Facebook to shutdown chat function forcing users to download Messenger app

Facebook is to shut down its popular chat function forcing users to download its Messenger app Social network reportedly plans to disconnect its Facebook 'chat' function Facebook users will instead have to use the Messenger app The switchover will begin in Europe, but no timeline has been given Users tap a message icon to be taken to the Messenger app where they can send a message or private photos and make free phone calls For many people, chatting to friends is a major reason to use Facebook’s app on their smartphone. Facebook is reportedly notifying users of its popular app that they will no longer be able to send 'chat' messages and will instead have to swap to Messenger, which was launched three years ago. Scroll down for video Time for a new conversation: Facebook is notifying users of its popular app that they will soon no longer be able to send messages using it and will instead have to swap to Messenger, which was launched three years ago People living in Europe with Android handsets and iPhones will be the first to be affected by the change, according to the company, which did not reveal a specific timeline. ‘Taking messages out of the Facebook app also lets us focus on making Messenger even better for everyone rather than working on two separate Facebook messaging experiences.’ The company halted messaging in the main app for people who have already downloaded Messenger in November, following the launch of Messenger 3.0.