Meta has announced it will discontinue its standalone Messenger website, messenger.com, by April 2026. After this date, users will be redirected to facebook.com/messages, marking a significant shift for desktop and browser users who preferred a distraction-free messaging interface.
Transition to Facebook Messages
The change primarily affects users who relied on messenger.com for messaging, calls, and conversation management without the full Facebook feed. Core messaging functionalities will remain accessible on the integrated Facebook Messages page and through the Messenger mobile app on iOS and Android, which are not affected by this transition.
Users who utilized Messenger without linking a Facebook account will face limited web access and be encouraged to transition to the mobile app. This move follows Meta's previous discontinuation of standalone Messenger desktop apps for Windows and macOS in December 2025, further consolidating access points into the main Facebook platform.
Strategic Consolidation
Meta cited resource optimization and user-experience streamlining as reasons for the change, aligning with industry trends toward unified platforms and increased mobile usage. While some users appreciate the reduced app clutter, others lament the loss of a cleaner interface separate from the Facebook feed.
Meta has started notifying users of the upcoming change through pop-up notifications. Chat history and data will remain accessible across supported platforms, with PIN-based restoration available if needed. The Messenger mobile app continues to evolve, offering features like end-to-end encryption, video calls, and select integrations with Instagram and WhatsApp.
