Facebook installs differently depending on whether you use a phone or computer

If you have a smartphone, you download the Facebook app from your phone's app store — the Google Play Store on Android or the App Store on iPhone. If you use a computer, you do not install anything; you simply visit facebook.com in your web browser and log in. The phone app gives you notifications and works offline for a moment, while the web version works the same way on any computer without taking up storage space.

This guide covers both routes. Pick the one that matches what you are using right now.

Key Takeaways

  • On a phone, search for "Facebook" in your app store, tap Install, and wait for the download to finish before opening the app.
  • On a computer, type facebook.com into your web browser's address bar — no installation needed.
  • You will need an email address or phone number and a password to log in after installation.
  • If installation fails or the app will not open, restart your phone and check that you have enough storage space.
  • The Facebook app works on phones running iOS 13 or later (iPhone) or Android 6.0 or later (most Android phones from 2015 onward).

Installing Facebook on an iPhone

Open the App Store — the blue icon with a white square on your home screen. Tap the search icon at the bottom right (it looks like a magnifying glass). Type "Facebook" in the search box and tap the search button.

When the Facebook app appears in the results, tap the cloud icon with a down arrow next to it. Your phone will ask you to confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password — use whichever one your phone normally uses to unlock. The button will change to say "Open" once the download finishes, which usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes depending on your internet speed.

Tap "Open" to start the app for the first time. You will see a login screen asking for your email address or phone number and your password. If you do not have a Facebook account yet, tap "Create New Facebook Account" at the bottom and follow the prompts to set one up.

Installing Facebook on an Android phone

Open the Google Play Store — the icon that looks like a colorful triangle on your home screen. 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 will appear at the top of the results. Tap the "Install" button next to it. Your phone may ask you to confirm that you want to allow Facebook to use certain features like your camera or location — you can tap "Allow" or "Don't Allow" depending on what you are comfortable with. The app will download and install automatically, which usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

Once installation finishes, the "Install" button will change to say "Open." Tap it to start the app. You will see a login screen asking for your email address or phone number and your password. If you do not have a Facebook account, tap "Create New Account" and follow the steps to set one up.

Using Facebook on a computer or tablet

You do not need to install anything on a computer. Open any web browser — Chrome, Safari, Edge, or Firefox — and type facebook.com into the address bar at the top. Press Enter. The Facebook login page will load in a few seconds.

Enter your email address or phone number in the first box and your password in the second box, then click "Log In." If you do not have an account, click "Create a New Facebook Account" and fill in the form.

On a tablet, you have two choices: use the web version the same way you would on a computer, or download the app from your tablet's app store using the same steps listed above for iPhone or Android. The app version takes up storage space but sends you notifications; the web version works instantly without taking up room.

What to do if installation fails or the app will not open

The most common reason an app will not install is that your phone does not have enough storage space. Go to your phone's Settings, find Storage or About Phone, and check how much free space you have. If you have less than 500 MB free, delete some photos, videos, or other apps you do not use, then try installing Facebook again.

If the app installed but will not open, restart your phone completely — turn it off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then try opening Facebook again. If it still will not open, go to your app store, search for Facebook, and tap "Uninstall" or "Remove." Wait 30 seconds, then reinstall it using the steps above.

If you see an error message that says your phone is not compatible, your device may be too old. Facebook requires iOS 13 or later on iPhone (released in 2019 or later) or Android 6.0 or later on Android phones (most phones from 2015 onward). If your phone is older than that, use the web version at facebook.com instead.

Logging in for the first time

After installation, you will need your login information. If you already have a Facebook account, enter the email address or phone number you used when you created it, then enter your password. If you forgot your password, tap "Forgot Password?" on the login screen and follow the steps to reset it — Facebook will send you a link to your email or phone number.

If you do not have a Facebook account yet, tap "Create New Account" or "Create a New Facebook Account" depending on whether you are on the app or web version. You will need to provide your name, birth date, email address or phone number, and a password. Facebook will send you a confirmation code to verify your email or phone number before your account is active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay to install or use Facebook?

No. Downloading the app and using Facebook are both free. Facebook makes money from advertisements, not from charging users.

Can I install Facebook on a computer?

You do not need to install it. Go to facebook.com in any web browser and log in. If you want a desktop shortcut, you can create one, but there is no separate installation file to download.

What if I do not remember my password?

On the login screen, tap or click "Forgot Password?" Enter your email address or phone number, and Facebook will send you a link to reset it. Check your email or text messages for the reset link, click it, and create a new password.

Can I use Facebook on multiple devices at the same time?

Yes. You can log in on your phone, computer, and tablet all at the same time with the same account. Your messages, photos, and posts will appear on all of them.

Why does Facebook ask for permission to use my camera and location?

The app asks permission so you can take photos or videos directly in Facebook and share your location in posts if you choose to. You can say no to any permission, and Facebook will still work — you just will not be able to use those specific features.