Because you cannot use the Google Play Store (it will either show "incompatible" or a broken old version), you must sideload the APK. Follow these steps carefully.
Before downloading anything, you must allow your phone to install apps from outside the Play Store. facebook messenger old version apk for android 2.3
Old versions of apps have unpatched security holes. Since these versions are no longer updated by Meta, your data could be at risk if you connect to public Wi-Fi networks. It is highly recommended to use these old apps only on trusted private networks. Because you cannot use the Google Play Store
Before you can install any file outside of the Play Store, you must give your phone permission. Old versions of apps have unpatched security holes
Modern apps are built for modern operating systems. The current version of Messenger is heavy, feature-rich, and requires security protocols that Android 2.3 simply doesn't support.
If you try to download the app today, you will likely get an error message saying "Your device isn't compatible with this version." To bypass this, you need to "sideload" an older version of the app—a file known as an APK (Android Package Kit).