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Category Messaging, Messenger

Facebook Messenger Not Opening Links? Here Are The Reasons And 9 Simple Fixes!

Author Precious Ekhorose Published on 4 min read

In this article, you’ll learn why you can’t open links on messenger and also simple fixes to resolve the problem.

For instance, you’re chatting with your friend on Messenger, excited about a funny cat video they mentioned. You click the link, expecting a good laugh, but… nothing happens.

The link just sits there, teasing your desire for cat fun. Annoying, right?

Don’t worry, fellow Tech Freak! We’ve been there too, stuck with unresponsive links. But don’t stress, because we’ve found some simple fixes that got us back to enjoying contents from such broken links.

Grab your phone, lose the frown, and let’s learn these easy solutions to bid farewell to broken links!

Table of Contents show

Why Can’t I Open Links On My Facebook Messenger?

If you’re facing difficulty opening links on Facebook Messenger, the problem might be rooted in your device.

One potential factor is Messenger’s security settings, which could block link access to shield users from potential harm.

In addition, issues with the Messenger app’s cache can impede performance, causing it to slow down or freeze, ultimately hindering link opening. If the app’s cache becomes corrupted, this can further disrupt data retrieval, affecting your ability to open links.

Another possibility is encountering broken or corrupted links, a common occurrence that can create obstacles in link accessibility.

Lastly, problems with your device, such as low storage or a virus, may also contribute to challenges in opening links on Messenger. Understanding these potential causes can help you troubleshoot and address the issue more effectively.

How To Fix Can’t Open Links In Messenger

Here are several steps you can take to fix the issue of Facebook Messenger not opening links:

Fix 1: Change Default Browser On Your Device [iPhones/Android]

For iPhones:

  1. Open ‘Settings.’
  2. Scroll to an alternate browser like Chrome or Firefox.
  3. Tap ‘Default Browser App’ and select another browser, with Safari recommended for compatibility.

For Android:

  1. Open phone settings.
  2. Tap ‘Apps.’
  3. Select ‘Default apps’ > ‘Browser app.’
  4. Choose a new option from the list.

Afterward, close settings and try opening the link again.

Fix 2: Choose ‘Open Links In Default Browser’ (For Android Devices Only)

Facebook Messenger’s internal browser may cause issues; so you’ll have to force it to use your phone’s browser. This fix applies to Android phones majorly.

Here’s What To Do:

  1. In Messenger, tap your profile/settings (top-left).
  2. If the menu doesn’t open, tap the settings icon.
  3. Scroll down, tap ‘Photos & Media.’
  4. Toggle ‘Open Links in Default Browser’ on.
  5. Return to the conversation and try opening the link again.

Fix 3: Turn Off ‘Enhanced Safe Browsing’ [Mostly On Android Chrome App]

Disable Enhanced Safe Browsing, a potential source of link-opening issues on Android. Manage this setting through your Google account.

Here’s What To Do:

  1. Click here to access ‘Enhanced Safe Browsing’ settings (sign in if needed).
  2. Toggle ‘Enhanced Safe Browsing’ off. Note: It may take up to 24 hours for this change to apply.

Fix 4: Force Quit And Restart The App

Reload the app to fix glitches and bugs by force closing it. Swipe the app away from your list of apps to clear it from your phone’s RAM. This forces a complete reload, resolving the issue by reloading all app files and data.

Fix 5: Disable Link Previews in The Facebook Messenger App

Messenger may freeze due to link previews, hindering link opening. Disable link previews in the app browser:

  1. In Messenger Settings, tap three lines (top-left).
  2. Tap Settings icon (gear icon).
  3. Tap Photos & media.
  4. Enable “Open links in default browser.”

Fix 6: Delete And Reinstall Messenger

Fix various bugs, including link issues, by deleting and reinstalling Messenger. This clears app files, forcing a redownload. Your conversations remain intact after logging back in.

Fix 7: Update The Facebook Messenger App

Ensure you have the latest Messenger app version:

  1. For App Store or Play Store, search Messenger.
  2. Update the app if a new version is available.

Fix 8: Clear Messenger App Cache

Resolve Messenger app issues by clearing the cache:

  1. Go to device Settings.
  2. Navigate to “Apps & notifications.”
  3. Tap “App info.”
  4. Locate Messenger app.
  5. Tap “Storage & cache” > “Clear cache.”

Fix 9: Ask For Link Resend

If unable to open a link, request a resend by:

  1. Asking the sender to resend the link.
  2. Then open it via Messenger or copy the link to your web browser.

In Conclusion

I hope these solutions helped you open links smoothly on Messenger! If one fix doesn’t work, try the others until you find what works for you. And if you stumble upon a new trick, share it with your Messenger pals!

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Posted by
Precious Ekhorose

Precious Ekhorose is a proficient social media blogger, editor and technology content writer. He has a keen interest in resolving technology-related issues for individuals. His main focus is on social media news related to popular platforms like Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, Telegram, Snapchat, LinkedIn, and operating systems such as Android, Windows, and iOS. He has studied technology and social media for three years, honing his skills in crafting professional guides and how-to articles for his blog.

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