Users in Vietnam accessing the site have begun seeing a message saying: “Messenger.com is moving to fb.com/messages on 16 April 2026.” After the date visitors to the site will automatically be redirected to Facebook.

Although both platforms share a similar interface and are operated by Meta Platforms, the change will affect users who rely solely on Messenger for communication. Some keep their Facebook accounts inactive while using Messenger via the website or mobile app.

Under the new arrangement, they will need to either reactivate Facebook or switch entirely to the mobile app. If they do not have a Facebook account, users can continue chatting on the Messenger mobile app, and could get back chat history using a PIN after creating an initial backup, Meta said.

Facebook Messenger app on a smartphone. Photo from Pexels

The move follows its broader effort to phase out desktop-based services. Late last year the company discontinued its Messenger applications for both Mac and Windows.

According to tech site TechCrunch, the decision is aimed at reducing operational costs by consolidating platforms, but has drawn mixed reactions.

On social media platforms such as X and Reddit, some users expressed frustration, saying they preferred using Messenger via a browser for work or casual messaging and did not want to rely on Facebook or constantly check messages on their phones.

Meta has not provided any further explanation for the change.

Messenger was first introduced as Facebook Chat in 2008 and became a standalone application in 2011.

In 2014 Facebook removed messaging from its main mobile app, directing users to the independent Messenger platform.

In 2023 Meta reintegrated Messenger into the Facebook app and has since been gradually discontinuing its standalone desktop services.