What Messenger is and where to get it

Messenger is a messaging app made by Meta (the company that owns Facebook). It lets you send text messages, make calls, and share photos with other people who have Messenger installed. You do not need a Facebook account to use Messenger — you can sign up with just a phone number or email address.

Messenger works on phones (iPhone and Android), computers (Windows and Mac), and through a web browser. The steps to install it differ depending on what device you are using. This guide covers all three.

Key Takeaways

  • Messenger is a free app available on iPhones, Android phones, Windows computers, and Mac computers, as well as through any web browser.
  • On a phone, you download Messenger from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android), then sign in with a phone number or email.
  • On a computer, you can use the web version at messenger.com or download the desktop app from the Microsoft Store (Windows) or Mac App Store.
  • After installation, you will need to verify your phone number or email address before you can start messaging.
  • Messenger syncs across all your devices, so messages you send on your phone appear on your computer and vice versa.

Installing Messenger on an iPhone

Open the App Store on your iPhone (the blue icon with a white square). Tap the search tab at the bottom of the screen, then type "Messenger" in the search box. The official Messenger app made by Meta will appear at the top of the results — it has a blue icon with a white lightning bolt.

Tap the cloud icon with a down arrow next to the app name to download it. If you see a button that says "Get" instead, tap that. You may be asked to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password. Complete whichever authentication method your phone uses.

Once the download finishes, the button will change to "Open". Tap it to launch Messenger for the first time. You will be asked to sign in or create an account. Enter your phone number or email address, then follow the prompts to verify it. Meta will send you a code via text or email — enter that code to confirm your identity.

Installing Messenger on an Android phone

Open Google Play Store on your Android phone (the colorful triangle icon). Tap the search icon at the bottom, then type "Messenger" in the search box. The official Messenger app made by Meta will appear at the top — it has a blue icon with a white lightning bolt.

Tap the "Install" button. Your phone may ask for permission to access certain features like your contacts or camera — you can allow or deny these, though some features will not work without them. Once installation finishes, the button will change to "Open".

Tap "Open" to start Messenger. You will see a sign-in screen. Enter your phone number or email address, then wait for Meta to send you a verification code via text or email. Enter that code to complete your sign-in.

Installing Messenger on Windows

You have two options on Windows: use Messenger through your web browser, or download the desktop app.

For the web version, open any browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari) and go to messenger.com. Sign in with your phone number or email address. Meta will send you a verification code — enter it to confirm your identity. You can now use Messenger in that browser tab.

For the desktop app, open the Microsoft Store (search for "Microsoft Store" in your Windows search bar). Search for "Messenger" in the store. The official Meta app will appear at the top. Click "Get" to download and install it. Once installation finishes, click "Open" to launch the app. Sign in with your phone number or email, then enter the verification code Meta sends you.

Installing Messenger on a Mac

Like Windows, you can use Messenger through a web browser or download the desktop app.

For the web version, open Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or another browser and go to messenger.com. Sign in with your phone number or email address and enter the verification code Meta sends you.

For the desktop app, open the Mac App Store (search for "App Store" in Spotlight). Search for "Messenger" in the store. Click the official Meta app, then click "Get". You may be asked to authenticate with your Apple ID. Once installation finishes, click "Open". Sign in with your phone number or email, then enter your verification code.

What to do after you install Messenger

After you sign in, Messenger will ask permission to access your contacts, camera, microphone, and photos. You can allow or deny these permissions — the app will still work, but certain features like video calls or photo sharing may not be available if you deny them.

Your Messenger account is now active on that device. If you install Messenger on multiple devices (your phone and your computer, for example), all your messages will appear on every device. When someone sends you a message on your phone, you will see it on your computer too.

To add contacts, you can search for people by their name or phone number, or Messenger can show you people from your phone's contact list if you gave it permission. You can also join group chats or create new ones by tapping the compose button (usually a pencil icon or plus sign).

Troubleshooting common installation problems

If the app will not download, check that you have enough storage space on your device. On a phone, go to Settings and look at how much free space you have. Messenger typically needs at least 100 MB of free space. If you are low on space, delete apps or files you no longer use, then try downloading Messenger again.

If you cannot sign in after installation, make sure you are using the correct phone number or email address. If you have changed your phone number since you last used Messenger, you may need to use your email address instead. If you still cannot sign in, try uninstalling the app completely and reinstalling it from scratch.

If the app crashes or freezes after you install it, restart your device. On a phone, power it off completely, wait 10 seconds, then power it back on. On a computer, close all browser windows or the desktop app, then reopen it. If the problem continues, uninstall and reinstall Messenger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Facebook account to use Messenger?

No. You can create a Messenger account using only a phone number or email address. You do not need to have a Facebook account. However, if you already have a Facebook account, Messenger will automatically connect to it.

Is Messenger free to download and use?

Yes. Downloading Messenger and sending messages is free. Calls over Wi-Fi or data are free. If you call someone's phone number directly (not through Messenger), standard phone charges may apply depending on your plan.

Can I use Messenger on multiple devices at the same time?

Yes. You can install Messenger on your phone, computer, and use it in a web browser all at the same time. Your messages sync across all devices, so you will see the same conversations everywhere.

What if I see a fake Messenger app in the store?

Always download from the official source: the App Store or Google Play Store on phones, the Microsoft Store or Mac App Store on computers. The official app is made by Meta and has a blue icon with a white lightning bolt. If you are unsure, search for "Messenger Meta" to make sure you are getting the real one.

Can I delete Messenger after I install it?

Yes. On a phone, press and hold the Messenger icon, then select "Remove App" or "Uninstall". On a computer, right-click the app and select "Uninstall" (Windows) or drag it to the Trash (Mac). You can always reinstall it later.