How to Use Facebook Messenger From the Facebook App (2026 Guide)

By App World Team · Updated September 2026

Messenger is built directly into the Facebook app, so you don't need a second app installed just to chat with friends, family, or Facebook Pages. This guide walks through exactly how to send messages, make calls, and manage conversations from inside the Facebook app on your phone, tablet, or computer — and explains what's changing now that Meta is retiring the standalone messenger.com website.

Where to Find Messenger Inside the Facebook App

On both Android and iPhone, open the Facebook app and look at the top-right corner of the screen. You'll see a small paper-plane-style Messenger icon next to your notifications bell. Tapping it opens your message inbox in a connected view, showing recent chats, message requests, and unread conversations — all without leaving the Facebook ecosystem.

• Android/iPhone app: Tap the Messenger icon (top right) to view and reply to chats.
• Facebook.com on desktop browser: Click the Messenger icon near the top of the page, or use the chat panel that appears on the right-hand side of your News Feed.
• Mobile browser (no app installed): Go to facebook.com and tap the Messenger icon; you may be prompted to install the Messenger app for the full messaging experience.

Step-by-Step: Sending a Message From the Facebook App

1. Open the Facebook app and log into your account.
2. Tap the Messenger icon in the top-right corner.
3. Tap the compose icon or the search bar to find the person, group, or Page you want to message.
4. Select the contact, type your message, and tap send.
5. To add a photo, video, voice clip, sticker, or GIF, tap the "+" or media icon in the chat window before sending.

Your conversation history stays synced whether you check messages from the Facebook app, the Messenger app, or facebook.com on a browser, since they all pull from the same account.

Making Voice and Video Calls

Inside an open chat in the Facebook app, tap the phone icon for a voice call or the camera icon for a video call. Calls use your internet connection or mobile data instead of your carrier's minutes, and they work for both one-on-one and group conversations. Group video calls can include multiple participants, and you can share your screen during a call on supported devices.

Should You Also Install the Dedicated Messenger App?

You can message entirely from the Facebook app without ever downloading Messenger separately. However, installing the standalone Messenger app (available for Android, iPhone, Windows, and Mac) adds a few practical advantages:

• Instant push notifications the moment a message arrives
• Faster access to chats without opening the full Facebook app first
• A dedicated space for switching between multiple active conversations
• The ability to text, voice call, and video call using your data plan instead of SMS

If you'd rather keep everything in one place, using Messenger through the Facebook app works just as well for everyday messaging.

Important 2026 Update: messenger.com Is Shutting Down

If you're used to messaging from a computer through the separate messenger.com website, take note of a significant change. Meta has confirmed that the standalone Messenger website will stop working starting in April 2026. Once that happens, anyone who visits messenger.com will be automatically redirected to facebook.com/messages, meaning desktop messaging will now run through Facebook itself rather than a separate site. The standalone Messenger desktop apps for Windows and Mac were already discontinued in late 2025, so this closes the loop on Meta's move to consolidate messaging into the core Facebook platform.

Chat history isn't lost in this transition. Conversations remain accessible through Facebook on the web and through the Messenger mobile app on Android and iPhone. If you use Messenger without an active Facebook account (for example, signed in with just a phone number), you'll need to rely on the mobile app going forward, since browser access without a linked Facebook login is being phased out. Meta recommends setting up a PIN through Messenger's secure backup feature so you can restore encrypted chat history if needed during the switch.

Managing Messenger Settings From the Facebook App

You can control most Messenger preferences directly from Facebook's settings menu, without opening a separate app:

• Active status: Turn your "Active Now" indicator on or off from Messenger's settings so contacts can't always see when you're online.
• Message requests: Review and approve messages from people who aren't your Facebook friends before they appear in your main inbox.
• Notifications: Customize sound, vibration, and preview settings for incoming messages.
• Blocking and privacy: Block specific people from messaging or calling you at any time from a chat's settings menu.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Messenger icon is missing from the Facebook app

Make sure the Facebook app is fully updated to the latest version, then log out and back in. On some regional versions of the app, Facebook occasionally prompts users to install the separate Messenger app before chats can be accessed.

Messages aren't syncing between devices

Confirm you're logged into the same Facebook account on every device, and check your internet connection. Force-closing and reopening the app often resolves temporary sync delays.

Can't send messages to someone

You may need to send a message request first if you aren't Facebook friends with that person, or the recipient's privacy settings may restrict who can message them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Messenger without leaving the Facebook app?

Yes. Tap the Messenger icon in the top-right corner of the Facebook app to open your chats in a connected inbox view without needing to switch to a separate Messenger app.

Do I need to install the separate Messenger app?

No, you can message directly from the Facebook app on iOS and Android. Installing the standalone Messenger app adds extra features like push notifications and faster message loading, but it isn't required.

Is messenger.com still available in 2026?

Meta has announced that the standalone messenger.com website will stop working from April 2026, after which visitors will be redirected to facebook.com/messages.

Do I need a Facebook account to use Messenger?

Generally yes. People who previously used Messenger with just a phone number will need the Messenger mobile app going forward, since web access without a linked Facebook account is being phased out.

Final Thoughts

For most people, the Facebook app is all you need to send messages, make calls, and stay in touch — no extra download required. Just tap the Messenger icon in the top-right corner and you're in. If you rely on messaging from a desktop browser, plan ahead for the messenger.com shutdown in April 2026 by getting comfortable with facebook.com/messages, or by keeping the Messenger mobile app installed as a backup.

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Written by the App World Team at App World. This guide is updated periodically to reflect Meta's latest changes to Facebook and Messenger.