Do you encounter an ‘error retrieving video data’ problem on Facebook Messenger?
Facebook Messenger is the second leading messaging platform in the world. It currently has over 1.2 billion users, and most of us rely on it to connect with our families, friends, and loved ones.
While Facebook Messenger is certainly on top of the market, this doesn’t exempt the platform from downtimes and errors.
Like any other app, Messenger can suffer from bugs and glitches.
If you are reading this, we can safely assume that you are encountering an ‘error retrieving video data’ problem on Facebook Messenger. When this issue occurs, you won’t be able to view or download videos sent to you by your friends.
Most of the time, server outages and slow network connections are the culprit for this error.
On the other hand, it can also be due to outdated app versions, improper device configurations, or temporary bugs.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to fix the ‘error retrieving video data’ problem on Facebook Messenger.
Let’s dive right in!
1. Check Messenger Servers.
Before performing any troubleshooting measures on your device, we suggest checking Messenger’s status first if you encounter issues on the app. This way, you can identify whether the problem is coming from your end or Facebook.
Since Facebook doesn’t have a status page, you can use third-party sites like Downdetector to check Messenger’s status.
If there are reported outages with the platform, the only option you have is to wait.
On the other hand, you can head to the following solution below if there’s nothing wrong with Messenger’s servers.
2. Restart Your Device.
Before heading to more advanced solutions, we recommend restarting your device. This will allow your system to reload Messenger’s resources and eliminate temporary errors that may have occurred during use.
For Android:
- First, locate the Power button on your Android device.
- After that, hold it down until the options menu shows up.
- Lastly, tap on Restart to reboot your phone.
For iOS:
- On your device, access the Assistive Touch.
- After that, tap on the Device tab and go to More.
- Lastly, choose the Restart option.
Go back to the app afterward to check if the problem is solved.
3. Turn Off Data Saver Mode.
Facebook Messenger has a data saver feature that allows you to limit the app’s data usage. This way, you don’t max out your monthly bandwidth allotment if you are using a metered internet connection.
If you can’t view videos on Messenger, try disabling the data saver feature in the settings.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Launch Facebook Messenger on your device.
- Now, tap on your Profile in the upper left corner of your screen.
- Finally, go to the Data Saver tab and disable the feature.
Once done, restart the app and check if the problem is solved.
4. Update Facebook Messenger.
The version of Messenger you’re using might have an underlying issue that causes videos not to load. To rule this out, we suggest updating the app to the latest version possible to patch bugs and glitches.
You can simply head to the App Store or Google Play Store and install pending updates for Facebook Messenger.
5. Check Internet Connection.
Since Facebook Messenger is an online platform, you’ll need stable internet to enjoy its features. If you encounter the ‘error retrieving video data’ problem on Facebook Messenger, it might indicate a problem with your connection.
To check if your network is the culprit, perform a test using Fast.com to measure its current upload and download bandwidth.
If the test indicates a problem with your network, restart your modem or router to re-establish the link with your ISP’s servers. Unplug your router from the outlet and wait for 5 to 10 seconds before plugging it back in.
Once done, re-run the test on your network to check if the problem is solved. If not, contact your provider and ask them to fix the issue.
6. Clear Messenger Cache (Android).
Like any app, Facebook Messenger stores temporary data on your device, which is used to improve performance. However, app caches accumulate over time and could become corrupted.
If something’s not right on the app, try clearing its cache.
- First, go to your app drawer and locate Messenger.
- After that, hold down its icon until the selection screen appears.
- Now, tap on App Info and go to Storage & Cache.
- Lastly, hit the Clear Cache button.
Restart the app afterward and check if the problem is solved.
7. Reinstall Messenger.
For your last option, we recommend reinstalling Facebook Messenger if you still can’t watch or download videos on the app. This way, we can ensure that there’s nothing wrong with the app installed on your device.
See the steps below to uninstall Messenger:
- First, go to your home screen and locate Messenger.
- Next, hold down its app icon until the selection menu appears.
- Lastly, tap on Remove App (iOS) or Uninstall (Android) to delete the app.
Go to the App Store or Play Store afterward to reinstall Facebook Messenger.
That sums up our guide for fixing the ‘error retrieving video data’ problem on Facebook Messenger. If you have questions, please leave a comment below, and we’ll do our best to help.
If this guide helped you, please share it. 🙂
