How do I improve privacy and security on Messenger?
Applies to: Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS, Web, Desktop)
Last updated: September 2025
Problem
Messenger is widely used for personal and group conversations, but without the right settings, your information may be more visible than you’d like. Many users don’t realize that Messenger offers privacy and security features to help control who can contact them and how their data is protected.
Solution
You can improve privacy and security on Messenger by adjusting account settings, enabling extra protections, and using encrypted chats.
Step-by-step instructions
Control who can reach you
- Open the Messenger app.
- Tap your profile picture in the top-left corner.
- Go to Privacy > Message Delivery.
- Choose whether messages from people you’re not connected to go to Chats, Message Requests, or Don’t receive them at all.
Enable end-to-end encrypted chats
5. Open a conversation.
6. Tap the person’s name at the top.
7. Select Go to Secret Conversation (on mobile).
8. Messages here are fully end-to-end encrypted.
Hide activity and read receipts
9. Go to Settings > Active Status.
10. Toggle off to hide when you’re online.
11. In chats, you cannot disable read receipts entirely, but you can use Secret Conversations for more control.
Secure your account
12. Open the Facebook app or website.
13. Go to Settings > Security and Login.
14. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
15. Review logged-in devices and remove any you don’t recognize.
Manage data and media
16. In Messenger, go to Settings > Photos & Media.
17. Turn off Save on Capture if you don’t want all photos saved to your phone.
Optional methods or tools
- App lock (Messenger feature): Lock Messenger with your fingerprint or Face ID.
- Restrict or block: Limit interactions with people without fully removing them.
- Privacy checkup (Facebook): Guided tool to review overall Facebook and Messenger privacy.
Best practices or tips
- Use Secret Conversations for sensitive topics.
- Enable 2FA to protect against unauthorized account access.
- Regularly review active sessions in Facebook’s settings.
- Don’t click suspicious links in chats — phishing scams are common.
