The invention relates to the field of Internet. Disclosed are a method and device for managing a task of an instant messaging application. The method comprises: during a process of executing a first function task in an instant messaging application, upon reception of an instruction to trigger a second function in the instant messaging application, switching the first function task to a back end; creating a first task tab, the first task tab being used to bring the first function task forward; creating a second function task; and after the second function task has been created, upon reception of a specified operation with respect to the first task tab, bringing the first function task forward to switch the first function task to a front end. In the present disclosure, during the process of executing the first function task, the second function task can be created, and the first function task can be brought forward after the second function task has been created, such that execution of the second function task can be resumed, thereby increasing efficiency in managing function tasks of the instant messaging application.