Meta will officially discontinue its Messenger app for Windows and Mac on 2025-12-15. On this date, the Messenger app for Windows users will stop functioning and will redirect to the Facebook desktop app. The app has already been removed from the Mac App Store, and it's no longer available on the Microsoft Store.
Action Required for Users
Meta advises users to back up their chat history as the deprecation date approaches. The company will notify users through the app about this change. It's suggested to enable secure storage and create a PIN before the cutoff date to preserve chat records.
- Sign in to the Messenger webpage and access profile settings.
- Navigate to Privacy & Safety, then Encrypted Chats.
- Activate Secure Storage and select a backup method.
Alternative Messaging Options
For those looking for replacements, several secure and feature-rich messaging apps are available. WhatsApp, part of Meta, offers a similar experience with robust encryption. Signal is a strong contender focused on privacy, requiring only a phone number to operate. Additionally, Session does not require personal information for use, prioritizing maximum privacy.
- WhatsApp: Over 3 billion users, end-to-end encryption, desktop apps available.
- Signal: Open-source with end-to-end encryption, widely trusted for security.
- Session: No phone number needed, uses onion routing for privacy.
- Telegram: Great for groups and cross-device sync, though default chats aren't end-to-end encrypted.
With the upcoming change, users are encouraged to transition smoothly by securing their data and opting for a suitable messaging service that fits their privacy and communication needs.
