Why Is Facebook Not Working? Checks and Fixes in Order

When Facebook stops working, it's tempting to delete the app and start again. Hold off. Most problems come from one of four places: Facebook itself having an outage, your internet connection, the app or browser you're using, or something on your account. Work out which one is to blame first and the fix is usually quick. I've put the checks in the order I'd run them, starting with the ones that take seconds.

First check: is Facebook down for everyone?

If Facebook won't load at all, or lots of features break at once, the problem may be on Facebook's side. Signs it's an outage: friends are saying the same thing, Messenger and Instagram are misbehaving too, and nothing you change makes a difference. Meta posts updates on its official accounts and status pages during big outages. If it's an outage, there's nothing to fix on your phone: wait it out and try again later.

Second check: is your connection the reason Facebook isn't working?

1. Open another app or website. If that's slow too, the problem's your connection.
2. Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data, or the other way round.
3. Turn aeroplane mode on for a few seconds, then off.
4. Restart your router if everything on your home Wi-Fi is struggling.
5. Turn off a VPN if you use one, then try Facebook again.

Fixes when the Facebook app isn't working on your phone

1. Close the Facebook app fully, then reopen it.
2. Restart your phone.
3. Update the Facebook app from the App Store or Google Play.
4. Check your phone has free storage space, because a full phone causes odd app behaviour.
5. On Android, clear the app's cache: go to Settings, Apps, Facebook, Storage, then Clear cache.
6. On iPhone, offload the app in Settings, General, iPhone Storage, then reinstall it. Offloading keeps your data.
7. As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall the app, then log back in.

Before you reinstall, make sure you know your password and have access to your login code method, so you don't lock yourself out. My guide to changing your Facebook password is worth a look if you're not sure what yours is.

Fixes when Facebook isn't working in a browser

• Refresh the page, then try a private or incognito window.
• Clear your browser's cache and cookies for Facebook.
• Turn off browser extensions one at a time, especially ad blockers and privacy tools.
• Update your browser, or try a different one.
• Check the date and time on your computer are correct, as a wrong clock can break secure sites.

When only part of Facebook isn't working

Sometimes the app opens fine but one feature breaks. That points to something narrower.

What's broken	Likely cause	First thing to try
Pictures show as blank boxes	Connection, cache or data saver	Clear the cache and turn off data saver
Reels keep pausing	Connection or app version	Update the app and switch networks
You keep getting logged out	Session or security checks	Update the app and review your logins
One Page or group won't open	It may be removed, paused or restricted	Check with another account or a friend
Messages won't send	Messenger or connection issue	Update Messenger and restart your phone

I've written separate guides on a few of these, including why Facebook isn't loading pictures and why Facebook keeps logging you out, if your problem matches one of them.

When Facebook isn't working because of your account

If Facebook works for everyone else on the same Wi-Fi but not for you, the problem may be your account. You might see a message that your account's locked, restricted or needs you to confirm your identity. Follow the on-screen steps exactly, because Facebook uses them to check it's really you. Never use a link sent in a message or email that claims to fix your account: go through the app or facebook.com directly. If you think someone else has got into your account, change your password straight away and check where you're logged in.

Why Facebook isn't working for business Page owners

For business owners, a broken Facebook often shows up as a Page that won't load, a post that won't publish or a missing inbox. Try the same checks on your personal app first, because the Page runs through your profile. If only the Page is affected, open it in Meta Business Suite in a browser to see whether it's a Page issue or an app issue. Keep a second admin on your Page too, so someone can still post if your own account has a problem.

Getting help when Facebook still isn't working

• Use Report a problem in the app's Help and support menu, describing what happens and on which device.
• Search the Facebook Help Centre for the exact error message you see.
• Ask a friend to check your profile or Page, so you know whether it's visible to others.
• Wait a few hours if nothing else works. Plenty of glitches clear up on their own.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if Facebook is down or it's just me?

Try another app on the same connection, ask a friend, and check Meta's official accounts. If everyone's affected, it's an outage and you'll need to wait.

Will reinstalling Facebook delete my account?

No. Your account lives on Facebook's servers. You'll just need to log in again, so make sure you know your password first.

Why does Facebook work on Wi-Fi but not mobile data?

Check that mobile data is allowed for the Facebook app in your phone's settings, and turn off data saver or low data mode.

Why is Facebook working on my computer but not my phone?

That points to the app. Update it, clear its cache or reinstall it.

Is it safe to use a link that promises to fix my Facebook account?

No. Only use the Facebook app or facebook.com directly. Messages offering fixes are a common scam.