Meta is ending support for SMS in Facebook Messenger from next month

On August 8, 2023, a post appeared in the Meta Help Center warning Android users about the end of support for SMS messages in Facebook Messenger. Starting next month, the function of sending and receiving SMS messages will disappear. What does this mean for consumers and businesses who rely on Messenger as their default communication tool? Read more.

What will be remembered for the integration of SMS with Facebook Messenger

The integration of SMS into Messenger took place in 2016. For Meta, this was a step in the direction of scaling. At that time, iMessage from Apple and Google Messages already had a similar function on smartphones.

Earlier, in 2012, Facebook already introduced support for traditional messages, but development was discontinued by 2013.

Support for SMS has made Facebook more competitive. At the same time, the owners of Android devices got a double experience - online chat, which is organically combined with regular SMS messages.

Platform users were able to view and reply to SMS messages, just like emails received in the app. For convenience, SMS streams are shown in purple, while internal chats are shown in blue.

The changes will come into effect on September 28, 2023

The update appeared on the support page a few months after Meta announced it was working on bringing back the inbox to Facebook.

In test mode, some users of the social network can exchange messages without leaving the main application. The company announced the integration of Messenger and Instagram chats as early as 2020. At the same time, Meta said that Facebook Messenger processes about 140 billion messages every day.

After September 28, 2023, users who receive the update will no longer be able to share SMS in Messenger over cellular. The innovation will affect all owners of Android smartphones.

What Facebook Messenger users and businesses should do

In the published news, Meta recommends switching to other applications or using the default program. If you're currently using Messenger as an SMS app, but don't take action, all traditional messaging chats will be automatically transferred to Google Messages.

The business impact of disabling the SMS feature in Facebook Messenger will depend on the individual circumstances. On the one hand, this will reduce the effectiveness of communication with customers. On the other hand, it saves money.

To minimize the negative impact of the upgrade, companies can proactively:

• Inform customers that the feature will be deactivated.
• Offer them alternative channels of communication.
• Ensure the usability of these channels.

Contact the Decision Telecom team now and we will find the best solution for your business.