If your Android smartphone is running slow or running out of battery too quickly, one app might be to blame: Messenger. Facebook's instant messaging app has been found to use a lot of resources and drain batteries. There's some good news now as Facebook has launched Messenger Lite.

The new app is aimed at older Android devices or at people in countries where network connectivity is an issue. That's why Facebook is launching it in Kenya, Tunisia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Venezuela. But don't worry, we have a way for YOU to install it right now.

How to Install Messenger Lite

Unlike iOS, Google's Android lets you easily sideload apps, i.e. manually install them. You need to download an APK file to your phone. Then follow our guide to sideloading apps on Android.

To get the APK, you should go to a trusted APK source. We recommend APK Mirror, where you can download the latest version of Messenger Lite.

APK Download for Facebook Messenger Lite App

Of course, if you are staying in any of the aforementioned countries, skip the APK. Instead, download and install the app from the Play Store.

Download -- Messenger Lite for Android (Free)

Download -- Messenger Lite APK from APK Mirror (Free)

What's Messenger Lite?

Messenger Lite is a stripped down version of Facebook's instant messaging app. It doesn't have all the features of the main app, but it gets the job done.

You can chat with all your friends like you always do, and even use Messenger chat bots for additional services. The full contact list is available to chat.

Apart from text messages, users can send images as well. The only other form of communication is to send a Like with a single tap.

Facebook Messenger Lite Recent Contacts

However, there are certain features missing from the main Messenger app. For example, you can't share your location with someone. You also can't send stickers, one of the coolest things about Messenger. That said, you can still see stickers that others send you.

The biggest missing feature, though, is that you can't make voice calls. Messenger’s free voice calls are a great way to connect with people in other countries without incurring international call rates. But with Messenger Lite, that's not an option.

Why Choose Messenger Lite Over Messenger

If you're on an older Android, you need to save on space with lighter apps. That's what Messenger Lite does. It clocks in at less than 10 MB, while the main Messenger app takes up over 50 MB. In fact, Messenger Lite will even download faster on slow connections.

Apart from saving storage space, Messenger Lite also runs faster on slow hardware. Even if you don't have the latest and greatest processor or a whole lot of RAM, you should be able to get the Messenger experience.

Facebook Messenger Lite Settings Notifications

Finally, Messenger Lite won't run in the background when you shut it down, or run automatically when you start the phone. All of these features will make your battery last much longer.

Can It Replace Messenger Completely?

Much as Facebook Lite isn't a worthy replacement, Messenger Lite also misses the mark. Both these apps are meant to be basic versions and nothing more.

Unfortunately, while we hoped Messenger Lite would be better about permissions, it isn't. We already know that Facebook Messenger asks for intrusive permissions, and so does Messenger Lite.  It still accesses similar areas like contacts identity, reading text messages, controlling the camera and microphone, and reading or deleting data from the SD card.

Facebook Messenger Lite Permissions

If privacy and permissions are a concern, there are already some some alternative Messenger apps for desktop and mobile. Lite Messenger for Android is much better at protecting your data.

So Who Is Messenger Lite For?

All said and done, Messenger Lite isn't only for crappy Androids. There's a great use-case scenario for it.

If you are someone who wants to be available on Messenger but doesn't use it frequently, then this is the perfect app. You'll be able to available to chat with people like you wanted to, but it won't be draining resources or battery.

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Messenger Lite is important. Facebook has announced that it won't let users send messages through the main Facebook app or through the mobile web site. Messenger Lite is a wonderful way to keep messaging without any problems.

Will You Use Messenger Lite?

The new Messenger Lite app may not work for everyone, but I'll definitely be installing and using it. As someone who doesn't use Messenger often, it's a great lightweight alternative.

What about you? Will you be installing Messenger Lite and getting rid of the bloated Messenger from your phone?