https://github.com/stefanminch/messenger-mac
Standalone Facebook Messenger desktop app for macOS. Chat without opening a browser. Signed & notarized.
https://github.com/stefanminch/messenger-mac
chat desktop-app electron facebook-messenger mac macos menubar messenger native-app opensource
Last synced: 5 months ago
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Standalone Facebook Messenger desktop app for macOS. Chat without opening a browser. Signed & notarized.
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/stefanminch/messenger-mac
- Owner: stefanminch
- Created: 2025-12-25T19:10:04.000Z (6 months ago)
- Default Branch: master
- Last Pushed: 2025-12-27T16:34:34.000Z (6 months ago)
- Last Synced: 2025-12-29T21:35:25.486Z (6 months ago)
- Topics: chat, desktop-app, electron, facebook-messenger, mac, macos, menubar, messenger, native-app, opensource
- Language: JavaScript
- Size: 970 KB
- Stars: 8
- Watchers: 1
- Forks: 1
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
Awesome Lists containing this project
README
# Messenger for Mac
A standalone desktop app for Facebook Messenger on macOS. Chat with friends without opening a browser.
**Why this exists:** Meta discontinued the official Messenger desktop app. This is a lightweight replacement that lets you use Messenger without keeping a browser tab open.
## Download
**[Download Messenger for Mac v1.3.0 (DMG)](https://github.com/stefanminch/messenger-mac/releases/download/v1.3.0/MessengerApp-1.3.0.dmg)** | macOS 10.13+
[](https://github.com/stefanminch/messenger-mac/releases)
> Signed and notarized by Apple for your security.
## Features
- **Native macOS App** - Runs as a standalone application in your dock
- **No Browser Required** - Access Messenger without opening Chrome, Safari, or Firefox
- **Persistent Login** - Stay logged in between app restarts
- **Native Notifications** - Get notified of new messages
- **Minimal & Fast** - Lightweight app with low memory footprint
- **Privacy Focused** - No tracking, no analytics, no data collection
- **Dark Mode Support** - Follows your macOS appearance settings
- **External Links** - Shared links open in your default browser
- **Power Saving Mode** - Automatically throttles when in background to reduce CPU/battery usage
- **Auto-Update Check** - Get notified when a new version is available
- **Keyboard Shortcuts** - Quick navigation with custom shortcuts
## Keyboard Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|----------|--------|
| `Cmd + N` | New message |
| `Cmd + 1-9` | Switch to conversation 1-9 |
| `Cmd + Shift + S` | Toggle sidebar visibility |
All settings (sidebar visibility) are persisted across app restarts.
## Screenshots
| Chat View | Login |
|-----------|-------|
| Native macOS window | Secure Facebook login |
## Installation
1. Download the [DMG file](https://github.com/stefanminch/messenger-mac/releases/download/v1.3.0/MessengerApp-1.3.0.dmg)
2. Open the DMG
3. Drag **MessengerApp** to your **Applications** folder
4. Launch from Applications or Spotlight
## Build from Source
### Prerequisites
- Node.js 18+
- npm or yarn
### Steps
```bash
# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/stefanminch/messenger-mac.git
cd messenger-mac
# Install dependencies
npm install
# Run in development mode
npm start
# Build for production
npm run build
```
The built app will be in the `dist/` folder.
## Tech Stack
- [Electron](https://www.electronjs.org/) - Cross-platform desktop apps
- JavaScript/Node.js
## FAQ
### Is this the official Messenger app?
No, this is an unofficial wrapper around messenger.com. It's not affiliated with Meta/Facebook.
### Is it safe?
Yes. The app is signed and notarized by Apple. It simply loads messenger.com in a native window - no modifications to Messenger itself.
### Why use this instead of the browser?
- Dedicated app in your dock
- Separate from browser tabs
- Stays logged in
- Cleaner experience
- Less resource usage than a full browser
### Does it support voice/video calls?
Yes, all Messenger features work including voice and video calls.
### My login isn't persisting?
Make sure to quit the app with `Cmd+Q` (not just close the window) to save your session.
## Keywords
Facebook Messenger Mac, Messenger Desktop App, Messenger macOS, Facebook Chat Mac App, Messenger without browser, Standalone Messenger Mac, Messenger Mac download, Facebook Messenger native app, Messenger Electron app, Mac Messenger client
## License
MIT License - feel free to modify and distribute.
## Disclaimer
This project is not affiliated with, authorized, maintained, sponsored, or endorsed by Meta/Facebook or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries. This is an independent and unofficial app. Use at your own risk.
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