Meta has announced the discontinuation of its standalone Messenger desktop application and the Messenger.com website, effective April 2026. This change will redirect users to Facebook.com/messages or require them to use the Messenger mobile app on iOS and Android devices.
Transition to Web and Mobile
The Messenger desktop app for macOS and Windows was already phased out in December 2025. Meta removed these apps from official stores, urging users to transition to web-based messaging solutions. The company advises enabling secure storage and PIN protection in Messenger settings to maintain encrypted chat history accessibility across devices.
Strategic Shift in Communication
This move is part of Meta’s strategy to simplify its communication ecosystem, focusing on unified, browser-first platforms that are easier to update and integrate with new features. Industry analysts interpret this as a broader trend away from native desktop clients toward centralized web and mobile experiences.
Mixed Reactions from Users
Reactions from users and tech communities have been mixed. While some lament the loss of the standalone desktop experience, others are adapting to using Messenger through web browsers or mobile devices.
