Meta is shuttering Messenger’s standalone website, which is a thing that exists

Source: Engadget

Meta is shutting down the standalone Messenger website, according to a company help page. The site will disappear in April, though web users will still be able to send and receive messages within Facebook.

Transition Details

• After messenger.com goes away, users will be automatically redirected to facebook.com/messages for messaging on a computer.
• Conversations can continue there or on the Messenger mobile app.
• Users can restore their chat history after switching to the app by entering a PIN number—the same PIN used to create a backup on Messenger. The PIN can be reset for those who don’t want to remember another six‑digit code.

User Reactions

Many users have expressed discontent over the decision, especially those who have deactivated their Facebook accounts but continued to use Messenger. The sentiment was highlighted in a report by TechCrunch.

Recent History

• This shutdown follows Meta’s earlier decision to retire Messenger’s standalone desktop apps a few months prior, directing users to Facebook for the service.
• The move suggests the writing has been on the wall since October.

Platform Background

• 2008: Launched as Facebook Chat.
• 2011: Rebranded as Facebook Messenger, a standalone app.
• 2014: Messaging capabilities were removed from the main Facebook app, pushing users toward the Messenger app.
• 2023: Meta began reintegrating Messenger back into the Facebook app.

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This article originally appeared on Engadget: