How To Remove Suggested On Messenger 2021

Messenger, like many social media platforms, offers a "Suggested" feature intended to connect users with individuals they might know. However, many users find these suggestions irrelevant or undesirable. While a complete removal of this feature is not possible, there are several strategies to minimize the visibility and influence of suggested contacts on Messenger.

Managing Contacts and Connections

The first step involves reviewing your existing connections and contact information on Facebook, as Messenger draws data from these sources.

Removing Synced Contacts

Messenger, by default, often syncs contacts from your phone's address book. This can lead to suggestions based on phone numbers in your contacts, even if you're not directly connected with those individuals on Facebook.

1. Open the Messenger app on your mobile device.
2. Tap your profile picture, usually located in the upper left corner.
3. Scroll down and select "Phone Contacts."
4. Tap "Upload Contacts." This toggles contact syncing on or off. To disable it, ensure the toggle is off. A confirmation message may appear.
5. If contacts are already synced, you'll see an option to "Manage Contacts." Tap this, then select "Delete All Contacts." This will remove all previously synced contacts from Messenger's servers.

Important Note: Deleting synced contacts only removes them from Messenger's servers. It does not delete them from your phone's address book.

Reviewing Facebook Friends

Suggestions are heavily influenced by your existing Facebook friends. People who are friends with many of your friends are more likely to appear as suggestions.

1. Log in to your Facebook account (either on the website or through the app).
2. Navigate to your friends list.
3. Carefully review your friends list and consider removing individuals with whom you have minimal interaction or connection. This doesn't have to be a drastic measure; focus on those you genuinely don't communicate with.

Blocking Profiles

Blocking someone prevents them from contacting you on Messenger and Facebook, and also signals to the algorithm that you don't want to see their profile. This is a more drastic measure, suitable for individuals you actively want to avoid.

1. Search for the person's profile on Facebook.
2. Go to their profile page.
3. Click the three dots (menu icon) located near the top of their profile.
4. Select "Block."
5. Confirm your decision to block the user.

Caution: Blocking is a permanent action that prevents all communication. Ensure you are certain before blocking someone.

Adjusting Privacy Settings

Facebook's privacy settings control who can find and contact you, indirectly affecting who appears in the "Suggested" list.

Controlling Who Can Send Friend Requests

Limiting who can send you friend requests can reduce the pool of potential connections that Messenger uses to generate suggestions.

1. Log in to your Facebook account.
2. Click the down arrow in the top right corner (on the website) or tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) on the app.
3. Select "Settings & Privacy," then "Settings."
4. Click "Privacy" (on the website) or scroll down and tap "Privacy Shortcuts" (on the app).
5. Find the setting "Who can send me friend requests?" and edit it to "Friends of Friends."

Managing How People Can Find and Contact You

These settings determine how easily people can find you based on your email address or phone number. Adjusting these can minimize unwanted suggestions.

1. Navigate to the "Privacy" settings as described above.
2. Look for settings like "Who can look you up using the email address you provided?" and "Who can look you up using the phone number you provided?"
3. Change these settings to "Friends" or "Only Me" to limit discoverability.
4. There is also "Do you want search engines outside of Facebook to link to your profile?" Consider disabling this if you want to further limit your visibility.

Engaging with Messenger Suggestions

While you cannot completely turn off suggestions, your interactions with them can influence the algorithm over time.

Ignoring Suggestions

Simply ignoring the suggested contacts can, over time, signal to Messenger that these suggestions are not relevant to you. Avoid clicking on their profiles or interacting with them in any way.

Deleting Specific Suggestions

While not always available as a direct option, sometimes you can dismiss individual suggestions. If you see an "X" or a similar option next to a suggested contact, clicking it will remove that specific suggestion. This provides feedback to the algorithm that you're not interested in that particular connection.

Using Third-Party Tools (With Caution)

Some third-party browser extensions or apps claim to enhance privacy and control over Facebook and Messenger. However, exercise extreme caution when using these.

Warning: Many third-party tools are unreliable or may compromise your privacy and security. Only use tools from reputable developers with strong security practices. Always read reviews and research thoroughly before installing any extension or app. Be aware of the permissions they request.

It's generally safer to rely on the methods outlined above, which involve directly managing your Facebook and Messenger settings.

The Limitations

It's important to acknowledge that Facebook and Messenger are designed to encourage connection and engagement. Therefore, completely eliminating suggested contacts is highly unlikely. The strategies outlined above focus on minimizing their prominence and relevance to your specific preferences.

Facebook's algorithms are constantly evolving, so the effectiveness of these methods may vary over time. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your settings is recommended.

Summary

Managing suggested contacts on Messenger in 2021 primarily involves controlling your Facebook connections, adjusting privacy settings, and engaging strategically with the suggestions you see. While completely eliminating suggestions isn't possible, by managing your synced contacts, reviewing your friends list, adjusting privacy settings related to friend requests and discoverability, and selectively ignoring or dismissing suggestions, you can significantly reduce the number of irrelevant or unwanted contacts Messenger presents. This matters because it allows you to curate a more relevant and private social media experience, focusing on connections that are meaningful to you.