What Does Facebook Messenger’s Check Mark Mean?

Decoding different icons, and their meanings for each new social media site can be exhausting, especially when it feels like there are new updates every day. The illustrations associated with each platform may seem unnecessary, but we need to understand them in order to take full advantage of what these platforms have to offer. The most recent signage that is befuddling users everywhere is the series of blue check marks used on Facebook Messenger. For those who are overwhelmed by what these icons could possibly mean, here is your quick guide:

What are they?
The icons in Facebook Messenger are used to tell you when your messages have been sent, delivered, and read. They are little blue circles, located at the far right of the message you just sent. If you have sent a string of messages, the icon will only appear after the last message, but will represent the group as a whole.

What’s the difference?
There are four different types of circles. The first is simply a white circle with a blue outline. If you see this icon next to your message, it means the message is still sending. The second is a white circle with a blue outline, and a blue checkmark. This means the message has been sent, but is not yet delivered, and the recipient cannot view it. The third is a filled-in blue circle with a white checkmark, which means your message has been delivered, and is currently on the recipient’s phone, though he or she is yet to view it. The final icon is a circle with a small version of your friend’s profile photo inside. This means they have read the message, and are (hopefully) responding!

Read More: How to Recover Deleted Facebook Messages

How can you use them?
Besides being able to track when your friend receives your messages, and keep track of the conversation as a whole, these insignias also make sure your Facebook Messenger app is fully functional. For example, if you are stuck between the “message sending,” and the “message sent” icons for an extended period of time, it may suggest that either your Messenger app isn’t working, or you are in an area with poor service. Similarly, if your message has been sent, but remains undelivered for an extended period of time, it may suggest that something is wrong with the recipient’s device, or service.

Stay in the Know
Staying constantly updated is part of the package when it comes to social media these days. Make sure you check out the dfndr blog to see which updates are coming to your Android phone, and find out how you can take advantage. Then download dfndr security, so it’s not only your Messenger that’s working in top shape.