Facebook is set to discontinue its SMS service within Messenger. For those who’ve been using the Facebook Messenger app as an alternative communication platform, there’s a change on the horizon. Notably, Messenger has been offering the capability to handle SMS messages alongside its regular messaging features. This dual-functionality is about to change, as Facebook plans to deactivate the SMS service within Messenger starting September 28, 2023. This means that Messenger will no longer support sending or receiving SMS messages through cellular networks.
According to the Help section, users will still have the option to send and receive SMS messages on their smartphones, but they’ll need to rely on other messaging apps or their device’s built-in messaging application to do so. Facebook’s advice for those who’ve been using Messenger as their go-to platform for both app-based and SMS-based conversations is to transition to alternative messaging apps sooner rather than later.
For individuals accustomed to utilizing Messenger as a replacement for the default smartphone messaging app, this shift will prompt a change in their messaging habits. As of September 28, 2023, Messenger’s SMS capabilities will no longer be operational, requiring users to adapt to the new messaging landscape.
