Facebook chat only page

Question

I don't remember exactly how I got to it, but I opened a page (external possibly) that only showed the chat interface of Facebook. It was quite similar to the gabtastik screenshot

What I wanted was to create a Chrome Application shortcut for this page, and easily use Facebook chat as a side along application. However, I've not been able to find such a page. Is it possible to open the Facebook chat only interface directly (without using any third party scripts)?

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Previously, once logged into Facebook, you could use the URL http://www.facebook.com/presence/popout.php — this no longer works (as of 12th October 2011) — or from any Facebook page chat (in the bottom left) → Options → Pop out.

The second option no longer works with the new Chat UI—18th July 2011.

Answer 1

An alternative method, is to use the Pidgin chat client instead.

The settings you need are:

• Protocol: XMPP
• Username: [your current Facebook username] (see step 1)

• Domain: chat.facebook.com

  1. Currently, you’ll need a Facebook Username (ie, facebook.com/mikeknoop).

  2. Open up Pidgin, Click Accounts, then Manage Accounts. Now click Add.

  3. Fill in the Basic tab with the following details:

• Resource: [unused, you may leave blank]

• Password: [your current Facebook password]

  1. On the Advanced tab, make sure all SSL options are unchecked.

  2. Click Add. You’re done!

Answer 2

I mostly use the mobile website http://m.facebook.com/messages

Besides the chat functionality of course, it gives me:

• Cross platform access without being dependent on installation rights.
• No Facebook icon in my taskbar (annoying if you're working at consultancy).
• No Windows notifications when you have a new message.
• Quick access to my timeline notifications.

Update 09-04-2015: As of 09/04/2015 Messenger is available on the web https://messenger.com/

Answer 3

You can use Facebook's very own messenger webapp:

https://www.messenger.com/

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As @Peter stated, you can already use a Multi-IM client. Just wanted to point out that there are many already around:

• Trillian
• Adium (Mac only)
• Pidgin

E.g.: in Trillian there's already a Facebook plugin integrated, so you just need to provide your username (and you'll see the usual Facebook connect pop-up where you have to login and grant access).

You can check the very long list of (Facebook-chat-capable) multi-IMs here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_instant_messaging_clients#Multiprotocol_clients

Answer 4

One option I like is to just go to https://www.facebook.com/mobile?_rdr . It doesn't redirect to mobile but the background is static promoting Facebook mobile apps and you get full chat on the bottom bar

Answer 5

Facebook has announced the launch of a web-only no-frill version of their messenger:

messenger.com

It is now available worldwide.