Launched as a standalone messaging app, Facebook has packed the Messenger app with themes, calling features, secret conversations, and more. Sometimes it feels bloated, sluggish or off to some. If you are facing the same problem, read on to fix Messenger lag on Android.

We’ll go over several factors that affect how well Messenger works on your Android phone.

1. Avoid using custom themes

Facebook has released an option to use custom themes in the app. We are not talking about simple dark or light themes here. You can now also customize chat themes.

These custom chat themes require extra CPU power to open the chat and work properly. You can avoid using custom themes for different conversations in the Messenger app to fix the lag.

Step 1: Open the Facebook Messenger app on Android

2nd step: Access a conversation that uses a custom topic.

Step 3: Tap the profile name at the top.

Step 4: Go to the Theme menu and it will open the Customize your chat option.

Don’t go with a theme that has high graphics. Scroll down and select a simple color or a gradient theme for the chat.

2. Delete other Facebook accounts

Facebook lets you manage multiple Facebook accounts and pages from the Messenger app. If you have added three or four Facebook accounts with the Messenger app, it’s time to delete other accounts and keep the main one for lag-free operations.

Step 1: Open the Messenger app on Android and tap on the profile picture at the top.

2nd step: Tap Manage Accounts.

Step 3: Swipe left on an account you want to delete and tap the delete icon.

Do this for all irrelevant accounts and keep your main account active in the app.

3. Disable Chat Heads

This one is applicable for those who use Messenger on mid-range or low-end Android phones. Constant incoming messages in the Messenger app can trigger chat heads all the time, and the whole messaging experience can feel sluggish or glitchy.

You have the option to disable chat heads from Messenger settings. Here’s how to use it.

Step 1: Launch the Messenger app on Android and select the profile picture at the top.

2nd step: Scroll down to the Preferences menu and find the Chat Heads option.

Disable the chat heads toggle.

4. Disable data saver mode

You may notice Messenger lag when Data saver mode is on. Messenger will apply data usage curbs, sometimes resulting in unwanted experiences. Follow the steps below to turn off Data Saver mode in Messenger.

Step 1: Open Messenger and go to Settings.

2nd step: Find Data Saver in the Preferences menu and tap on it.

Step 3: Disable Data Saver mode and you’re good to go.

Note that the Messenger app’s data consumption may increase, but you should notice a better app experience.

5. Force Stop Messenger

By using the Force Stop option in the app info menu, you are essentially restarting the app on Android. Try it out and see if the force stop trick fixes the lag with the Messenger app.

Step 1: Long press the Messenger app icon and open the app info menu.

2nd step: Tap Force Stop at the bottom and close the app.

Give it some time and start using the Messenger app again.

6. Clear Messenger App Cache

This one is meant to feed Messenger users. If you’ve been a Messenger user for a long time, chances are you’ve collected a pretty good amount of cache data in the background. You need to clear the Messenger app cache and start fresh.

Step 1: Long press the Messenger app icon and open the app info menu.

2nd step: Go to the Storage menu and select the Clear Cache option.

Read our dedicated article to find out what happens when you clear cache in Android apps.

7. Avoid third-party keyboards

Sometimes Messenger lag may not be caused by the app itself, but by typing lag on Android.

If you’re using a third-party keyboard, it’s time to switch back to Gboard for a smooth typing experience.

Ditch your OEM keyboard and download Gboard from the Google Play Store using the link below.

Download Gboard for Android

8. Update Facebook Messenger

An outdated version of Messenger could be the main factor behind the app’s sketchy experience. Go to Play Store and update Facebook Messenger to the latest version to fix bugs and improve app stability.

Enjoy the Smooth Messenger experience on Android

If none of the tricks work to fix Messenger lag then you need to install Messenger Lite app on Android. It is designed for low data and resource consumption for budget Android phones. Although its features are slim, the app gets the job done with a messaging experience.

What trick worked for you to fix Messenger lag? Share your findings in the comments below.