Games in Facebook Messenger have changed a lot over the years. Meta moved its Instant Games out of Messenger chats and into the main Facebook app in 2019. Since then, Messenger has offered games mainly during video calls, plus a few hidden emoji mini-games. Exactly what you see depends on your region, device, and app version. This guide explains where to find games today on Android, iPhone, and computers, and what to do if you can’t find them.
Quick Answer
In Messenger: start a video call, tap the More or Activities button (often the three dots or smiley face), and choose Games if it’s offered.
In Facebook: open the Facebook app, tap the Menu, and open Gaming or Play games to play Instant Games with friends.
Features vary by account and region, so if you don’t see games, update the apps and check the Facebook app.
Where Messenger Games Went: A Quick History
| Year | Change |
|---|---|
| 2016 | Instant Games launched in Messenger chats |
| 2019 | Meta moved Instant Games from Messenger to the Facebook app’s Gaming section |
| 2022 | Games added to Messenger video calls on some platforms |
| Today | Availability varies. Video-call games and Facebook Gaming are the main options. |
Method 1: Play Games During a Messenger Video Call
- Update Messenger from the App Store or Google Play.
- Open a chat with a friend and tap the video camera icon to start a call.
- Tap the More button (three dots) or the Activities / smiley icon on the call screen.
- Tap Games (or Play), choose a game, and start. Your friend is invited to play.
On computers, open messenger.com or the Facebook website, start a video call, and look for an activities or games button. Not every account has these options.
Method 2: Play Instant Games in the Facebook App
- Open the Facebook app (or facebook.com).
- Tap the Menu (three lines or your profile picture) and choose Gaming or Play games. Use See more if it’s hidden.
- Choose a game and tap Play. Many games let you challenge Messenger friends or share scores to chats.
Method 3: Hidden Emoji Mini-Games
Messenger has long included small hidden games. Send the basketball (🏀) or soccer ball (⚽) emoji by itself in a chat, then tap it in the conversation to try a quick game. These easter eggs aren’t guaranteed and may not work in every app version or region.
Can’t Find Games?
- Update Messenger and Facebook to the latest versions.
- Check your region and age: some features aren’t available everywhere or on teen accounts.
- Try the Facebook app: most Instant Games live there now.
- Restart the app and your phone.
- If the games button is gone, Meta may have removed the feature for your account. Try standalone mobile games you can play with friends instead, such as Words With Friends or 8 Ball Pool.
Safety Tips
- Be careful with “free coins” links shared in chats. They’re often scams.
- Review app permissions in Facebook Settings > Apps and websites and remove games you no longer play.
- Parents can use Messenger’s parental supervision tools for teen accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did games disappear from my Messenger chats?
Meta moved Instant Games from Messenger chats to the Facebook app in 2019. Chat-based game lists have been retired.
Do I need a Facebook account to play?
For Facebook Instant Games, yes. Messenger features depend on how your account is set up.
Is my game progress saved?
Progress for Instant Games is saved to your Facebook account and carries over between devices.
Summary
- Look for Games in a Messenger video call’s More menu.
- Play Instant Games in the Facebook app under Gaming or Play games.
- Try the basketball or soccer emoji mini-games.
- Update your apps if games don’t appear, as availability varies.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.