What Do the Different Symbols and Icons Mean in Facebook Messenger?

Having trouble understanding all the icons and symbols in the Facebook Messenger app? To get you started, here are some details about the app’s most immediately noticeable icons.

Since the Facebook Messenger app split from the Facebook app a few years ago, Facebook Messenger has become more complex and the icons may be less familiar.

But don’t worry, we have you covered! Read on to learn about the most common symbols and icons in the Facebook Messenger app.

What do the Facebook Messenger icons mean?

Some icons indicate the send state of your message. Is it a draft, has it been sent, has it been read? The different send states of each message are detailed below.

What does it mean when there is a blue circle next to my message in Facebook Messenger?

The message is still in the process of being sent.  It has not reached the recipient.

What does it mean when there is a blue checkmark and a blue circle next to my message in Facebook Messenger?

The message has been sent and is in the process of being delivered to the recipient.  The messaging process is complete on your end, but it is not complete on the recipient’s end, and the recipient is still unable to access the message.

What does it mean when there is a white checkmark with a filled blue circle next to my message in Facebook Messenger?

Now, your message is delivered as well as sent, so it is available to the recipient, though the recipient may not have read the message.

What does it mean when there is a red triangle next to my message in Facebook Messenger?

Your message has not been sent due to a disruption in internet connection. This notification will appear only if your device either has no data or has no connection to WiFi. Upon restoration of the connection, the triangle disappears, and the app continues with the delivery process.

What does it mean when a person’s profile picture appears next to my message in Facebook Messenger?

Your message has been sent, delivered, and read by the recipient. Once the recipient reads it, text under the message says “seen.”

What Does the Camera Icon Mean in Facebook Messenger?

The camera icon allows you to take a picture and attach it to a message or attach a preexisting image from your camera roll or photos folder.

What Does the Pencil Icon Mean in Facebook Messenger?

The pencil icon allows you to compose a new message, select recipients, or open a room in which multiple Facebook users can chat.

What Does the Create Room Icon Mean in Facebook Messenger?

This icon allows you to invite multiple Facebook users to a virtual room and engage in a group chat.

What Does the Green Dot on a Person’s Picture Mean in Facebook Messenger?

The green dot indicates that the person is online. Absence of the dot means that the person is either offline or has set his or her Active Status to Off and doesn’t want his or her online status to be displayed.

What Does the Lock Icon Mean in Facebook Messenger?

The lock icon indicates that the conversation is a “secret” conversation. A “secret” conversation exists only between two users, and Facebook pledges not to monitor or take information from that conversation. 

To start a secret conversation, select “secret” in the top-right of the screen after beginning a message composition with the pencil icon.

What Does the Bell with a Line Through It Mean in Facebook Messenger?

The bell with a line through it means that the conversation has been muted so that you will receive no notifications.

Now you have a basic understanding of Facebook Messenger’s icons and symbols so you can more easily navigate the app.

If you have other tips related to Facebook Messenger’s various icons, feel free to share them with us in the comments.

— Sean