What “Message Requests” and “Don’t Receive” Actually Mean on Facebook
If you’re on Facebook, you have control over who can send you messages, even if it doesn’t feel obvious at first.
Here’s what those settings really do:
1. “Send to Requests”
What it means:
Messages from people you don’t know do not go into your main inbox.
What happens instead:
• Their message is placed in a separate folder called Message Requests
• You are not alerted the same way
• They do not know if you’ve seen the message
• You can look at it later or ignore it completely
Why this helps:
This keeps strangers from having direct access to you while still letting you check messages on your terms.
Think of it like:
Someone knocking at your door, but you can choose whether to answer — and they can’t see inside.
2. “Don’t Receive”
What it means:
Messages from people you don’t know never reach you at all.
What happens instead:
• The message is blocked automatically
• You never see it
• The sender doesn’t get a response or confirmation
Why this helps:
This is the strongest boundary. It’s useful if you’re receiving a lot of unwanted messages or scams.
Think of it like:
Your doorbell is turned off. No knock. No interruption.
Important reassurance
• You are not being rude
• You are not hurting anyone’s feelings
• You are not required to be reachable by strangers
These settings exist to protect you.
How to Choose Which One Is Right for You
• Choose “Send to Requests” if you:
• Occasionally expect messages from new people
• Want control without fully closing the door
• Choose “Don’t Receive” if you:
• Prefer peace and quiet
• Don’t want to deal with strangers at all
• Have been getting scam or unwanted messages
You can change this anytime.
One Gentle Reminder:
If a message is truly important, it won’t rely on rushing you, pressuring you, or bypassing your boundaries.
Protection online doesn’t require technical skill — just permission to say no access.
