Facebook Messenger, owned by Meta, is preparing to discontinue its support for sending SMS messages over cellular networks. The messaging platform initially introduced SMS integration for Android smartphones back in 2016, allowing users to conveniently manage both text messages and Facebook messages within a single app. SMS messages are currently distinguished by their purple appearance, while Messenger conversations are displayed in blue.
This integration, however, is set to be phased out. According to information on a Facebook Messenger support page, Meta will officially end support for SMS messages on its Messenger app for Android on September 28. Users will be required to update the app, and after this change, Messenger will no longer facilitate the sending or receiving of SMS messages via cellular networks. Instead, users will need to utilize their device’s default messaging app for SMS communication.
In the event that users do not choose an alternative default messaging app, SMS messages will be automatically directed to the Google Messages app. While traditional SMS messages are represented in purple, conversations conducted through Facebook Messenger appear in blue within the app. Users have the option to manually switch to a different application—such as Google Messages or the SMS app provided by their smartphone manufacturer—prior to the September 28 deadline.
Originally introduced by Facebook in 2016 as a competitor to Apple’s iMessage and Google Android Messages, Messenger’s SMS integration aimed to provide a comprehensive messaging experience. Users who designated Facebook Messenger as their default app enjoyed the convenience of viewing both SMS and Facebook messages within the same interface.
This recent development comes several months after Meta’s announcement of the message inbox feature’s return to the main Facebook app. Testing of this feature commenced in March, enabling users to seamlessly share content through Facebook messages without needing to switch to the Messenger app. Meta highlighted the substantial volume of messages sent across its messaging platforms, exceeding 140 billion messages daily.
