How can I message someone on Facebook without Facebook?

Member privacy settings can be adjusted to limit or prevent nearly any type of Facebook activity. Messaging, though, is one of the few features that are virtually untouchable by privacy restrictions. This type of communication enables members to send and receive messages with friends and non-friends alike. The only control lies in message delivery. Filtering preferences may make it a bit tricky to find non-friends’ messages. Blocking is the only guarantee that a Facebook user will not be able to read your messages.

Message Filtering

1. You can send a message to anyone on Facebook, regardless of friend status or privacy settings. The only exception applies to members you’ve blocked and those who’ve blocked you. Filtering preferences may inadvertently cause messages to go unseen, even though they have been delivered. With basic filtering, members typically receive all messages in the main folder of their inbox. Strict filtering means that most of the messages in your main inbox will be from friends, while messages from non-friends are directed to your “Other” folder. Filter preferences can be adjusted by clicking the “Other” link at the top of your “Messages” page, selecting “Edit Preferences” and choosing “Basic” or “Strict. Facebook does not notify members upon the receipt of “Other” messages.

Private Messages

1. The Facebook messaging feature is designed to facilitate private communication between Facebook members. There are several ways to send a message on Facebook. When you click the “Message” button at the top of a member’s profile, a dialog box appears. That member’s settings and chat status will determine how and where he receives that message. It may go to his inbox, mobile device or to the pop-up chat box in the lower right corner of his Facebook screen. Regardless of delivery, the message is a one-to-one communication between the sender and the recipient. Nobody else will be able to read that message. Group messages are another type of private message, offering the same privacy standards as messages between two people, but on a multi-person basis. When a group message involves people who are not directly connected, but share a mutual friend, that message can be seen by all recipients.

Status Updates

1. Your privacy settings determine the visibility of your Timeline and all of the status updates, photos and content it contains. Many members adjust their privacy settings to prevent non-friends from seeing non-public posts on their Timelines. To change privacy settings, click the gear-shaped icon in the upper right corner of any page and select the “Privacy Settings” option. Use the tabs in the left side panel of the resulting page to control the visibility of the content you post. When you post a message, or any other content, in the “What’s On Your Mind” box at the top of your home page, your chosen privacy settings will be applied. Use the audience selector tool in the lower right corner of the box to determine who can see that particular post without changing your default privacy settings for previous and future posts. Selecting “Public” for that post makes it visible to anyone on the social network, which means that non-friends can read it.

Blocking

1. The exception applies to Facebook members you add to your block list. When you block someone, virtually every connection between you is removed. Your Timeline and any past, present and future activity become invisible to him. Blocking is mutual, which means you can’t see his Facebook presence either. Some content, including mutual friends’ photos and message history, will still be visible after a block is initiated. However, neither party can send a new message to the other once blocked, and old messages can be deleted from each person’s message history.

   Facebook Messenger lets you send a message to anyone on Facebook, regardless of your friendship status (unless they’ve blocked you). If you are, in fact, friends on the social network, you can also call them or initiate a video chat.

   As with any popular app, Messenger has changed over time. New features were added and bug fixes were implemented. Did you know you can set nicknames for your contacts? Or that you can start a group chat? Tap or click here for five things you can do on Facebook Messenger that you may not have known about.

   Until a few years ago, you could create a Messenger account without ever having had a Facebook account. That’s not the case anymore, but there’s a way to get around this obstacle.

   Do you even Facebook?

   It’s understandable if you’ve avoided using Facebook or deactivated your account. Facebook is known for its invasive tracking methods, which don’t stop when you’re off the site. Facebook’s pixel tracking technology lets website developers track Facebook users for ad targeting.

   Facebook introduced the Privacy Center to let you know what the social network collects on you. You can review the data and change the settings to reduce the impact on your privacy. Tap or click here to learn more.

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   Facebook comes along with the option to use the Messenger app, which is excellent for keeping in touch with your Facebook friends. Until a couple of years ago, you just needed a phone number to use Messenger. Now you need a Facebook account, but the catch is that it doesn’t have to be active.

   That’s right. You can set up a Facebook account solely to use Messenger then deactivate it immediately. If you currently have a deactivated account, you can use it to create a Messenger account without reactivating it.

   RELATED: 12 tricks for WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, iMessage, Google Chat

   Using Messenger without a Facebook account

   If you never had a Facebook account or deleted the one you had, you can still use Messenger to create one then deactivate the Facebook account. Here’s how:

   • Download the Messenger app from Apple’s App Store or the Google Play Store.
   • Open Messenger and tap Create New Account.
   • Fill out the fields to create a Facebook account, tapping Next on each tab until you get to the Sign Up button. Note: Use the first and last name you want displayed in your Messenger account.
   • You’ll be asked to verify your account via text or email.
   • Once your Facebook account is created, you’ll have an active Messenger account as well.

   Now you can choose to keep your Facebook account active or go right ahead and deactivate it.

   To deactivate your Facebook account from your computer:

   • From your main profile, click the downward-facing arrow in the top-right.
   • Select Settings & Privacy > Settings.
   • Click Your Facebook Information in the left column.
   • Click Deactivation and Deletion.
   • Choose Deactivate Account then click Continue to Account Deactivation and follow the onscreen instructions.

   To deactivate your Facebook account from your iOS or Android device:

   • Open the Facebook app.
   • From your main profile, tap the hamburger menu icon in the bottom-right.
   • Tap Settings & Privacy > Settings.
   • Tap Account Ownership and Control.
   • Tap Deactivation and Deletion.
   • Tap Deactivate Account, then tap Continue to Account Deactivation and follow the onscreen instructions.

   When you deactivate your Facebook account, you can still chat with friends on Messenger, and people can see your Facebook profile picture. Other people can search for you and send you a message.

   Is Messenger worth keeping your Facebook profile around? If not, you can delete Facebook permanently. Note that this will also delete Messenger and all your messages. Tap or click here if you’re ready to say farewell to Facebook.

   Can you send a Facebook message without a Facebook account?

   You'll need to create a Facebook account to use Messenger. You can then deactivate your Facebook account and log into Messenger using your Facebook account information. This is called a Deactivated Except Messenger Account (DEMA).

   How do I contact someone on Messenger without Facebook?

   Message your mobile contacts in Messenger if you're not Facebook friends. You can upload your device's contacts to your Messenger app and then message them from the app. To let people who have your mobile number send you a message, confirm your phone number on Messenger.

   Why would someone use Messenger without Facebook?

   They either don't have an attached Facebook account for that Messenger account, or they have deactivated their Facebook account.