Facebook is one of the oldest platforms to connect with people through photos, status, and chats. Facebook mandated using its Messenger app loaded with dozens of features to chat with people. One such feature is Wave ? that allows you to start a conversation. You can wave or wave back on Messenger when you are having a conversation for the first time, but how to wave back? Here is the how-to guide for you.
Update: The newer version of the Messenger app does not have the “Wave” option. After adding your friend for the first time on Facebook, the wave icon will be visible. After a limited time, the wave feature will no longer be visible though you have not started the conversation yet. It is only possible if your friend uses an older version of Messenger. You can still wave back if your friend wave at you during this period.
If you are using an older version of the Messenger app, refer to the below sections on how to wave or wave back on Messenger.
Also read: How to Check Facebook Messages without the Messenger App.
How to Wave on Facebook Messenger?
Starting a conversation with a wave is easy, and if you don’t know how to wave on Facebook messenger, here is the step-by-step process.
- Open the Facebook Messenger app on your Android or IOS device.
- In the bottom section, click on the ‘People‘ tab.
- Here you can find two sections, Stories and Active. Click on the ‘Active Tab‘ and you can find all the active friends along with a grey hand.
- Click on the grey hand icon to wave.
- Once the wave icon is clicked, the icon turns from grey to yellow.
- Your friend can now see the wave ? when the conversation is opened by your friend.
It is this simple to wave and start a conversation with your friend on Facebook Messenger. Additionally, there is a condition when you want to use the wave feature for friends on Facebook; your friend should be actively using Facebook Messenger.
Also read: How to Recover Deleted Facebook Posts? [Step-By-Step Guide]
Automatic Wave for New Friends on Facebook
When you have recently added new friends to Facebook or started a conversation for the first time, you get an automatic wave option when the conversation is opened.
When you start a new conversation, you can find a note from Facebook with a waving hand above the chatbox. When you click on the wave emoji, a wave is sent to your friend and to which they can reply with a wave back.
This feature is only available for new Facebook friends or when you are starting a conversation with someone for the first time.
Also read: How to Block and Unblock Someone on Facebook?
How to Wave Back on Facebook Messenger?
If someone has sent you a wave on Facebook and you want to wave them back? How can you do it? It is straightforward; check the steps below –
- Open the Facebook Messenger app on your Android or IOS device.
- Now open the conversation of your friend who has sent you a wave.
- You can find the option to wave back to the conversation, click on the Wave ? back icon to wave back.
- You can now see the messages of you and your friend waving back at each other.
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How to Undo Wave on Facebook Messenger?
The wave feature on Facebook Messenger is handy, and you might accidentally send a wave to someone. Is there an option to undo the Wave or remove the Wave that you have sent? Yes, you can and here is the guide on how to undo Wave on Facebook Messenger.
You can undo the Wave only within ten minutes of sending it. So, if you have sent it accidentally, make sure to undo it within 10 minutes of sending it.
- Open the conversation from which you want to undo the wave.
- Long-tap on the wave icon until you see the quick emojis.
- At the bottom, you can see the ‘Remove’ tab, click on it.
- There are two options, likewise to what we see when deleting from WhatsApp; Remove for everyone or remove for me.
- If you click on Remove for Me, the Wave will only be deleted from your chat. On the contrary, if you click on ‘Remove for Everyone’ the Facebook Messenger Wave is deleted for everyone.
- This works for both single and group conversations.
Use Emojis or GIF to Start a Conversation
A simple wave can be a dull conversation starter; instead, you can use other Emoji’s or GIFs. There are plenty of options, and GIFs are the best way to start a conversation than Messenger’s wave feature. The stock GIF’s are limited, but you can use Tenor GIF on your Android, IOS, or Mac device.
Also read: How to Create Facebook Poll on Mobile and Desktop.
Frequently Asked Questions [Faqs]
The newer version of Messenger does not support the “wave” feature. You can still find it if you have newly added someone to your friend list, but it will only be available for a limited time.
No, the newer version of Messenger does not support the wave feature. If you use the older versions, you can still wave or wave back at your newly added friends.
The wave feature is no longer available on the Messenger app. Your newly added friends using the older version of Messenger can still wave at you, and you can wave back at them.
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Conclusion
If you are unable to use see the Wave icon on the Messenger app, it is likely because you are using a newer version of Messenger. When you add a new friend, you can still wave or wave back at them if they are using an older version of the app.
This is how simple it is to wave back on Facebook Messenger. If you are still facing any difficulties, mention them in the comments and we will help you solve them. Also, join our community and share the guide if it helps you.
