Facebook Messenger wants to be your default SMS app. Here’s how it will work. Facebook Messenger wants to be your default SMS app. Here’s how it will work.

Facebook has announced a new update for its Messenger app on Android, where users will be able to send and receive their SMS messages from the app itself. Facebook latest update for SMS integration makes it clear that it wants Messenger platform to be the default messaging app across Android.

Integration with Facebook Messenger also promises a richer SMS experience with the ability to send voice-clips, stickers, etc.

Facebook Messenger Vice-President David Marcus confirmed the announcement on his page. He wrote, “A lot of Android texting apps didn’t keep up with the evolution of messaging, so we felt like we truly had to make Messenger the best SMS client for Android. As a result, in addition to having a fully integrated app for all your messaging, you’re now able to send voice clips, stickers, and even share your location over SMS on top of standard texting features. You will now also enjoy all the things you’ve come to love about Messenger for all your messages, including chat heads and more.”

Facebook Messenger and the SMS integration. Facebook Messenger and the SMS integration.

In the Messenger setting, there will be an option to integrate your SMS app with Messenger. Marcus says the update is rolling out to most countries today, and will be available for most users.

Facebook Messenger has over 1 billion downloads on the Google Play Store alone and given that most users need the app to chat with their friends on iOS or Android, it has seen usage grow. It was also reported that Facebook plans to disable the in-built Messaging support for the mobile web version of the site, and instead wants users to download the Messenger app.

Now the option to integrate SMS and Messenger on Android is another powerful step that Facebook has taken to boost its dominance of the messaging world. Facebook also owns WhatsApp, which has over 1 billion users as well, and combined with Messenger, it makes the social network one of the strongest messaging platforms in the world.

Of course, integrating the idea of integrating SMS with Facebook Messenger will raise privacy concerns for some users. Facebook is giving users the option to turn off the integration at any time as well.

Let us know in the comments if you plan to use the new feature.

📣 The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay updated with the latest headlines

For all the latest Technology News, download Indian Express App.

© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd