Facebook lets you download a copy of your own data through a tool called Download Your Information

You can request a copy of the information Facebook has collected about you — your posts, photos, messages, friend list, and the data it has gathered from your activity on and off Facebook. Facebook will package this into a file you can download to your computer. The process takes a few minutes to start, but Facebook usually takes several hours to a few days to prepare the file, depending on how much data you have.

The download includes posts you made, comments, photos you uploaded, videos, your friend list, messages, and information from third-party websites and apps that connected to your Facebook account. It does not include messages from people who have deleted their accounts, or content other people posted about you (though you can download some of that separately). Facebook also includes data about your activity — what you clicked, what you searched for, what ads you saw — if you choose that option.

Key Takeaways

  • You start the download from Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Your Information and Permissions, then Download Your Information.
  • Facebook offers the download in HTML format (readable in a web browser) or JSON format (for use in other programs), and you can choose which data categories to include.
  • The file is encrypted and protected by a password you create, and Facebook will email you a link to download it when it is ready.
  • You can request multiple downloads and choose different date ranges and data types each time.

Step-by-step: How to request your data download

Open Facebook on a computer or phone and go to the menu (three horizontal lines on mobile, or the downward arrow in the top right on desktop). Select Settings and Privacy, then Settings. On the left side, find Your Information and Permissions and click Download Your Information.

You will see options to choose the date range (all time, or a specific range), the format (HTML or JSON), and the quality of photos and videos (high, medium, or low). Check the boxes next to the data categories you want — posts, photos, videos, messages, friends, and so on. You do not have to download everything; you can select only what you need. When you are ready, click Request a Download.

Facebook will ask you to confirm your password for security. Enter it and click Request Download again. Facebook will then begin preparing your file. You will see a message saying your download is in progress, and Facebook will send you an email when it is ready — usually within a few hours, but sometimes up to a few days if your account has years of data.

What format should you choose: HTML or JSON

HTML is the easier choice for most people. When you open the HTML file in a web browser, you see your posts, photos, and messages laid out the way they appeared on Facebook. You can read through it like a document, search within it, and print pages if you want. No special software is needed.

JSON is a format designed for programmers and data analysis tools. If you plan to import your data into another program, analyze it, or use it with a third-party service, JSON is the format those tools usually expect. If you are just looking to read through your own information or keep a backup, HTML is simpler.

How to download and open your file when it is ready

Facebook will email you a link to download your file. The link usually stays active for a few days. Click the link and you will be taken to a page where you can download the file — it will be a compressed folder (a .zip file) that contains all your data.

Save the file to your computer. On Windows, right-click the file and select Extract All. On Mac, double-click it and it will extract automatically. Inside you will find an index.html file (if you chose HTML format) — open this in any web browser by double-clicking it. Your data will load in the browser and you can read through it, search it, and navigate between sections.

The file is encrypted with a password you created during the download request. If Facebook asks for a password when you try to open it, use the password you set up. Keep this password in a safe place if you plan to access the file later.

What data is included and what is not

The download includes posts you made to your timeline, photos and videos you uploaded, your friend list, pages you follow, groups you joined, events you attended, and your saved items. It also includes comments you made on other people's posts, reactions (likes, loves, etc.), and your message history with other users.

The download does not include messages from accounts that have been deleted, or posts and photos that other people tagged you in (though Facebook has a separate tool to download those). It does not include live videos you broadcast, or some third-party app data if those apps no longer exist. If you want your activity data — what you searched for, what ads you saw, what websites you visited that have a Facebook pixel — you can add that to your download by checking the activity box during the request.

You can request multiple downloads with different settings

You are not limited to one download. You can request a new download anytime and choose different options each time. For example, you might request one download with just your posts and photos, and another with your messages and activity data. Each download is a separate file, and you can keep as many as you want.

If you only want data from a specific time period — say, the last year — you can set the date range when you request the download instead of getting everything. This makes the file smaller and faster to prepare.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my download?

Facebook usually prepares your file within a few hours, but it can take up to a few days if your account has a lot of data. You will receive an email when the file is ready. The download link stays active for a few days after that, so you have time to save it.

Is my data secure when I download it?

Yes. The file is encrypted and protected by a password you create. No one else can open it without that password. Store the file in a safe place on your computer, and keep the password somewhere you can find it if you need to access the file later.

Can I download someone else's data?

No. You can only download data from your own account. You cannot download another person's information through this tool, even if you are friends with them or have access to their account.

What should I do with my downloaded data?

You might keep it as a backup of your posts and photos, use it to move your data to another platform, or review what information Facebook has collected about you. Some people download their data before deleting their account, to preserve their photos and messages.

Can I delete my data after I download it?

Downloading your data does not delete it from Facebook. Your posts, photos, and messages remain on Facebook until you delete them individually or deactivate your account. The download is just a copy for your own records.