How to Check Facebook Messages without Messenger

Facebook is a way to stay in touch with friends and family. It has almost all the features one needs. But, a few years back, it separated its messaging features from its main mobile app. One must have the Facebook messenger app installed to check messages. But not everyone is keen on using the Facebook messenger app. Some are still determined not to install the app.

If you belong to that category of people, your next question is, "how do you check Facebook messages without the Facebook Messenger?" Perhaps you've already asked the question, so you're reading this post. Nevertheless, read on to find out more!

Why Is Facebook Splitting The Messenger Feature Into A Separate App?

Facebook is splitting the messenger feature into a separate app for several reasons. First, apps are operated differently from the web version. Hence, it requires a different strategy. The strategy behind the splitting is to dominate one's attention on their smartphone.

The majority of the time we spend on our smartphones is on apps. So, splitting the messenger feature from the flagship app will improve engagement. Users get ore chance to tap on the app's icon.

Another reason for the split is to declutter the Facebook app. Facebook continually updates its features and can't fit them all into one app, hence, the splitting. It doesn't want to bog down its app with too many features. Facebook messenger app is solely for messaging. Thus, it is clearer and faster than the Facebook app. The minimalist UI (user interface) is a way to avoid feature creep.

Splitting the messenger feature into another app will improve the user experience and the time spent on Facebook. Little wonder people get addicted to the app. It can dominate the user's smartphone and hold their attention.

How to Check Facebook Messages Without Messenger

Despite splitting its messenger feature into a separate app, Facebook has also made it possible to check messages without the messenger app. Users can now view their messages from the flagship Facebook app, website, Instagram, or third-party apps (parental control app), like the AirDroid notification syncing app.

1Check Facebook Messages on Your Browser

The first method to check Facebook messages without messenger is from your browser. Your browser is essential to access the Facebook or messenger website. Regardless of the browser you are using, be it chrome, Firefox, Safari, Bing, etc., the steps/processes are the same.

There are two ways to check messages from your browser. It can be from the Facebook.com site or messenger.com.

Facebook.com

Step 1. On your browser, type in mbasic.Facebook.com. The link will direct you to the mobile version of the website.

Step 2. Log in with your Facebook details if you don't have your Facebook account saved on the device.

Step 3. After the login, click on "Messages" to access your inbox. The Message tab is under the search bar.

Step 4. Click on the friend's name to open a conversation or see the new messages. New conversations are viewed under "recent messages."

You can manage the conversation and access more options such as sending stickers, pictures, or text messages.

The only downside of this method is that you must keep refreshing the page to get notifications of new messages. Also, this option is not as fast as the messenger app.

Messenger.com

Another way to check Facebook messages without messenger from the browser is via the messenger website. The desktop site is message-only. Although the link will direct you to install the messenger app, you can bypass it by requesting a desktop site on your browser settings.

Switching from mobile to desktop site will make it easy to navigate the messenger.com website. Switching from mobile to desktop site is different for each phone operating system.

On iOS, the setting option is accessed from the share button in safari. While on Android devices, it is accessed by tapping the three-dot icon at the top right corner of the page.

2View Messages in the Facebook App

The Facebook app is the app version of Facebook.com. You can also view messages in the Facebook app. However, you need to uninstall the messenger app if you have it installed.

Step 1. Open the Facebook app on your phone. If you don't have it, you can install it.

Step 2. Tap the message icon. It will direct you to a "Get Messenger" option. Below is a "go to recent chat" option. Select it to access Facebook messages.

Step 3. You can access your recent chats and reply to them too.

3Read Facebook Messages Using Instagram

The Facebook messenger app and the Instagram app are owned by the same person. Hence, it allows cross-platform communication. Messages from the messenger app can now be seen on Instagram and vice versa. To read Facebook messages using Instagram;

Step 1. Navigate to the settings page on the Instagram account.

Step 2. Tap the Privacy option from the Settings options. From there, navigate to "Messages."

Step 3. Device the folder where you want to receive the Facebook messages.

There are three options for this;

In the same way, you can also view Instagram messages on your Facebook messenger app.

Step 1. Open the settings option on your messenger and navigate to Privacy.

Step 2. Select "message delivery." There are also three options here：

4Create Facebook Messages Bookmark on Home Screen

A shortcut to read Facebook messages without the messenger app is to Facebook messages to your home screen. In other words, the bookmark will give you direct access to pinned chats, skipping the Messenger.

To create Facebook messages bookmarks on your home screen;

Step 1. Open the Facebook app.

Step 2. Scroll to conversation.

Step 3. Hold down the chat you want to bookmark.

Step 4. A menu will open. From there, select "Create Shortcut."

Step 5. A message will be displayed to indicate the bookmark was successful.

You can bookmark individual chats and group chats too. For group chats;

Step 1. Go to the group and tap "More."

Step 2. Select "Create Shortcut."

Step 3. The group will be pinned to your home screen.

You can also create a bookmark via your browser;

Step 1. Go to the Facebook website.

Step 2. Go to the message section.

Step 3. Click the menu option and select "add to the home screen."

5See Facebook Messages from AirDroid Notification Syncing App

AirDroid notification syncing app is a parental control app that enables users to check Facebook messages without the Facebook messenger. It is one of the best comprehensive parental control apps for viewing Facebook messages.

Some of the reasons why we choose AirDroid are because it allows you to remotely view the Facebook messages in real time wihout seen, see the apps or phone screen on a target phone, check the app details, and the app/device usage.

Step 1. Download and install your device's AirDroid Parental Control app. You can also visit the web version at webparent.airdroid.com directly.

Step 2. When you launch the app on your device, you will get into the signup page. You are required to create an account before logging in.

Step 3. Download AirDroid Kids on the target phone to see their Facebook messages. Install, launch the app and make the necessary settings. Customize the features too.

Step 4. Enter the pairing code to link the target device to yours. AirDroid notification syncing app runs in stealth mode in the background. You can check Facebook messages without messenger and monitor the target device remotely in real-time.

Besides syncing notifications and checking messages without a Facebook messenger, AirDroid has other features. Some of its Key features include;

Remotely Manage Apps on Target Phones: You can set a limited usage time for specific apps, or lock the apps.

Manage Calls: You can view the call logs of the target device. You can also record the call if you want. This feature records call durations and timestamps of Android devices.

Track SMS: You can also remotely and conveniently track their text messages just by customizing the tracking options in the dashboard of the parent app.

Monitor Other Social Media Messages: It allows users to monitor other social media apps and messages apart from Facebook. It works for Instagram, Telegram, Tinder, Snapchat, etc. It also provides location data along with the incoming messages.

GPS Location Tracking: AirDroid gives real-time location using GPS tracking. You can customize the app to notify the location at intervals to know where your kids are and when.

Final Thoughts

Facebook splitting its messenger features into different apps is a way for them to spread widely on smartphones. However, users are still not fully inclined toward the messenger app. There are ways to check Facebook messages without a Facebook messenger. But of all the highlighted ways, the AirDroid notification syncing app is the best option. The app is available for download for free. You can also try its web version now!