Meta has announced the retirement of its standalone Messenger website, redirecting users to Facebook's built-in Messages interface. This change marks the end of a minimalist browser option for desktop users, effective immediately.
Consolidation of Messenger Services
The shutdown of Messenger.com follows Meta's earlier decision to discontinue dedicated desktop apps for Mac and Windows. This move signals a broader consolidation of Messenger services under Facebook's web platform and the mobile Messenger app. Desktop users will now access messaging services through facebook.com/messages, which retains features like group chats, voice notes, media sharing, and end-to-end encryption.
Impact on Users and Businesses
Users who relied on Messenger.com to avoid Facebook's news feeds will need to adapt by using separate browser profiles or adjusting notification settings. For those maintaining a Messenger account without a full Facebook profile, the mobile app will become the primary access point, effectively phasing out desktop chat options without Facebook login.
Businesses and teams that utilized Messenger.com for customer support or internal communications should transition to Facebook's Messages on desktop or shift activities to the mobile app. Meta advises updating bookmarks and enterprise allowlists to point to facebook.com/messages to prevent disruptions.
Data Management and Security
End-to-end encrypted chats will continue to use secure storage protected by a PIN. Users should verify their secure storage PIN and consider exporting their data using Facebook's Download Your Information tool for backups or compliance purposes. The retirement of the standalone site does not affect contacts, threads, or encryption options but requires users to adjust desktop habits.
