Meta has announced the shutdown of its standalone Messenger website and desktop app by April 2026, redirecting users to Facebook.com/messages for desktop messaging. This move aims to consolidate messaging services within the main Facebook platform.
Consolidation Strategy
Messenger was initially launched as a separate service in 2011, offering text, voice, video, and business integrations outside of Facebook's main interface. However, Meta is now focusing on reducing redundancy and enhancing integration across its services by bringing desktop messaging back to Facebook.
Mobile Apps and User Access
Despite the changes to the desktop experience, Messenger's mobile apps on iOS and Android will remain available. Users who access Messenger without a Facebook account can continue to use the mobile app. Additionally, users will be able to restore their chat history on any platform using a PIN.
By April 2026, the standalone desktop presence of Messenger will end, but the brand will continue to thrive on mobile platforms.
