How to Know if Someone Is Online on Facebook Messenger

This wikiHow teaches you how to find out which friends are active on Facebook Messenger.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using a Phone or Tablet

  1. Image titled Know if Someone Is Online on Facebook Messenger Step 1
    1
    Open Facebook Messenger. It's the blue chat bubble icon with a white lightning bolt inside. You'll find it on your home screen or in the app drawer (Android).
    • If you're not signed in, follow the on-screen instructions to sign in now.
  2. Image titled Know if Someone Is Online on Facebook Messenger Step 2
    2
    Tap the contacts icon. It's the icon that looks like a bullet list at the bottom of the screen. It's to the right of the large blue circle.
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  3. Image titled Know if Someone Is Online on Facebook Messenger Step 3
    3
    Tap Active. It's near the top of the screen. This displays a list of everyone who's active on Messenger. If a friend is online, you'll see a green circle on top of their profile image.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using a Computer

  1. Image titled Know if Someone Is Online on Facebook Messenger Step 4
    1
    Point your web browser to https://www.messenger.com. This is Facebook's official Messenger app.
  2. Image titled Know if Someone Is Online on Facebook Messenger Step 5
    2
    Sign in to your Facebook account. If you're already signed in, you'll see a list of recent Messenger conversations. Otherwise, click Continue as (your name) or enter your login information as prompted.
  3. Image titled Know if Someone Is Online on Facebook Messenger Step 6
    3
    Click the blue gear icon. It's at the top-left corner of the screen.
  4. Image titled Know if Someone Is Online on Facebook Messenger Step 7
    4
    Click Active Contacts. You'll now see a list of your Messenger contacts who are actively online.
    • If you only see your own name, slide its corresponding switch to the On (green) position. Your online contacts will now appear.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    I can see when my partner was last active on Facebook Messenger, but I cannot see with whom, why?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Facebook does not share that information, as that's invasion of the user's privacy.
  • Question
    How can I know the online status of someone who is not on my friend list?
    Sophie Walford
    Sophie Walford
    Community Answer
    You cannot know that. You can only know who's online if you are friends with them.
  • Question
    How can I get the physical address of someone by entering their phone number?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can't.
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About This Article

Nicole Levine, MFA
Written by:
Nicole Levine, MFA
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been viewed 330,528 times.
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Co-authors: 4
Updated: July 5, 2021
Views: 330,528
Categories: Facebook Messenger
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