Sending files on Messenger can be challenging because there isn’t a “Document” option.
Unlike other messaging apps like WhatsApp, you can only send files on Messenger if you’re using it on a desktop.
This is because the mobile app doesn’t support the sending of files yet.
Hence, the only prerequisite that you need is to have a computer.
Then, you’re required to transfer the files from your phone to your computer to send them through Facebook Messenger.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to send files on Messenger in 3 steps.
- How to send files on Messenger
- Can you send attachments through Messenger?
- Why can’t I send PDF files on Messenger?
How to send files on Messenger
To send files on Messenger, you need to log in to it on a desktop.
Once you’ve logged into it on a desktop, you can send files via the paperclip icon.
The paperclip icon is an additional messaging feature that can be found by clicking the “+” icon.
It allows you to send documents like a Word and PowerPoint document.
After you’ve selected the paperclip icon, you’ll land on the file explorer where you can find the file that you want to send.
Navigate to the file that you want to send and send it.
If the file is on your mobile device, you need to transfer it over to your computer first.
You can do that via Dropbox, email, WhatsApp, or more.
Below is a 3-step guide (with screenshots) on how you can send files on Facebook Messenger.
Step 1: Log in to Messenger on a desktop
Visit Messenger on your desktop and log into it (via Facebook).
The first step is to log in to Messenger on a desktop.
You won’t be able to send files on Messenger on the mobile app as it does not support it yet.
That being said, you can only send files if you’re using Messenger on a desktop.
Firstly, open a browser (e.g. Chrome) and visit the Messenger website.
You can also use a mobile browser (e.g. Safari) for this.
However, the Messenger website is not mobile-responsive, so it’s best to use a desktop for this.
Once you’re on the Messenger website, you’ll see a button with your Facebook name (e.g. Continue as Jane Doe).
Click on the “Continue as x” button if the Facebook account is yours.
If the Facebook account belongs to someone else, click on “Switch accounts”.
Then, enter your Facebook email/phone number and password to log in to your account.
Proceed to the next step to learn how to navigate to the feature that allows you to send files.
Step 2: Tap on the “+” icon
Click on the “+” icon at the bottom of the screen.
After you’ve logged into Messenger, you’ll see a list of people that you’ve recently messaged.
Navigate to the person that you want to send the file(s) to.
You can also search for them on the search bar at the top of the list.
Once you’ve found the person, click on them to open the chat.
At the bottom of the chat, you’ll see multiple icons including a GIF, sticker, image, and a “+” icon.
The GIF icon allows you to search and send a GIF.
The sticker icon allows you to search and send a sticker.
If you want to send an image, click on the image icon.
As you can see, there isn’t an icon that resembles the sending of files.
To find it, click on the “+” icon.
Move on to the final step to learn how to send files on Facebook Messenger using a specific icon.
Step 3: Click on the paperclip icon
Click on the paperclip icon > find and select the file(s) that you want to send > send the message.
After you’ve clicked on the “+” icon, an additional chat option will be shown.
The additional chat option is a paperclip icon.
The paperclip icon allows you to send files on Messenger like Word documents.
Click on the paperclip icon to open the file explorer.
Once you’re on the file explorer, navigate to the file that you want to send.
Then, click on the file and click on “Open” to add it to the chat.
If you have multiple files to send, you can press CTRL on your keyboard and click on the files that you want to send.
Once you’re done with adding the files, click on the arrow icon or hit “Enter” to send the message.
If the files are on your mobile device, you need to transfer them over to your computer first.
This is because you won’t be able to send files on the Messenger mobile app.
You’ve successfully learned how to send files on Facebook Messenger!
Can you send attachments through Messenger?
Yes, you can send attachments through Messenger on a desktop by clicking on the “+” icon followed by the paperclip icon.
However, you won’t be able to send them on the Messenger mobile app.
This is because the mobile app does not support the sending of files yet.
To send files like Word or Powerpoint documents, you need to use messenger on a desktop.
So, you need to transfer your files over from your mobile device to your computer first.
Why can’t I send PDF files on Messenger?
You can’t send PDF files on Messenger because you’re using the mobile app instead of the desktop version of Messenger.
If you’re using the Messenger mobile app, you won’t be able to send files like PDF files.
This is because the Messenger mobile app does not support the sending of files.
To send PDF files on Messenger, you need to use Messenger on a desktop.
Otherwise, you can use another messenger app that supports the sending of files like WhatsApp to send PDF files.
Conclusion
In this article, you’ve learned that sending files on Facebook Messenger cannot be done on the mobile app.
It can only be done on the desktop version of Messenger.
So the next time you want to send files on Messenger, make sure to transfer your files over to your computer first.
Then visit the Messenger website on a browser and send the files there.
An alternative solution to sending files on Messenger is to email them.
Otherwise, you can use a messaging app that supports the sending of files like WhatsApp.
Further Reading
How to Change Your Profile Picture on Messenger
How To Delete Messages On Messenger From Both Sides
What Does “Other Viewers” Mean on Facebook Story?
Lim How Wei is the founder of Followchain. Feel free to follow him on Instagram.
