Published on Aug 2, 2025 5 min read

How to Set Up Email Alerts for New Facebook Messenger Messages

Are you missing Facebook Messenger messages when you’re not using the app? You’re not alone. Many people find email alerts useful to stay informed and never miss important communications. These alerts notify you of new messages, which is especially helpful if you manage a business page or frequently engage in chats. You don’t need to rely on a specific app for this feature.

It’s easy and quick to adjust your Facebook account settings to enable email alerts. This guide will walk you through each step to activate and manage your email alerts, ensuring you only receive the notifications you want. Email alerts keep you updated on any device—whether it’s a computer or a phone—so you never miss a crucial message again.

How to Enable Facebook Messenger Email Alerts in 9 Easy Steps

Step 1: Log Into Your Facebook Account

Start by entering your email and password to sign in to Facebook. Ensure this is the account linked to Messenger. After logging in, navigate to your main homepage. This can be done via your phone, computer, or browser. Using a browser is recommended for easier access to all settings, as the Facebook app might display different options. Avoid Facebook Lite, as it doesn’t show all settings needed for email alerts.

Step 2: Access Notification Settings

Click the small arrow or your profile picture at the top right of your Facebook homepage. From the menu, choose Settings & Privacy, then select Settings. On the left side, click Notifications to open notification settings. Here, you’ll find alerts for comments, tags, messages, and more. Scroll down to the Email section and click the arrow next to it for more options. Now, adjust how Facebook sends email alerts to your inbox.

Step 3: Enable Email Alerts for Messages

In the email settings, you’ll see several options controlling which alerts you receive. Look for a section labeled What You’ll Receive. Options might include:

• All notifications except the ones you turn off
• Important notifications about you or your activity
• Only account, security, and privacy notifications

To receive Messenger email alerts, select All notifications except the ones you turn off. This ensures you get updates and new messages via email.

Step 4: Filter Notifications for Messenger Only

Return to the Notifications settings and find the Messenger section. Click it to open your alert options. Decide if and when you want to receive notifications for new messages. Options include push alerts, SMS, and email. Ensure the Email option is turned On to receive message alerts by email. You can also choose alerts for group chats or message requests, and disable alerts for unwanted contacts or spam to manage your email volume effectively.

Step 5: Verify Your Email Address

With email alerts enabled, ensure your email address is correct. Navigate to Settings & Privacy, click Settings, select Account Settings, and choose Contact Information or General Account Settings. If your email is incorrect, click Edit to update it. You can add a new email if needed. Facebook will send a confirmation email, so follow the link to verify it. This step is crucial because alerts only go to verified emails.

Step 6: Monitor Your Email Alerts

After setup, check your email inbox for new Messenger alerts. Each email will display the sender’s name and a message preview. To reply, use the Messenger app instead of email. If alerts appear in spam or trash, add Facebook’s email address to your contacts list to prevent this. You can always return to notification settings to adjust alerts as needed.

Step 7: Manage Alerts with Email Filters

Use your email’s filter feature to manage multiple alerts. Create a “Facebook Alerts” folder to organize your emails. Set filters or rules to automatically move Facebook alert emails to this folder, keeping your inbox tidy and ensuring you don’t miss important messages. For example, in Gmail, click the gear icon and go to Filters and Blocked Addresses to create a filter. Outlook and Yahoo offer similar options.

Step 8: Utilize Messenger’s Notification Controls

Messenger’s Notification Controls keep you informed. Open Messenger and click your profile icon. Scroll down to select Notifications & Sounds. Here, choose how to receive alerts via phone or email. Ensure Email Notifications are turned On. Settings might vary by device, so adjust them accordingly.

Step 9: Disable Alerts When Needed

You can disable email alerts anytime for a break. Visit Facebook’s Notification Settings to do this. In the Email section, opt for only important notifications to reduce unnecessary emails. You can also disable Messenger email alerts separately or pause them temporarily. Regularly review your notification settings to ensure they align with your current Facebook usage.

Conclusion

Setting up email notifications for new Facebook Messenger messages is straightforward and practical. These alerts keep you informed even when you’re not using the app. By following these nine easy steps, you can set up and manage alerts that suit your needs. You can also turn off alerts when necessary to reduce clutter. This way, you’ll never miss crucial communications, whether for business or personal conversations. Maintaining effective operation depends on keeping your email updated and regularly checking settings. Start connecting and staying informed with email notifications today.