Do you want to use Facebook Messenger without having a Facebook account? If you are not a Facebook user, but want to use the Messenger app on your phone, there is no need to worry. You can download the free app and have it work just as well without being logged in with a Facebook account.
If you’re one of those people that doesn’t like the idea of giving up all their information to Facebook or don’t have an account, then this blog post will be perfect for you!
Read below for instructions on how to set up Messenger without needing a Facebook account.
I’ll show you how to take advantage of everything Messenger has to offer. I’ll also show you how easy it is!
Let’s get started.
Why Do People Use Facebook Messenger?
Unlike the main Facebook platform, Messenger is a great way to connect with people one on one. You can add contacts and use Messenger to chat with them. This saves time and allows you to connect with near and dear ones.
Those who are on Facebook sometimes end up spending a disproportionate amount of time on the app scrolling through their timeline. We all know what a time suck this can be – ah those cute cats!
This is why sometimes people want to embrace the good of social media i.e. Messenger and avoid what can be avoidable.
This does not mean we are saying that the social media site in itself is bad. All we are saying is that it is a personal preference and people must have the choice to pick and choose what suits them the best.
While you’re here I have a range of articles about Messenger and how to get the most from it. Ever wondered what the symbols and icons mean? Or what about my guide about how messenger works – lots of great info in that one.
Maybe you’d like to block someone on the Messenger app. And for those worried parents I have different ways to monitor what your kids are up to on the app. Try my look at the best Facebook spying apps for parents and the big guide on how to hack a Facebook account without them knowing (legally of course).
Using FB Messenger Without Facebook Step by Step
A piece of important information first. Since December 2019, Facebook has ended the possibility of creating a Messenger account without having a Facebook account. Previously, it was possible to create a standalone Messenger account using an email address or phone number.
This essentially means that Facebook wants you to have an active account on its site in case you want to use Messenger. However, there is a way around this.
A Temporary Facebook Account to the Rescue
They say where there is a will, there is a way. This applies to using Messenger without a Facebook account. All you have to do is to create a Facebook account temporarily and make use of all the features that Messenger offers.
You can then deactivate your Facebook account and still keep in touch with your Messenger contacts.
You can do this following a few simple steps. Here is what you need to do.
Download the Messenger app on your phone.
Once you have downloaded the app, you need to enter the login credentials of your new temporary Facebook account to log into Messenger.
Simply choose the create new account option and enter your credentials. This includes information such as name, gender, birthday and a username and password.
Once your account is ready, you are free to use the FB Messenger app.
Now you can easily deactivate your temporary FB account without that impacting your ability to use Messenger. For this, go to ‘settings‘ and select ‘deactivation and deletion’.
Now move on to the deactivation option and enter your password. You will successfully deactivate the account.
DO NOT choose delete account – make sure you choose Deactivate! If you delete the temporary Facebook account Messenger will also be deleted.
Just deactivate and no one will be able to see your account and you can just ignore it and get full use of Messenger.
Did you know you can send a GIF in Messenger – it’s really easy, just follow my guide. I also have an article about how you can view your Facebook profile as someone else – see how it looks to your friends!
How to Use Messenger Without a Facebook Account on a PC
A lot of people have started making some rules around social media usage these days. There is a range and everyone has their limits. For instance, some people don’t install several apps on their phones to limit their social media addiction.
If you are one of those people and still want to use Messenger on a computer, you can do that too. This is slightly more complicated than using Messenger without a Facebook account on your smartphone.
This is because, in the absence of a Facebook account, you won’t have the option to browse Messenger. You won’t even get an option to create a new account, as in the case with the smartphone app.
This is also because very few Messenger users browse it solely on a PC or laptop computer.
There is a way around it, though. Follow these steps:
Go to Facebook and create a new account.
Follow the instructions and enter the required details, name, age, gender, etc. to create a new account. You would need a username and a password, of course. You will also need an email that would be used by Facebook to send you the necessary details and for confirmation.
Therefore, use an email that you use regularly because you would need it in case you hit any issues with Facebook in the near future.
Now go to Messenger and use these same details for logging in. Once you are past that stage, you can begin chatting with people.
Once you are done, you can deactivate your Facebook account. All you need to do is to choose the settings option and go to ‘deactivation and deletion’. Follow the steps as the social media site prompts you and this will be done.
Deactivating Facebook is like taking a break from social media! You will not be visible to people and you also can’t see what others are up to. If you want to appear offline on Messenger – see that guide for details.
Using Messenger Without a Facebook Account: FAQ
Using Messenger without Facebook is something many people want to do, but not many know exactly how to approach this. The fact that there is not much help available also doesn’t make it easy.
This is why people tend to have a lot of questions about this. We have curated some of the most commonly asked questions just for you!
Can I Use Messenger to Chat with Someone Who Is Not My Facebook Friend?
This is a myth that you can use Messenger to only converse with your Facebook friends. If someone uses Messenger, you can simply search for their name on the search bar and if they use the platform, you can initiate a conversation with them.
I have an article explaining how you can see Facebook photos set to Private – works for people who aren’t your friends!
Can I Use Messenger without an Email and Only a Phone Number?
This is not a possibility anymore. You could have done this before 2019 but now you need an active Facebook account to use Messenger. If you don’t want an account, you need to follow the steps we have discussed above to continue using Messenger.
What If I Want to Deactivate Messenger? Is It a Possibility?
Yes, it is a possibility and you can deactivate Messenger should you wish. You need to bear in mind that you would also need to deactivate your Facebook account to deactivate Messenger.
To deactivate Messenger after deactivating your Facebook account, follow these steps:
- In the top left corner, select the chats option.
- Go to ‘legal and policies’.
- Choose the deactivate Messenger option.
- Finally, deactivate Messenger.
Should you change your mind and wish to use your account again, reactivate using your username and password.
The Final Word
If you want to use Messenger without Facebook on your iPhone, Android device, PC or Mac then I hope this article has helped with that. It was my goal to give you all the information in one place and make it easy for everyone.
As always if there is anything else you need help with please let us know! Don’t forget to check out all my articles about getting the most out of Messenger and Facebook.
Thanks for reading!
