How to Download Messenger Without Google Play

Messenger is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 1.3 billion monthly active users. It allows you to chat, call, video call, send stickers, play games, and more with your Facebook friends and contacts. However, what if you want to download Messenger without using the Google Play Store? Is it possible? And why would you want to do that?

In this article, we will answer these questions and show you how to download Messenger without Google Play. We will also explain how to enable unknown sources on your Android device, how to find and download Messenger APK from third-party sources, and how to install Messenger APK on your Android device.

Why You Might Want to Download Messenger Without Google Play

There are several reasons why you might want to download Messenger without Google Play. Here are some of them:

Privacy and security concerns

Some people may not trust Google or Facebook with their personal data and may want to avoid using their services as much as possible. By downloading Messenger without Google Play, you can bypass the need to sign in with your Google account and grant permissions to Google Play Services. You can also use a VPN or a proxy to hide your IP address and location from Facebook.

Device compatibility issues

Some Android devices may not be compatible with the latest version of Messenger or the Google Play Store. For example, some older devices may not support the required Android version or the app size. Some newer devices may not have the Google Play Store pre-installed, such as Amazon Fire tablets or Huawei phones. By downloading Messenger without Google Play, you can find an APK that matches your device specifications and install it manually.

Google Play Store errors or restrictions

Sometimes, the Google Play Store may not work properly or may not be available in your region. For example, you may encounter errors such as “Download pending”, “Can’t install app”, or “This item isn’t available in your country”. By downloading Messenger without Google Play, you can avoid these errors and access the app regardless of your location.

How to Enable Unknown Sources on Your Android Device

Before you can download Messenger without Google Play, you need to enable unknown sources on your Android device. This will allow you to install apps from sources other than the Google Play Store. The steps may vary depending on your Android version, but here are the general guidelines:

Steps for Android 8.0 Oreo and above

1. Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > Advanced > Special app access > Install unknown apps.
2. Select the app that you will use to download Messenger APK, such as your browser or a file manager.
3. Toggle on Allow from this source.

Steps for Android 7.0 Nougat and below

1. Go to Settings > Security > Unknown sources.
2. Toggle on Allow installation of apps from unknown sources.

How to Download Messenger APK from Third-Party Sources

Once you have enabled unknown sources on your Android device, you can download Messenger APK from third-party sources. There are many websites that offer APK files for various apps, but not all of them are safe and reliable. You should always check the reputation, reviews, and security of the website before downloading anything from it. Here are some of the most popular and trusted third-party sources for downloading Messenger APK files. Here are some of them:

APKMirror

APKMirror is one of the best and top-rated sites for downloading APK files. It’s owned and operated by the same team that created the widely-read Android news site, Android Police, which should reassure you that you’re in safe hands. APKMirror verifies all APKs uploaded to the site prior to publishing, matches cryptographic signatures for new versions of apps with previous versions, and matches brand-new apps with other apps from the same developer to verify their legitimacy. You can find the latest and older versions of Messenger on APKMirror, as well as beta versions and variants for different architectures and DPIs. To download Messenger from APKMirror, follow these steps:

1. Go to [APKMirror](^1^) and search for Messenger in the search bar.
2. Select the version of Messenger that you want to download and click on Download APK.
3. Wait for the download to finish and then open the APK file to install it.

APKPure

APKPure is another popular and trusted site for downloading APK files. It’s also available as an Android app that you can use to update your apps and games without using the Google Play Store. APKPure offers free, safe, and pure APK files for various apps, including Messenger. You can also find modded APKs, paid apps, and region-locked apps on APKPure. To download Messenger from APKPure, follow these steps:

1. Go to [APKPure](^3^) and search for Messenger in the search bar.
2. Select the version of Messenger that you want to download and click on Download APK.
3. Wait for the download to finish and then open the APK file to install it.

Aptoide

Aptoide is a different kind of site for downloading APK files. It’s not a centralized store, but rather a distributed network of independent stores that users can create and manage. This means that you can find a variety of apps on Aptoide, including some that are not available on the Google Play Store or other sites. However, this also means that you need to be careful about the source and quality of the apps you download from Aptoide. You can use Aptoide’s own store or browse other user-created stores to find Messenger on Aptoide. To download Messenger from Aptoide, follow these steps:

1. Go to [Aptoide](^4^) and search for Messenger in the search bar.
2. Select the version of Messenger that you want to download and click on Install.
3. Wait for the download to finish and then open the APK file to install it.

How to Install Messenger APK on Your Android Device

After you have downloaded Messenger APK from one of the third-party sources, you need to install it on your Android device. The steps may vary depending on how you downloaded the APK file, but here are the general guidelines:

Steps for installing from a browser

1. Open your browser and go to your Downloads folder.
2. Tap on the Messenger APK file that you downloaded.
3. If prompted, allow your browser to install unknown apps.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Messenger.

Steps for installing from a file manager

1. Open your file manager app and go to your Downloads folder.
2. Tap on the Messenger APK file that you downloaded.
3. If prompted, allow your file manager to install unknown apps.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Messenger.

Conclusion

In this article, we have shown you how to download Messenger without Google Play. We have explained why you might want to do that, how to enable unknown sources on your Android device, how to find and download Messenger APK from third-party sources, and how to install Messenger APK on your Android device. We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about downloading Messenger without Google Play:

Is it legal to download Messenger without Google Play?

Yes, it is legal to download Messenger without Google Play, as long as you do not violate any terms of service or intellectual property rights of Facebook or Google. However, you should be aware of the risks involved in downloading apps from unknown sources such as malware, viruses, spyware, or phishing. You should also be careful about the permissions and data that you grant to the apps you install from unknown sources.

Is it safe to download Messenger without Google Play?

It depends on the source and quality of the APK file that you download. Some third-party sources may offer safe and verified APK files, while others may offer malicious or corrupted APK files. You should always check the reputation, reviews, and security of the website before downloading anything from it. You should also scan the APK file with an antivirus or malware detector before installing it. Additionally, you should update the app regularly to get the latest security patches and bug fixes.

Will I get the same features and functions as the Google Play version of Messenger?

Most likely, yes. The APK file that you download from a third-party source should be identical or very similar to the one that you would get from the Google Play Store. However, there may be some minor differences or issues depending on the version, variant, or mod of the APK file. For example, some features may not work properly or some functions may be disabled or removed. You should always check the description and changelog of the APK file before downloading it.

Will I be able to update Messenger without Google Play?

Yes, but not automatically. The Google Play Store usually notifies you when there is a new update available for an app and allows you to update it with one tap. However, if you download Messenger without Google Play, you will have to manually check for updates and download them from a third-party source. You can use the same source that you used to download the app or find another one that offers the latest version of Messenger.

Will I be able to use Messenger without a Facebook account?

No, you will still need a Facebook account to use Messenger. Downloading Messenger without Google Play does not change the fact that Messenger is a Facebook product and requires a Facebook login to access its features and functions. However, you can use a different Facebook account than the one that you use for other Google services or apps.

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