Meta is set to shut down the standalone Messenger website in April 2023, redirecting users to facebook.com/messages for desktop messaging. This change affects users who have relied on the Messenger website for communication, particularly those who have deactivated their Facebook accounts but continued using Messenger.
Transition to Facebook Platform
Upon the website's closure, users will be automatically redirected to Facebook's messaging platform. Conversations can continue seamlessly on both the Facebook website and the Messenger mobile app. Users can restore their chat history by entering their Messenger backup PIN, which can be reset if forgotten.
User Reactions and Background
The decision has sparked discontent among users, echoing reactions from Meta's recent shutdown of Messenger's standalone desktop apps. Messenger's evolution has seen significant changes since its inception as Facebook Chat in 2008. It became a standalone app in 2011 and was separated from the main Facebook app in 2014 to encourage Messenger use. In 2023, some messaging features have been reintegrated into the Facebook app.
