Three hidden tricks in Facebook Messenger including how to access ‘secret chats’

FACEBOOK Messenger comes packed with many clever features — here are three that everyone needs to know.

Boasting more than 1.3 billion monthly users, Facebook Messenger is one of the most popular communication apps in the world.

However, many users are still unaware of the plethora of tools the handy app comes equipped with.

Luckily, we have rounded up three of the most genius Messenger tricks you probably didn't know about, but should.

Access secret chats

If you want to send messages that are fully encrypted, you can start a 'Secret Conversation'.

These chats utilize the Signal Protocol to set up end-to-end encryption.

To send a secret conversation, click on the 'New Message' icon on the top-right of the home screen.

Next, tap on Secret if you're using iOS, or toggle the secret icon to the 'on' position if you're using an Android.

You can also turn an existing chat into a secret conversation by tapping the person's name at the top of the screen and selecting 'Go to Secret Conversation'.

Please note that these types of conversations will appear in a different message inbox than your regular messages.

Manage your visibility

If you don't want people to see when you're online on Facebook Messenger, there's a way to hide your status.

'Active Status' lets your friends see when you're active on Messenger via a green dot next to your profile photo.

However, you can hide this by tapping your chat head in the top-left corner, selecting 'Active Status', and toggling it off. 

This feature also hides people's statuses from you, though.

Unlock hidden games

There are certain messages you can send that unlock hidden games.

Send a basketball emoji then tap it to unlock a game.

You can also type "@FacebookChess" to launch a chess challenge.

Alternatively, tap the 'More' button in the toolbar, and then click the controller icon.

That will generate a list of games that you can play with the friend you're chatting to.