Undoubtedly, Messenger is one of the best instant messaging apps for Facebook users. You only need a Facebook account and Messenger app to join this platform.

Typically, you would expect someone on Facebook to have a Messenger app. However, it’s not always the case.

You probably have a close friend on Facebook that you engage with constantly. Now that you want to take the friendship to Messenger, you wonder how to know if they have Messenger installed.

There are other ways to know if someone has Messenger on their device. Also, checking the activeness of a user on Messenger is different for all devices, including iPhone, Android, and PC.

All of these will be discussed in full detail in this guide. Read on to learn more.

The Connection Between Messenger and Facebook

Messenger is an instant messaging app for chatting and sharing images, audio recordings, and videos. Unlike many other instant messaging apps, the Facebook Messenger account is connected to the Facebook account. 

  • The Connection Between Messenger and FacebookHow Do You Know if Someone Installed Facebook Messenger? (Android)How To Know if Someone Is Online on Messenger? (iOS)How To Know if Someone Is Online on Messenger? (PC)Alternative Method #1: Ask the UserAlternative Method #2: Send Them a TextConclusion

That means you can use Facebook Messenger to communicate with your Facebook friends. You may also use a user’s phone number to connect with them on the Messenger app.

Since all Facebook users automatically have Messenger accounts, you may assume that your friends have Facebook Messenger installed. 

However, it’s usually not the case with some users. Having a Facebook Messenger account doesn’t mean you can chat unless you have it installed on your device. So, how do you know if someone has installed Facebook Messenger?

How Do You Know if Someone Installed Facebook Messenger? (Android)

To begin with, you must install the Messenger app on your phone by downloading it from Google Play Store. This method is significant if you have lost contacts and want to avoid scrolling.

Here is how to know if someone has the Messenger app using your Android device:

  • Open the Messenger app on your Android device.
  • Tap the search bar above at the top.
  • Type in the name of the person you wish to find.
  • If the green dot appears on their profile picture, they have Messenger installed on their device.

How To Know if Someone Is Online on Messenger? (iOS)

To find out if someone has the Facebook Messenger app installed using your iOS device, follow these steps:

  • Open the Messenger app on your iOS device.
  • Tap the “People” tab (two individuals icon) at the bottom.
  • Under “Active Now,” search for the name of the person you wish to chat with.
  • If you find the person, they have the Facebook Messenger app installed.

How To Know if Someone Is Online on Messenger? (PC)

First, you don’t need to download the Messenger app on your desktop. The app is already integrated into your Facebook account. All you need is to log into your account. 

To tell if someone is online on Messenger on a desktop, tap the chat button at the top right corner of the page. Scroll through the list and click on the name of the contact you wish to chat with.

You may also enter the name of the friend you want to message into the search space. You will see a green dot on their profile picture if they are online.

Meanwhile, your friends may change their chat settings to show that they are offline even if they are not. They often do this to prevent certain people from having access to them.

Alternative Method #1: Ask the User

One direct way of knowing if someone has Messenger installed is to ask them. Try sending a simple message asking if they use the Messenger app.

If they only use the Facebook app, they don’t have the Messenger app installed, regardless of the green dots you see.

Alternative Method #2: Send Them a Text

A quick way to know if someone has the Messenger app installed is to text them. If they respond quickly (within hours), it’s safe to assume they have the Messenger app installed.

On the other hand, If they respond slowly or respond days later, you can assume they replied through the Facebook app on their desktop.

Conclusion

Facebook Messenger is integrated with Facebook. The app allows you to chat with your friends and family easily. You automatically have a Messenger account if you have a Facebook account. 

Despite this, some people might not have Messenger installed on their devices. This guide has simplified the process if you wish to find out if a particular user is on Messenger. We hope it helps you achieve your purpose.