Where to download Facebook depends on what device you use
Facebook is available as a free app for phones and tablets, and as a website you can visit on any computer. On an iPhone or iPad, you download it from the App Store. On an Android phone, you download it from Google Play. On a computer, you do not download anything — you visit facebook.com in your web browser instead.
Each version works the same way once you open it, but the steps to get there are different. The mobile app takes up space on your device and sends you notifications. The website version works in any browser and does not use your phone's storage.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone and iPad users find Facebook in the App Store, search for "Facebook," and tap the download button to install it.
- Android phone users find Facebook in Google Play, search for "Facebook," and tap Install to add it to their device.
- Computer users do not download Facebook — they type facebook.com into any web browser to use it.
- After downloading the app on a phone, you sign in with your email or phone number and password the first time you open it.
- The Facebook app requires storage space on your phone and permission to send notifications, which you can turn off in your phone's settings.
Downloading Facebook on iPhone or iPad
Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen — it looks like a magnifying glass. Type "Facebook" in the search box and tap the search button.
The official Facebook app appears at the top of the results. It has the Facebook logo (a white "f" on a blue square). Tap the cloud icon with a downward arrow next to it. Your phone will ask for your Apple ID password or Face ID confirmation. Enter it, and the app begins downloading.
When the download finishes, the button changes to say "Open." Tap it to start Facebook for the first time. You will see a screen asking you to log in with your email address or phone number and your password. If you do not have a Facebook account yet, you can create one from this screen.
Downloading Facebook on Android
Open Google Play on your Android phone. Tap the search icon at the bottom — it looks like a magnifying glass. Type "Facebook" in the search box and tap the search button.
The official Facebook app appears at the top of the results. It has the Facebook logo (a white "f" on a blue square) and shows "Meta Platforms, Inc." as the developer. Tap the "Install" button. Your phone may ask for permission to access your device's storage and other features. Tap "Install" again to confirm.
When the installation finishes, the button changes to say "Open." Tap it to start Facebook for the first time. You will see a screen asking you to log in with your email address or phone number and your password. If you do not have a Facebook account yet, you can create one from this screen.
Using Facebook on a computer
Open any web browser on your computer — Chrome, Safari, Edge, or Firefox all work. Type facebook.com in the address bar at the top and press Enter. The Facebook login page appears.
Enter your email address or phone number in the first box and your password in the second box. Click the "Log In" button. If you do not have an account, click "Create New Facebook Account" and follow the steps to set one up.
You do not need to download anything to use Facebook on a computer. Every time you want to use it, you simply visit facebook.com in your browser. You can also bookmark the page so you can reach it faster next time.
What happens after you download the app
The first time you open the Facebook app on your phone, it asks for permission to send you notifications. Notifications are alerts that pop up on your screen when someone messages you, comments on your post, or does something else you might want to know about. You can tap "Allow" to turn them on or "Don't Allow" to turn them off.
You can change this setting later in your phone's settings menu. On iPhone, go to Settings, scroll down to Facebook, and toggle notifications on or off. On Android, go to Settings, tap Apps, find Facebook, tap Notifications, and toggle them on or off.
The app also asks for permission to access your contacts, photos, location, and other information on your phone. You only need to grant the permissions that make sense to you. For example, if you want to upload photos to Facebook, you should allow it to access your photo library. If you do not want it to know where you are, you can deny location permission.
Fixing download problems
If the download stops or fails, make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi or has a strong mobile data signal. If the connection is weak, the download may pause or restart. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router or wait until you have a stronger signal.
If the download still does not work, restart your phone and try again. On iPhone, hold the power button until "Slide to Power Off" appears, then slide to turn it off. Wait a few seconds and press the power button again to turn it back on. On Android, hold the power button until a menu appears, tap "Power Off," wait a few seconds, then hold the power button again to turn it back on.
If you see an error message saying you do not have enough storage space, you need to delete other apps or files from your phone to make room. Go to your phone's storage settings to see what is taking up the most space. You can also try downloading Facebook again after deleting some photos or videos you no longer need.
Choosing between the app and the website
The Facebook app and the website show you the same content and let you do the same things. The main difference is convenience. The app sits on your home screen, so you can open it with one tap. The app also sends notifications, so you know right away when someone messages you or comments on your post.
The website version uses less storage on your phone and does not send notifications. If you only check Facebook once in a while, the website might be all you need. If you use Facebook every day and want to stay updated, the app is usually more convenient.
You can use both at the same time. Some people download the app but also visit facebook.com in their browser when they want a different experience or are on a computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Facebook account before I download the app?
No. You can download the app first, and the login screen will let you create a new account. You will need an email address or phone number and a password. If you already have an account, you can log in with those details instead.
Can I download Facebook on a tablet?
Yes. iPad users download it from the App Store the same way iPhone users do. Android tablet users download it from Google Play the same way Android phone users do. The app works on any size screen.
Is the Facebook app safe to download?
The official Facebook app from Meta Platforms, Inc. is safe. Make sure you download it from the App Store or Google Play, not from a third-party website. The official app has millions of downloads and is regularly updated by Facebook to fix security issues.
How much storage space does the Facebook app use?
The Facebook app typically uses between 200 and 400 megabytes of storage space on your phone, depending on your device and how much content you have saved. If your phone is running low on storage, you can delete the app and use facebook.com in your browser instead.
Can I download Facebook on a computer?
No, you do not need to download anything on a computer. Simply open your web browser and go to facebook.com. If you want Facebook to feel more like an app on your computer, you can create a shortcut on your desktop or bookmark it in your browser for faster access.