Meta is shutting down the Facebook Messenger app on certain devices on Monday (December 15), which could leave some unable to access their chat history.
The major tech company is responsible for the likes of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.
Meta is also responsible for Messenger, the messaging app and platform, which evolved from Facebook's built-in chat.
It has now become a "comprehensive" tool for instant messaging, voice/video calls, media sharing, and more.
Messenger is currently available via the app, web, or desktop, allowing users to sign up through Facebook or a phone number.
Meta shutting down Messenger app on these devices
However, Meta has revealed that the Messenger app for Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac is being discontinued from Monday (December 15).
In the Messenger Help Centre, Meta says: "The Messenger app for Windows/Mac is being deprecated.
"After deprecation, you won’t be able to log into the app and will be automatically redirected to use the Facebook desktop app (Microsoft)/website (Mac) for messaging."
Mac and Windows users will still be able to access Messenger via the Facebook app, or the Messenger website.
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Will my Messenger chat history be saved?
The chat history from the Messenger app will be saved, as long as 'secure storage' is set up.
To check if you already have secure storage turned on:
- Click above your profile photo
- Click 'Privacy & safety', then click 'End-to-end encrypted chats'
- Click 'Message storage', then check if 'Turn on secure storage' is turned on
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Meta added: "Users who haven’t enabled secure storage in Messenger should turn on secure storage and setup a PIN from their desktop app to save their chat history before moving to the web version.
"Once you transition to Facebook.com, your chat history will be available on all platforms."
Meta has been contacted for further comment.
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