Meta’s Messenger Lite App for Android to be Discontinued on Specific Date
Meta will be discontinuing the Messenger Lite for Android next month. The app, which was designed for less-powerful Android devices, offered basic features from the Messenger app while consuming less RAM and storage space. Launched in October 2016, it quickly gained popularity among users who couldn’t afford high-end smartphones, as it allowed them to use Messenger without experiencing performance issues or excessive battery drain. However, Meta has now announced a final date for the app’s availability, and it’s important for users to be aware of this.
According to a TechCrunch report, the app has been removed from the Google Play Store, meaning that new users can no longer download it. For those who already have the app, Meta has set a date of September 18th when the app will be shut down for good. Existing users will already be shown a message that says “Use Messenger to continue the conversation”.
“Starting August 21st, people using Messenger Lite for Android will be redirected to Messenger or FB Lite to send and receive messages on Messenger,” a Meta spokesperson told TechCrunch.
Messenger Lite for Android is shutting down
Switching to the Messenger app or just the Facebook app will not result in the loss of data or messages. Since the data is directly tied to users’ Facebook accounts, those worried about losing their conversations after September 18 needn’t worry.
Messenger Lite has around 760 million users, with India topping the list with the highest number of users, followed by Brazil and Indonesia. As shown by its practicality, the app was more popular in areas with much lower income groups that cannot afford powerful Android devices.
Despite being a Lite version of the main Messenger app, it didn’t lack important functions and people could easily talk to an individual or a group. Although it didn’t have any of Messenger’s design aesthetic or all the extra Facebook-based features. The reason for closing the application is unknown.
The iOS version of the app itself was shut down in 2020 because it didn’t gain much traction.
