Meta is set to cease support for its Messenger desktop app for Windows and Mac users on 2025-12-15. The company advises users to secure their chat history through a PIN-enabled secure storage system before the app is deprecated.
App Deprecation Details
- Messenger desktop app will be deprecated on 2025-12-15.
- Users will receive an in-app notification 60 days before removal.
- Meta recommends using secure storage to save chat history.
- Once deprecated, users will be redirected to Facebook.com.
- Mobile and browser versions remain unaffected.
To preserve messages on the desktop app, users need to navigate to Settings, then Privacy & Safety, followed by End-To-End Encrypted Chats, and finally enable Message Storage with a PIN. After the 2025-12-15 cutoff, users are advised to delete the desktop app as it will no longer function.
Alternative Messaging Platforms
Meta’s decision has fueled criticism, prompting users to consider various alternatives. Options like Telegram, Signal, iMessage, and Google Messages offer diverse features ranging from strong security to broad device compatibility.
Meta has not yet commented on the criticism. Users without a Facebook account will be redirected to Messenger.com upon login attempts after deprecation.
