Fix Messenger Chat Heads Not Working

Facebook Messenger is an Amazing instant messaging application for Android and iOS devices. However, sometimes, you may face issues while using it. Especially when you upgrade or downgrade your phone’s Android version. Thousands of users on Messenger and Android 11, and 12 have issues with the Chat Bubbles. Some do struggle with its UI glitches while some complain the Messenger chat heads are not working on Android 11.

Anyways, when you see similar issues while using such apps daily, like Messenger. It does not mean you will quit using the app or upgrade or downgrade your OS version. Sometimes, the problem is not what it looks like. In short, there are several ways, to fix the issue with Messenger chat heads, e.g it’s not working properly, not displaying messages, etc. I can guarantee that you can get it fixed in the next 5 minutes. So, now let’s get started with the known reasons for the problem.

Why Messenger Chats Heads Not Working?

There are several reasons for Messenger not working problem on your Android device. However, the most common reasons are:

  • It’s because of the new Android 11 update.
  • Your Messenger app version is not the latest one.
  • It’s due to the Messenger permissions.
  • You are allowing Messenger to display over other apps.
  • Chat heads are not enabled yet.
  • You did not clear the Messager cache file for a long period.
  • Chat bubbles are not enabled in Settings (Android 11 users).

So, the above are the most common reasons why you are having the Messenger chat heads not working properly. However, there is could a reason not listed above. So you may wanna skip this part and proceed to fix the issue by following the below fixes one by one. At the end of this article, you will have it fixed, it’s my guarantee.

Fix Messenger Chat Heads Not Working

There is one thing you need to know. Most of the users join the Messenger app beta program in the Play Store. This is to enjoy new features and settings in the app. However, they are not aware of the bugs and issues in the beta version. It can be full of issues like the one you are having now.

So I will not suggest any non-techie to join the Messenger app beta program. You can leave it by entering the Play Store > Messenger > Scroll down and tap Leave Beta Programm. Then install the Messenger stable version available to the public, and there will be no issues at all. Anyway here are the solutions.

Read also: Fix Messenger Not Loading Media.

Update Messenger

Most people fix their Messenger chat bubbles not working problem by just updating the Messenger application. However, the very 1st fix you need to try is to get into the Play Store and install the latest version of the Facebook Messenger app. Then restart your phone and check if the problem still exists.

Update Messenger
Update Messenger

Why do you need to update your Messenger instantly? This is because, your phone OS and the apps on it, work as a chain. The developers of the Messenger app are working on its problems to make it compatible with each OS and give the users a better user experience. So when they see issues like “the chat heads, etc in the app are not working” they do fix it and release an update for it. After you receive the update and install it, you get several problems fixed automatically. That is why it is important to keep your Messenger up to date.

Disable DND Mode

If you are in the middle of something, you may have enabled the DND mode on your phone. That is might be the reason why Chat Heads (bubbles) in Messenger not working. Consider disabling DND mode, then restart your phone. It will work as usual.

Clear all data for Messenger

Each application on your Android or iOS devices stores some of its data (including Messenger). This is to give the users an enhanced and faster user experience. But sometimes, you will have issues with stored data (cached files). So once a week or after upgrading your app or OS version, you should wipe it out.

This is a 100% guaranteed fix for the Messenger chat heads not working problem on Android devices in 2023. Here is how to do it: Go to your Settings app, then find the Apps section. Tap on it and find the Messenger app in the listed item. Now tap Storage and clear the data and cache. You may also see the Clear All Data button, so tap on it and you are good to go.

Clear all data for Messenger
Clear all data for Messenger

This should fix all the problems including the chat heads not working. However, keep in mind that this action will log you out of Messenger, ensure you do remember your login credentials e.g username and password. Even if you don’t, go ahead and recover your account.

Unmute the Conversation

You may have muted a conversation in Messenger and don’t know about it later. So, if you are not getting any notifications for the chat, that is why chat heads are not popping up. Go to the conversation, tap the bell icon, and unmute the chat. You will get bubbles popping anywhere on the phone when get a new message.

Enable chat heads manually

After you install the Messenger application on your Android device. The chat heads are enabled by default. But sometimes you need to give it a check manually. First of all, Android 11, 12 users, must check that chat bubbles for apps are enabled in Settings. You can do it this way, go to the Settings app on your device and tap Apps or Notifications. There you must allow apps to display bubbles.

Now you need to check the Messenger Chat Heads if features are enabled.

Open the Facebook Messenger app, then tap the menu icon at the top left then the Settings icon. Scroll down and tap Bubbles. Now select the Allow conversation can Bubble option. You should get normal chat heads notifications on your home screen and you can use the full feature on your device.

Enable Chat Heads in Messenger Manually
Enable Chat Heads in Messenger Manually

Read also: Fix Messenger Something Went Wrong Error.

Allow Messenger to display over other apps

On most Android devices (especially in MIUI), it’s just about permission. I mean the reason for the Messenger app chat heads not working problem is the permission you need to enable. Then it will start working as usual. Here is how to do it: Go to the Settings app on your device, then tap in the Search box at the top. Now type “display over other apps”. When you see the option, tap to open it. From the listed apps, find and tap Messenger. Now enable the toggle next to “Allow display over other apps”.

Allow Messenger to display over other apps
Allow Messenger to display over other apps

That is it, you may also see this dialogue while enabling the Chat Heads manually. I mean open the Messenger app > Your menu at the top left > Bubbles > Select Allow Conversation Can Bubble. You will be asked to enable the permission for the Messenger app to display over other apps, enable that option too, and you are done.

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5 Comments
  1. Maria says

    Thank you!!! Great tips.

    1. Samad Ali Khan says

      You are welcome.

  2. Romma says

    But my messenger didn’t show chat head settings anymore

    1. Cedaze03 says

      same here i cannot enable display over the apps

  3. JC says

    I want chat heads not bubbles

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