Facebook Messenger and Facebook messaging are closely integrated services for sending messages on Facebook’s platform. When you send a message to someone on Facebook, it can go to either the Facebook Messages inbox or the Messenger app depending on user settings and preferences.
The Relationship Between Facebook Messages and Messenger
Facebook Messenger is Facebook’s standalone messaging app launched in 2011. It allows users to message each other privately and in group chats. Facebook Messages, originally called Facebook Inbox, was launched in 2007 as Facebook’s private messaging system within the Facebook website and mobile app.
When Messenger first launched, it existed alongside Facebook’s messaging system. Users could message each other within Facebook or use the separate Messenger app. In 2014, Facebook required all messages between users to go through the Messenger app and removed the messaging feature from the main Facebook app.
In 2016, Facebook reintegrated messaging capabilities into its main app. Now users once again have the option to message each other directly on Facebook or use Messenger.
Where Do Facebook Messages Go By Default?
By default, messages sent between users on Facebook will appear in both the Facebook Messages inbox and the Messenger app. This allows users to view and respond to messages from either interface.
When you send a message to someone on Facebook from a desktop or from the Facebook mobile app, it will go to their Facebook Messages inbox and also show up in their Messenger app. Any messages they send back will appear in your Facebook Messages and Messenger as well.
Can You Turn Off Messenger Integration?
If you don’t want your Facebook messages going to Messenger, you can disable this integration in your Facebook settings. Here are the steps:
- Go to your Facebook Settings and select “Messaging”
- Under “Message Delivery,” uncheck the box next to “Get text messages in Messenger and Facebook”
- Scroll down and click “Turn Off” under “Forwarding to Messenger”
Once you have turned off Messenger integration in your settings, any messages you send or receive on Facebook will stay within Facebook Messages. They will no longer appear in your Messenger app.
Turning Off Messenger on Mobile
You can also turn off Messenger integration specifically for your mobile Facebook messaging experience. Here’s how:
- Open the Facebook app on your iPhone or Android
- Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings
- Tap on “Messaging”
- Toggle off “Get Text Messages in Messenger”
When this setting is disabled, any messages you send or receive in the Facebook mobile app will only show up in Facebook Messages, not Messenger.
Does Messenger Sync Delete Message History?
An important note about disabling Messenger integration – it does not delete your existing message history from Messenger. All previous conversations and messages will remain intact in the Messenger app.
Disabling the integration only affects new messages moving forward. Any old messages will still be accessible in Messenger unless you manually delete conversations.
Does Disabling Messenger Disable Chat Heads?
On Android devices, turning off Messenger integration also disables the “Chat Heads” feature. Chat Heads are the floating circular icons that appear over your device’s screen when you get new Messenger messages.
With Messenger integration turned off, you will no longer get Chat Heads for new messages. The messages will still come through but without the floating notifications.
Can You Move Old Messages to Messenger?
If you currently have Messenger integration turned off but want to move your existing Facebook message history to Messenger, there are a couple of options:
- Turn Messenger integration back on – This will sync all your messages from the past to Messenger.
- Use the “Move Chats to Messenger” tool – This lets you manually select conversations to transfer.
To use the Move Chats tool:
- Open Messenger and tap your profile photo
- Go to the Message Requests section
- Tap “Move Chats to Messenger” and select conversations to move
Can You Stop Getting Messenger Notifications?
If you keep Messenger integration turned on but want to mute notifications from the Messenger app, you can adjust notification settings:
- In Messenger, go to your profile and open Settings
- Go to Notifications > Message Notifications
- Toggle off sounds, vibrations, or banners as desired
This will silence Messenger notifications on your device while still allowing messages to come through.
Should You Keep Messenger Integrated?
Here are some pros and cons to keeping Messenger integrated with your Facebook messaging:
Pros
- View and reply to messages from either Facebook or Messenger
- Sync message history across platforms
- Use Messenger-only features like chat heads, stickers, and chat bots
Cons
- Duplicate notifications from both apps
- Harder to avoid distracting messaging when trying to limit app use
- Privacy concerns of data sharing between apps
Conclusion
Facebook Messenger integration makes messages seamlessly flow between Facebook’s messaging platforms. While convenient, some users may wish to limit app interoperability for productivity or privacy reasons.
Disabling Messenger integration prevents new messages from appearing in both places but does not affect existing message history. Users can customize to their preferences based on messaging needs.
| Integration Setting | Effect on New Messages | Effect on Old Messages |
|---|---|---|
| On | Appear in Facebook Messages and Messenger | Remain accessible in Messenger |
| Off | Only appear in Facebook Messages | Remain accessible in Messenger |
In summary, when Messenger integration is enabled, Facebook messages will go to both Facebook Messages and Messenger apps. Turning integration off keeps new messages exclusive to Facebook Messages while retaining existing Messenger history.