Meta has confirmed the closure of the application of Messenger for Mac, a move that also affects Windows and forces desktop users to go through the browser. Starting from the deadline, those who try to log in to the app will see a automatic redirection to the web to continue sending messages.
The transition will be gradual and will be accompanied by notifications within the app itself, allowing for time to adapt. The company's goal is to focus usage on the web and mobile experiences, so it's important to be clear about the Deadlines, changes, and how to preserve history of talks before the final closure.
Dates, changes, and how it will affect Mac usage
Meta has set the December 15th 2025 as the date from which the desktop app will stop working. From the moment the pop-up appears in the app, users have 60 days of grace to continue using it before it becomes unusable.
During this process, the company removes the app from official stores, and once the shutdown is executed, you will no longer be able to log in to the desktop client. Instead, users will be redirected to Facebook.com or Messenger.com to continue your conversations from the browser.
The redirect varies depending on the account type: if you use Messenger with a Facebook account, you will go to Facebook.com; if you use it without a Facebook account, it will take you directly to Messenger.comIn both cases, the service will continue to operate on the web with its core functions.
This move comes after the 2024 interim step, when the native Mac app was replaced with a progressive web application (PWA), anticipating the transition to the browser as the primary channel.
Key shutdown measures that Meta has announced for the final phase:
- Elimination from the Mac App Store and Microsoft Store apps.
- In-app notification which starts the 60-day period.
- Redirection to Facebook.com or Messenger.com after the shutdown.
- Recommendation to uninstall the app when it stops working.
What happens to the chat history?
In order not to lose messages, Meta asks to activate the secure storage and set a PIN before permanently switching to the web version. Without this setting, some of your desktop-only history may not be available later.
Once you enable secure storage, your history will be synced and accessible across the web and mobile, keeping your data protected. end-to-end encrypted chats and cross-platform accessibility.
Quick steps to activate secure storage
- Open Messenger on your Mac and tap the icon profile.
- Sign in Privacy & Security and later End-to-end encrypted chats.
- Accede to Message storage and activate the option secure storage.
- Create and confirm a PIN to protect access to your conversations.
If you still don't see these options, check again after receiving the closure notification in the app: the notice marks the start of the 60-day period to complete the transition smoothly.
How to prepare and alternatives to continue chatting
The most direct way to continue is to use Messenger from the browser: The experience on Facebook.com and Messenger.com maintains most of the key features, with the exception that the notifications depend on browser permissions.
The mobile apps for iOS and Android are not affected by this change, so you can switch between your phone and computer using the web version, preserving your history and voice and video calls.
If you prefer your own icon in the Dock or taskbar, you can create one web apps from the browser or use Menutab; in Safari, use "Add to Dock"; in Chrome or Edge, the menu allows you to "Install" the site as an app. It feels closer to a dedicated app.
As additional alternatives, there are third party tools which integrate several messaging services into a single interface, as well as the WhatsApp desktop app within Meta's own ecosystem, although they require your contacts to also use them.
Impact on companies and professional profiles
Teams that used the desktop app for customer service or teleworking (for example, compatible with Workplace for Mac) will have to adapt their workflows to the web or consider other tools. In small organizations, the lack of a native client can affect the productivity until daily operations are adjusted.
FAQs
Will I lose my chats? No, as long as you enable secure storage and set a PIN before closing, your conversations will remain accessible on the web and mobile.
When does the app stop working? After receiving the notification within the app, you have 60 days; the deadline is December 15, 2025.
What if I don't have a Facebook account? You can log in from Messenger.com without having to create a Facebook account, with access to your conversations.
Is there a way to maintain a native app? Unofficially; alternatively, create a web app for the site or use third-party solutions that bundle multiple services.
Given the deadlines and the redirection to the website, it is sensible to activate the secure storage, test browser access, and if needed, create a web app or evaluate third-party options; this way, switching from Messenger to Mac will be smoother and without data loss.
