Is messenger lite still available?

As of now, Messenger Lite is no longer available. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, decided to shut down Messenger Lite on September 18, 2023. This decision means that new users cannot download the app from the Google Play Store, and existing users will need to transition to the main Messenger app or Facebook Lite to continue chatting​ (Android Central)​.

Messenger Lite was introduced in 2016 as a simplified version of the regular Messenger app, aimed at users with less powerful Android devices or those in areas with poor internet connectivity. It offered essential messaging features without the additional functionalities and larger file size of the full Messenger app, making it popular among users who preferred a streamlined communication tool​​.

Despite its popularity, the closure of Messenger Lite signals a shift in Meta’s strategy. The company is phasing out lightweight versions of its apps, likely because modern smartphones have become more capable of running full-featured applications efficiently. Furthermore, Meta’s focus appears to be on consolidating its services into fewer, more comprehensive apps​​.

For users of Messenger Lite, Meta has ensured that chat histories will remain accessible in the main Messenger app. The discontinuation of Messenger Lite follows other recent changes, such as the removal of SMS support from the main Messenger app, indicating Meta’s ongoing efforts to streamline its messaging services​​.

In summary, while Messenger Lite provided a valuable service to many users, it is now time to transition to the full Messenger app or Facebook Lite for your messaging needs.