Facebook's Messenger App is Phasing Out SMS Functionality

Facebook's Messenger App is Phasing Out SMS Functionality

News by Nikola DjuricNikola Djuric
Published: August 14, 2023

People using Facebook's Messenger app are in for a major change from September 28 - The app will no longer support SMS messaging. Those utilizing Messenger as their primary SMS platform on Android will need to switch back to traditional methods or opt for another messaging application after this date.

However, users won't have to worry about accessing their SMS history, according to Messenger's Help Center. All previous messages will be retrievable via the phone's default messaging application, such as Android Messages.

For those who don't manually choose a new default messaging app, their device will automatically revert to its built-in option. Users are, however, recommended to pre-emptively seek another mode of communication before the text service is cut off at the end of September.

This isn't the first time Messenger has removed SMS support.

Originally, Facebook introduced this feature in 2012 but chose to remove it just a year later in 2013. The company reintroduced it in 2016, only to set a new phase-out next month.

Facebook removing SMS from Messenger is the latest on a global trend causing users to shift away from third-party messaging applications.

Edited by Ricardo Esteves

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