No. Rooting is not necessary for sideloading a standard Messenger APK. Only enable Unknown Sources.

This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later.

To use Messenger on an Android 4.4.4 device, you must manually install a compatible older version using an APK file. This comprehensive guide covers the steps, safety precautions, and alternative options to get you connected. Understanding the Risks of Legacy APKs

: Go to Settings > Security and toggle on "Unknown Sources" to allow installation of apps from outside the Play Store.

Facebook Messenger APK for Android 4.4.4: How to Download and Install

This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later.

Wait for the progress bar to finish. Once installed, tap to launch the app. Step 5: Log In and Configure Settings

Use your mobile browser to download the specific legacy version (e.g., from APKMirror ).