Meta is shutting down Messenger's standalone website

Core Viewpoint - Meta is shutting down its standalone Messenger website, redirecting users to Facebook for messaging starting April 2026 [1][2] Group 1: Service Changes - The Messenger website will no longer be available, and users will be redirected to facebook.com/messages for messaging on a computer [1] - Users without a Facebook account can only continue conversations on the Messenger mobile app [1] - Users can restore chat history using a PIN created during backup [1] Group 2: Historical Context - Messenger was launched as "Facebook Chat" in 2008 and became a standalone app in 2011 [4] - In 2014, Facebook removed messaging from its main app to promote Messenger, but began merging Messenger back into the Facebook app in 2023 [4] Group 3: User Reactions - Users have expressed frustration on social media about relying on the Facebook website for Messenger chats, particularly those who have deactivated their Facebook accounts [3] - The decision to shut down various Messenger platforms is seen as a cost-reduction strategy for Meta [3]