Quick answer
Messenger is Meta's free messaging app for chats, voice and video calls with Facebook friends and contacts. The latest Messenger APK is version 585.0.0.53.94, updated November 3, 2026. Personal chats are end-to-end encrypted by default. It's free to download, with in-app purchases listed on Google Play.
| App name | Messenger |
|---|---|
| Developer | Meta Platforms, Inc. |
| Latest version | 585.0.0.53.94 |
| Updated | Nov 3, 2026 |
| Package name | com.facebook.orca |
| Category | Communication |
| Price | Free |
| In-app purchases | Yes |
On this page
What is Messenger?
Messenger is Meta's chat app for messaging your Facebook friends and contacts. You can send texts, voice messages, photos, videos and files, make voice and video calls, start group chats and share your location. Since late 2023, personal chats and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default, which means only you and the person you're talking to can read them.
Messenger has passed 5 billion downloads on Google Play and holds a 4.7-star rating. It sits in our communication apps category, alongside WhatsApp, Meta's other messaging app.
What's new in Messenger 585.0.0.53.94
The latest Messenger APK on Google Play is version 585.0.0.53.94, updated on November 3, 2026. Play doesn't show release notes for this update. Meta releases Messenger updates every week and rolls out new features gradually, so not every account sees them at the same time.
Keeping Messenger updated matters for calls and encryption: older versions can stop connecting when Meta changes its servers.
Key features
Encrypted chats and calls
Personal messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default. You can check a chat's encryption details and, for extra privacy, turn on disappearing messages so they vanish after a set time.
Voice and video calls
Make free calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data, one-to-one or with groups. You can share your screen, use filters and effects, and switch between front and back cameras.
Group chats
Create group chats for family or friends, name them, add nicknames and themes, and use polls to make decisions. Admins can approve new members.
Media and files
Send high-quality photos and videos, voice messages, documents and GIFs. Replies, reactions and editing a message shortly after sending are all supported.
Message requests and controls
Messages from people you aren't connected to go to Message requests, where you can accept or delete them. You can mute, restrict or block anyone.
How to install Messenger APK on Android
Install Messenger from Google Play.
- Open Google Play, search for Messenger, and check the developer is Meta Platforms, Inc.
- Tap Install. Play only shows Install when your phone is compatible.
- Open Messenger and log in with your Facebook account.
- Allow notifications so you don't miss messages and calls, and microphone and camera access when you first make a call.
Meta doesn't publish Messenger as a separate APK outside Play. Unofficial files can steal your Facebook login, and an old version can stop working with Meta's servers.
Is Messenger APK safe?
The official Messenger app is safe to install from Google Play. It's published by Meta Platforms, Inc., rated Everyone, and lists in-app purchases from $0.05 to $7,999.99 per item, such as Stars for creators. Play doesn't show an ads label, but Messenger can show ads in the Chats list in many regions.
- Scams. Be suspicious of messages from friends asking for money, gift cards or codes. Their account may have been taken over, so call them to check.
- Unknown links. Don't tap links promising prizes, giveaways or "Is this you in this video?". These often lead to fake login pages.
- Privacy settings. In Settings → Privacy & safety, control who can message you and who can see when you're active.
- Kids. Children under 13 should use Messenger Kids, which parents manage.
Messenger features you might miss
- Disappearing messages. Open a chat, tap the name at the top, and turn on disappearing messages so new messages vanish after a set time.
- Vanish mode. Swipe up in a chat to start vanish mode, where messages disappear once seen and the chat closes.
- Edit and unsend. You can edit a message for a short time after sending, and remove a message for everyone.
- Chat lock and app lock. In privacy settings, require your fingerprint or face to open Messenger.
- Shared media. Tap a chat's name to find all photos, videos, links and files shared in it.
Saving data and storage
Messenger downloads photos and videos automatically by default. In Settings → Data saver, turn data saver on to load media only when you tap it, which helps on limited mobile plans. To free up space, go to Settings → Apps → Messenger → Storage and clear the cache. Your chats stay safe because they're stored with your account. To keep a copy of encrypted chats when you change phones, set up secure storage with a PIN in Messenger's privacy settings, so your history can be restored on the new device.
Messenger vs alternatives
- WhatsApp uses your phone number instead of a Facebook account, and is the default chat app in much of the world.
- Telegram offers huge groups, channels and cloud sync across devices.
- Signal is run by a non-profit and collects the least data of any major messenger.
If most of the people you talk to are on Facebook, Messenger is the easiest way to reach them. Turn on disappearing messages for sensitive chats and keep the app updated so encryption and calls keep working.
Version history
Messenger 585.0.0.53.94Latest
What changed (1)
- Bug fixes and improvements (Play shows no detailed notes for this release).
Source: play.google.com
Frequently asked questions
How do I install Messenger on Android?
Open Google Play, search for Messenger and check the developer is Meta Platforms, Inc. before tapping Install. Google Play only shows the Install button if your phone is compatible. It's free to install, and Play keeps it updated automatically. Avoid copies from other sites: they aren't from Meta Platforms, Inc. and may be altered, so the safest way to use Messenger is the official listing.
Do I need a Facebook account to use Messenger?
In most places, yes. Meta removed the option to sign up for Messenger with only a phone number, so you now log in with a Facebook account. If you deactivate Facebook, you can usually keep using Messenger.
Are Messenger chats encrypted?
Yes. Since December 2023, Meta has been making end-to-end encryption the default for personal one-to-one chats and calls on Messenger, and it has extended it to group chats. Messages with businesses may not be end-to-end encrypted.
Does Messenger have ads?
Messenger can show ads in the Chats list in many countries, and businesses can message you after you contact them. Google Play doesn't show a "Contains ads" label for Messenger, so APKPeer leaves that row out.
Is Messenger the same as Facebook Lite's chat?
Both use the same Facebook messaging service, so your conversations appear in either. Facebook Lite has a simpler built-in chat, while the Messenger app adds full voice and video calls, group calls, stickers, effects and more settings.
