How do I start a Messenger chat when a name search is unhelpful?
The short answer
Ask the person to show you their Messenger QR code. Meta describes opening Messenger settings, tapping the QR icon and letting the other person scan the code with their camera. The same screen also offers a shareable link.
What this answer is based onWhat to do
Know who you intend to contact. A short greeting is enough for the first message; keep documents, passwords and payment details out of it.
- Ask your colleague to open Messenger settings and find the QR icon. Meta’s guide places it at the top. If your version has no icon, do not look for a replacement on third-party websites.
- Scan the displayed code with your phone camera. If the person is elsewhere, ask them to use Share beside their code and send you the link through a channel you already use together.
- Check the profile that opens and ask the person to confirm it is their account. Send a brief greeting and wait for confirmation before sending the address or any other information.
The situation
Example: after a meeting, you want to send a colleague a café address. Search returns several people with the same name, and your colleague is standing beside you.
The situation and an improvement
Pick the first search result with the right name.
Open the contact from their code and confirm it with the person.
More examples
An unexpected code
An unfamiliar account sends a QR code claiming to be your friend.
What to do
Check with your friend using their existing number or conversation before starting a new chat.
No QR icon
Your settings differ from Meta’s description.
What to do
Use your usual contact method and check for an available update; updating does not guarantee the feature will appear.
What this answer is based on
Meta Newsroom · HD Photos, Shared Albums and More on Messengerabout.fb.comGuide based on Meta’s materialReview details
Source reviewed:
We read the official source listed for this topic. Other Meta rules are reviewed separately.
Meta’s 9 April 2024 announcement was read on 29 October 2026. It describes a QR code and link for starting a chat. The identity checks and examples are ClearRules guidance. Current screens and account availability were not tested; this explains an existing feature.
Material published: April 9, 2024
Include the guide link, language and wording that needs checking. Add an official source link if you have one. Do not send passwords, login codes or photos of identity documents.
Examples are made up to explain the guidance. Meta decides individual account and content cases.
Sources and related topicsPolicy Graph · Demo in development