You may also try Version 235.0.0.23.105 which is slightly older but often runs smoother on low-RAM devices (512MB – 1GB).
Warning: Do not download version 300 or higher. Those require Android 5.0+.
If standard Messenger (even the legacy APK) feels slow or buggy, you should consider Facebook Messenger Lite. facebook messenger for android 4.4 2 apk
Messenger Lite was designed for emerging markets and older hardware. It supports Android 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and up. It takes up only 10MB, lacks animations, and focuses purely on core messaging.
The catch: Meta officially discontinued Messenger Lite in most regions in 2023. However, the legacy APK still functions for basic text chat. Video calls may fail. You may also try Version 235
Even with the correct APK, old Android versions can behave strangely. Here are the top issues and their solutions:
Since the Play Store blocks updates on Android 4.4.2, users must sideload the last compatible APK from trusted third-party repositories (e.g., APKMirror, APKPure). Reasons for doing so include: Warning: Do not download version 300 or higher
You cannot download the latest version; it won't install. You need a version compatible with Android 4.4.
Go back to Settings > Security and uncheck "Unknown Sources" to prevent accidental malware installations in the future.