Some smartphone users of Facebook are reporting that they're no longer able to access their messages from the mobile site, and that they're being directed towards the free content ad network's dedicated Messenger app.
Users of the regular Facebook mobile app were shunted over to Facebook Messenger to access their chats a while ago. Now, folk who access the service on their phone's Web browsers, or via third-party apps such as Tinfoil or Metal, are beginning to find that they can no longer view their messages.
Complaints are popping up from users who are being told by Facebook that "your conversations are moving to Messenger."
Some Android users are even finding themselves automatically redirected to the download link on the Google Play store when they try and view their messages on the mobile site.
Persistent users can still access their messages, after tapping an "x" in the top right of the dialogue box. Tapping a conversation redirects the user to the Messenger download link again, but a second tap of the "x" eventually allows access to the conversations. Tinfoil users have no such luck; it simply crashes when one tries to access messages via the third party app.
Ars sought comment from Facebook in an attempt to clarify the company's latest changes to its native chat function, but it hadn't got back to us at time of publication.
Facebook has been pushing its Messenger app on mobile for a while now, and this seems like the next step in its goal to bring people entirely onto that service.
But it's not universally popular: Messenger—just like the regular Facebook app—can be very battery-intensive for smartphones. Many users prefer not to keep Facebook apps on their phones, and some have reported improvements to battery life of 15 to 20 percent once the apps have been removed.
Update
Facebook responded to our request for comment late on Friday evening. A spokesperson said:
At Messenger, we always want to bring delightful experiences to our users around the world. Nearly two years ago, that journey included moving messages out of the Facebook app and to the Messenger app. Since then, we've worked hard to make Messenger the best way to connect with the people you care about by adding features such as video calling, conversations with businesses, GIFs and much more. Using the Messenger app is faster and enables richer interactions. We're continuing to bring the best experiences we can to the 900 million people on Messenger.
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