Facebook Messenger has become one of the most popular messaging platforms, with over 1 billion monthly active users. The convenience of the Messenger app makes it easy to stay in touch with friends and family. But what if you don’t want to download the app or you can’t for some reason? The good news is there are a few different ways to use Messenger without the mobile app.
Accessing Messenger on the Facebook Website
The simplest way to use Messenger without the app is to access it through the Facebook website. Just go to www.facebook.com and log in to your account. At the top of the page, you’ll see a downward arrow icon – click this and select “Messenger” from the dropdown menu.
This will bring you to the desktop version of Messenger, which has the same core messaging capabilities as the mobile app. You can see your conversations on the left side of the screen and send/receive messages, photos, videos, voice messages, and more. Some features like games, stories, and group video calling won’t be available, but you can do basic messaging.
Pros of Using Messenger on the Facebook Website
- No app download required
- Accessible from any desktop browser
- Syncs message history across devices
Cons of Using Messenger on the Facebook Website
- Missing some app features like games, video calling, etc.
- No native notifications – have to have FB website open
- Less user friendly interface than the app
Enabling Messenger Without App Through Settings
If you don’t want to use the desktop site, there is a way to enable messaging capabilities in the main Facebook app. Here’s how:
- Open the Facebook app and tap the three line “hamburger” menu icon
- Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings
- Scroll down and tap on “Messaging”
- Toggle “Turn On Messaging” to the on position
This will activate messaging functions within the Facebook app itself. You’ll see a Messages icon on the bottom toolbar that you can tap to view conversations and send messages without having Messenger installed.
Pros of Messaging in the Facebook App
- Don’t need separate Messenger app
- Familiar Facebook app interface
- Get native push notifications
Cons of Messaging in the Facebook App
- Still missing some Messenger-only features
- Mixing news feed and messages can be distracting
- Buggy experience compared to standalone Messenger
Using Messenger Without an App on Mobile
The Facebook and Messenger apps are only designed for smartphones, so what about folks using basic cell phones? Non-smartphone users can access a stripped down web-based version of Messenger by going to m.facebook.com/messages on their mobile browser. This allows you to do simple text messaging without downloading the app.
Pros of Mobile Web Messenger
- Available on any mobile phone with internet
- Doesn’t require downloading an app
- Syncs messages with the desktop site
Cons of Mobile Web Messenger
- Very limited functionality
- No notifications
- Difficult interface for mobile browsers
Using Third-Party Apps Like Messenger Lite
There are also some third-party apps that offer access to Messenger without all the bells and whistles of the official Facebook Messenger app. One example is Messenger Lite. Here’s an overview:
What is Messenger Lite?
Messenger Lite is an unofficial lightweight messaging app developed by third parties that taps into the Facebook Messenger platform. It provides basic messaging capabilities without all the games, ads, etc. in the real Messenger app.
Key Features of Messenger Lite
- Uses much less data and storage space
- Fast performance even on slow networks/phones
- Send messages, photos, videos
- Receive push notifications
- Syncs message history across devices
Downsides of Messenger Lite
- Not available on iOS devices
- No calling features
- Missing some functionality like stories, games, etc.
- Not officially endorsed by Facebook
While third-party options like Messenger Lite aren’t perfect, they do provide a stripped down messaging experience without all the extra fluff and drain on data/storage.
Using Messenger Without the App on a PC
So far we’ve focused primarily on mobile options for using Messenger without the app, but what if you want to message people from your laptop or desktop computer? There are a couple routes you can take:
Option 1: Use the Facebook Website
As mentioned above, you can access the desktop version of Messenger by going to www.facebook.com, clicking the arrow icon, and selecting Messenger. This will provide you with core messaging functions right in your browser.
Option 2: Download a Desktop App
If you want a more app-like experience on desktop, there are some third party apps that provide that. Examples include Messenger Desktop and Rambox. These apps provide native desktop notifications, keyboard shortcuts, and other handy features.
Option 3: Use the Mobile Website
You can also access the stripped down mobile version of Messenger at m.facebook.com/messages using any desktop web browser. This allows messaging without any sort of install.
Can You Use Messenger Without a Facebook Account?
One common question people have is whether you can use Messenger without having a Facebook account. Unfortunately, the answer is no – you need a Facebook account to use Messenger since the two platforms are intertwined.
When you first create a Facebook account, it automatically generates a Messenger account for you as well. And you must be logged into your Facebook account to access Messenger across any platform or device.
So in short, there is no way to use Messenger without also having an active Facebook account. The services go hand in hand.
Top Tips for Using Messenger Without the App
Here are some top tips to improve your Messenger experience if you aren’t using the mobile app:
- Enable web notifications – This allows you to get notifications even when Messenger web is in the background
- Use keyboard shortcuts – For Messenger on desktop, shortcuts like Ctrl/Cmd+N for new message speed things up
- Open links in new tabs – So you don’t lose your place in the messenger window
- Pin the web version as an app – On your mobile home screen for quick access without installing anything
- Use Messenger.com – It provides a nicer interface than Facebook mobile site
Conclusion
While the Messenger app provides the best overall user experience, there are ways to access messaging functions without downloading the app. The Facebook website, mobile site, third-party apps, and desktop options give you alternate routes to use Messenger without the mobile app installed.
Each has its pros and cons, with limitations on features. But the core messaging functionality remains intact in most options. So if you don’t want Messenger taking up space on your phone, draining battery, or simply dislike the interface, rest assured you aren’t forced to use the official app.
Just be aware that you need an active Facebook account to use Messenger on any platform. But whether you access it on mobile, desktop, or web, Messenger provides a convenient way to stay in touch without SMS or phone calls.