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

Engadget

by Lawrence Bonk

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Meta is discontinuing its standalone Messenger website, with the service set to shut down in April. Users will be redirected to Facebook's messaging interface at facebook.com/messages on computers, while they can continue using Messenger via its mobile app or within the broader Facebook platform for messaging. The transition includes a feature allowing users to restore their chat history by entering a PIN, which was initially used for backups and can be reset if forgotten. The decision has sparked dissatisfaction among some users, particularly those who have deactivated their Facebook accounts but continued using Messenger. This move follows Meta's shutdown of Messenger's standalone desktop apps in October 2023, when the company similarly redirected users to Facebook for messaging services. These changes reflect a broader shift in Meta's strategy to integrate Messenger back into its core social media platform. Messenger has evolved significantly since its debut as Facebook Chat in 2008. It became a standalone app in 2011 and was later removed from the main Facebook app in 2014, encouraging users to adopt the dedicated Messenger app. However, in 2023, Meta began reintegrating Messenger into Facebook, aligning with its goal of consolidating services under one platform. This strategic pivot matters for several reasons. It underscores Meta's efforts to streamline its offerings and enhance user experience by centralizing communication tools within Facebook. For users reliant on Messenger as a separate service, especially those who have distanced themselves from Facebook, this change could be inconvenient or frustrating. The shutdown highlights the company's ongoing restructuring of its messaging services, aiming to simplify operations while potentially increasing engagement with its primary platform. In summary, Meta’s decision to close the standalone Messenger website marks another step in its long-term strategy to integrate Messenger more deeply into Facebook. While users can still access messaging through Facebook or the Messenger app, this shift may limit options for those who prefer a separate platform. The move reflects broader trends in tech where companies streamline services to enhance user experience and operational efficiency.

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Originally published on Engadget on 2/19/2026