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Abstract This study compares how Egyptian EFL learners use politeness strategies across two media: face-to-face and online. A total of twenty eight participants, were divided into eight selfselected groups. Each group was asked to participate in two debates. One debate took place inside the classroom, which was audio-recorded and transcribed. The other debate took place online over (Whatsapp). Politeness strategies used by students during each debate were analyzed using Brown and Levinson{u2018}s (1987) model. The study{u2018}s findings show the effect that each medium has on the politeness strategies used by EFL learners. Due to the lack of nonverbal cues over the online medium, participants relied on on-record strategies for efficiency and negative politeness for redress. It was easier to convey face attack. Meanwhile, there was an extensive use of positive politeness in face-to-face interaction. These findings might affect how teachers approach group work inside the classroom, blended education, implementation of activities in the EFL classroom, and EFL learners{u2018} pragmatic development |