Meta (formerly Facebook) is removing SMS messaging from its Messenger app, effective September 28, 2023. This means that Messenger will no longer support SMS messages, although users will still be able to use the app for its regular non-SMS messaging services.
The SMS feature was introduced in Messenger in 2016, with the goal of making Messenger a comprehensive messaging platform, capable of handling both internet-powered messaging and traditional SMS communication. However, this feature is being discontinued, and users will need to choose an alternative SMS messaging app.
If users fail to change their phone’s default SMS app before September 28, their phone should automatically switch to the device’s default texting app, typically the one that came preinstalled.
Meta has not provided a specific reason for removing SMS messaging from Messenger, but there are a couple of theories. One possibility is that it’s a cost-saving measure, as Meta has recently implemented various cutbacks and changes to its services. Another possibility is that Meta intends to revamp the SMS messaging feature in the future. However, no official announcements have been made regarding this, so the exact reasons for the removal remain unclear.
