While the decision to create a separate app initially drew criticism, it has since matured into one of the go-to services for communicating with friends and family.
The beauty of Facebook Messenger is that it works across multiple devices, and isn’t tied to your phone number like WhatsApp.
However, Facebook now forces you to sign up or log in when you download the Messenger app.
While it has allowed you to use Messenger without an account in the past, the option was removed in December 2019. The only way you can still use it account-free if you’ve previously had a Facebook account but now deleted it.
This is great news for those who cut ties with Facebook in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, but if you’ve never had it you’re out of luck. The old method of validating your phone number will not work.
How to use Messenger without an active Facebook account
Download the free Facebook Messenger app from the App Store or Google Play. Sign in with the account information you used to use. While this doesn’t work on the social network, it will work here. Add new contacts by entering their phone numbers – if their Facebook account is linked they’ll show up.
Also see: How to send a Facebook message without the Messenger app
Marie is Editorial Director at Foundry. A Journalism graduate from the London College of Printing, she’s worked in tech media for more than 17 years, managing our EMEA and LatAm editorial teams and leading on content strategy through Foundry’s transition from print, to digital, to online - and beyond.
