Facebook messenger to drop support for SMS in September

Meta Platform has enabled its users to use its messaging app as an SMS app on Android since 2016 but is now discontinuing the feature next month.

Users that have been using the platform for their SMS and MMS texts are being notified of the change, compelling them to switch to Google or Samsung messages. A support article explained how users “will no longer be able to use Messenger to send and receive SMS messages sent by your cellular network when you update your app after September 28, 2023.”

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According to the announcement, Meta will direct users to their phone’s default messaging app. Users can easily make the switch through the Settings of their phone.

Facebook Messenger first began support for SMS in 2012 but dropped it in 2013, and tried again in 2016 by keeping web-based communications separate, using color themes of purple and blue.