Why does Facebook Messenger rely on cellular connection and not WiFi?

[theoottesen]

So I have noticed that if I don't have a strong cellular connection messenger will not send or receive messages. This occurs even if I have a solid WiFi connection. This really doesn't make sense at all to me. I have WiFi turned on so I don't have to use me cell connection for data apps, such as messenger. Does anyone know why it's doing this?

 

[Rick_Air]

Really? Never noticed that. Have you tried putting it in flight mode then just turning on WiFi to see if it sends?

Maybe it ignores WiFi if there is a cellular signal even if its very weak.

 

[Rick_Air]

Just tried it myself if data is turned off it works over WiFi only.

 

[theoottesen]

I tried that also and it works. However if I have 1x (which happens often in my house) it will not send or receive. That's strange.

 

[Rick_Air]

Maybe the app prioritizes cellular over WiFi, but your low connection isn't enough to actually send the message.
Does it do it for all messages? eg texts and stickers

 

[theoottesen]

Yes, is cellular connection is low it simply will not refresh or send/receive anything. It does seem as though the app is coded to go with cell connection over WiFi, which doesn't make any sense. You'd think they would want it to prioritize WiFi above all.

 

[Rick_Air]

Yes, it's definitely a strange decision. You could try contacting them to suggest it's changed in an update, if enough people mention it you never know they may do.

 

[SammyD97]

Messenger never worked at all on WiFi for me. Whether its wifi only or not. I've never really bothered to check if it works on WiFi only after the recent updates.