses the Signal Protocol security protocol of the same name. Data protection is maximum here - you cannot take a screenshot of the correspondence.
You can find friends for communication and send them invitations using SMS, social networks and email newsletters. The program interface is very clear and minimalistic.
Key features of Signal:
- correspondence with text messages;
- secret chats - information is deleted according to the set timer;
- calls.
Messenger Signal does not offer special entertainment, stickers and various designs to users. The main thing is communication and security.
Messengers for business
Communication software isn't just for personal use. Every year they find more and more use for solving business problems. And this is understandable. On average, Russians spend 1.5-2 hours daily on social networks and chatting in messengers. According to statistics, messages received by them on a smartphone are torn off within three minutes, while emails by email wait three or more hours to be read. Communication programs are installed on smartphones, and their owners are the most solvent and advanced audience. These are the kind of clients that business needs. And communication through programs used by people is one of the most effective ways to reach consumers.
It is profitable for business to use the services of this communication channel for a number of reasons. Among the main advantages:
- Reduced maintenance costs - one operator in a chat can communicate with 5 customers in the time that he would have spent on one phone call.
- Visibility - information that gets to the client through instant messengers, much more understandable than in SMS or just in a conversation. There may be a photo, a collage, a link to the site.
- Little competition - such methods of working with clients are still relatively new and are not used by many. Information will not be lost among a dozen others.
- Convenience for the client - you can familiarize yourself with the proposal, the answer of the company at any convenient time or return to it later. While a phone call may be inappropriate, an ad from a social network or a letter in the mail that came a couple of days ago can be difficult to find.
When to apply
In what cases will the use of popular applications give results? How exactly should they be applied and for what purpose? Let's take a closer look.
- Sales - selection, payment and exchange of goods can be organized through this communication channel. Moreover, many functions can be automated using bots. The Chinese messenger WeChat already allows you to pay for a purchase, AliExpress searches for the products you need using the @alisearchbot + product name. Making an appointment with a doctor, booking a hotel, calling a taxi, ordering food at home - these and other options are already working.
- Consulting and customer support - answers to the most frequent, non-urgent and standard questions (addresses and opening hours of stores, selection of services).
- Hotline, reviews - collection of reviews and feedback on the work of a store, cafe, gas station and any other company.
- Communication within the company - communication between employees, videoconferences, meetings, joint solution of common issues.
How to organize
There are a number of steps that are required to implement an idea:
- It is worth considering how applicable messengers are in the industry where the company operates. The more a business is represented on the internet, the better it will work. The result will be worse with the target audience of older people who are unlikely to appreciate and will use the new product.
- It is necessary to choose a suitable program. Give preference to WhatsApp, Viber or others - depends on the country. These programs are among the leaders in popularity, although they are loved by clients of Telegram, Skype, Facebook Messenger. Noteworthy is the option of the initial launch on several services in order to collect statistics and select the most demanded ones.
- It is necessary to prepare a script and order of work, taking into account service standards, communication time, templates for frequently asked questions that do not require an individual answer.
- Collect a budget. We'll have to buy technical means, organize salaries for employees.
- Introduce, train, learn to apply new tools.
Communication via messengers should not become spam. You should not use them only for sending ads that can be blocked. It is better to organize a full-fledged communication channel with them for consultation and assistance to consumers. Ideally, an initiative on their part. To do this, you can indicate on the website or advertising brochures in which application the client can find the company. Contacts can also be sent via SMS or email, if such communication channels have been used before.
Mobile messengers as a means of communication are a good and promising way to improve customer service. Which increases brand loyalty and sales.
There could be many reasons for messenger not working. The software is damaged due to a virus or other, or an update is required. Typically this is a software-level problem that can only be resolved by updating the software from the latest. How Facebook Messenger is a new application and Facebook is still working on it to make it more stable and improve it.
Here are some steps that can help you fix your problem.
Step1. Go to market place in Android case and go to the menu by clicking on the top left corner.
Step2. Now go to my apps and search for Facebook Messenger.
Step3. On the next screen, you will find the update option if the software on your phone is not up to date.
Step4. In case the software has already been updated and still does not work, then click on uninstall. This will now remove the software from your phone.
Step5. Now install it from the market again.
Follow these steps on other devices. This will fix the problem most of the time. In case it doesn't work, report the problem to Facebook. For the future, update your Facebook Messenger app and also make sure your OS is also up to date. This will allow new software updates to run smoothly on your phone.
Facebook Messenger is an independent app from Facebook that allows you to send and receive messages through Facebook. This will help you avoid logging into Facebook or Facebook app at all times and always be connected with your friends on the go. Your friends' messages pops up directly on the screen and so if you have an Internet connection, you can talk to your friends and family thourhg Facebook just as easily as you do using messaging apps like Whatsapp.
However, the Facebook Messenger app is still not perfect, and while the Facebook development team is working on it, you'll be doing well to check out these steps. If the above steps are not working correctly, then you should go to Facebook and report the issue to them. This will help them improve the application.
Facebook is gradually phasing out the mobile web version, and soon users of the social network will have to install a separate application for communication on smartphones. But why would Zuckerberg and company be doing this?
Facebook is forcing mobile users who want to use chat to install a separate Messenger app, just like it has done for Andriod and iOS.
The Facebook app for Android and iOS began recommending people to install Messenger from Facebook in August 2014. Some users switched to using the mobile version of Facebook through a browser that still had chat available, but now this workaround is also no longer available. Facebook encourages users to install the Messenger app and warns that this will soon be their only option.
Facebook is abolishing chat on its mobile app, and there is nothing you can do about it. Photo: Samuel Gibbs for the Guardian
For the same reason, Facebook bought WhatsApp. On the one hand, a standalone app will compete directly with Facebook Messenger and the most basic Facebook features. But at the same time, it targets people who are not interested in Facebook. The overlap between WhatsApp and Facebook audiences is likely very high in the West, but outside of the developed world, WhatsApp is used by many who are not on Facebook.
Facebook also has Instagram, which is not so distant in its essence from Facebook, but started life as a standalone social network for sharing photos and only recently gained tighter integration with Facebook.
It's still a standalone app, meaning you don't need to connect to Facebook to use Instagram. This means that this service can attract users who do not want to register with Facebook, but want to share photos.
Messenger is the hardest to sell as a standalone app from Facebook, but last June the company added the ability to register and use Messenger by phone number only. This means that people who don't need a Facebook account can chat with friends who are on Facebook. And Facebook gets another phone number and the ability to collect personal information about another person.
Collect users from everywhere
For Facebook, the more users the better. Photo: Andre Penner / AP
Chat apps are only as good as their number of users. The implication is that Facebook Messenger should become a chat application for Facebook and their billion users, but now it acts as a guide to the world of Facebook for those who have not yet decided to join the social network.
Facebook's ultimate goal is to reach as many people as possible in every possible way. The company's strategy on different platforms is well thought out, as it always has several trump cards. When people stop using Facebook, they can continue to use WhatsApp, Messenger, or Instagram. At the same time, Messenger users are more likely to lean towards clicking a button and creating a full Facebook account.
In order to get the most out of Messenger and make it a must-have service, Facebook is critical that as many users as possible are logged in and use the standalone app, so they rule out other ways to access chat. Since they started doing this, the number of Messenger users has jumped from 200 million to 900 million in two years.
If Facebook can convince each of its 1.09 billion active users to install Messenger, they will have a potentially powerful third platform alongside social networking and WhatsApp, which is also constantly expanding its global presence.
In this case, Facebook will be able to use Messenger for more than just a chat. Building artificial intelligence and chatbots is a good example, but newsletters, purchases, and voice calls may be just the tip of the iceberg.
