Meta Platforms announced it will discontinue its standalone Messenger website, messenger.com, on 2026-04-15. After this date, desktop users will be redirected to facebook.com/messages, Facebook's integrated messaging platform.
Consolidation Strategy
This decision is part of Meta's broader strategy to consolidate its platforms and focus on mobile and integrated experiences. The company aims to streamline its offerings, enhance updates, and improve security and efficiency by concentrating engineering resources.
Impact on Users
Users who accessed Messenger on the web without a Facebook account will now need to sign in through Facebook to continue using the service on a browser. The change follows the retirement of Messenger's standalone desktop apps for Windows and Mac in late 2025.
While mobile apps for iOS and Android will remain unaffected, some users expressed disappointment, citing the standalone site's simplicity and privacy benefits. Analysts suggest the move could boost engagement metrics and advertising by reintegrating Messenger into the Facebook ecosystem.
Concerns and Reactions
The closure may impact users who rely on web browsers for messaging due to device constraints, accessibility preferences, or privacy concerns. The Logical Indian highlighted that this reduction in choice could disproportionately affect these users.
