Gray box whilst typing in Facebook on iPhone

I’ve been in touch with Apple today , she went through some settings with me. I ended up having to re-install the FB app , which seems to have sorted it?, whether that’s just temporary I don’t know?. But she said they are aware of it and trying to fix it??. But every time we get software updates it always messes stuff up!! Why can’t they just leave it alone???

PFJ30 wrote:

Apologies. My error. I automatically presumed there was a cost consequence of selecting to use it. I agree the grey box issue is highly unlikely to have anything to do with Govt. surveillance. That was what I was trying to communicate to the original author.

Thank you for clarifying this. We just get too many conspiracy theories in public forums. I didn't want to see this devolve into anything other than this is a Facebook issue, which Facebook needs to address. I did see there is an update for Facebook released today. People who are having this issue should download the update and see if the gray box is gone.

pdidit wrote:

WHATS GOING ON? IM HAVING THE SAME ISSUE - just started today March 7th… is this a virus ? Facebook attack or what?

I understand that Meta has poor customer service, so users of their apps have to look for other channels for a resolution, but it is not Apple that will be able to solve a Meta problem. That would include for any app from Meta, such as Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, or Instagram.

The frequency of updates to address bug fixes for those apps should be a clue. Solving one problem by creating 2 more is the trademark of all Meta updates. Ironically, you are the bug tester, yet they have no Support Forum for their users to discuss the issues. Just look at the number of updates in just the last Month for these apps and that should tell you there is a problem.

• Facebook - 11 times
• WhatsApp - 10 times
• Instagram - 9 times
• Messenger - 10 times

I’m getting it as well. I have found, however, that if I hold down the space bar, I can move my cursor to wherever I want it and correct any errors. It is aggravating, but there’s a way around being able to edit what you’ve written. I thought I would share this until Facebook or Applefigures it out, which ever one needs to do their thing.

You could:

• Contact Meta
• Wait for them to update the Facebook
• Quit using Facebook in the meantime.

It is not an Apple problem so it cannot be resolved by Apple, as they cannot update apps for Meta. For the reason why it happens in the first place, that is also something only Meta could tell you.

I get the same thing as well, but only on my iPad... not on my iPhone or iMac. I found that by tapping the keyboard down, then back up, it goes away.

And which iOS are you on?

jimboleo wrote:

If it only occurs on iOS then it’s an apple coding issue. It wouldn’t be the first time that apple changed coding and screwed up third party apps in the process. It occurs with EVERY update!

100% WRONG. Apple cannot touch the code in Facebooks app. Facebook would sue Apple if they tried to do so. You clearly don't understand how apps work, who owns them and who is responsible for them if something goes wrong.

Over the weekend, Philips, released a new app for my CPAP machine. It apparently worked on Androids, but crashed the moment it opened on iPhone. Apple had nothing to do with it. Philips finally fixed it as ONLY Philips could.

Franny5580 wrote:

I’m seeing this on both my iPad and iPhone. In addition I’m seeing it not only on Facebook but also X and Bluesky. Is Apple doing anything to correct this?

Apple cannot update an app from another company. Post a screenshot of the gray box when using apps other than Facebook. You would be the first one here out of 127 posts, so that would be helpful.

Tappyballerina wrote:

It’s a new censorship tool Facebook is utilizing.

Nope. It's a total inability to read the thread you just posted to, where the solution has been posted. But if you prefer to believe conspiracy theories, knock yourself out! Or just update your Facebook app. Your choice.

Shari427 wrote:

I am getting this on my Iphone 16 as well as my Ipad Air. Very frustrating.

What did Facebook say when you let them know about this? Telling other users on this user to user only forum, none of whom work for Facebook won't help you much. Apple doesn't own the Facebook app, so they can't fix anything associated with the Facebook app. Provide your feedback to Facebook.

Corkscrew13 wrote:

I’m in Canada and I have the same issue. I saw a video on how to turn this off. I can’t remember the steps. Maybe google it. You can see every website who is tracking and trading your info.

I have an iPhone 12 and it was after my last update.

Time to go back to a rotary phone and a knock at the door I guess.

Or..........just a thought here.........UPDATE the app, where Facebook has evidently fixed the issue with their app........again, just a thought.

Ask Facebook, this has nothing to do with Apple.

All posts. It’s a bug, not a conspiracy 🤓

jimboleo wrote:

I guess apple doesn’t feel like they owe their customers an explanation.

Just what do you think Apple can do about the issue with the Facebook application? Did you read any of the posts? Apple doesn't own Facebook. Apple can't fix Facebooks application. ONLY Facebook can fix their application.