How to Download Facebook Videos: An In-Depth Guide

Downloading Facebook videos can be handy for offline viewing or archiving content you love. Whether you’re using a desktop or mobile device, this guide provides detailed steps for both platforms.

Table of Contents

1. Downloading Videos on Desktop
2. Downloading Videos on Mobile Devices
3. Using Third-Party Tools and Extensions
4. Troubleshooting Common Issues
5. Key Takeaways
6. Frequently Asked Questions

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Downloading Videos on Desktop

Method 1: Using Facebook’s Native Options

1. Open Facebook: Go to Facebook.com and log in to your account.
2. Locate the Video: Find the video you want to download on your timeline or in a post.
3. Play the Video: Click on the video to open it in full screen.
4. Get the Video URL: Right-click on the video and select “Show video URL” from the options. Copy the URL that appears.
5. Paste URL into Browser: Open a new tab in your browser and paste the copied URL into the address bar. Replace “www” with “m” in the URL (e.g., https://m.facebook.com/video.php?v=123456789). Press Enter.
6. Download the Video: Right-click on the video and select “Save video as” to download it to your computer.

Method 2: Using Developer Tools

1. Open Facebook: Visit Facebook.com and log in.
2. Find the Video: Navigate to the video you want to download.
3. Open Developer Tools: Right-click on the page and select “Inspect” or press Ctrl+Shift+I (Windows) / Cmd+Option+I (Mac).
4. Go to Network Tab: Click on the “Network” tab in the Developer Tools panel.
5. Play the Video: Click the play button on the video.
6. Find the Video File: Look for the file with a .mp4 extension in the list of network requests. Right-click on it and select “Open in new tab.”
7. Download: In the new tab, right-click on the video and select “Save video as.”

Downloading Videos on Mobile Devices

Method 1: Using Facebook’s App

Facebook’s app does not provide a direct way to download videos. However, you can use a third-party app or website to assist with this.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Apps

1. Install a Video Downloader App: Download a video downloader app from your device’s app store (e.g., Video Downloader for Facebook on Android).
2. Open the App: Launch the app and log in with your Facebook account if required.
3. Find the Video: Navigate to the video you want to download within the app.
4. Download the Video: Follow the app’s instructions to download the video to your device.

Using Third-Party Tools and Extensions

Browser Extensions

1. Choose an Extension: Go to your browser’s extension store and search for a Facebook video downloader (e.g., Video Downloader PLUS for Chrome).
2. Install the Extension: Click “Add” or “Install” to add the extension to your browser.
3. Download the Video: Navigate to the Facebook video you want to download, and use the extension’s icon or menu to save the video.

Online Downloaders

1. Visit an Online Downloader Site: Go to a website like fbdown.net or getfvid.com.
2. Paste the URL: Copy the URL of the Facebook video and paste it into the input field on the site.
3. Download: Click “Download” and choose the video quality you prefer.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Video Not Downloading: Ensure the video URL is correct and the video is publicly accessible.
• Browser Extensions Not Working: Make sure the extension is updated and compatible with your browser version.
• Third-Party Apps Issues: Check app permissions and ensure you’re using a reputable app.

Key Takeaways

• Desktop Methods: You can use Facebook’s video URL or Developer Tools for downloading.
• Mobile Methods: Use third-party apps as Facebook’s app does not support direct downloads.
• Third-Party Tools: Browser extensions and online downloaders offer convenient ways to save videos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is it legal to download Facebook videos? A1: Downloading videos for personal use is generally acceptable, but redistributing or using the content without permission may violate copyright laws.

Q2: Can I download private videos? A2: No, private videos require proper access permissions and cannot be downloaded without authorization from the owner.

Q3: Why isn’t the video downloading? A3: Issues could be due to incorrect URLs, restricted content, or technical problems with tools or apps.

Q4: Are there any risks associated with using third-party tools? A4: Some tools may contain malware or be insecure. Always use reputable tools and check reviews before installation.