Facebook users are now being forced to download a separate app [1] called Messenger [2] (free on Android, iOS [3], and Windows Phone [4]). The platform will remove chat and messaging from its standalone Facebook app [5] very soon — but there are a couple of ways around this, if you're averse to new apps on your device.
Use the Mobile Browser
Easy enough: on your smartphone or tablet, just head to Facebook.com in your mobile web browser of choice. There are a couple of reasons why using the website is better anyway:
- You can enable "Private" browsing in a mobile browser, which can help block those pesky Facebook ads [6].
- It will save your battery! The Facebook app is notorious for sucking battery life [7].
- You'll use less of your mobile device's memory by not downloading another app. The Messenger app is only about 35 MB for iOS, but it still means more room for photos and videos!
- It can work just like an app. For iPhones and iPads, tap the "Share" button and then "Add to Homescreen." The Facebook mobile site will show up as an icon just like any other app.
Use This Hack
The Guardian pointed out this nifty Messenger workaround [8]. Begin to download the Messenger app, and then as soon as you see the circle with a square "stop" icon in the middle, tap it to stop the download. When you return to the Facebook app, the messages tab should return. Facebook might close this loophole soon, so try this hack before the company updates its app with a patch.