How to Read Your Facebook Messages Without Downloading the New Messenger App
Earlier this week we established that most people hate the new Messenger app Facebook is forcing them to download.
Luckily, The Guardian has discovered a way to stick it to the Zuck and avoid downloading the app. Keep in mind that it works only for those who don’t already have Messenger on their phones. Further, it could be disabled at any moment.
For now, however, the workaround lets you receive Facebook messages without having to download a second app for the privilege.
Here’s how you do it:
1. When you go to access your private messages on Facebook, you’ll likely see a notification that you must now download the Messenger app to receive them.
2. Click the Install button. The app will automatically redirect you to your phone’s app store. Tap the Free button (or, if you’ve deleted the app, the cloud) to begin downloading Messenger.
3. Before the download finishes, cancel it by tapping the progress button.
4. Return to the main Facebook app. You should then be able to see your private messages!
It’s likely this secret method won’t exist for long, but use it while you can. Lord knows you’ll want to avoid the company’s poorly reviewed, unpopular spinoff for as long as humanly possible.
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