News: How to Use Yahoo Messenger Without Downloading

Navigate to Yahoo! Web Messenger

Chat using Yahoo! Messenger right in your web browser. Photo Credit: Yahoo!

Updated July 13, 2016.

Want to use Yahoo! Messenger without downloading an app? Now you can use Yahoo! Messenger right in your web browser!

Launch Yahoo Web Messenger

• Point your web browser to the Yahoo Messenger web site
• Locate, and click on, the link at the bottom right that says "Start Chatting on Web
•  

• Sign In to Yahoo Web Messenger

  

  Enter the email or phone number of your Yahoo! account, or sign up for a new one. Photo Credit: Yahoo!
  On the next screen you'll be prompted to login to your Yahoo! account.
  You can also sign up for a new account if you don't already have one. Simply click at the link at the bottom of the page that says "Don't have an account? Sign up." Note that this link is all the way at the bottom of the form and you may have to scroll to see it.
  You'll be prompted to enter your email address or phone number to login to Yahoo!
  

  Messenger. When you enter your email, you'll also be prompted for your password (which may be pre-filled if you've signed into Yahoo! from your computer before.)

  You can also sign in using the phone number associated with your account.
  

  How to Sign In to Yahoo! Messenger with Your Phone Number

  • Make sure that you have the mobile app installed. Download it from the Apple app store for your iPhone, or the Google Play store for your Android. 
  • Make sure that the "Account Key" feature is enabled within the app. To do so, tap on your profile photo on the top right of the screen when the app is open, and then tap on the option that says "Account Key." The text "Yahoo! Account Key is enabled" will be displayed if the feature is ready to use. If it's not, follow the prompts to activate it.
  • Now that you've confirmed that you have the right settings, return to your web browser. You won't have to complete those steps again in the future.
  • Enter your phone number into the login field of the page on your browser.

  • You will receive a text message notifying you of a login from a device other than your phone.
  • Open Yahoo! Messenger on your mobile device and go to the Account Key by tapping on your profile photo on the upper right of the screen, and then tapping on Account Key.
  • Tap on the link that says "Need a code to sign in?" Get a code.
  • A code will then appear on your mobile device. Enter the code into the field provided for it on the web page.

  The Account Key option is a great feature that results in a new password being used every time that you log in, keeping your account safe and secure.
  
  

  Using the Web Version of Yahoo! Messenger

  Once you're logged in, you will see a list of contacts on the left of your screen, and can also search for specific contacts using the search bar on the top of the left side.
  Click on the pencil icon to start a conversation. And easily add fun GIFs, emoticons or your own photos to the conversation by using the options at the bottom of the screen.
  Enjoy your chat!
  Updated by Christina Michelle Bailey, 03/10/16