Messenger is Meta’s free messaging app for Android, with more than 5 billion installs on Google Play. The build listed in September 2026 is version 579.0.0.61.91. It handles text chats, voice and video calls, group conversations and communities, and you can find friends from Facebook without needing a phone number. Meta AI is built in as an assistant, although it is offered only in select languages and countries.
Recent versions have focused on media quality, file sharing and more control over what you send. Alongside those additions, it helps to know the privacy options worth setting, as well as practical points such as storage, notifications and what to do when the app misbehaves after an update. Some features, including Meta AI, also depend on your region and language.
Build 579.0.0.61.91 and device support
- Updated: September 22, 2026
- Version: 579.0.0.61.91
- Requires Android: varies with device
- Developer: Meta Platforms, Inc.
- Installs: 5,000,000,000+
Google Play data as of September 26, 2026
Version 579.0.0.61.91 changes
The update is dated September 22, 2026 and its notes are empty.
What recent Messenger updates added
Photos can now be sent and received in high definition, which makes a visible difference for pictures you want to keep. Shared albums let a group collect photos and videos from a trip or a family event in one place inside the chat, so they do not get lost in the scroll. You can also add people you meet in person by scanning their Messenger QR code or sharing yours as a link.
File sharing is more useful for work and school. Messenger lets you send documents such as Word, PDF or Excel files of up to 100MB directly in a chat. If you send a message too soon, you can edit it for up to 15 minutes afterward, and messages can also be unsent. These tools reduce the need to switch to an email app such as Gmail for small everyday tasks.
Expression features continue to grow as well. Chats support animated stickers, GIFs and reactions, and you can apply themes that change the look of a conversation. Notes let you post a short update that disappears after 24 hours, while Stories share photos and videos for the same period. Broadcast channels let you follow creators for casual updates.
Privacy controls and disappearing messages
Messenger supports end-to-end encrypted chats, and within them you can turn on disappearing messages and choose how long messages remain after they have been read. This is handy for information that does not need to be stored, such as a temporary address or a code. Keep in mind that the other person can still take a screenshot or a photo of the screen.
Controlling who can reach you matters just as much. Message requests from people you are not connected with are kept apart from your main inbox, and you can block or restrict accounts from a chat’s settings. After a large update, open your privacy settings and confirm that your preferences carried over, especially for active status and story audience.
Meta AI can answer questions, give advice and help create, edit or animate images inside Messenger. It is optional, and whether it appears depends on your language and country. Ordinary chats and calls work the same way whether or not you choose to use it, so there is no need to change anything if you prefer to ignore it.
Storage, notifications and troubleshooting
HD photos, videos and large files add up quickly. On Android you can see how much space Messenger uses under Settings, Apps, Messenger, Storage. Clearing the cache removes temporary files without affecting your conversations, which are kept on your account. If received media is saving automatically to your gallery, check the app’s photo and media settings to control that.
If notifications stop arriving after an update, check that Android has not paused them and that battery optimization is not restricting the app in the background. Some phone makers apply aggressive battery saving that delays message alerts. You can also mute individual chats rather than silencing the whole app, which keeps important conversations audible.
For crashes or chats that will not load, force stop the app, clear its cache and restart the phone. Make sure Messenger is fully updated in Google Play, because older versions can lose features as the service changes. Reinstalling is usually safe, but encrypted chat history may depend on your backup settings, so check them before removing the app.
Chats, calls and Meta AI in Messenger
Data costs, 100MB files and message edits
Can Messenger use up my mobile data?
Yes. The app is free, but messages and calls travel over your internet connection, so your carrier may charge for data when you are not on Wi-Fi.
How large a file can I send in Messenger?
The Google Play listing says you can send files such as Word, PDF or Excel documents of up to 100MB right in a chat.
How long can I edit a sent message?
For up to 15 minutes after sending it. If you change your mind completely, you can also unsend the message.
