Jakub Porzycki, NurPhoto, Getty Images
In a significant shift for its messaging platform, Meta has announced plans to retire the standalone website for Messenger, effective April 2026. Following this date, users will no longer have access to messenger.com. Instead, to utilize Messenger’s web interface, individuals will need to log into their Facebook accounts. The chat functionality will remain available through Facebook or via the Messenger mobile application.
After messenger.com disappears, you will be automatically redirected to using facebook.com/messages for messaging on your computer. You will be able to continue your conversations there or in the Messenger mobile app.
What Messenger users can expect
For those who prefer to communicate via Messenger without a Facebook account, the mobile app will be the only option moving forward. Users will have the ability to restore their chat history across platforms by utilizing the PIN established during the backup process in Messenger. In the event of a forgotten PIN, a reset option will be available.
This transition follows Meta’s earlier decision to discontinue desktop Messenger applications for both Windows and Mac, suggesting a strategic move to redirect desktop users to the Facebook site for continued messaging access. This decision has sparked concerns among users on social media, particularly regarding the necessity of a Facebook account for accessing Messenger’s web version, especially in cases where accounts may be deactivated.
While this consolidation may streamline platform support and potentially reduce operational costs, it also centralizes the service to a more limited number of platforms. Messenger’s journey began in 2008 as “Facebook Chat,” evolving into a standalone app in 2011. Over the years, it has oscillated between being an independent service and being integrated with Facebook, with the most recent reintegration occurring in 2023.
As of now, Meta has not provided any comments in response to inquiries from journalists regarding this transition.
About the author
The author is a journalist specializing in technology and digital services in the consumer sector.
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Meta to Close Messenger Website messengercom in April 2026 | Ukraine news
Jakub Porzycki, NurPhoto, Getty Images
In a significant shift for its messaging platform, Meta has announced plans to retire the standalone website for Messenger, effective April 2026. Following this date, users will no longer have access to messenger.com. Instead, to utilize Messenger’s web interface, individuals will need to log into their Facebook accounts. The chat functionality will remain available through Facebook or via the Messenger mobile application.
What Messenger users can expect
For those who prefer to communicate via Messenger without a Facebook account, the mobile app will be the only option moving forward. Users will have the ability to restore their chat history across platforms by utilizing the PIN established during the backup process in Messenger. In the event of a forgotten PIN, a reset option will be available.
This transition follows Meta’s earlier decision to discontinue desktop Messenger applications for both Windows and Mac, suggesting a strategic move to redirect desktop users to the Facebook site for continued messaging access. This decision has sparked concerns among users on social media, particularly regarding the necessity of a Facebook account for accessing Messenger’s web version, especially in cases where accounts may be deactivated.
While this consolidation may streamline platform support and potentially reduce operational costs, it also centralizes the service to a more limited number of platforms. Messenger’s journey began in 2008 as “Facebook Chat,” evolving into a standalone app in 2011. Over the years, it has oscillated between being an independent service and being integrated with Facebook, with the most recent reintegration occurring in 2023.
As of now, Meta has not provided any comments in response to inquiries from journalists regarding this transition.
About the author
The author is a journalist specializing in technology and digital services in the consumer sector.
Other topics you might like: