Facebook Messenger Day, the app’s version of Stories, shows your friends’ photos and videos at the top of your chats for 24 hours. If you find it distracting or simply don’t use it, you can turn off the feature so it no longer appears on your home screen. This guide shows you exactly how to disable Messenger Day on an Android phone, using the app’s built-in settings. You only need your phone and the latest version of the Messenger app installed.
What You’ll Need
- An Android phone or tablet with the Facebook Messenger app installed.
- Your Facebook login credentials (you should already be logged in).
- An internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) to access the settings.
Step-by-Step
- Open the Messenger app. Tap the Messenger icon on your home screen or app drawer to launch it.
- Tap your profile picture. It’s located in the top-left corner of the main chat list screen. This opens your profile and settings menu.
- Scroll down and tap “Photos & Media.” This option is usually found in the “Preferences” section, below your name and account details.
- Find the “Messenger Day” section. Within “Photos & Media,” you’ll see a heading labeled “Messenger Day” with a toggle switch next to it.
- Toggle the switch to the OFF position. Tap the switch so it turns gray (or otherwise indicates it’s disabled). The change is saved automatically, and Messenger Day will no longer appear at the top of your chats.
Common Mistakes
- Looking for the wrong setting: Some users search for “Stories” or “Day” in the main settings menu. The correct location is always under “Photos & Media.”
- Turning off notifications instead: Disabling notifications for Messenger Day only stops alerts, not the feature itself. You must use the toggle in “Photos & Media.”
- Expecting it to be gone for everyone: This setting only hides Messenger Day from your view. Your friends can still see and post their own Day updates.
- Not updating the app: If you don’t see the “Photos & Media” option, your Messenger app may be outdated. Update it from the Google Play Store first.
Tips
- Re-enable anytime: If you change your mind, simply follow the same steps and toggle the switch back to the ON position.
- Privacy check: While you’re in the settings, review your “Who can see” options for Messenger Day to control who sees your own posts if you ever decide to use it.
- Data saving: Disabling Messenger Day can also help reduce data usage, as the app won’t preload the day’s stories in the background.
- Clear cache (if needed): If the toggle seems stuck, go to your phone’s Settings > Apps > Messenger > Storage and tap “Clear Cache.” This won’t delete your chats, only temporary files.
Troubleshooting
If you’ve followed the steps but Messenger Day still appears, try these fixes:
- Force-stop the app: Go to your phone’s Settings > Apps > Messenger, tap “Force Stop,” then reopen the app. This refreshes the app’s state.
- Restart your phone: A simple reboot can resolve temporary glitches that prevent settings from applying.
- Check for app updates: Open the Google Play Store, search for Messenger, and tap “Update” if available. An outdated version may have a bug.
- Reinstall the app: If the problem persists, uninstall Messenger and reinstall it from the Play Store. You’ll need to log in again, but your chat history is stored on Facebook’s servers.
- Contact support: If none of the above works, report the issue through the app’s Help Center (Profile icon > Help & Support).
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disabling Messenger Day delete my own Day posts?
No. Disabling the feature only hides the section from your view. Your own posts, if any, remain active for 24 hours and can still be seen by your friends.
Can I disable Messenger Day for only certain friends?
No, the toggle in settings is global. However, you can control who sees your own Day posts by adjusting your privacy settings in the “Who can see” menu.
Why do I still see “Day” in my chats after turning it off?
This can happen if the app hasn’t fully synced. Try force-stopping the app or restarting your phone. If it persists, check for an app update.
Does this also disable Instagram Stories or Facebook Stories?
No. Messenger Day is separate from Stories on Instagram and Facebook. You’ll need to adjust settings in each app individually.
Will I still receive notifications about new Day posts?
No, disabling Messenger Day also stops notifications related to it. You’ll only get notifications for regular messages.
Is there a way to hide Messenger Day without going into settings?
No, the only way is through the “Photos & Media” settings as described. There is no shortcut or swipe gesture to hide it.
Related
General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.
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