In the realm of virtual communication, adding friends on Messenger can be a pivotal step towards expanding your digital connections and fostering meaningful interactions. With its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with Facebook, Messenger has become a ubiquitous platform for staying connected with friends, family, and even businesses. However, for those new to the platform, the process of adding friends may seem daunting. Fret not, for this comprehensive guide will equip you with the essential steps and tips to effortlessly add friends on Messenger, unlocking a world of social networking possibilities.
To commence your Messenger friend-adding journey, it is imperative to have an active Facebook account. If you do not possess one, simply head over to Facebook’s official website and create a profile. Once you have an account, log in to Messenger, either through the standalone app or via the Messenger tab within Facebook. The next step involves accessing your friend list, which can be found by clicking on the “People” icon in the bottom navigation bar. From here, you will be presented with a comprehensive list of your existing Facebook friends. To add a specific friend, simply type their name or email address into the search bar located at the top of the screen. Once their profile appears, click on the “Add Friend” button to send a friend request. They will receive a notification and can choose to accept or decline your request.
Alternatively, you can also add friends directly from their Facebook profiles. To do so, navigate to a friend’s Facebook page and click on the “Add Friend” button located next to their profile picture. This will automatically send them a friend request. Additionally, Messenger offers a unique “Nearby Friends” feature, allowing you to discover and connect with people who are physically close to your location. To enable this feature, simply tap on the “Nearby Friends” icon in Messenger’s main menu. By granting Messenger access to your location, you can see a list of nearby users who have also opted into the feature. From here, you can send friend requests to individuals you know or would like to connect with.
Locate the Friend Icon
Finding the friend icon on Messenger is a breeze, whether you’re using the app or the website. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out:
1. Open Messenger App
On your smartphone, locate the Messenger app. The icon usually features a blue and white speech bubble. Tap on it to launch the app.
2. Navigate to Home Screen
Upon opening the app, you’ll land on the Home screen. This is where your recent conversations and active chats will be displayed.
3. Locate Friend Icon
At the bottom right corner of the Home screen, you’ll see several icons arranged horizontally. The friend icon, represented by a silhouette of two people, is typically located farthest to the right.
Search by Name or Username
Search by Name
- Launch the Messenger app on your mobile device or access it on desktop.
- Tap the "People" icon at the bottom right corner.
- Select the "Search" field at the top of the screen.
- Enter the name of the person you want to add.
- Messenger will display a list of matching results.
- Select the correct profile and tap the "Add" button.
Search by Username
A username is a unique identifier assigned to each Messenger user. It is typically a shorter version of your name or a combination of letters and numbers.
To search for a friend using their username:
- Open the Messenger app on your device.
- Click the "People" icon in the bottom right corner.
- Select the "Search" field at the top of the screen.
- Enter the username of the person you want to add.
- Messenger will display the profile of the user with that username.
- Tap the "Add" button to send a friend request.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for both methods:
| Search Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Search by Name |
|
| Search by Username |
|
Send a Friend Request
To send a friend request on Messenger, follow these steps:
- Open the Messenger app on your device.
- Tap on the “People” tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Enter the name of the person you want to add in the search bar at the top of the screen.
- Tap on the “Add Friend” button next to the person’s name.
- A confirmation message will appear. Tap on “Send” to send the friend request.
Searching for Friends by Name or Username
When you search for friends by name or username, Messenger will show you a list of potential matches. You can narrow down your search by:
- Name: Enter the first or last name of the person you’re looking for.
- Username: Enter the unique username assigned to the person’s Messenger account.
- Phone Number: If you have the person’s phone number saved in your contacts, you can enter it to search for them.
- Email Address: If you know the person’s email address, you can enter it to search for them.
| Search Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Enter the first or last name of the person you’re looking for. |
| Username | Enter the unique username assigned to the person’s Messenger account. |
| Phone Number | Enter the person’s phone number if you have it saved in your contacts. |
| Email Address | Enter the person’s email address if you know it. |
Tips for Finding Friends on Messenger
- If you’re not sure how to spell the person’s name, try using a different spelling variation.
- If you’re still having trouble finding the person, try searching for them by their phone number or email address.
- If you’re friends with the person on Facebook, you can find them on Messenger by going to the “Friends” tab and searching for their name.
Review and Accept Requests
Once you send a friend request, the recipient will receive a notification. They can choose to accept or decline your request from within the Messenger app. Here’s how to review and accept friend requests:
- Open the Messenger app.
- Tap on the “People” tab.
- Select the “Requests” section.
- Review the pending friend requests and tap “Accept” or “Decline” for each one.
Accepting Friend Requests from Other Apps
If you receive a friend request from someone who uses a different messaging app, such as SMS or WhatsApp, you can also accept it within Messenger. Here’s how:
- Open the friend request notification from the other app.
- Tap on the link or button that says “Accept on Messenger.”
- You’ll be redirected to the Messenger app, where you can review the request and accept it.
| App | Instructions |
|---|---|
| SMS | Click on the link in the message to open the Messenger app and accept the request. |
| Tap on the “Accept on Messenger” button in the notification. | |
| Other messaging apps | Depending on the app, you’ll either receive a link in the notification to accept on Messenger or be redirected to the app automatically. |
Accessing the Friends List
To access your friends list on Messenger, follow these steps:
1. Open the Messenger App
Launch the Messenger app on your mobile device or desktop computer.
2. Locate the “People” Tab
On the bottom navigation bar, tap or click the “People” tab. This icon resembles two silhouettes.
3. Switch to the “Friends” Section
By default, the “People” tab displays recent conversations. Tap or click the “Friends” tab at the top to view a list of your friends.
4. Browse Your Friends List
The “Friends” section displays a list of all your Facebook friends who are also using Messenger. You can scroll through the list or use the search bar to find a specific friend.
5. Searching for and Adding Friends
To add a friend who is not on your Facebook friends list:
| Method | Steps |
| Search by Name or Email |
|
| Invite by Phone |
|
| QR Code |
|
When you send a friend request, the person will receive a notification in their Messenger app. Once they accept your request, they will be added to your friends list.
Viewing Friend Status
After adding friends on Messenger, you can view their online status to see if they are currently available for chatting. Here’s how:
1. Open the Messenger app on your device.
2. Click on the “People” tab at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select the “Active” tab to see a list of all your friends who are currently online.
4. You can also click on the “All” tab to see a complete list of all your friends, including those who are offline.
5. To see more details about a specific friend’s status, click on their name.
6. This will open a chat window with your friend. Below their name, you will see their status, such as “Active now,” “Recently active,” or “Unavailable.” You can also see if they are using Messenger on their phone, computer, or web browser.
Here is a table summarizing the different friend statuses you may see:
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Active now | Your friend is currently online and available for chatting. |
| Recently active | Your friend was recently online, but they may not be available for chatting at the moment. |
| Unavailable | Your friend is not currently online and may not be available for chatting. |
Managing Friend Permissions
Once you’ve added friends, you can manage their permissions to control what information they can see about you and what interactions they can have with you.
Customizing Friend Lists
Create custom friend lists to organize your contacts into different groups, such as family, colleagues, or close friends. This allows you to quickly share or communicate with specific groups.
Steps:
- Click the “Friends” icon in the Messenger sidebar.
- Select “Friends Lists” and click “Create New List.”
- Enter a name for the list and add friends to it.
Managing Friend Lists:
You can add or remove friends from lists, rename lists, and delete them altogether. To do this, click on the “Friends Lists” tab and select the desired action.
Setting Friend Privacy Options
Control the privacy settings for each friend individually. You can choose who can send you messages, see your posts, and interact with you on Messenger.
Steps:
- Go to the Messenger sidebar and click on a friend’s name.
- Select “Privacy” and customize the settings as per your preferences.
Customizing Privacy Options:
You can choose to allow or block messages, restrict post visibility, disable video calling, and more. These settings can be tailored to each friend.
Blocking Friends
Block friends if you don’t want to receive any communication or interact with them on Messenger. This will prevent them from sending you messages, seeing your posts, or contacting you altogether.
Steps:
- Open the Messenger sidebar and click on a friend’s name.
- Select “Privacy” and click “Block.”
Unblocking Friends:
To unblock a friend, go to the “Blocked” tab in the Privacy section and click “Unblock” next to their name.
Restricting Message Requests
Limit who can send you message requests on Messenger. You can choose to receive requests only from friends, friends of friends, or everyone.
Steps:
- Click on your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Select “Settings & Privacy” and then “Privacy.”
- Scroll down to “Message Requests” and choose your preferred setting.
Finding Friends on Messenger
To find friends on Messenger, open the Messenger app on your mobile device or computer. Enter the name or email address of the person you want to add as a friend in the search bar at the top of the screen. If the person is not already in your contacts, you can click on “Add Friend” to send them a friend request.
Accepting Friend Requests
When you receive a friend request, you will see a notification in the Messenger app. Click on the “Accept” button to add the person as a friend. You can also choose to ignore the request or block the person if you do not want to add them as a friend.
Managing Your Friends List
You can manage your friends list by clicking on the “Friends” tab in the Messenger app. This will show you a list of all your friends and pending friend requests. You can click on the “Edit Friends” button to add or remove friends or to change their privacy settings.
Inviting Friends to Messenger
You can invite friends to Messenger by sending them a link to the app. To do this, click on the “Invite Friends” button in the Messenger app and select the method you want to use to send the invitation (e.g., email, text message, or social media).
Unfriending or Blocking Users
Unfriending or Blocking Users
If you no longer want to be friends with someone on Messenger, you can unfriend them. To do this, go to your friends list and click on the “Unfriend” button next to their name. You can also block a user if you do not want them to be able to contact you or see your Messenger activity. To block a user, go to their profile and click on the “Block” button.
| Action | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Unfriend | Go to your friends list, click on the “Unfriend” button next to the person’s name. |
| Block | Go to the person’s profile, click on the “Block” button. |
Connecting with Friends on Other Platforms
If you’re having trouble connecting with friends on Messenger, you can also try connecting with them on other platforms. Here’s how:
1. **Facebook:** If you’re friends with someone on Facebook, you can automatically add them as a friend on Messenger. Simply open Messenger and tap the “People” tab. Then, tap the “Add Friends” button and select “Facebook Friends.”
2. **Instagram:** You can also add friends from Instagram to Messenger. To do this, open Messenger and tap the “People” tab. Then, tap the “Add Friends” button and select “Instagram Friends.”
3. **Phone Number:** If your friend has given you their phone number, you can add them as a friend on Messenger by entering their number into the search bar.
4. **Friend Request:** You can also send a friend request to someone who isn’t on your contact list. To do this, open Messenger and tap the “People” tab. Then, tap the “Add Friends” button and select “Send Friend Request.” Enter the person’s name, email address, or phone number.
5. **QR Code:** You can also add friends by scanning their QR code. To do this, open Messenger and tap the “Add Friends” option. Then, tap the “Scan” button and hover your phone over the person’s QR code.
6. **Nearby:** If you’re in the same location as your friend, you can add them by using the “Nearby” feature. To do this, open Messenger and tap the “People” tab. Then, tap the “Add Friends” button and select “Nearby.”
7. **Groups:** You can also add friends who are members of the same group as you. To do this, open Messenger and tap the “Groups” tab. Then, tap the group you want to add friends from. Tap the “Members” button and select the friends you want to add.
8. **Contacts:** You can also add friends by importing your contacts from your phone. To do this, open Messenger and tap the “People” tab. Then, tap the “Add Friends” button and select “Contacts.”
9. **Other:** If you’re still having trouble adding friends on Messenger, you can contact Facebook Help for assistance. You can also visit the Messenger Help Center for more information.
Troubleshooting Common Friend Request Issues
If you’re experiencing issues with sending or receiving friend requests on Messenger, here are a few troubleshooting tips:
Inactive or Deleted Accounts
Ensure the user you’re trying to add hasn’t deactivated or deleted their account.
Privacy Settings
Check if the recipient’s privacy settings allow them to receive friend requests. They may have restrictions based on age, location, or mutual friends.
Mutual Friends
If you have mutual friends with the person you’re trying to add, their settings may require you to have a certain number of mutual friends before sending a request.
Frequent Requests
Messenger may limit the number of friend requests you can send within a certain time frame. Wait some time before re-sending the request.
Blocked Users
If you’ve previously blocked the user, you won’t be able to send them a friend request until you unblock them.
Pending Requests
Check if the user has already sent you a friend request that you may have missed. Pending requests can be accessed from the “Friend Requests” tab in Messenger.
Account Limitations
Some accounts may have restrictions on friend requests, such as business or community pages, or users with age restrictions.
Server Issues
Occasionally, Messenger may experience server issues that can affect the sending and receiving of friend requests. Wait a short while and try again later.
Malware or Adware
Ensure that your device is free from malware or adware that may interfere with Messenger functionality, including sending friend requests.
Contacting Messenger Support
If the issue persists, you can contact Messenger support for assistance. Provide them with details such as the user you’re trying to add, any error messages, and the troubleshooting steps you’ve taken.
How To Add Friends On Messenger
Adding friends on Messenger is a quick and easy process that can be done in just a few simple steps. First, open the Messenger app on your phone and tap the “People” tab. Then, tap on the “Add Friend” button and enter the name, username, or phone number of the person you want to add. If the person is already a Messenger user, they will receive a notification and can choose to accept or decline your request. Once they accept, you will be able to send them messages, video calls, and other forms of communication.
If you are having trouble adding a friend on Messenger, there are a few things you can check:
- Make sure that the person you are trying to add is actually a Messenger user.
- Make sure that you have the correct spelling of the person’s name, username, or phone number.
- Make sure that the person has not blocked you.
People Also Ask About How To Add Friends On Messenger
How do I add someone on Messenger who is not in my contacts?
To add someone on Messenger who is not in your contacts, you can use their username or phone number. If you don’t know their username, you can try searching for them by their name.
How do I add someone on Messenger using a QR code?
To add someone on Messenger using a QR code, open the Messenger app and tap on the “People” tab. Then, tap on the “Add Friend” button and select “Scan QR Code”. Then, scan the QR code of the person you want to add.
How do I add someone on Messenger who is on a different platform?
To add someone on Messenger who is on a different platform, you can use their username or phone number. If you don’t know their username, you can try searching for them by their name. You can also try using the “Add Friends from Other Apps” feature in the Messenger app.
