Meta will close the standalone Messenger website in April 2026, redirecting users to facebook.com/messages for web-based chats. This change will impact users who do not have Facebook accounts, as they will need to switch to the Messenger mobile app for continued access.
Transition Details
Following the shutdown of the Messenger desktop apps for Windows and Mac, web-based messaging will now require a Facebook account login. According to Meta's help page, users will be automatically redirected to facebook.com/messages after the standalone site is closed. Conversations can still be accessed via the mobile app.
Users who utilize Messenger with a standalone phone number instead of a Facebook profile will be confined to mobile devices. However, chat history remains recoverable through a backup PIN, which can be reset if forgotten.
User Reactions and Meta's Response
The change, first identified by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi, has been met with frustration from users who deactivated their Facebook accounts but continued using Messenger. Meta is notifying users of the transition through pop-up messages on both the website and the mobile app. The company cites reduced operational overhead as a reason for the consolidation but has not provided further comments on the decision.
