Facebook Messenger to Discontinue SMS Integration on Android

Since 2016, Android users have enjoyed the convenience of using Facebook/Meta’s Messenger as an SMS app. However, this integration is slated to be discontinued in September.

Those who rely on Facebook Messenger for SMS and MMS instead of Google or Samsung Messages are now receiving notifications about this forthcoming change. According to a support article, after updating the app post-September 28, 2023, users “will no longer be able to use Messenger to send and receive SMS messages sent by your cellular network.”

Meta recommends that users switch to their phone’s default messaging app, such as Google’s offering. The process involves accessing the system Settings app, navigating to Apps > Default apps > SMS app, and selecting an alternative client.

Facebook Messenger introduced SMS support in 2012, but it was phased out by 2013. In 2016, Facebook attempted to integrate SMS again, this time keeping it separate from web-based communications. These SMS threads were visually distinct in purple, while others remained blue. Facebook dubbed this experience “SMS on steroids.”

Presently, third-party SMS clients lack popularity and access to Rich Communication Services (RCS). Google has solidified messaging as a core Android feature, with carriers and device manufacturers predominantly opting for the Messages app as the default.

While Messenger enjoys significant popularity, the SMS/MMS integration might not be a central focus for the company anymore, especially considering its emphasis on WhatsApp as another major service. Ultimately, this deprecation could be seen as advantageous for Google and its ongoing efforts to promote RCS.