Older versions do not have modern security patches.
You rely on business communications, voice calls over Messenger (VoIP didn't work well on v14), or video chat. Video chat on Android 2.3 Messenger was never stable.
: If the APKs fail to log in, using a lightweight browser to visit Facebook.com is the official recommendation for Gingerbread users. Where to Download facebook messenger old version apk for android 2.3
If the old Messenger APK refuses to connect to the servers, consider these lightweight alternatives to stay in touch:
Modern versions of Facebook Messenger generally require Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher. For devices running Android 2.3, standard updates from the Google Play Store are no longer available. Attempting to run a modern APK on Gingerbread will usually result in a "Parsing Error" because the app's minimum API requirements are too high. Older versions do not have modern security patches
Staying Connected on Legacy Gear: A Guide to Facebook Messenger for Android 2.3 If you are holding onto a classic device running Android 2.3 Gingerbread
Meta (formerly Facebook) officially terminated support for older client versions of Messenger in March 2017. : If the APKs fail to log in,
(around version 77 from 2018 or earlier) have been reported by enthusiasts to still allow basic text messaging on 2.3 devices, though with significant lag and errors. Mobile Browser : The most reliable way is to visit m.facebook.com
: Later "Lite" versions through 2019 maintained Gingerbread support before the minimum requirement was raised to Android 4.0+. Browse Android 2.3+ Messenger Lite Variants