How to Fix “Message Cannot Be Displayed” on Messenger Kids

Messenger Kids is a fun and safe way for children to chat with family and friends. But sometimes, you might get a pesky error: “Message Cannot Be Displayed.” It’s confusing, annoying, and no fun at all. Don’t worry — we’re here to help you fix it fast!

TLDR:

If you’re seeing a “Message Cannot Be Displayed” error in Messenger Kids, it’s usually a permissions issue or something to do with internet connection. Try refreshing the app or checking if any parental controls have changed. Most of the time, it’s a simple fix. Follow our easy steps below to get back to chatting!

1. What Does “Message Cannot Be Displayed” Mean?

This message usually pops up when something is blocking the chat message. It could be because:

  • Parental controls were changed
  • Your internet connection glitched
  • The message was deleted
  • The person you’re chatting with changed their settings

It sounds spooky… but it’s really not!

2. Restart the App

Yeah, we know—this sounds too easy. But it works!

  1. Close Messenger Kids completely (swipe it away)
  2. Open it again

Still stuck? Don’t worry. Try the next fix!

3. Check Your Internet

A bad or weak connection can mess up your messages.

  • Make sure Wi-Fi is working
  • Switch to another network, if you can
  • Try turning airplane mode on and off

Once you’re online again, open the app and check the message. It might just pop back in!

4. Ask a Grown-Up to Check Permissions

Messenger Kids is controlled through a parent’s Facebook account. Sometimes, settings are changed on accident!

  1. Ask your grown-up to open their Facebook account
  2. Tap the menu (the three lines)
  3. Go to Messenger Kids
  4. Choose your name

Now they can check your contact list and permissions. If someone was removed or blocked, BOOM — no more messages from them.

5. See If the Message Was Deleted

Here’s a sneaky one: sometimes, the message just gets deleted by the sender. Then it disappears! You’ll see the “Message Cannot Be Displayed” note instead.

You can’t bring that message back. But don’t worry — the app isn’t broken. Nothing to fix here!

6. Update the App

Old versions of apps can get buggy. Make sure you’re using the latest version of Messenger Kids.

  • Go to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android)
  • Search for Messenger Kids
  • If there’s an Update button, tap it!

After updating, the app will be shiny and new. Try checking the message again.

7. Are You Still Friends?

Okay, this one’s awkward. If someone unfriends you (or their parent changes their friend list), their messages might be hidden from you.

If that’s the case, you’ll see “Message Cannot Be Displayed” in your chat.

You can:

  • Ask your parent to check your contact list
  • Send a new friend request (with permission, of course!)

8. Device Restart (Classic Fix!)

Yes, we’re saying it again—restart the whole device.

That means turning your tablet or phone off, then turning it back on.

This clears up little bugs that might be hiding inside.

9. Clear App Cache (For Grown-Ups Only!)

Sometimes the app’s cache gets messy. If your parent or guardian is okay with it, ask them to follow these steps:

For Android:

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Pick Apps
  3. Find Messenger Kids
  4. Tap Clear Cache

For iPhones, there’s no direct cache clear, but they can delete and reinstall the app instead.

10. Reinstall the App

If all else fails… uninstall and reinstall Messenger Kids. It’s like hitting the reset button.

  1. Delete the app from your device
  2. Go to your app store
  3. Search for Messenger Kids
  4. Install it again
  5. Log in with your account (grown-ups will help!)

Still Not Working? Time for Help!

Sometimes the app just needs professional attention.

Ask a parent to contact Messenger Kids support. They can go to:

Or report the problem through the app:

  1. Go to your child’s profile in the parent dashboard
  2. Tap Something’s Wrong and follow the steps

Bonus Tips

  • Remind friends not to delete messages fast if you want to keep reading them
  • Keep the app updated regularly
  • Communicate with parents about contacts and settings

You’re Back on Track!

Now you’re a Messenger Kids fix-it pro! Whether it was a glitch, a setting, or a friend who hit delete too fast—you’ve got the tools to figure it out. So go ahead, open the app, send that silly selfie, and keep chatting worry-free!

Happy messaging!