Messenger - SMS Text Messages
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Analysis by LookedApp · Published
Messenger, developed by Meta Platforms, Inc., is a comprehensive communication application designed for Android users. It facilitates connections with friends and family, enables exploration of shared interests, and supports community building through various messaging and calling features. The application is suited for individuals seeking a versatile platform to communicate, share media, and utilize AI assistance.
What is Messenger - SMS Text Messages?
Messenger is described as a messaging application that assists users in connecting with others globally. Its functionalities extend beyond basic communication, aiming to help users stay in touch with their social circles, discover new interests with like-minded individuals, foster community engagement, and share their experiences. The application provides tools for expressing oneself beyond mere text, supporting a broad range of interaction methods.
This application is published by Meta Platforms, Inc., a prominent developer in the technology sector. It is available for Android devices through the Google Play store under the name "Messenger." The Google Play listing indicates the application has garnered a rating of 4.7 based on 109.5M ratings and recorded 19M downloads in the last month. It falls under the Communication category and is rated as "Everyone" in terms of content suitability. The application was initially released on January 30, 2014, and was updated on December 16, 2025, with its version varying by device.
Latest on Messenger - SMS Text Messages
Is this the real Messenger - SMS Text Messages app?
- Established since 2014Listed since Jan 30, 2014, 5,000,000,000+ installs on Google Play.
| Developer on Google Play | Meta Platforms, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Android package name | com.facebook.orca |
| On the stores since | Jan 30, 2014 |
| Installs on Google Play | 5,000,000,000+ |
| Content rating | Google Play: Everyone |
These details come from the public store listings. LookedApp doesn't host downloads: install from the Google Play or App Store buttons on this page.
Key features
- Connect with friends and family via chat and calls, without needing phone numbers.
- Utilize Meta AI for assistance, advice, and creative tasks like image generation.
- Send high-definition photos and share large files up to 100MB directly in chats.
- Edit and unsend messages up to 15 minutes after sending, and use disappearing messages for end-to-end encrypted chats.
- Create shared albums to organize photos and videos, and share everyday moments via Stories and Notes that disappear after 24 hours.
- Personalize chats with animated stickers, GIFs, reactions, and customize the chat environment with various themes.
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Privacy and permissions
The Messenger application requests a comprehensive set of permissions from the user's device upon installation. These permission groups include Identity, Calendar, Contacts, Location, Phone, Photos/Media/Files, Storage, Camera, Microphone, Wi-Fi connection information, and Device ID & call information. These permissions allow the application to access various aspects of the device and its data to facilitate its communication features, such as accessing contacts for messaging or the camera for photo sharing.
The Google Play listing for Messenger does not explicitly detail specific data retention policies, data sharing practices with third parties, or user controls over personal data beyond the mentioned permissions. Users are advised to review the permissions requested by the application to understand the types of data it may access prior to installation.
Meta Platforms, Inc. publishes its privacy policy at m.facebook.com.
Messenger - SMS Text Messages permissions in plain English
The Google Play listing shows 11 permission groups. Google Play also lists 20 other permissions, such as “view network connections”. That is more than most productivity & email apps LookedApp reviews (typical: 7).
- CalendarCan read or change your calendar
- CameraCan take photos and record video
- ContactsCan read your contacts
- Device ID & call informationCan read your device ID and call status
- IdentityCan find accounts on the device
- LocationCan use your precise location
- MicrophoneCan record audio
- PhoneCan read phone status or make calls
- Photos/Media/FilesCan read and change your photos, media and files
- StorageCan read and change files in shared storage
- Wi-Fi connection informationCan see Wi-Fi connection details
Permission names come from Google Play; the plain-English lines describe what each permission group allows, not how this app uses it.
Messenger - SMS Text Messages at a glance
| Developer | Meta Platforms, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Category | Communication |
| Rating on Google Play | 4.7 out of 5 (115M ratings) |
| Price | Free |
| Age rating | Everyone |
What changed in the latest Messenger - SMS Text Messages version
Pricing
The Messenger application is available at no monetary cost for download from the Google Play store. Its price is listed as 0.
However, the application does include options for in-app purchases. The Google Play listing indicates the presence of these in-app purchases, though specific details regarding their nature, cost, or range are not provided within the available information.
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How to get Messenger - SMS Text Messages safely
To obtain Messenger, individuals should consistently use authorized distribution platforms. The application is available on Google Play. It is crucial to install the application solely from the Google Play store to help ensure its authenticity and integrity.
When installing, users should verify that the developer listed is "Meta Platforms, Inc." to confirm they are acquiring the legitimate application. Avoiding third-party APK mirrors, unofficial websites, or modified versions is recommended, as these sources may distribute altered or malicious software. Prior to completing the installation, reviewing the list of requested permissions is an important step for users to understand what device functions and data the application may access.
How to install Messenger - SMS Text Messages
On Android (Google Play)
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet.
- Search for Messenger - SMS Text Messages, or use the Google Play button on this page to open the listing directly.
- Check that the developer under the app name is Meta Platforms, Inc..
- Tap Install (or the price, for a paid app) and wait for the download to finish, then open the app from your home screen.
- The listing shows in-app purchases, so review any purchase prompts before you confirm.
Messenger - SMS Text Messages version and app details
| Google Play | |
|---|---|
| Last updated | Oct 12, 2026 |
| First released | Jan 30, 2014 |
| Package name | com.facebook.orca |
| Content rating | Everyone (Users Interact, Shares Location, In-App Purchases) |
| In-app purchases | Yes ($0.05 - $7,999.99 per item) |
| Contains ads | No |
| Developer | Meta Platforms, Inc. |
Who Messenger - SMS Text Messages is for
Messenger is designed for a broad audience, as indicated by its "Everyone" content rating on the Google Play listing. It serves individuals who wish to maintain connections with their friends and family, regardless of geographical distance. The application is suitable for those looking for a platform that supports various forms of communication, including text messaging, voice calls, and video calls, facilitating diverse interaction needs.
Furthermore, it caters to users interested in exploring new interests and engaging with communities centered around shared topics. Individuals who want to follow content creators and receive updates through broadcast channels may also find the application beneficial. Its features, such as high-definition photo sharing, large file transfer capabilities, and AI assistance, position it as a versatile and feature-rich communication tool for a wide range of users.
Messenger - SMS Text Messages for kids and families
Pros
- Offers extensive communication features, including chat, calls, and various expressive options like stickers and GIFs.
- Integrates Meta AI for diverse assistance, from answering questions to creative image generation.
- Supports high-definition photo sharing, the creation of shared albums, and large file transfers up to 100MB.
- Includes features for message management, such as editing and unsending, and temporary content like disappearing messages, Stories, and Notes.
- Facilitates community engagement and provides access to creator broadcast channels.
Cons
- Requires a wide array of permissions that access various device functions and personal data.
- The application includes in-app purchases, details of which are not specified in the Google Play listing.
- Meta AI functionality is restricted to select languages and countries, according to the developer.
- Availability is limited to Android devices, based on the provided Google Play information.
Messenger - SMS Text Messages: frequently asked questions
Is Messenger available at no cost?
Yes, the Messenger application can be obtained at no monetary cost, though it does offer in-app purchases.
On which devices can Messenger be installed?
Messenger is available for Android devices, with its version varying by device, through the Google Play store.
Who developed Messenger?
Messenger was developed by Meta Platforms, Inc.
How can users ensure they install Messenger safely?
Users should install Messenger exclusively from the Google Play store, verifying that the developer is Meta Platforms, Inc., and review the permissions requested by the application.
When was Messenger initially released?
The Messenger application was initially released on January 30, 2014.
Does Messenger receive regular updates?
Yes, the application is updated, with the most recent update recorded on December 16, 2025.
Messenger - SMS Text Messages
- Category
- Communication
- Version
- Varies with device
Download
Messenger - SMS Text Messages ratings breakdown
Google Play 4.7 average from 114,660,656 ratings
- 583%
- 411%
- 34%
- 21%
- 12%
Share of ratings for each star level, as shown on the listings, as of Oct 15, 2026.
