Facebook Messenger plans to discontinue its support for sending SMS messages via cellular networks in the near future. The service, which was introduced in 2016 for Android users, enabled seamless access to SMS text messages alongside those from Facebook friends, displayed in different colors for easy distinction. Currently, SMS messages are highlighted in purple, while Messenger conversations appear in blue. This integration will soon be phased out, shortly after Meta announced the revival of the message inbox feature within the Facebook app.
According to a support page from Messenger, the new update will take effect on September 28. Upon updating the app, users will no longer be able to send or receive SMS messages through Messenger, and will instead need to use their phone’s default messaging app for these services.
Meta further clarified that if users do not designate a new default messaging application, any incoming SMS messages will be automatically routed to the Google Messages app. While SMS messages will still display in purple, the Messenger conversations will retain their blue color within the application. Users are encouraged to switch to another messaging application, such as Google Messages or the default SMS app provided by their smartphone manufacturer, ahead of the September deadline.
The introduction of SMS integration in Messenger was part of Facebook’s strategy in 2016 to compete with Apple’s iMessage and Google Android Messages. By setting Messenger as the default application, users could manage SMS text messages along with Facebook messages in one convenient location.
This update follows Meta’s previous announcement regarding the reinstatement of the message inbox feature in the Facebook app, which was first tested earlier this year in March. With this feature, users can send content through messages on Facebook without needing to switch to Messenger. Meta has reported that over 140 billion messages are sent across its messaging platforms daily.
