Yahoo Messenger Free Download: A Guide to the Classic Instant Messaging App
If you are looking for a way to chat online with your friends, family, or colleagues, you might want to consider downloading Yahoo Messenger. Yahoo Messenger is one of the oldest and most popular instant messaging apps that allows you to communicate with other users via text, voice, or video. In this article, we will show you what Yahoo Messenger is, how to download and install it on your device, how to use it for chatting, calling, and sharing, and what are some of the best alternatives to Yahoo Messenger.
What is Yahoo Messenger?
Yahoo Messenger is an instant messaging client and protocol developed by Yahoo. It was launched in 1998 as Yahoo Pager, and renamed to Yahoo Messenger in 1999. It was one of the first apps that offered features such as group chat, file transfer, voice and video chat, emoticons, games, and integration with other Yahoo services. It also had a web version that could be accessed from any browser.
yahoo messenger free download
A brief history of Yahoo Messenger
Yahoo Messenger was one of the pioneers of instant messaging in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It competed with other apps such as AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), MSN Messenger, ICQ, and Google Talk. It had a loyal user base that enjoyed its simple and user-friendly interface, its fun and expressive features, and its compatibility with various platforms and devices.
However, over the years, Yahoo Messenger faced several challenges that led to its decline in popularity. Some of these challenges were:
The rise of social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter that offered more ways to connect and interact with people online.
The emergence of new instant messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, Telegram, Signal, and others that offered more advanced features such as end-to-end encryption, cloud storage, stickers, bots, group video calls, and more.
The lack of innovation and updates from Yahoo that made Yahoo Messenger outdated and less appealing to users.
The security breaches and data leaks that affected Yahoo and compromised the privacy and safety of its users.
In 2015, Yahoo launched a new version of Yahoo Messenger that aimed to modernize the app and make it more competitive with other apps. The new version had a sleeker design, a faster performance, a like button for messages and media, an unsend feature that allowed users to delete messages from both ends of the conversation, and a GIF feature that integrated with Tumblr.
However, the new version also had some drawbacks that disappointed many users. Some of these drawbacks were:
The removal of some popular features such as chat rooms, custom status messages, IMVironments (customizable backgrounds for chat windows), avatars (personalized icons for users), voice chat (phone calls between users), webcam hosting (live streaming of video from users), and games (multiplayer games that users could play together).
The lack of backward compatibility with the old version of Yahoo Messenger, which meant that users could not chat with their contacts who were still using the old version.
The limited availability of the app, which was only supported on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, and not on Linux, Windows Phone, or web browsers.
In 2018, Yahoo announced that it would shut down the old version of Yahoo Messenger on July 17, 2018, and that users would need to switch to the new version or use other apps such as Yahoo Squirrel (later renamed to Yahoo Together), which was a group messaging app similar to Slack or Discord. However, in 2019, Yahoo also announced that it would discontinue the new version of Yahoo Messenger on July 22, 2019, and that Yahoo Together would also be shut down on April 4, 2019. This marked the end of Yahoo Messenger as an instant messaging service.
The main features of Yahoo Messenger
Despite its demise, Yahoo Messenger still has some features that make it a classic and nostalgic app for many users. Some of these features are:
Text messaging: Users can send and receive text messages to and from their contacts on Yahoo Messenger. They can also use emoticons, fonts, colors, and formatting to express themselves better.
Voice and video messaging: Users can send and receive voice and video messages to and from their contacts on Yahoo Messenger. They can also make voice and video calls with their contacts using the app.
Photo and file sharing: Users can send and receive photos and files to and from their contacts on Yahoo Messenger. They can also preview the photos and files before opening them.
Link sharing: Users can send and receive links to and from their contacts on Yahoo Messenger. They can also see a preview of the link before opening it.
GIF feature: Users can send and receive GIFs to and from their contacts on Yahoo Messenger. They can also search for GIFs from Tumblr using the app.
Like button: Users can like messages and media sent by their contacts on Yahoo Messenger. They can also see how many likes a message or media has received.
Unsend feature: Users can delete messages and media sent by them or their contacts on Yahoo Messenger. They can also see when a message or media has been deleted by either party.
How to download and install Yahoo Messenger on your device
If you want to download and install Yahoo Messenger on your device, you will need to follow these steps:
Downloading Yahoo Messenger from the official website
The first step is to download the Yahoo Messenger installer from the official website. You can do this by visiting and clicking on the download button for your device. You will see four options: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Choose the one that matches your device and click on it. You will then be redirected to another page where you can download the installer file for your device.
yahoo messenger free download for windows 10
yahoo messenger free download for mac
yahoo messenger free download for android
yahoo messenger free download for iphone
yahoo messenger free download latest version
yahoo messenger free download with video call
yahoo messenger free download and install
yahoo messenger free download apk
yahoo messenger free download for pc offline installer
yahoo messenger free download for windows 7 32 bit
yahoo messenger free download for windows 8.1
yahoo messenger free download for ipad
yahoo messenger free download old version
yahoo messenger free download for laptop
yahoo messenger free download for linux
yahoo messenger free download softonic
yahoo messenger free download filehippo
yahoo messenger free download cnet
yahoo messenger free download 2023
yahoo messenger free download 2022
yahoo messenger free download 2021
yahoo messenger free download 2020
yahoo messenger free download 2019
yahoo messenger free download 2018
yahoo messenger free download 2017
yahoo messenger free download 2016
yahoo messenger free download 2015
yahoo messenger free download 2014
yahoo messenger free download 2013
yahoo messenger free download 2012
yahoo messenger free download 2011
yahoo messenger free download 2010
how to get yahoo messenger for free
where can i find yahoo messenger for free
what is the best alternative to yahoo messenger for free
how to use yahoo messenger for free on mobile
how to update yahoo messenger for free
how to uninstall yahoo messenger for free
how to recover deleted messages on yahoo messenger for free
how to play games on yahoo messenger for free
how to share photos on yahoo messenger for free
how to send gifs on yahoo messenger for free
how to unsend messages on yahoo messenger for free
how to video chat on yahoo messenger for free
how to voice chat on yahoo messenger for free
how to make group chats on yahoo messenger for free
how to change your status on yahoo messenger for free
how to access your contacts on yahoo messenger for free
how to connect your facebook account to yahoo messenger for free
Installing Yahoo Messenger on Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS
The second step is to install the Yahoo Messenger app on your device using the installer file that you downloaded. The installation process may vary slightly depending on your device, but generally you will need to do the following:
For Windows: Double-click on the installer file that you downloaded (it should have a .exe extension) and follow the instructions on the screen. You may need to accept the terms and conditions, choose a destination folder, and create a shortcut for the app.
For Mac: Double-click on the installer file that you downloaded (it should have a .dmg extension) and drag the Yahoo Messenger icon into the Applications folder. You may need to enter your password to confirm the installation.
For Android: Tap on the installer file that you downloaded (it should have a .apk extension) and allow the installation from unknown sources if prompted. You may need to accept the permissions requested by the app.
For iOS: Tap on the installer file that you downloaded (it should have a .ipa extension) and trust the developer if prompted. You may need to enter your password or use Touch ID or Face ID to confirm the installation.
Once you have installed the app on your device, you will see a Yahoo Messenger icon on your desktop or home screen. You can then launch the app by clicking or tapping on it.
How to use Yahoo Messenger for chatting, calling, and sharing
Now that you have downloaded and installed Yahoo Messenger on your device, you can start using it for chatting, calling, and sharing with your contacts. Here are some of the things you can do with Yahoo Messenger:
Signing in to Yahoo Messenger with your Yahoo ID
The first thing you need to do is to sign in to Yahoo Messenger with your Yahoo ID. If you don't have a Yahoo ID, you can create one for free by visiting and filling out the required information. You will need to provide your name, email address, password, phone number, date of birth, and gender. You will also need to verify your phone number and email address by entering the codes sent to you by Yahoo.
Once you have a Yahoo ID, you can sign in to Yahoo Messenger by entering your email address and password on the app. You may also need to enter a verification code or use Touch ID or Face ID if you have enabled two-step verification or account key for your Yahoo account. You can also choose to stay signed in or sign out automatically after a certain period of time.
Adding and managing your contacts on Yahoo Messenger
The next thing you need to do is to add and manage your contacts on Yahoo Messenger. You can do this by tapping or clicking on the contacts icon on the app. You will see a list of your existing contacts, as well as suggestions for people you may know or want to chat with. You can also search for contacts by name, email address, or phone number using the search bar on the app.
To add a contact, you can either tap or click on the plus icon on the app and enter their name, email address, or phone number, or you can tap or click on their name or profile picture on the suggestions list and send them a request. You will need to wait for them to accept your request before you can chat with them.
To manage your contacts, you can either tap or click on their name or profile picture on the contacts list and access their profile, where you can see their status, nickname, location, and other information. You can also edit their contact details, block them, delete them, or report them for abuse from their profile. You can also create groups of contacts by tapping or clicking on the group icon on the app and selecting the contacts you want to add to the group. You can then name the group and start a group chat with them.
Sending and receiving text, voice, and video messages on Yahoo Messenger
The main thing you can do with Yahoo Messenger is to send and receive text, voice, and video messages with your contacts. You can do this by tapping or clicking on the chat icon on the app and selecting the contact or group you want to chat with. You will see a chat window where you can type your message using the keyboard or voice input. You can also use emoticons, fonts, colors, and formatting to make your message more expressive.
To send a voice message, you can either tap or click on the microphone icon on the app and hold it while you speak your message, or you can tap or click on the call icon on the app and select voice call from the options. You will then be connected to your contact via voice call and you can talk to them using your device's microphone and speaker. You can also mute yourself, switch to speakerphone mode, or end the call from the app.
To send a video message, you can either tap or click on the camera icon on the app and hold it while you record your message, or you can tap or click on the call icon on the app and select video call from the options. You will then be connected to your contact via video call and you can see them and talk to them using your device's camera and microphone. You can also mute yourself, switch cameras, turn off video mode, or end the call from the app.
Sharing photos, files, links, and emoticons on Yahoo Messenger
Another thing you can do with Yahoo Messenger is to share photos, files, links and emoticons on Yahoo Messenger. You can do this by tapping or clicking on the attachment icon on the app and choosing the type of content you want to share. You can then select the content from your device's gallery, camera, or file manager, or enter the URL of the content you want to share. You can also add a caption or a comment to the content before sending it.
To share photos, you can either tap or click on the photo icon on the app and choose a photo from your device's gallery or camera, or you can tap or click on the attachment icon on the app and select photo from the options. You can then crop, rotate, or edit the photo using the app's tools, and add a caption or a comment to it before sending it.
To share files, you can either tap or click on the file icon on the app and choose a file from your device's file manager, or you can tap or click on the attachment icon on the app and select file from the options. You can then browse through your device's folders and select the file you want to share. You can also add a caption or a comment to it before sending it.
To share links, you can either tap or click on the link icon on the app and enter the URL of the link you want to share, or you can tap or click on the attachment icon on the app and select link from the options. You can then paste or type the URL of the link you want to share. You can also add a caption or a comment to it before sending it.
To share emoticons, you can either tap or click on the emoticon icon on the app and choose an emoticon from the app's collection, or you can tap or click on the attachment icon on the app and select emoticon from the options. You can then scroll through the app's categories and select the emoticon you want to share. You can also add a caption or a comment to it before sending it.
What are the alternatives to Yahoo Messenger?
As we have seen, Yahoo Messenger is no longer available as an instant messaging service. However, there are many other apps that you can use instead of Yahoo Messenger for different purposes and platforms. Here are some of the best alternatives to Yahoo Messenger:
Why you might want to switch from Yahoo Messenger to another app
There are several reasons why you might want to switch from Yahoo Messenger to another app. Some of these reasons are:
You want to chat with your contacts who are using different apps than Yahoo Messenger.
You want to use more advanced features such as end-to-end encryption, cloud storage, stickers, bots, group video calls, and more.
You want to use an app that is more secure, reliable, and updated than Yahoo Messenger.
You want to use an app that is compatible with more platforms and devices than Yahoo Messenger.
The best alternatives to Yahoo Messenger for different purposes and platforms
There are many apps that you can use instead of Yahoo Messenger for different purposes and platforms. Here are some of them:
Purpose
App
Platform
Description
General chatting
Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Web
A popular instant messaging app that allows you to send text, voice, and video messages, as well as photos, files, links, locations, contacts, and documents. It also supports end-to-end encryption, cloud backup, group chats, voice and video calls, stickers, status updates, and more.
Social networking
Facebook Messenger
Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Web
A social media app that allows you to chat with your Facebook friends and contacts. It also supports voice and video messages , as well as photos, files, links, locations, contacts, and documents. It also supports group chats, voice and video calls, stickers, games, bots, stories, and more.
Business communication
Slack
Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Web
A professional instant messaging app that allows you to chat with your team members and collaborators. It also supports voice and video messages, as well as photos, files, links, locations, contacts, and documents. It also supports channels, threads, voice and video calls, screen sharing, integrations, bots, workflows, and more.
Video conferencing
Zoom
Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Web
A popular video conferencing app that allows you to host or join online meetings with up to 1000 participants. It also supports chat messages, as well as photos, files, links, locations, contacts, and documents. It also supports breakout rooms, polls, whiteboards, annotations, recordings, transcripts, integrations, and more.
Privacy and security
Signal
Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
A secure instant messaging app that allows you to send text, voice, and video messages, as well as photos, files, links, locations, contacts, and documents. It also supports end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, group chats, voice and video calls, stickers, and more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Yahoo Messenger is a classic instant messaging app that has been discontinued in 2019. However, you can still download and install it on your device and use it for chatting, calling, and sharing with your contacts. You can also switch to other apps that offer more features and compatibility than Yahoo Messenger. We hope this article has helped you learn more about Yahoo Messenger and its alternatives.
FAQs
Is Yahoo Messenger still available in 2021?
No, Yahoo Messenger is not available in 2021. The service was shut down on July 22, 2019, and the app was removed from the app stores. However, you can still download the app from the official website or other sources and use it on your device.
Is Yahoo Messenger safe and secure?
Yahoo Messenger is not very safe and secure compared to other apps. The app does not support end-to-end encryption or two-step verification for your account. The app also has a history of security breaches and data leaks that affected Yahoo and its users. Therefore, you should be careful about what you share on Yahoo Messenger and who you chat with.
How can I delete my Yahoo Messenger account?
To delete your Yahoo Messenger account, you need to delete your Yahoo account first. You can do this by visiting and signing in with your Yahoo ID and password. You will then need to enter your password again and a verification code to confirm your deletion request. You will also need to read the terms and conditions and agree to them before proceeding. Once you delete your Yahoo account, you will lose access to all Yahoo services, including Yahoo Messenger.
How can I access my old Yahoo Messenger conversations?
To access your old Yahoo Messenger conversations, you need to download them from the Yahoo website before they are deleted permanently. You can do this by visiting and signing in with your Yahoo ID and password. You will then see a button that says "Download Your Data". Click on it and follow the instructions on the screen. You will receive an email with a link to download your data as a ZIP file. You can then open the file and view your conversations as text files.
How can I customize my Yahoo Messenger settings and appearance?
To customize your Yahoo Messenger settings and appearance, you need to go to the settings menu on the app. You can do this by tapping or clicking on the gear icon on the app. You will then see various options to change your preferences for notifications, sounds, privacy, language, theme, and more. You can also change your profile picture, nickname, status message, and location from the settings menu. 44f88ac181