25/02/2026
Meta is making some big changes to how you access Messenger, but the service itself is not going away.
The confusion likely stems from Meta's recent announcement that they are shutting down the standalone website and desktop apps, not the entire platform.
What is Changing?
• Messenger.com is closing: Starting in April 2026, the standalone website messenger.com will no longer be available. If you try to visit it, you will be automatically redirected to facebook.com/messages.
• Desktop Apps are gone: Meta has already discontinued the standalone Messenger desktop apps for Windows and Mac.
• Back to Facebook: On a computer, you will now have to message through the main Facebook website.
What is Staying the Same?
• The Mobile App is safe: The Messenger app on iPhone and Android will continue to work normally. Meta has no plans to stop the mobile app.
• No lost messages: Your chat history is safe. You will still see all your old conversations when you log into Facebook or use the mobile app.
• Users without Facebook accounts: If you use Messenger without a Facebook account (using just a phone number), you can still use the mobile app to chat. However, you will lose the ability to chat on a computer since that now requires a Facebook login.
