8 Effective Solutions to Fix Facebook Messenger Chat Heads Not Working on Android

Long before Google introduced notification bubbles in Android 11, Facebook offered a similar function called chat heads with Messenger. Chat heads are an essential part of using the Messenger app frequently. However, if you're having trouble with Messenger chat heads not working on Android, don't worry. We've got you covered with these effective solutions.

Enable Notification Permission from the Settings Menu

The first step is to check the notification permission settings for the Messenger app. Follow these simple steps:

1. Open the App Drawer menu.
2. Locate the Messenger app and long-press on the app icon.
3. Select the ‘i' button from the floating menu and go to the Messenger App info menu.
4. Tap on Notifications under the Privacy menu.
5. Enable Notifications for the Messenger app from the following menu.

Disable DND Mode

If you have enabled the Do Not Disturb (DND) mode on your phone, this might be the reason why chat heads are not working. To disable DND mode, simply swipe down and open the Notification center on your phone. Disable the DND toggle, and you should start receiving chat head notifications from the Messenger app again.

Allow Messenger to Appear on Top

To ensure chat heads appear on top of other apps, you need to grant Messenger the necessary permission. Here's how:

1. Locate the Messenger app in the App drawer menu.
2. Long-press on the app icon and open the Messenger App info screen.
3. Scroll down and tap on Appear on top menu.
4. Allow permission from the following menu.

Clear Cache

Learning how to clear Messenger cache can also resolve the issue of chat heads not working. Here's how to do it:

1. Locate the Messenger app in the App drawer menu.
2. Long-press on the app icon and open the Messenger App info screen.
3. Tap on Storage and select Clear Cache from the next menu.

Clear Data

If you're a heavy Messenger user, excessive data in the app might cause problems with chat heads. To fix this, follow these steps:

1. Locate the Messenger app in the App drawer menu.
2. Long-press on the app icon and open the Messenger App info screen.
3. Tap on Storage and select Clear Data from the next menu.

Free up RAM From the Multitasking Menu

If your Android phone has low RAM, too many apps running in the background can prevent chat heads from working. To resolve this, open the multitasking menu on your phone and remove irrelevant apps from the list.

Exclude Facebook Messenger from Digital Wellbeing

If you have set an app limit using Digital Wellbeing on your phone, it might be limiting Messenger and preventing chat heads from appearing. Here's what you can do:

1. Open the Settings app on your phone.
2. Navigate to Digital Wellbeing > App timers.
3. Locate Messenger from the following menu and tap on the timer icon beside it.
4. Extend the time limit for the Messenger app or remove it from the Digital Wellbeing applications.

Update Facebook Messenger

Sometimes, the chat heads not working issue can be due to a buggy build of the Messenger app. Make sure to update the app to the latest version available on the Play Store. Facebook is quick to release updates to fix such issues.

By following these solutions, you can fix the issue of Messenger chat heads not working on your Android phone. Start using Messenger chat heads notifications hassle-free and never miss an important message again!