Messenger Facebook Links Wont Open 16.4.1 (iPad only)

I found a work around. Not sure if it’ll work on all links but it worked on one my wife sent me. Long hold the link that is sent to you and select open in safari. This opened the Facebook app me brought me right to the page she sent me. When just clicking on it, I have the same issue originally mentioned.

Quick update. I went back and tried a few more that were sent to me. A lot would open in the app and I had one that actually opened in safari.

Same here, link's won't open in Messenger.

Done all the steps too, cache, install, reinstall, reset, etc.

It appears that if the Facebook app is not installed, all the links open perfectly (via Safari)

When I install back the Facebook app, the links don't open anymore.

Come on apple! Get on it!

WindwolfA1,

If the steps mentioned did not address the issue, it's unlikely to be anything on the senders end, but rather an issue within the Facebook or Messenger apps.

We'd recommend reaching out to the app dev for additional assistance from here.

• How to contact an app developer - Apple Support

Cheers!

ChuckTea- wrote:

Same here, link's won't open in Messenger.

Done all the steps too, cache, install, reinstall, reset, etc.

It appears that if the Facebook app is not installed, all the links open perfectly (via Safari)

When I install back the Facebook app, the links don't open anymore.

Come on apple! Get on it!

1) Apple doesn't read here in this user-to-user forum for feedback or suggestions and 2) Only Facebook can fix a Facebook app.

Ok I found a Work around until apple can get this fixed.

instead of using the Facebook app go to your browser & long on to Facebook there. Go to messenger through Facebook in your browser & it will open reels & videos now.

I tried a fix which works and im thankful . Keep finger on the link then open in safari .or log into FB site on safari not the app and messenger opens the link instantly . Must be an issue with the app itself since the latest update

Thanks, this worked for me! I held the link for a few seconds then a screen popped up and I picked open in Safari and it went directly to the correct spot. Thanks again.😀

I had the very same problem. I updated my iPad to iOS 17.1 and it works perfectly now 😊

I have two iPads, one in latest iPadOS 16 and one on latest iPadOS 15 (it’s an older iPad). Have the same issue and the only constant is that both are iPadOS versions of the Facebook app and the version of the Facebook app is exactly the same.

This is a Facebook app issue. Hopefully it will get fixed soon.

Hey guys I found the solution to our problem at least when it’s a marketplace item. If you click on ‘see details’ it just takes you to your Facebook page but if you click on the picture of the item it takes you to the post!! At least this is fixed.

Thanks for that info! I opened messenger in Safari and it worked! Still annoying but as you said, better than getting iPhone to do it! 😊

Hi WindwolfA1,

Thank you for participating in the Apple Support Communities. We understand you're unable to open Facebook links shared through Messenger on your iPad. This article has some relevant steps that may help even though they are listed for a slightly different issue: If an app on your iPhone or iPad stops responding, closes unexpectedly, or won’t open - Apple Support.

"If an app on your iPhone or iPad doesn't work as expected, try this.

1. Close and reopen the app

Force the app to close. Then open the app to see if it works as expected.

2. Restart your device

Restart your iPhone or restart your iPad. Then open the app to see if it works as expected.

3. Check for updates

To see if updates are available for the app, open the App Store, tap your profile icon, then scroll down to see if updates are available. If updates aren't available for the app, update the software on your iPhone or iPad.

4. Delete the app, then redownload it

Delete the app. When you do this, you might lose data that was stored in the app. Then redownload the app. Then check to see if the problem with the app is fixed.

Get more help

• If you found the app on the App Store, contact the app developer. "

Take care.

I have tested by logging into FB on Safari and this works. It opens the link in the embedded version of the Safari browser FB Messenger. Also - if you use the option to open the link in FB Messenger App - successfully.

So the issue is only related to opening certain links (probably video) in FB Messenger which then sends the call to FB App to open... which fails, just opens the Facebook App showing what ever is on the FB app at the time. Something blocking at this point.

Thank you. I found somewhat a solution for now...

"...log into Facebook on Safari and then open the link. It will open it in the embedded version of the Safari browser of Messenger..." this works but I'm not a fan of Safari.

Also another one that work is log out of FB, go to messenger & open the link and it will open in FB...which to me is too many steps.

If someone sends you a link forward it to yourself. It will open from that messenger window. I know it’s not a fix, but it will allow you to see the link.