18 hidden features in Facebook Messenger only power users know about

Facebook

There's a lot more to Facebook's messaging app than meets the eye.

Since Messenger was split off as its own separate app, Facebook has been steadily adding features that expand its capabilities. Messenger can make free video calls like FaceTime, share your location with friends, send money to people, and much, much more.

Companies are more recently starting to use Messenger for customer support, which could eventually turn the app into a one-stop-shop for all of your daily communication needs.

Here are all of the features in Facebook Messenger you might not know about.

Contrary to what you might think, you don't actually need a Facebook account to use Messenger.

Facebook

Anyone can sign up for a Messenger account separate of Facebook proper by downloading the Messenger app or visiting Messenger.com. All you'll need is your phone number.

If you're on Android, multiple people can login into Messenger at once.

Facebook

In Messenger's settings on Android, an "Accounts" option lets you add multiple accounts in one app — which is ideal if you want to share your phone with someone else. Each person's account stays private (only unread notifications are shown) until the owner signs in with his or her password.

Messenger isn't just for sending texts; you can make voice and video calls for free over the internet.

Facebook

To call someone who has the Messenger app installed on their phone, tap the video or phone icon in the top right of the message window next to their name. There's also a dedicated "Calls" section of the app.

Messenger can also make group audio calls.

Facebook/David Marcus

Tap the phone icon at the top right of a group conversation to call everyone at once (up to 50 people).

You can send someone an audio recording.

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It's like a modern day walkie-talkie.

You can customize the look of a conversation by changing the group name, participants' nicknames, and the chat colors.

Facebook

Tap on the name of a group or contact name to get started.

You can also assign a dedicated emoji for a conversation that sits only one tap away.

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Tap on the name of a group or contact name to assign one.

Are your friends being too chatty? Mute the conversation.

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If you'd rather not be annoyed by notifications from a spammy message thread, you can mute the conversation without leaving it. Just tap the name of the person or group you're messaging at the top of the screen and then tap "Notifications."

You'll be able to mute the thread for a certain amount of time or indefinitely.

You can send or request money in Messenger by linking your bank account.

Facebook

Facebook lets you transfer money from your bank account to anyone on Messenger. It's easy to set up:

  1. Tap  the little $ button at the bottom of a conversation.
  2. Enter the amount you want to send or receive.
  3. Add your Visa or MasterCard debit card.

Each transaction can take up to a few business days to send depending on your bank, but Facebook doesn't charge any fee for providing the service.

Messenger can integrate with lots of other apps, like Dropbox and Bitmoji.

Dropbox

If you tap the little "..." button within a conversation, you'll see the option to use a host of other apps and services. Dropbox, for instance, can be used to send files.

Uber and Lyft can get you a ride without leaving Messenger.

Facebook

Tap and hold on an address to book a ride through either of the two ride hailing apps. You can manage the account(s) you're logged into from the "Transportation" tab at the top of the list of app integrations.

You can create your own Messenger username and QR code photo tied to your account. People can use your account name or code to add you.

Facebook

Messenger lets you create a custom username for your profile that others can use to find you. Your profile photo can also be added a custom QR code that's scannable within Messenger. The idea is that someone else with Messenger can scan your code to start a conversation with you.

Messenger profiles can be customized from the "Me" section of the app, but the QR code scanning functionality is pretty buried in the app. You have to tap the + symbol at the top right of the "People" tab and then "Scan Code."

Some companies will give you customer support over Messenger.

Facebook

Facebook lets companies use Messenger to conduct customer support via chat.

When you buy something from Everlane, for example, and have your Facebook account tied into the order, your order details get sent to you in Messenger. You can request shipping status updates and get customer support directly in the app.

Facebook is starting to integrate more businesses into Messenger, but for now, only a handful of companies offer the experience.

Messenger is also letting companies create chat bots, which can do things like deliver you the news, order flowers, and tell you the weather.

Facebook

Many of Messenger's current chat bots need work before they become useful, but you can check out the initial round of available bots from the app's search box.

Eventually you'll be able to use "M," Facebook's virtual assistant that will be able to do things like book a flight to call your cable company.

Facebook

Facebook is working on its own virtual assistant called M that will work directly in Messenger. Think of it like Siri, but more powerful. It will help you make restaurant reservations, buy stuff as if you were using Amazon, contact the DMV, book vacations, and more.

Right now, Facebook M is only available to a small group of people using the Messenger app in the San Francisco Bay area, but the social network's ambition is to have M eventually work for everyone.

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