Is there any way to get messages now on FB without downloading their new message app?

DON’T DO IT!
It might be a scam !

Also read this article about the “permissions” it requests. Here

By the way I NEVER give my credit card for a service like that. If I need to supply a number I get a disposable credit card number and put $1.00 max on it. Bank of America does this for free . Maybe your bank does it too.

FB mobile is trying to convert all mobile messaging to their message system. Just use the web FB and you can message without the FB based system. You need to remove the mobile app though.

This might help you- http://time.com/3103892/facebook-messenger-required/

I have the Samsung Galaxy 4, @jonsblond, but it’s a start! Maybe there’s some “workaround” for the Galaxy 4 out there!

@jca: “However, you need to provide a credit card number, enable AT&T billing, redeem a gift card or add Pay Pal. I don’t want to do any of those.”

I’m confused. Are you saying that there is in-app purchases? The app is free. What is asking you for a credit card? I just installed it on my Android phone (and then removed it). There were no charges or requests for credit card numbers.

When I click on the “install” button, I get directed to “Play Store.” Then I get the box that says to pick one of the 4 choices (even though it’s free). When I tried clicking on “enable AT&T billing” I got that it was not one of the choices for this account (don’t remember what the exact wording was).

Is it possible that your Google Wallet account is not associated with a valid payment method? If so, I wonder how it allowed you to download the Facebook app initially. The “AT&T billing” thing sounds suspect though. I am on Verizon, but that message sounds like the result of bloatware or something.

When you download apps from the Play Store, does it usually ask you for a valid payment method?

I don’t download apps from the store. The phone has what it has on it, I am not a big “app” person. I downloaded Shazam, and other than that, it’s mostly for texting, email, FB and camera.

I retrieve FB messages all the time, simply using the website’s mobile version. Is this a recent change?

I just gave in and did it on my phone. I’m so pissed about it. On my iPad I didn’t have to do it. I don’t get it. It didn’t ask me for anything I don’t think, but probably it gets everything through my apple account.

It’s new. It first appeared for me today, @longgone

I also have a Galaxy 4 @jca. Hopefully we can find a way around this.

Why do you want to find a way around it? They split messenger out as a separate app, which makes sense. I don’t see the problem.

The payment details request isn’t for the messenger app it’s for Google Play As a whole. You can’t use the store at all without supplying some method of payment. But you will not be charged for the messenger app. You won’t be charged for anything unless you voluntarily purchase an app or an add-on that isn’t free. The messenger app itself is safe but it’s as annoying as hell.

@jonsblond Thanks, I was quite confused!

I downloaded the app and what a pain it was. I didn’t like the little bubble with the pic of the person who is messaging you appearing on my screen. It was also one of the biggest data eaters out of all of the apps I use. It wasn’t worth it to be so I deleted the app. The important people in my life text or call me. I can wait to get on my computer to read facebook messages.

I have deleted both the messenger app and Facebook’s main app from my phone because they both eat up so much battery. I can still use FB and messages just with Chrome.