Meta has announced the impending closure of Messenger.com, set for April 16, 2026. This transition will redirect users to Facebook’s messaging page, marking a significant shift in the company’s strategy to move away from standalone desktop platforms.
Changes for Users in Vietnam
As the deadline approaches, users in Vietnam are already encountering notifications indicating that “Messenger.com is moving to fb.com/messages on 16 April 2026.” Post-transition, visitors to the site will be automatically rerouted to Facebook. This change particularly impacts those who have relied exclusively on Messenger for their communication needs, often maintaining inactive Facebook accounts while utilizing Messenger through the website or mobile app.
Under the new arrangement, users will face a choice: either reactivate their Facebook accounts or fully transition to the Messenger mobile app. For those without a Facebook account, the Messenger mobile app remains available, allowing users to continue their conversations. Meta has also indicated that users can retrieve their chat history using a PIN, provided they create an initial backup.
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Facebook Messenger app on a smartphone. Photo from Pexels |
This decision aligns with Meta’s broader initiative to phase out desktop-based services. In a move that echoes this strategy, the company discontinued its Messenger applications for both Mac and Windows late last year. According to TechCrunch, this consolidation aims to reduce operational costs, though it has sparked a range of reactions from users.
On platforms like X and Reddit, many users have voiced their dissatisfaction, expressing a preference for accessing Messenger via a browser for both work-related and casual messaging. The sentiment reflects a desire to avoid the necessity of relying on Facebook or frequently checking messages on mobile devices. As of now, Meta has not elaborated further on the rationale behind this change.
Messenger’s journey began in 2008 as Facebook Chat, evolving into a standalone application in 2011. In 2014, Facebook removed messaging capabilities from its primary mobile app, directing users to the independent Messenger platform. The landscape shifted again in 2023 when Meta reintegrated Messenger into the Facebook app, leading to the gradual discontinuation of its standalone desktop services.
