You tried to send a message to one of your contacts on Facebook Messenger, but you received a strange notification: "This person is not available on Messenger." What does this mean? Did the person block you? Was their account deactivated? Is there a problem with the app? In this article, we'll explain the different reasons why this message might appear and how to fix it.
What are the possible causes of the message "this person is not available on Messenger"?
There are several scenarios that could explain why you see this message when you try to contact someone on Messenger. Here are the most common:
The person has blocked you on Messenger or Facebook

If that's the case, you won't be able to send them messages or call them. You also won't be able to see their profile, photo, status, or story. You'll see the message "This person is currently unavailable" or "This person is unavailable on Messenger," depending on the type of block.
There are two types of blocking: blocking via Messenger and blocking via Facebook. Blocking via Messenger prevents communication between you and the person on the messaging app, but you remain friends on Facebook and can see their posts. Blocking via Facebook prevents all interaction between you and the person on the social network, including on Messenger.
To find out if someone has blocked you, you can check if you can see their profile, photo, past messages, or send them a friend request on Facebook. If you can't do these things, there's a good chance they've blocked you.
The person has deactivated their Facebook or Messenger account

If that's the case, the person will no longer be able to use the app or receive messages. Their profile will be invisible to everyone, including you. You'll see the message "This person is currently unavailable" or "This person is unavailable on Messenger," depending on the app you're using.
Account deactivation is an option that allows a user to temporarily pause their account. They can reactivate their account at any time by logging back into the application with their username and password. Their contacts and messages will then be restored.
To find out if someone has deactivated their account, you can ask mutual friends if they can see their profile. If they can, it means they haven't blocked you, but have deactivated their account³.
The person deleted their Facebook or Messenger account

If this is the case, the person will never be able to use the app again or recover their data. Their profile will be permanently deleted from the platform, along with all their messages and contacts. You will see the message "This person is not available on Messenger" if you try to message them.
Account deletion is an option that allows a person to permanently leave Facebook and Messenger. They must submit a special request and wait 30 days before their account is deleted. During this period, they can cancel their request if they change their mind.
To find out if someone has deleted their account, you can try searching for their name on Facebook. If you can't find it, it probably means they've deleted their account or blocked you.
The person is experiencing connection or application problems

If so, the person will be temporarily unable to access Messenger due to a bug, update, weak network connection, or other technical issue. You'll see the message "This person is not available on Messenger" if you try to message them, but the problem may resolve itself quickly.
Connection or application problems are often beyond a person's control. They can affect everyone or only some users. They can be resolved by checking the internet connection, updating the application, closing and restarting it, clearing the cache and data, or uninstalling and reinstalling it.
To find out if someone is having connection or app problems, you can try sending them a voice message or a picture. If the message is sent but not read, it likely means they're having trouble accessing Messenger.
How to resolve the issue of the message "this person is not available on Messenger"?
If you're sure the person hasn't blocked you and their account isn't deactivated or deleted, it might be a connection or application issue . In that case, here are some possible solutions:
Check your internet connection
Make sure you have sufficient network coverage or are connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Try switching your connection mode if necessary. For example, switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data or vice versa. If your connection is weak or unstable, it may prevent you from sending and receiving messages on Messenger. You can test your connection by using a different website or app.
Check for app updates

Make sure you have the latest version of Messenger installed on your device. Go to the Play Store or App Store and search for Messenger. If an update is available, install it. Updates can fix bugs or errors that affect how the app works. They can also include improvements or new features.
Close and restart the application

The app might be frozen or have a bug. Try closing it completely and reopening it. You can also force-stop it in your device settings. Go to Settings, then Apps, then Messenger. Tap "Force stop." This may restart the app and resolve the issue. You can also restart your device to clear the RAM.
Clear the application cache and data
The app may be cluttered with unnecessary data, slowing it down. Go to your device's settings, then to apps, then to Messenger. Tap "Clear cache" and "Clear data." Be aware that this may delete your saved conversations. This can free up space and improve app performance. You may need to sign back in to your account afterward.
Uninstall and reinstall the application

The app may be corrupted or damaged. Try completely uninstalling it from your device and then reinstalling it from the Play Store or App Store. This may reset the app and resolve the issue. You may need to sign back in to your account afterward.
See also: How to deactivate your Facebook account without losing access to Messenger?
FAQs
How can you tell if the person has blocked you or if their account is deactivated?
There's no foolproof way to know if someone has blocked you or if their account is deactivated, as the messages are the same in both cases. However, there are a few clues that can help you tell the difference:
- Check if you can see the person's profile on Facebook . If you can see it, it means they haven't blocked you on Facebook, but perhaps only on Messenger. If you can't see it, it means they've blocked you on Facebook or deactivated or deleted their account.
- Check if you can see the person's profile picture on Messenger . If you can see it, it means they haven't blocked you on Messenger, but perhaps only on Facebook. If you can't see it, it means they've blocked you on Messenger or deactivated or deleted their account.
- Check if you can see the old messages you exchanged with the person on Messenger . If you can see them, it means they haven't blocked you on Messenger, but perhaps only on Facebook. If you can't see them, it means they've blocked you on Messenger or deleted their account.
- Check if you can send the person a friend request on Facebook . If you can, it means they haven't blocked you on Facebook, but perhaps only on Messenger. If you can't, it means they've blocked you on Facebook or deactivated or deleted their account.
How can I avoid seeing the message “this person is not available on Messenger”?
To avoid seeing this message, you can take a few precautions: make sure your internet connection is stable and that you have the latest version of the Messenger app. Avoid blocking or removing people without reason. Respect the rules and terms of service of Facebook and Messenger.
How should I react if I see the message “this person is not available on messenger”?
If you see this message, you can try contacting the person through another channel, such as phone, email, or another app. You can also ask a mutual friend if they're okay or if they're having any problems with their account. If you think the person has blocked you, you can try to find out why and resolve the conflict amicably.
How do I report a problem with the message “this person is not available on Messenger”?
If you think there's a bug or error with the "This person is unavailable on Messenger" message, you can report it to Facebook. To do so, go to the Messenger app settings, then to "Help," and then to "Report a Problem." You can then describe the problem and send a screenshot if necessary. Facebook will review your report and try to resolve the issue.
Conclusion
The message "This person is not available on Messenger" can have several causes and solutions. It's important to identify the source of the problem and try different methods to resolve it. If nothing works, the person may not want to communicate with you or may have permanently left the platform. In this case, you must respect their decision and move on.


