Shillong, August 8: Facebook Messenger, the popular instant messaging app, has revealed its decision to discontinue SMS support starting next month.
The company informed users that if they use Messenger as their default SMS messaging app on Android devices, they won’t be able to send or receive SMS messages from their cellular network through Messenger after updating the app post September 28, 2023. Users can still access their SMS message history via their phone’s new default messaging app.
As per IANS, Facebook clarified that if users don’t select a new default messaging app, SMS messages will automatically be directed to their phone’s default messaging app, such as Android Messages.
This move was initially announced in 2016 as part of Facebook’s ongoing updates and changes.
Last month, Meta (formerly Facebook) introduced a novel feature to Messenger called real-time avatar calls. This feature provides an alternative for users who wish to engage in video calls without revealing their actual faces, presenting a middle ground between having the camera off and on.
In June, Meta unveiled parental supervision features for Messenger. This functionality allows parents to monitor how teenagers use Messenger and with whom they interact. Initially launched in the US, the UK, and Canada, the feature is set to expand to more countries worldwide in the near future.
