Is Messenger safe to use?

Safe with care

Safe for personal chats, which have been end-to-end encrypted by default since December 2023, but it is tied to Meta's ad business.

Checked October 2026

Quick facts

Owned by: Meta Platforms
Based in: Menlo Park, USA
Encryption: End-to-end by default for one-to-one chats and calls since December 2023.
Data it collects: Facebook profile data, contacts, usage data and device information, used for ads across Meta.
Minimum age: 13+

What keeps you safe

Personal chats are end-to-end encrypted by default.
Message requests filter strangers into a separate folder.
Reporting and blocking are quick.

Risks to know about

Hacked Facebook accounts are used to message friends asking for money.
Metadata and activity feed Meta's advertising.

Scams to watch for on Messenger

A friend's hacked account asks for money or a code.
Marketplace buyers sending fake payment screenshots.
"Is this you in this video?" links that steal logins.

Is Messenger legit?

Messenger is Meta's official messaging app and is legit.

Is it safe for kids?

Messenger Kids is the separate app designed for children under 13.

How to use Messenger safely

Turn on two-factor authentication on Facebook.
Call a friend to confirm before sending money.
Never click "is this you" video links.

Where Messenger is restricted

Does a VPN make Messenger safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and protects you on public Wi-Fi. It can't stop Messenger collecting data or scammers messaging you.

Picked for privacy and getting messages through.

Proton VPN

Swiss-based with open-source apps and a free tier, plus a Stealth protocol for restrictive networks.

For strict networks: the Stealth protocol.

Try Proton VPN

ExpressVPN

Obfuscation is switched on automatically on every server, so there is no special mode to find.

For strict networks: automatic obfuscation (protocol set to Automatic).

Try ExpressVPN

NordVPN

Largest network of the six, with the NordWhisper protocol for networks that inspect traffic.

For strict networks: NordWhisper or obfuscated servers.

Try NordVPN

Not sure about these three? See 3 more VPNs Private Internet Access, Surfshark and CyberGhost

Private Internet Access

Open-source apps, unlimited devices and servers in every US state, at a low price.

For strict networks: the Shadowsocks proxy option.

Try Private Internet Access

Surfshark

Unlimited devices on one plan, with NoBorders mode that switches on in restrictive regions.

For strict networks: NoBorders mode.

Try Surfshark

CyberGhost

Servers labelled for specific streaming services and a 45-day refund window on longer plans.

For strict networks: a nearby server (CyberGhost has no stealth mode).

Try CyberGhost

We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick and how we make money

Questions people ask

Is Messenger safe to use?

Safe for personal chats, which have been end-to-end encrypted by default since December 2023, but it is tied to Meta's ad business.

Is Messenger legit?

Messenger is Meta's official messaging app and is legit.

Is Messenger encrypted?

End-to-end by default for one-to-one chats and calls since December 2023.

What data does Messenger collect?

Facebook profile data, contacts, usage data and device information, used for ads across Meta.

Is Messenger safe for kids?

Messenger Kids is the separate app designed for children under 13.

Does a VPN make Messenger safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts traffic on public Wi-Fi, so your network and ISP can't see what you do on Messenger. It does not stop Messenger itself from collecting data, and it does not protect you from scams inside the app.

Sources

Meta privacy policy