Meta will discontinue its Messenger desktop apps for Windows and Mac on 2025-12-15, requiring users to set up secure storage for their encrypted chats before then.
Setting Up Secure Storage
To maintain access to encrypted chat history, users should enable secure storage and create a 6-digit PIN.
- Access this feature in the Messenger desktop app under: Privacy & safety -> End-to-end encrypted chats -> Message storage.
- Available on browser and mobile apps, ensuring synced settings across devices.
- Unencrypted chats sync automatically, without requiring a PIN.
Users must secure their encrypted chats before uninstalling the Messenger app. Post-2025-12-15, desktop redirection to the web version of Messenger or Facebook will occur.
Alternative Desktop Solutions
After December, users have several alternatives for using Messenger on desktop:
- Use Messenger or Facebook websites via a browser.
- PC users can use the Facebook desktop app redirect to Facebook.com; there is no Mac desktop app.
- Install a Messenger or Facebook PWA to retain desktop access:
- Chrome/Chromium: Log in to Messenger.com, using browser menu, select "Install page as app."
- Edge: After logging in, access "Apps" in the browser menu to install Messenger.
- Safari: Open Messenger.com and choose "Add to Dock."
Meta informed desktop app users of the shutdown in October 2025, with PIN setup reminders sent to some via pop-ups.
