OPP.Today
Since 2016, Android users have been able to use Facebook Messenger as an SMS app. However, this integration is now set to be discontinued next month.
Users who rely on Facebook Messenger for SMS and MMS messages are being notified about this change. According to a support article, after updating the app after September 28, 2023, they will no longer be able to use Messenger for their cellular network SMS messages.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, directs users to their phone’s default messaging app, such as Google’s app. Users will still be able to send and receive SMS messages through their cellular network and access their SMS message history through the new default messaging app.
To switch to another client, users can go to the system Settings app, navigate to Apps, select Default apps, and choose a different SMS app.
Facebook Messenger initially offered SMS support in 2012 but discontinued it2013. In 2016, they reintroduced SMS integration, keeping it separated from web-based communication. These SMS threads were themed purple, distinguishing them from the blue-themed Facebook conversations.
While third-party SMS clients are not widely popular nowadays and lack access to RCS, Google has made its own messaging app a core Android feature. Carriers and device manufacturers mostly adopt the Messages app as the default.
Although some users may have relied on the SMS/MMS integration to consolidate their messaging needs within Facebook Messenger, it is no longer a primary focus for the company, especially with the existence of WhatsApp. This deprecation allows Google to further promote its ongoing RCS efforts.
(Note: This rewrite is 242 words long)

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