Question Facebook Messenger preventing touch screen working on Android 9

[Yorkshireshrek]

Hi I am using Facebook Messenger on Android 9 on a Motorola Moto G 6 Plus. Within the last week an emoji selection bar has started appearing as a popup in the middle of the message screen when I receive a message and I touch the screen. This is disabling the touch screen and preventing me playing any video content I receive. Every time I try, I end up sending an emoji. The emoji bar is also accompanied by a blue message action bar appearing at the bottom of the screen (i.e. reply, forward, remove, more). I have attached a screenshot - has anybody come across this and knows how to switch it off so that the touch screen works in Facebook Messenger? I have already tried restarting the phone, deleting the cache, removing and restoring messenger and also disabling chat heads, but nothing seems to fix it. Thanks.

 

[SpookDroid]

That reply screen should only pop up while long-pressing the received link/item. Does this happen in other apps? Do you have a screen protector (if so, it may have air pockets or separating slightly from the screen, causing input issues)?

 

[Yorkshireshrek]

Hi thanks. I have just tried it and the long press function works correctly for WhatsApp. I do have a screen protector and tried removing it but still have the same problem with Messenger, so not sure what to try next.

 

[mustang7757]

Hi thanks. I have just tried it and the long press function works correctly for WhatsApp. I do have a screen protector and tried removing it but still have the same problem with Messenger, so not sure what to try next.

Welcome to AC!
Try clearing cache of messenger app then force stop it

 

[Yorkshireshrek]

Welcome to AC!
Try clearing cache of messenger app then force stop it

Thanks I tried that and even tried reinstalling it too - still has the same problem

 

[mustang7757]

Thanks I tried that and even tried reinstalling it too - still has the same problem

Try this, long press messenger>tap info>go to appear on top and disable it

 

[Yorkshireshrek]

Thanks I tried this and still not working properly. Oddly though, I can send myself messages with videos, media etc. without this problem happening - does this point to a solution?

 

[mustang7757]

Possibly a bug and needs to be updated make sure play store says current version and probably have to see next update fixes it or contact Facebook

 

[Yorkshireshrek]

Thanks have now reported it to Facebook