Facebook App Download: Android, iPhone, iPad and Lite Steps

Getting the Facebook app onto a phone sounds like the simplest job in the world, until it sticks at the same point for ten minutes and you've got a customer message waiting. I run into this whenever someone I know gets a new handset and wants their business Page back in their pocket.

Here's what Facebook's own help pages say about the download, the phones it works on and what to try when it won't finish. I've kept to what the Help Centre states, so if a menu looks slightly different on your phone, trust your screen over my wording.

Where the Facebook app download comes from

Facebook's help page for downloading or updating the app keeps this short. You get the app from your device's own app store, which means the Play Store on most Android phones and the App Store on iPhone and iPad. There's no separate installer to hunt for, and I'd steer clear of any website offering one.

The same page makes a point I'd underline. If you can't use the Facebook app for any reason, you can still use Facebook on a computer at facebook.com, and you can chat with other people by visiting facebook.com/messages. Nothing is lost while you sort the app out.

Facebook app download steps on an Android phone

1. Open your Android phone or tablet's app store.
2. Search for the Facebook app.
3. Tap the Facebook app in the results.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to download it.
5. Once it has installed, open the app and log in with your usual details.

Facebook's help page also mentions you can download the newest Android version directly from Facebook, but the app store route is the one most people will use, and it keeps the app easy to update later.

Facebook app download steps on iPhone and iPad

The steps are the same shape on Apple devices, just through the App Store:

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Search for the Facebook app.
3. Tap the app, then follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Open it when the download finishes and log in.

Facebook's help page says to use the latest version of the app to help fix problems when something isn't working, so it's worth checking later that you're not running an old copy.

Which phones can run the Facebook app download

Facebook publishes a short list of the software versions it supports. According to its help page, the app for Android, iPhone and iPad supports:

• Android 8.0 or greater.
• iPhone with iOS 15.1 or greater.
• iPad with iOS 15.1 or greater.

If your software version is supported, you'll get regular updates and new features as they arrive. If it isn't supported any more, Facebook says you can carry on using the app but you won't get further updates, and over time you may notice slow performance or other issues. It recommends a device with supported software for the best experience, and I'd check yours in your phone's settings before you blame the download.

If your Facebook app download won't start or finish

Facebook's Help Centre lists the same checks for trouble downloading or updating, and I'd take them in this order, quick ones first:

• Check you've got a strong Wi-Fi or mobile data connection. For best results, connect to Wi-Fi and retry the download.
• Check your device's storage space, to make sure there's enough room to install the app.
• Check for system updates in your device settings, so the Facebook app is running on the latest version of your phone's software.
• Check your device's operating system is supported, using the list above.
• Delete the app if it half-installed, restart your device and install it again from your app store.

Facebook app download problems on Android storage

For Android, Facebook's separate troubleshooting article adds a storage check. It says to open your Android's settings, then the storage settings, and look at how much space is free. If you have less than 100MB available, it suggests uninstalling apps to clear up space, then retrying. It also says you may be able to move the Facebook app to your Android's SD card.

Beyond space, it suggests cancelling and restarting the download, logging out of Facebook and trying again, and reviewing Google's tips for download problems. As a last step it says to uninstall the Facebook app, restart your phone and reinstall it from the Google Play Store.

Facebook app download problems on iPhone and iPad

Apple devices get a very similar list. Tap Settings, then General, then iPhone or iPad Storage. Facebook says that if you have less than 100 MB available, you can uninstall apps to clear up space and retry. After that come the same sensible steps: check your connection, cancel and restart the download, log out of Facebook then retry, and look at Apple's tips for download problems.

If none of that works, the help page has a link to let Facebook know. Add a short description of what you saw, such as where the download stopped, so the team has something to work with.

Facebook Lite as a lighter Facebook app download

Facebook also has a lighter version. Its help page says Facebook Lite has the main Facebook features but uses less data, and it works well on all networks, including 2G. On Android, you download it from the Facebook Lite website or the Google Play Store.

It's a useful option for an older phone, or if you're often on a patchy connection while you're out meeting clients. Facebook's notes on supported software relate to the main app, so check the Lite listing in your app store for what your phone needs.

What to do straight after the Facebook app download

Once it's installed, log in with the email, mobile number or username on your account. Facebook's app asks for permission to access features on your device, and you decide what to allow, so read each prompt rather than tapping through. If you're curious what the location prompt means, my explainer on whether Facebook tracks your location will help you choose.

If you're brand new to the app, adding friends on Facebook is a gentle first job. If you manage a business Page, log in and check it still looks right on the small screen before you post anything.

Keeping the Facebook app download up to date

Facebook's help pages say it's important to use the latest version of the app, because that helps fix problems when something isn't working. Updates arrive through the same app store you used to download it. If you ever hit trouble opening the app, the first thing I'd check is whether an update is waiting.

This guide is part of my Facebook Help: 80 Guides to Pages, Groups, Ads, Stories and Fixes.

Frequently asked questions

How do I do a Facebook app download on my phone?

Open your phone's app store, search for Facebook, tap the app and follow the on-screen instructions. Then open it and log in.

Which phones support the Facebook app?

Facebook's help page says Android 8.0 or greater, and iOS 15.1 or greater on iPhone and iPad.

Why won't the Facebook app download?

Facebook suggests checking your Wi-Fi or mobile data, your storage space and your system updates, then cancelling and restarting the download, logging out and trying again, or reinstalling.

How much storage space does the Facebook app need?

Facebook's help pages don't give one fixed size. They say to check you've got enough space, and that having less than 100MB available is a reason to clear some apps first.

Is there a lighter version of the Facebook app?

Yes. Facebook Lite has the main Facebook features but uses less data and works on all networks, including 2G. On Android, get it from the Facebook Lite website or the Google Play Store.

Can I use Facebook without downloading the app?

Yes. Facebook's help page says you can use Facebook on a computer at facebook.com, and chat at facebook.com/messages.