Where to download Facebook depends on what device you use
Facebook is available as a free app on phones and tablets, and as a website you can visit on any computer. On Android phones, you download it from Google Play Store. On iPhones and iPads, you download it from the App Store. On Windows or Mac computers, you do not download anything — you visit facebook.com in your web browser instead.
The steps are different for each device type because the stores and systems work differently. This guide walks you through each one so you know exactly what to expect.
Key Takeaways
- Android users find Facebook in Google Play Store by searching for "Facebook" and tapping Install.
- iPhone and iPad users find Facebook in the App Store by searching for "Facebook" and tapping Get, then confirming with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple password.
- Computer users do not download Facebook — they visit facebook.com in any web browser like Chrome, Safari, or Edge.
- After downloading or visiting Facebook, you will need to create an account or sign in with an existing one.
Downloading Facebook on Android phones and tablets
Open Google Play Store on your Android device. This is the app with a white triangle inside a colorful play button — it usually sits on your home screen or in your app drawer. 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 result that says "Facebook" with the blue and white logo. The official Facebook app is made by Meta Platforms, Inc. Tap the blue button that says "Install." Google Play will download the app to your device — this usually takes less than a minute on a normal internet connection.
Once installation finishes, the Install button changes to "Open." Tap it to launch Facebook for the first time. You will see a screen asking you to log in or create a new account.
Downloading Facebook on iPhones and iPads
Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad. This is the app with a white background and a blue stylized "A" made of sticks — it usually sits on your home screen. Tap the search icon at the bottom right (it looks like a magnifying glass).
Type "Facebook" in the search box. The official Facebook app appears with the blue and white logo and is made by Meta Platforms, Inc. Tap the button that says "Get." Your phone will ask you to confirm your identity using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple password — complete whichever one your device uses.
After you confirm, the button changes to "Install," then to "Open" once the download finishes. Tap "Open" to start Facebook. You will see a screen asking you to log in or create a new account.
Accessing Facebook on Windows and Mac computers
Open any web browser on your computer — this could be Chrome, Safari, Edge, or Firefox. Type facebook.com into the address bar at the top and press Enter. You will be taken directly to Facebook's website.
You do not need to download or install anything on a computer. The website works the same way whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux. You will see a login screen asking for your email address or phone number and your password.
If you want Facebook to be easier to find, you can bookmark the page by pressing Ctrl+D on Windows or Cmd+D on Mac. This adds facebook.com to your browser's bookmarks menu so you can return to it quickly.
Creating a Facebook account or signing in
After you download the app or visit the website, you will see a login screen. If you already have a Facebook account, enter your email address or phone number in the first box and your password in the second box, then tap or click the login button.
If you do not have an account yet, look for a link or button that says "Create New Facebook Account" or "Sign Up." You will need to provide your name, email address or phone number, date of birth, and gender. Facebook will send you a confirmation email or text message — follow the link in that message to finish setting up your account.
Troubleshooting common download problems
If Google Play Store or the App Store says "Install" is grayed out or unavailable, your device may not have enough storage space. Delete some photos, videos, or unused apps to free up space, then try again.
If the download starts but stops partway through, check that you have a stable internet connection — use WiFi if possible rather than mobile data. Close other apps that might be using bandwidth, then try downloading again.
If you visit facebook.com on a computer and see an error message, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies. In Chrome, press Ctrl+Shift+Delete on Windows or Cmd+Shift+Delete on Mac, select "All time," and click "Clear data." Then visit facebook.com again.
Keeping Facebook secure after you download it
Once Facebook is installed or open, take a moment to set up basic security. Create a strong password that uses uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — avoid using your name, birthday, or common words. Do not reuse a password you use for email or banking.
On the app, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Security and Login. On the website, click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right, then Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Security and Login. Turn on two-factor authentication by tapping or clicking "Use two-factor authentication." This means Facebook will ask for a code from your phone whenever someone tries to log in from a new device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Facebook free to download?
Yes. The Facebook app is free from Google Play Store and the App Store. The website at facebook.com is also free to visit. Facebook makes money from advertising, not from charging users to use the service.
Do I need a Facebook account before I download the app?
No. You can download the app first, then create an account inside it. Or you can create an account on the website at facebook.com, then download the app and log in. Either order works.
What if I cannot find Facebook in Google Play Store or the App Store?
Make sure you are searching for "Facebook" spelled correctly. The official app is made by Meta Platforms, Inc. — check the developer name to confirm you have the right one. If it still does not appear, your device may be too old to run the current version. Try visiting facebook.com on a web browser instead.
Can I download Facebook on a tablet?
Yes. iPad users download from the App Store the same way as iPhone users. Android tablet users download from Google Play Store the same way as Android phone users. The app works on both phones and tablets.
Do I need to download Facebook if I already use it on my computer?
No. You can use Facebook on a computer without downloading anything — just visit facebook.com. But many people find the app easier to use on a phone because it is designed for a smaller screen and works offline better than the website does.