I don't know if they intended this or not but I was able to reinstall Messenger by opening the Facebook app then clicking on the Messenger icon on the top-right corner then proceeding to download from there.
thanks so much for sharing this info, clicking the messenger icon on the right hand portion of the facebook app in my samsung phone to install the messenger instead of using playstore had resolved the issue.
Exactly the same problem as of today. Messenger seems to be installing fine on my old S20+ that upgraded from a few weeks ago, but on my new S25+ messenger refuses to download. I don't have storage or internet problems and clearing Google Play Store cache and app data has not worked.
Even installing from the facebook app using the icon in the top right hasn't worked for me.
Same I'm SUPER frustrated. When I say I tried everything - I tried EVERYTHING -
Troubleshooting Steps Attempted (in order):
Standard fixes
Uninstalled Messenger
Cleared cache and data for:
Google Play Store
Google Play Services
Google Services Framework
Restarted phone
Verified Facebook app was installed and updated
Play Store reinstall attempts
Attempted reinstall from Google Play Store (looped repeatedly)
Attempted install via Samsung Galaxy Store (redirected back to Play Store, same loop)
Secure Folder workaround
Enabled Secure Folder
Set Secure Folder to allow background activity while locked
Added Google Play Store inside Secure Folder
Attempted Messenger install inside Secure Folder
Result: Same install loop inside Secure Folder
Sideload attempts
Confirmed Messenger not listed at all in Settings → Apps
Attempted sideload from APKMirror:
APK bundles (.apkm/.xapk) via APKMirror Installer
Single APK (arm64-v8a, nodpi)
All attempts failed with error:
“App not installed as package appears to be invalid”
Verified Meta system apps present:
Meta App Installer
Meta App Manager
Meta Services
Outcome
Issue appeared to be a Play Store / entitlement / package verification failure specific to Messenger on Android 16
No factory reset performed
Working Temporary Solution:
Installed Facebook Lite from Play Store
Messenger functionality works inside Facebook Lite
Messages synced correctly, including with the affected frequent contact
Conclusion for Tech Team: Likely a Google Play entitlement or package registry issue affecting Messenger specifically on Android 16 / Samsung S24+. Issue persists across:
Play Store
Galaxy Store
Secure Folder
Direct sideload attempts
Facebook Lite bypasses the issue successfully.
****Sooooo....using FB light but it doesn't have video chat so if this isn't fixed I'm going to have to use WhatsApp or something. I use Messenger to video chat with my kids. When I try to install it either circles right back to install or I get the "can't install messenger". I tried reaching out to meta support and they were NO help. First thing they said, "try turning your phone off and on" - I'm about 30 steps beyond that my guy 😛
I tried everything everyone else on here did and nothing worked. I finally uninstalled facebook and Instagram, then reinstalled Facebook. I then installed messenger for kids as a last resortto try to get some versionof messenger. I went into Messenger for kids then backed out because all it would let me do was set up a profile for a kid. I then tried again to install regular Messenger and it worked. It's worth a shot!
