To remove a word effect in Facebook Messenger, open the chat, tap the person’s or group’s name at the top, and tap Word effects. Find the effect you want to remove, then swipe left on it and tap Delete, or tap it and choose Remove, depending on your version of the app. The emoji animation will stop appearing when that word is typed in the chat. Word effects are set per conversation, so you’ll need to remove them in each chat where they were added.
Messenger changes its menus often, so the exact wording may differ slightly on your phone. Below are the steps for the app and on a computer, and what to do if you can’t remove an effect.
What are Messenger word effects?
A word effect makes emojis fly across the screen when someone sends a specific word or phrase in a chat. For example, typing “congrats” could trigger a burst of 🎉. Anyone in the chat can usually add them, and they apply to everyone in that conversation.
How to remove a word effect on iPhone or Android
- Open Messenger and go to the chat with the effect.
- Tap the person’s or group’s name at the top of the chat.
- Tap Word effects. You may need to look under Customize chat or Chat settings.
- Swipe left on the effect and tap Delete, or tap the effect and choose Remove or the trash icon.
- Confirm if asked.
How to remove a word effect on a computer
- Open the chat at messenger.com, in the Messenger desktop app, or in Facebook’s chat.
- Click the i (conversation information) icon or the chat name.
- Open Customize chat > Word effects, if available.
- Hover over the effect and click the X or trash icon.
Not every version of Messenger on the web shows word effects. If you don’t see the option, use the mobile app.
If you can’t remove a word effect
- Update Messenger from the App Store or Google Play. Older versions may not show the Word effects menu.
- Check the chat type. Word effects aren’t available in every chat, such as some end-to-end encrypted chats, communities, or business chats.
- Group chats: In some groups, only admins can change chat settings. Ask an admin to remove the effect.
- Mute the animation instead. If you just find the effects distracting, turning on Reduce Motion on your phone (on iPhone, Settings > Accessibility > Motion) may reduce animations in many apps.
How to add a word effect
- Open the chat, tap the name at the top, and tap Word effects.
- Tap the + or Add, type a word or phrase, and choose an emoji.
- Tap Save or the checkmark.
Frequently asked questions
Does deleting a word effect remove it for everyone?
Yes. Word effects belong to the conversation, so removing one removes it for everyone in that chat.
Will the other person know I removed a word effect?
Messenger may show a small note in the chat when chat settings change, depending on the version.
Can I turn off word effects completely?
There’s no single switch to turn off all word effects in every chat. You need to remove the effects in each conversation.
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.