Facebook Messenger updated with a new look, improved phone number integration

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Facebook is rolling out an update to its dedicated Messenger app today that brings a fresh new interface and an improved experience for chatting with friends who aren't on the service. The latest version, which Facebook claims is rolling out to a limited number of users to start, ditches the kind of bland old interface for a new slick white and blue one that feels appropriately modern for an app released in late 2013.

You'll now have a clear indication on your friends list who is using Facebook Messenger, Facebook on the web or not using either one of the chat programs. If your friends aren't using them, you can easily invite them to chat over SMS with just a phone number. The new setup process after installing will also prompt you for a phone number (it doesn't seem to work with Google Voice just yet), moving the process along easily.

If you have been selected as one of the early users to receive the update, you'll find it at the Play Store link above.

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Andrew Martonik
Andrew Martonik

Andrew was an Executive Editor, U.S. at Android Central between 2012 and 2020.
54 Comments
  • It's nice Posted via Android Central App
  • Yes, it is sexy.
  • I can't seem to get SMS to work, it now lacks any way of knowing if the message has been read, and you can't change the notification sounds. Reverting back to the older version.
  • I can't get SMS to work either.
  • SMS has been removed.
  • Didn't they remove SMS support?
  • How to revert back to the older version of the facebook messenger? im trying and its failed, please advice. Using Samsung S2. Thanks
  • Check the link for the older and updated version of facebook http://www.androiddrawer.com/7227/download-facebook-1-9-12-app-apk/.
  • odd, I got both a facebook and messenger pushed today, but it was still the old style
  • Same here... Posted via Android Central App
  • Probably because of all the negative reviews all I see are one stars lol Posted via Android Central App
  • Yep, same here Posted via Glade Air Freshener
  • "Improved SMS integration" lol they announced today that they're dropping SMS support.
  • I received this update and used it for about 10 minutes. Then I updated again and it was gone. Pretty bummed because it was so much better looking and easier to use. Posted via Android Central App
  • I read they were removing SMS support so imagine my surprise when it says here "enhanced SMS support"....someone is wrong. I also received a Facebook Messenger update today but it's still the old style look. The original source link that Android Central provides to Facebook talking about this new look says nothing about SMS so I'm wondering where AC is getting the info from?
  • Maybe they are too busy at the Samsung Developers Conference which no one cares about.
  • Yo don't care about. Get it right ----------------------------------------------------
    My S-Pen went through hell to deliver this important message to you
  • Yea. No one seems to care about it. It looks so boring. Editor in chief of Futureproff.com
  • From Facebook: http://newsroom.fb.com/News/753/Testing-a-New-Messenger-Experience-on-Android
    What about the people you text with who aren’t your Facebook friends? Now you just need a contact’s phone number to begin texting others using Messenger. To help people reach you, you’ll be asked to confirm your phone number.
  • "There are also some front-end tweaks that makes the app faster — especially on Android, where the SMS texting feature, which let you text friends who don't have Facebook, has been removed. "We made a big deal about the SMS feature and it just didn't take off," said a Facebook spokesperson." From the Verge, but you guys won't let me post a link. "Didn't" kind of sounds like past tense to me, I am sure FB will clarify at some point soon.
  • I updated mines and it looks exactly the same as it did before...
  • That's because you don't get the update lol Posted via Android Central App
  • According to Facebook: "What about the people you text with who aren’t your Facebook friends? Now you just need a contact’s phone number to begin texting others using Messenger. To help people reach you, you’ll be asked to confirm your phone number." Sounds like you can message other people who use the app without logging into Facebook, but not the same as SMS.
  • The Facebook app needs this new interface among other things. Mainly replying to comments and threading of comments/replies.
  • "improved SMS integration" -means- "removed SMS integration" that's an improvement?
  • I like it! BBM: 7B725FA9
  • You guys need to update this article asap, as others have pointed out they are REMOVING the SMS feature. http://mobile.theverge.com/2013/10/29/5041976/facebook-revamps-messenger... "We made a big deal about the SMS feature and it just didn't take off," said a Facebook spokesperson.
  • Must be competing with Google+ Posted via Android Central App
  • What's funny is that their Facebook Messenger app looks like they are following the Android guidelines when their main Facebook app completely ignores it.
  • Looks more like iOS to me
  • Looks more like iOS to me
  • How do I revert back to old messenger?
  • find the apk or revert to an old backup you have.
  • I tried the sms option for a bit, but it never worked the way I wanted it to Posted via Android Central App
  • They didn't remove sms support Posted via Android Central App
  • As someone who is running it I can tell you conclusively that they have removed the Sms function.
  • Maybe I was wrong I don't care to sync Facebook contacts but the reason I said they didn't remove it was because when I updated I got a screen saying "text anyone in your phone" so I assumed that's what it meant. Can't post the screen shot here unfortunately. I'm sure that screen will lead to a lot of confusion though as it did me. Posted via Android Central App
  • I think they're aiming for a whatsapp type of functionality where if someone knows your number they can message you via Facebook even if you aren't 'friends' They didn't explain it clearly with the release. Posted via Android Central App
  • I think you may be right Posted via Android Central App
  • Well got an update today but it sure isn't the new look.. Looks exactly the same as the old one for me. Posted via Android Central App
  • The beta version is 3.0.1 if you have it installed by sideloading then the play store will automatically downgrade you to 2.7.x unless you disable auto update or are part of the testing group. Posted via Android Central App
  • So yh it looks like they are removing sms support, looks like it will be time to uninstall Facebook messenger then, the only reason I used it was for chat heads with my sms but guess no point anymore. Posted via Android Central App
  • You should try Ninja Sms from the play store, great messaging app with function similar too 'chat heads' Posted via Android Central App
  • +1, awesome app, few bugs left though from my GT-N7105
  • They remove SMS and hangouts rolls out SMS support. Nothing to see here move along. Posted via Android Central App
  • i loved the chat heads feature and only used this because it had SMS integrated. Clearly FB has no idea what they are talking about when the demand for Hangouts to add SMS has been strong for months they go ahead and remove it. I would honestly consider using this over hangouts IF SMS was included. -1 FB As far as i can tell each person has to have the FB app installed in order for "SMS" in FB terms to work, which is basically the same as any NON SMS messenger on the market such as whatsapps, BBM, etc.
  • I like the interface..only hanging sometimes..but how to log out if i want to..anybody knows?
  • Hey I'm having the same prob...(can't log out) so if u get any suggestions then pls do tell me..
  • can anyone say how to switch the account for this messanger pleasz guys help me i am getting angry on this
  • Can any tell me how to switch accounts.?? Please help me.!!
  • Same problem here...cant logout temme if u get a solution to it!!
  • I hope my solution works...!
  • Hey guys.! I've got a solution for ur problem.... (can't logout).... Itz a engineers way though....here r the steps:
    1) settings
    2) apps
    3) messenger
    4) clear data
    Now open messenger ull get ur account logged out... ull hv to do it every time u want to log out....tats it.!
    Hopefully it worked for me....hoping it works for u also.!
  • i have a old facebook look how do i change it in new facebook look