How To Dm On Facebook On Ipad

People are currently reading this guide.

👤

Published by A contributor at Hows.Tech sharing helpful insights.

📝 Article edited 0 times 🕒 Last modified by Default Author

You want to send a private message to someone on Facebook using your iPad? Excellent! Direct messaging, or "DMing" as it's often called, is a fantastic way to connect one-on-one or in small groups on Facebook, whether it's for a quick chat, sharing photos, or even making a video call. Let's get you set up to message like a pro on your iPad!

The Essential Tool: Facebook Messenger App

Before we dive in, it's crucial to understand that on an iPad (and other mobile devices), Facebook handles its messaging primarily through a separate app called Facebook Messenger. While you can access a limited messaging interface within the main Facebook app, for the full range of features and the best experience, you'll need the Messenger app.

Don't have the Messenger app yet? No worries! We'll cover that first.

Step 1: Get the Facebook Messenger App (If You Don't Have It Already!)

Are you ready to unlock the full potential of Facebook messaging on your iPad? Let's make sure you have the right tool for the job!

Sub-heading: Checking for the App

First, let's quickly check if you already have it.

Swipe left or right on your iPad's home screens to look for an app icon that looks like a blue speech bubble with a white lightning bolt inside.
It might also be in a folder labeled "Social" or "Utilities."

Found it? Great! You can skip to Step 2. Didn't find it? No problem at all, let's get it installed!

Sub-heading: Downloading and Installing Messenger

Open the App Store: Tap the blue icon with a white "A" that forms a triangle. This is your gateway to thousands of apps, including Messenger.
Search for "Messenger":
- In the App Store, look for the "Search" tab at the bottom right of the screen and tap it.
- In the search bar at the top, type "Messenger" and then tap the blue "Search" button on the keyboard.
Find the Official App: You'll see a list of apps. Look for the one simply titled "Messenger" developed by "Meta Platforms, Inc." It should have the familiar blue speech bubble with a white lightning bolt icon.
Download and Install:
- Tap the "GET" button next to the Messenger app.
- You might be asked to confirm your download using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.
- The app will begin downloading and installing. You'll see a progress circle on the app icon on your home screen.
Open Messenger: Once installed, tap the "OPEN" button directly from the App Store, or find the Messenger icon on your iPad's home screen and tap it.

Sub-heading: Signing In to Messenger

When you first open Messenger, you'll be prompted to sign in:

If you're already logged into Facebook on your iPad's main Facebook app, Messenger will likely offer you the option to "Continue as [Your Name]." This is the easiest way to sign in.
If not, or if you want to use a different account, you'll need to enter your Facebook email/phone number and password.
You may also be asked if you want to enable notifications (highly recommended so you don't miss messages!) and if you want to sync your phone contacts (optional, but makes it easier to find friends).

Step 2: Starting a New Direct Message

Now that you're in the Messenger app, let's send your first DM!

Sub-heading: The "New Message" Icon

Look for the "New Message" icon: In the top right corner of the Messenger app, you'll see an icon that looks like a pen on a notepad (or sometimes just a "+" sign). Tap this icon.
"To:" Field Appears: A new screen will open with a "To:" field at the top. This is where you'll choose who you want to message.

Sub-heading: Selecting Your Recipient(s)

There are a few ways to find the person (or people) you want to DM:

Type a Name: Start typing the name of your friend in the "To:" field. Messenger will automatically suggest names from your Facebook friends list as you type. Tap on the correct person's name when it appears.
Select from Suggestions: Below the "To:" field, Messenger often shows a list of your most recent or frequently messaged contacts. You can simply tap on their profile picture and name.
Adding Multiple People for a Group Chat: To create a group DM, simply keep typing and selecting more names in the "To:" field. Each person you add will appear as a small profile picture.

Pro Tip: If you're messaging someone who isn't a Facebook friend, their message might go into their "Message Requests" folder, and they'll need to accept it before a full conversation can begin.

Step 3: Composing and Sending Your Message

You've chosen your recipient(s)! Now for the fun part: writing your message.

Sub-heading: The Text Field

Tap the "Aa" or "Message" field: At the bottom of the chat screen, you'll see a text box, usually labeled "Aa" or "Message." Tap here to bring up your iPad's keyboard.
Type Your Message: Go ahead and type whatever you want to say!

Sub-heading: Enhancing Your Message (Making it Pop!)

Messenger offers a ton of ways to make your DMs more expressive than just plain text. Look for icons around the text field:

Emoji Icon (Smiley Face): Tap this to access a huge library of emojis to add emotion, humor, or emphasis to your message.
Photo/Gallery Icon (Landscape or Mountain): Tap this to open your iPad's photo library. You can select existing photos or videos to send.
Camera Icon: Tapping this will open your iPad's camera directly within Messenger, allowing you to take a quick photo or video to send.
Microphone Icon: If you prefer to send a voice message, tap and hold this icon to record your voice. Release to send.
Sticker Icon: Access a world of animated stickers to convey feelings or reactions in a fun way. You can often download more sticker packs!
GIF Icon: Search for and send animated GIFs to add a dynamic and often humorous element to your chat.
Plus (+) Icon: This often reveals even more options, such as:
- Location Sharing: Share your current location.
- Payments: Send or request money (availability may vary by region).
- Polls: Create a quick poll in a group chat.
- Files: Attach documents (like PDFs, Word docs, etc.).

Sub-heading: Sending Your Message

Once you've typed your message and added any desired media:

Tap the "Send" button: This is usually a blue paper airplane icon on the right side of the text field. Tap it, and voilà! Your message is off to your recipient(s).

Step 4: Managing Existing Conversations

Once you've sent a few DMs, your Messenger inbox will start to fill up. Here's how to navigate and manage them.

Sub-heading: Accessing Your Chats

Your Chat List: When you open the Messenger app, your main screen displays a list of all your recent conversations, with the most recent at the top.
Tapping to Open: Simply tap on any conversation in the list to open it and view the message history.

Sub-heading: Replying to Messages

Once inside a conversation, you'll see the same text field and attachment icons at the bottom. Type your reply and tap the blue paper airplane to send.

Sub-heading: Important Conversation Features

While in a chat, look at the top of the screen where the recipient's name is displayed. Tapping on their name (or the group chat name) will often reveal a menu with more options, such as:

Video Call Icon (Camera): Tap this to start a video call with the person or group.
Voice Call Icon (Phone): Tap this to start an audio call.
Profile Picture: Tapping their profile picture in the chat list or at the top of the conversation can take you to their Facebook profile.
Mute Notifications: If a chat is too active, you can mute notifications for a set period or indefinitely.
Archive/Delete Conversation: You can typically swipe left on a conversation in your chat list to reveal options to archive (hide it from your main list) or delete the conversation.
Secret Conversation: For enhanced privacy, you can start an end-to-end encrypted "Secret Conversation" with someone. Look for this option in the details of a contact.
Search in Conversation: Search for specific keywords within a particular chat.
Chat Themes: Customize the look and feel of your chat with different colors and backgrounds.

Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don't go as smoothly as planned. Here are a few common issues and quick fixes.

Sub-heading: Message Not Sending

Check Your Internet Connection: This is the most common culprit! Ensure your iPad is connected to Wi-Fi or has a strong cellular data signal. Try opening a webpage in Safari to confirm.
App Glitch: Sometimes, simply closing the Messenger app completely (swipe up from the bottom of the screen to see open apps, then swipe the Messenger app thumbnail off the top of the screen) and reopening it can resolve minor glitches.
Outdated App: Make sure your Messenger app is up to date. Go to the App Store, tap your profile icon in the top right, and scroll down to see if Messenger has an available update.
Facebook Server Issues: Rarely, Facebook's servers might be experiencing issues. You can check a site like "DownDetector" to see if others are reporting problems.

Sub-heading: Notifications Not Working

Check iPad Settings: Go to your iPad's Settings app > scroll down and tap "Messenger" > tap "Notifications." Make sure "Allow Notifications" is toggled on, and customize your alert styles.
Check In-App Settings: Open the Messenger app, tap your profile picture in the top left, then go to "Notifications & Sounds." Ensure notifications are enabled here as well.

You're now fully equipped to DM on Facebook using your iPad! Happy messaging!

10 Related FAQ Questions

How to: Check if Someone is Online on Facebook Messenger on iPad?

Look for a small green circle next to their profile picture in your chat list or at the top of an active chat. This indicates they are currently active.

How to: Start a Group Chat on Facebook Messenger on iPad?

Tap the "New Message" icon (pen on notepad) in the top right. Then, in the "To:" field, type and select multiple names to add them to the conversation.

How to: Send a Photo or Video in a Facebook Messenger DM on iPad?

In the chat, tap the landscape/mountain icon (gallery) or the camera icon next to the message box. Select from your library or take a new one, then send.

How to: Delete a Message You've Sent on Facebook Messenger on iPad?

Tap and hold on the message you want to delete. A menu will pop up. Choose "Unsend" to remove it for everyone, or "Remove for you" to only remove it from your view.

How to: Make a Voice or Video Call on Facebook Messenger on iPad?

Open the chat with the person you want to call. At the top of the screen, tap the phone icon for a voice call or the camera icon for a video call.

How to: Share Your Location in a Facebook Messenger DM on iPad?

In the chat, tap the plus (+) icon next to the message box, then select the pin icon (location) and choose whether to send your current location or a live location.

How to: Mute Notifications for a Specific Chat on Facebook Messenger on iPad?

Open the chat, tap the person's name or group name at the top. In the menu that appears, find and tap "Mute" or "Notifications" and choose your desired mute duration.

How to: Access Message Requests on Facebook Messenger on iPad?

From your main chat list, tap your profile picture in the top left corner. Then scroll down and tap "Message Requests."

How to: Block Someone on Facebook Messenger on iPad?

Open the chat with the person, tap their name at the top. Scroll down in the profile details and tap "Block," then confirm you want to block them on Messenger and/or Facebook.

How to: Change the Chat Theme or Color on Facebook Messenger on iPad?

Open the chat, tap the person's name or group name at the top. In the menu that appears, tap "Theme" and choose from the available options.

2814240528235241945