Use Facebook's Messenger without a Facebook Account (in Certain Countries)
The one thing you absolutely have to have if you want to use Facebook’s Messenger, is a Facebook account. With your account’s username and password you can log into Messenger and then use it to stay in touch with others, which included making video calls and sending money.
But because there are still some people out there who do not have a Facebook account, Facebook decided to roll out an update that allows people to use Messenger without an account.
“With Messenger, we’ve been focused on creating the best messaging experience possible by giving people a fun and easy way to connect and express themselves with friends and contacts. If you’re in Canada, the United States, Peru or Venezuela, we are starting to roll out a new way for you to sign up for Messenger – without a Facebook account,” announced Louis Boval, Software Engineer at Facebook.
So if you’re from the US, Canada, Peru or Venezuela, you’ll be able to use Facebook’s Messenger even if you don’t have to Facebook account. You’ll still have to complete a signup process, mind you. You’ll be able to sign up with your name, phone number, and a photo.
When the Welcome to Facebook prompt shows up on your mobile’s screen, select “NOT ON FACEBOOK?”
Then enter your phone number to complete to sign up and start using Messenger.
This is where I have to remind you that Facebook’s Messenger app is available for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone. Messenger is available online as well; you can use it in your browser by going to Messenger.com.
Even if you can use Messenger without a Facebook account, it would be best to take the time to sign up for an account. Louis Boval again: “There are many benefits to using your Facebook credentials when signing up for Messenger. People can easily message with their Facebook friends and contacts, access their Facebook messages and take advantage of multi-device messaging across mobile devices, the web and tablets.”
UPDATE July 16, 2015
Facebook's David Marcus announced that the option to use Messenger without a Facebook account went live globally.
But because there are still some people out there who do not have a Facebook account, Facebook decided to roll out an update that allows people to use Messenger without an account.
“With Messenger, we’ve been focused on creating the best messaging experience possible by giving people a fun and easy way to connect and express themselves with friends and contacts. If you’re in Canada, the United States, Peru or Venezuela, we are starting to roll out a new way for you to sign up for Messenger – without a Facebook account,” announced Louis Boval, Software Engineer at Facebook.
So if you’re from the US, Canada, Peru or Venezuela, you’ll be able to use Facebook’s Messenger even if you don’t have to Facebook account. You’ll still have to complete a signup process, mind you. You’ll be able to sign up with your name, phone number, and a photo.
When the Welcome to Facebook prompt shows up on your mobile’s screen, select “NOT ON FACEBOOK?”
Then enter your phone number to complete to sign up and start using Messenger.
This is where I have to remind you that Facebook’s Messenger app is available for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone. Messenger is available online as well; you can use it in your browser by going to Messenger.com.
Even if you can use Messenger without a Facebook account, it would be best to take the time to sign up for an account. Louis Boval again: “There are many benefits to using your Facebook credentials when signing up for Messenger. People can easily message with their Facebook friends and contacts, access their Facebook messages and take advantage of multi-device messaging across mobile devices, the web and tablets.”
UPDATE July 16, 2015
Facebook's David Marcus announced that the option to use Messenger without a Facebook account went live globally.
