Is Facebook Messenger Shutting Down?
Is Facebook Messenger Shutting Down? Meta has announced that it would shut down the standalone messenger.com website and desktop app in April 2026. However, users will be redirected to the main Facebook site to continue messaging on computers. The Messenger mobile app will remain available for the users.
Menlo Park, February 20: Is Facebook Messenger Shutting Down? Meta has announced the scheduled discontinuation of its standalone Messenger website, messenger.com, alongside its dedicated Facebook Messenger desktop application. This operational shift, set to conclude in April 2026, marks the end of the messaging platform as a distinct web entity as the company moves to consolidate its digital services.
The decision is part of a strategic effort to integrate chat functionalities back into the primary Facebook ecosystem. Once the transition is complete, users attempting to access the standalone URL on a computer will be automatically redirected to the messaging interface located within the main Facebook website to continue their conversations. Facebook Messenger Website messenger.com and Desktop App Will No Longer Be Available From April: Meta.
Impact on Users Without Facebook Accounts
A significant aspect of this update involves individuals who currently use Messenger without maintaining an active Facebook profile. Meta has clarified that once the website is retired, these users will only be able to access their chats through the Messenger mobile application, as the web-based alternative will require a Facebook account.
For those transitioning to the integrated web interface or mobile app, Meta noted that previous chat histories can be restored using the security PIN created during the initial backup process. The company has provided options for users to reset these security codes should they have forgotten them since their last manual or automatic backup.
Meta Desktop App No Longer Available
This move represents a complete reversal of the strategy Meta implemented in 2011 when it first launched Messenger as an independent service. While the company spent over a decade positioning the app as a standalone platform, it began merging the services back together in 2023 to reduce maintenance costs across its various software offerings.
The shift follows a similar decision made several months ago to discontinue the Messenger desktop applications for Windows and Mac. By reducing the number of standalone platforms, the technology giant aims to streamline its development resources and focus on a more unified user experience across its core social media and communication tools.
Facebook Messenger Mobile App Will Be Available
The change was first identified by reverse engineers and has since been confirmed through notifications sent to users on both web and mobile platforms. While the standalone desktop experience is ending, the Messenger mobile app will remain a primary, independent tool for communication, maintaining its status as a core product for global users. Fact Check: Is Roblox Permanently Shutting Down on September 1, 2025 Amid Facing Backlash? Check Details of Claims Spread on Social Media.
Industry analysts suggest that this consolidation allows Meta to focus on integrated features and "Sovereign AI" developments within a single architecture. Despite some user resistance from those who prefer keeping messaging separate from social media, the company remains committed to this unified infrastructure to improve production-ready performance and reliability.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 20, 2026 01:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).