Ever wondered what those symbols and icons in Facebook Messenger really mean? In this guide, we’ll explain with pictures the meanings behind various Messenger symbols and icons, giving you a clear understanding of each one’s purpose and how to use them effectively.
Messenger’s Symbols and Icons on the Chats Screen
Lets begin with the symbols and icons on the Chats screen. This is the first screen you’ll see upon opening the Messenger app:
1. Hamburger Icon (3-Horizontal-Lines Symbol)
The Hamburger icon, symbolized by 3 Horizontal Lines, is also known as the menu icon. It typically appears in the top-left corner of the Messenger app’s main screen. When you tap on this icon, it opens a menu that contains various options and features. These options often include settings, your profile, go back to the Chats screen, visit the Facebook Marketplace, Message requests and Archive.
2. Camera Icon
The camera icon allows you to access the camera function directly from the Messenger app, enabling you to take photos or videos to post to your story, or share with your contacts.
3. Pen Icon
The pen icon is where you can compose a new message or start a new conversation. It’s the gateway to initiating chats. Enable the padlock icon on the new message screen allows you to initiate a secret conversation and send disappearing messages.
4. Magnifying Glass Icon / Search Bar
The search bar helps you find specific conversations, contacts, or messages by typing keywords or names.
5. Padlock Icon on A Person’s Name
The padlock icon on a person’s name in Messenger means that the conversation is in “Secret Conversation” mode. This mode ensures that only you and the recipient can read the messages, making your conversation private and secure. It’s a way to keep sensitive information safe.
6. Unfilled Gray Circle with a Gray Checkmark
Indicates that the message has been sent from your end but hasn’t been delivered to the recipient yet.
7. Filled Gray Circle with a White Checkmark
Indicates that the message has been sent, successfully delivered to the recipient’s device, and has been received by them. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean the message has been read.
8. Bell with a Forward Slash Icon
Indicates that you have muted notifications for this particular conversation. You won’t receive notifications for new messages from this person.
9. Small Version of Profile Pic
When a small version of someone’s profile picture appears at the end of their names, it indicates that they have seen and read your message.
10. Timestamp on a Contact’s Profile Pic
Indicates how long ago the person was active on Messenger, showing the last time they were online or interacted with the app.
11. Green Dot on a Contact’s Profile Pic
Signifies that the contact is currently active or online.
The Labeled Symbols and Icons at the Bottom of Messenger’s Screen
There are 4 labeled icons located at the bottom of Messenger’s screen:
1. Chats (Speech Bubble Icon)
It’s like the “Home” button for Messenger. Click this icon will bring you back to the Chats screen.
2. Calls (Camcorder Icon)
Takes you to the “Calls” screen.
- Screen 1: If there have never been any calls made or received.
- Screen 2: If there were calls made or received.
3. People (2 Persons Icon)
The People Icon displays a list of contacts who are currently online and active, and it also provides Facebook Updates from your friends.
4. Stories
Tap this icon to add your own stories, or to watch posted stories from someone you’re friends with or connected with on Facebook Messenger.
Messenger’s Symbols and Icons on the Conversation Screen
Within a Messenger chat conversation, you’ll encounter the following symbols and icons:
1. Phone Icon
When you tap on the phone icon, it will start a voice call, enabling you to have a real-time conversation over the phone with the selected contact or group. You’ll notice more icons over on the calling screen and we’ll go through each of them real quick:
- Person-with-a-[+] Icon: Allows you to invite more people to join the voice call.
- Three Horizontal Dots: Opens a menu with various options and actions related to the ongoing voice call.
- Camcorder-with-a-Forward-Slash Icon: Tap to switch the current voice call to video call.
- Mic Icon: Allows you to mute/unmute the voice call.
- Photos and Media-with-a-Play-Button Icon: Play/Share suggested videos or reels during the voice call.
- Loudspeaker Icon: Tap to switch to speakerphone mode.
- Red Phone Button: Disconnect to end the voice call.
2. Camcorder Icon
To initiate a video call and access the video calling screen, simply tap on the camcorder icon located next to the phone icon. On the video calling screen, you’ll find additional icons and options. We’ll quickly go through each of the icons on the video calling screen:
- Person-with-a-[+] Icon: Allows you to invite more people to join the video call.
- Three Horizontal Dots: Opens a menu with various options and actions related to the ongoing video call.
- Smiley-with-Two-Pluses Icon: Allows you to add filters and effects on your face.
- Lightbulb Icon: Allows you to adjust the lighting on your face screen.
- Wand Icon: Allows you to touch up your face, a cosmetic enhancement feature.
- Three-Vertical-Dots: Tap to hide the recipient’s face screen.
- Camcorder Icon: Tap to switch the current video call to voice call.
- Mic Icon: Allows you to mute/unmute the video call.
- Photos and Media-with-a-Play-Button Icon: Play/Share suggested videos or reels during the video call.
- Camera-with-Two-Looping-Arrows: Toggle to switch between front and back camera.
- Red Phone Button: Disconnect to end the video call.
Read also: How to Minimize and Stop Seeing Facebook Reels
3. Filled Blue Circle with a White “i” Icon
Tapping this icon leads you to a customization screen where you can personalize various settings for your chats with that specific contact.
4. Unfilled Blue Circle Icon
Represents that the message is in the process of being sent.
5. Unfilled Blue Circle with a Blue Checkmark Icon
Signifies that the message has been sent from your end and is currently in the process of being delivered to the recipient.
6. Filled Blue Circle with a White Checkmark Icon
Indicates that the message has been sent, successfully delivered to the recipient’s device, and has been received by them. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean the message has been read.
7. Small Version of Profile Pic
This indicates that they have seen and read your message.
Messenger’s Symbols and Icons Around the Message Box
There are several icons located around the Message Box:
- Four Dots Forming a Square: Tap this to share your current location or play games with your contacts.
- Camera Icon: Opens your camera to take photos or record videos.
- Photos and Media Icon: Allows you to select photos or videos from your gallery.
- Mic Icon: Tap to record and send voice messages.
- Smiley: Provides quick access to a selection of Messenger stickers, emojis, GIFs, and sound emojis that you can add to your messages.
- Thumbs Up Icon: Use this icon to send a swift thumbs-up gesture to the chat. If you press and hold it, the thumbs-up will appear in a larger size.
Read also: How to Delete Someone from Messenger
What are Emoji Reactions in Facebook Messenger?
Emoji reactions in Messenger let you respond to messages with emojis like thumbs-up, hearts, laughter, and more. They’re a quick and fun way to express your feelings without typing.
Just tap and hold a message, a reactions set appears, pick an emoji, and you’re done! It’s an easy and expressive way to interact in your chats. (See screenshot below).
Quick tip: You can also double tap on a message to react with the first emoji in your reactions set.
When you tap and hold a message to choose your emoji reactions, four new labeled icons appear at the bottom of this screen. Let’s quickly go through them one by one:
- Reply: Allows you to specifically reply to that selected message.
- Copy: Allows you to copy that selected message so that you can paste it in another chat.
- Forward: Allows you to forward the selected message to another contact.
- Three-Horizontal-Dots: Opens a menu with options to bump, remove or report the selected message.
Pro Tip: Having the “Waiting for network” issue on Messenger? Learn the 10 effective solutions to fix Facebook Messenger “Waiting for network” error and get it back up and running smoothly in no time!
Final Thoughts
Understanding the symbols and icons within Facebook Messenger can significantly enhance your messaging experience. With this knowledge, you can navigate conversations, customize chats, and stay informed about your contacts’ activity. Embrace the power of these symbols and icons, and make your Messenger experience more efficient and enjoyable.
Important note: Make sure to update to the latest version of the Messenger app if you are having trouble using some of the features.
