How to (temporarily) restore Messages in Facebook for iOS

Don't want to give into Facebook and download its Messenger app? Use this temporary workaround to continue using Messages in the Facebook app.

Jason Cipriani/CNET

This week, Facebook Messenger is the most hated app in the App Store. The hate stems from Facebook forcing users to install its standalone messaging app, instead of allowing users to converse within the official Facebook app. The move has created widespread panic and annoyance.

I've never had a problem with Facebook Messenger so I can't say I quite understand the issues at hand, but I can tell you have I have some good news. With a simple workaround, iOS users can re-enable the Messages tab in the official Facebook app and forgo the need to install Facebook Messenger.

I've been using Messages within the Facebook app for the last 24 hours. At one point it reverted back to the 'Install Messenger' prompt, but performing the workaround again did the trick.

Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

Here's what you need to do:

Selecting the Messages tab in the official Facebook app will present a new page, prompting you to install the Messenger app. What you need to do to get this screen to disappear and allow you to send and receive messages is tap on the install button. The App Store will launch to the Messenger page, were you can begin the download. As soon as you begin downloading the app, delete it. That's right. Don't even let the app install.

Go back into the Facebook app, tap on Messages and do the happy dance. I know this sounds like a lot of work, but if you're set against being forced to use Facebook's Messenger app, this is a solid option. You can always check out Rick Broida's suggestions for skipping out on the Messenger app.

I can't take credit for this working, as I discovered it on Twitter.