Meta is set to shut down its standalone Messenger website, messenger.com, by April 2026. Users will be redirected to facebook.com/messages for desktop messaging, while the Messenger mobile app remains available for all users.
Transition to Facebook Platform
The decision follows Meta's recent closure of Messenger's standalone desktop apps for Windows and Mac, which directed users to the Facebook website. This consolidation aims to streamline Meta's platform maintenance and reduce costs.
Users who utilize Messenger without a Facebook account will need to rely on the Messenger mobile app for continued access to their conversations. Chat history can be restored using a backup PIN, which can be reset if forgotten.
User Reactions and Notifications
Meta is informing users of this change through notifications on the Messenger website and app. The move has sparked frustration among users, particularly those who have deactivated their Facebook accounts but still use Messenger.
Messenger, originally launched as Facebook Chat in 2008, became a standalone app in 2011. Meta began reintegrating it into the Facebook app in 2023, marking a shift back to its original platform.
