Messenger Facebook Links Wont Open 16.4.1 (iPad only)

Reading all of these we all have the same issue. I’m unsure why apple cannot address this as it’s clearly an issue, plus the steps they’ve provided to resolve it do not work. It’s so frustrating especially when it’s just ignored!

Everyone, I found a fix! I know it’s only 2023 so this stuff is pretty complicated for developers. However, here’s what I did (can’t believe I figured this out):

1. Close Facebook app on iPad
2. Set iPad on table
3. Walk away

Haven’t experienced the glitch yet!

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.

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!

Is anyone in Apple support working on this. I’m disabled and bed ridden a lot if the time. It’s super annoying to have to find my phone to open links instead of using my iPad. Used to work and doesn’t now so it must be an update thing. Works on iPhone so what gives. Please help. When my Apple stuff (and I have everything watch, buds,) works, it’s brilliant but this is frustrating. I have done all the suggested fixes.

Something blocking between FB Messenger and FB Apps. If I try to go into Account settings from the FB Messenger app - FB App opens but does not go to Account Settings. This happens on the iPad Air only.

Uninstalled both and reinstalled. Logged out on all devices etc... cleared caches... I am thinking it is some sort of security / trust setting on the iPad Air iOS.

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.

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.

So, lots of us are experiencing the same issue and Apple won’t/can’t help. Does anyone know how to get the Facebook wizards involved? I have reported the problem to them, but it just disappeared into the ether. Somebody’s gotta have a fix for this.

So, lots of us are experiencing the same issue and Apple won’t/can’t help. Does anyone know how to get the Facebook wizards involved? I have reported the problem to them, but it just disappeared into the ether. Somebody’s gotta have a fix for this. Does Apple monitor this forum?

Same. Super annoying. Never thought I’d be wanting to go back to my phone

ive done every update and still no fix. Similar to other’s experiences I can open links from my iPhone. Just not the iPad. The link opens FB (so something is working) but then FB fails to open the link and instead I’m left on the last thing I previously viewed on FB.

lyn160 wrote:

No option for safari on most Facebook reposts. Insta working but not fb so might be on the fb end. Apple can you talk to Facebook. Really annoying for some thing that used to work. Pretty please 🙏

1) Apple doesn't read here in this user-to-user forum for feedback or suggestions and 2) only Facebook can fixa problem with their app. I suggest you check their support options.

Been trying everything they suggested and still not working. I just opened FB and hit the menu button on bottom rt side,then scrolled down to “report a problem” hit that ,then copy and pasted this blog to them. I think if we get enough people doing this it might get some attention as the most likely don’t look at this site or are unaware of the amount of people this is affecting. If anybody’s messenger is doing this,you should do this,don’t think your message won’t count,the more messages,the more likely it will be addressed.

Kaz157 wrote:

I have the same issue. Tried reinstall and reboot with no luck. Where is support? Too many people have same issue what's going on ?

It would be impossible for anyone here to know why Facebook/Meta does not provide support for this product. Have you looked at their support forums?

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!