HIGHLIGHTS
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Meta will remove the ability to use Facebook Messenger as an SMS app from September 28, 2023.
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User Notification: Android users are being informed about this change, and a support document has been issued.
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Switching Default Messaging App: Users are advised to change their default messaging app to Google Messages or Samsung Messages.
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Access to SMS History: SMS history will remain accessible via the new default messaging application.
In a move that marks the end of an era for Android users of Facebook Messenger, Meta has announced that the ability to use the app as an SMS client will be discontinued next month.
This decision, set to take effect on September 28, 2023, reflects the ever-evolving landscape of digital communication and has caught the attention of many who have used the feature since its reintroduction in 2016.
Facebook Messenger’s journey as an SMS app has been a winding one. Initially launched in 2012, the feature was withdrawn just a year later.
Its resurrection in 2016 was met with enthusiasm by users who appreciated the convenience of having their social messages and SMS texts in one place.
However, Meta’s announcement confirms the impending departure of this functionality.
Impact and Next Steps for Users
The change is notable for those who have preferred using Facebook Messenger as their default messaging app over the alternatives provided by other Android OEMs.
Android users are now receiving notifications about the change, and an official support document has been released detailing the adjustments users need to make.
Meta has advised users to switch their default messaging app to Google Messages or Samsung Messages. Instructions have been provided to facilitate this transition:
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Navigate to Settings
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Go to Apps
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Choose default apps (Google or other)
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Select SMS app and set the desired messaging app.
If this change is not made before the deadline, the phone will automatically revert to the default messaging app.
It’s important to note that the SMS history will not be lost. Users can access their SMS message history via their new default messaging application, ensuring continuity in their personal and professional communications.
Reflecting on the Change
The decision to phase out the SMS feature from Facebook Messenger may signal a broader shift in Meta’s focus towards unifying and simplifying its platforms.
By directing users to standard SMS apps, Meta may be freeing resources to concentrate on its core messaging functionalities and the development of new features within its vast ecosystem.
While the change may be inconvenient for some, it also represents an opportunity for users to explore the features and functionalities of other messaging apps.
For Meta, it symbolizes a commitment to adapt and innovate, even if that means saying goodbye to a beloved feature.
In the grand scope of digital evolution, the discontinuation of SMS support in Facebook Messenger is a minor yet significant marker.
It reminds us that technology is ever-changing, and the tools we use today may be replaced or refined tomorrow.
FAQs
Q.1 What is the change that Meta is implementing in Facebook Messenger?
Ans. Meta is discontinuing the feature that allows Facebook Messenger to be used as an SMS app for Android users, effective from September 28, 2023.
Q.2 How can users switch their default messaging app?
Ans. Users can switch by going to Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > SMS app, and selecting either Google Messages or Samsung Messages.
Q.3 What will happen if a user forgets to change the default messaging app before the deadline?
Ans . If the default messaging app is not changed by September 28, 2023, it will automatically switch to the phone’s default messaging app.
Q.4 Will SMS history be lost after the change?
Ans.No, users can still access their SMS message history via the new default messaging application.
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