Facebook is a treasure trove of captivating videos, from heartwarming moments shared by friends and family to insightful documentaries and hilarious viral clips. The ability to save these videos directly to your iPhone allows you to enjoy them offline, re-watch them at your convenience, and share them through other platforms. While Facebook doesn’t offer a direct download button for all videos, there are several reliable methods to achieve this. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various techniques, ensuring you can download your favorite Facebook videos to your iPhone effortlessly.
Understanding Facebook’s Video Download Policies
Before diving into the methods, it’s important to understand Facebook’s stance on video downloads. Facebook generally allows users to download videos that have been explicitly made available for download by the uploader. However, many videos lack this option due to copyright restrictions or the uploader’s preferences. Therefore, the methods outlined below primarily focus on downloading videos that don’t have a direct download option within the Facebook app.
Disclaimer: Always respect copyright laws and the original uploader’s intentions. Avoid downloading and sharing copyrighted material without permission. This guide is for personal use and educational purposes only.
Method 1: Using Third-Party Video Downloader Apps (Recommended)
The most straightforward and often most reliable method involves using dedicated third-party video downloader apps available on the App Store. These apps are specifically designed to detect and download videos from various platforms, including Facebook. However, it’s crucial to choose a reputable app to avoid potential security risks or intrusive advertisements.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Download a Reputable Video Downloader App:
- Browse the App Store and search for “Facebook video downloader.”
- Look for apps with high ratings, positive reviews, and a significant number of downloads. Some popular options include “MyMedia,” “Video Downloader for Facebook,” and “Friendly Plus” (which is a Facebook wrapper with download functionality).
- Carefully read the app descriptions and user reviews to ensure the app is safe, reliable, and free from malware.
- Download and install the chosen app.
- Navigate to the Facebook Video:
- Open the Facebook app on your iPhone.
- Find the video you want to download.
- Copy the Video Link:
- Tap the three dots (ellipsis) in the top-right corner of the video post.
- Select “Copy Link.” The video’s URL will be copied to your iPhone’s clipboard.
- Paste the Link into the Video Downloader App:
- Open the video downloader app you downloaded earlier.
- Look for a field or button labeled “Paste Link,” “Enter URL,” or something similar.
- Tap and hold in the field and select “Paste” to paste the copied Facebook video link.
- Download the Video:
- The app should automatically detect the video and provide download options.
- You might be prompted to choose the video quality (e.g., HD, SD). Select your preferred quality. Higher quality means larger file size.
- Tap the “Download” button. The app will begin downloading the video.
- Access the Downloaded Video:
- Once the download is complete, the video will typically be saved within the app’s internal storage or in your iPhone’s Photos app, depending on the app’s settings.
- Check the app’s settings to determine where the downloaded videos are stored.
- If the video is saved within the app, you may need to use the app’s built-in options to export the video to your Photos app.
Important Considerations When Using Third-Party Apps:
- Security: Always download apps from reputable sources like the App Store and carefully review user reviews before installation. Be wary of apps that request excessive permissions.
- Advertisements: Many free video downloader apps contain advertisements. Some ads can be intrusive or misleading. Consider upgrading to a paid, ad-free version for a better experience.
- App Updates: Keep the video downloader app updated to ensure compatibility with Facebook’s latest changes and to benefit from bug fixes and security improvements.
- Terms of Service: Review the app’s terms of service and privacy policy to understand how your data is being handled.
Method 2: Using Online Facebook Video Downloader Websites
Another option is to use online Facebook video downloader websites. These websites allow you to download videos without installing any additional software. However, they often contain advertisements and may not be as reliable as dedicated apps.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Find a Reputable Online Facebook Video Downloader:
- Search on Google or your preferred search engine for “Facebook video downloader.”
- Choose a website with a clean interface and positive reviews. Some popular options include “SnapSave,” “FDownloader,” and “Getfvid.”
- Be cautious of websites that look suspicious or ask for personal information.
- Navigate to the Facebook Video:
- Open the Facebook app on your iPhone.
- Find the video you want to download.
- Copy the Video Link:
- Tap the three dots (ellipsis) in the top-right corner of the video post.
- Select “Copy Link.” The video’s URL will be copied to your iPhone’s clipboard.
- Paste the Link into the Online Downloader:
- Open Safari or your preferred web browser on your iPhone.
- Navigate to the online Facebook video downloader website you chose.
- Look for a field labeled “Enter Facebook Video URL” or similar.
- Tap and hold in the field and select “Paste” to paste the copied Facebook video link.
- Download the Video:
- Click the “Download” button. The website will process the video link.
- You may be presented with different download options, such as video quality (HD, SD) and format (MP4). Choose your preferred options.
- Click the appropriate download button.
- Save the Video to Your iPhone:
- The download process will vary depending on your browser and iOS version.
- In Safari, the video may open in a new tab. Tap and hold on the video, then select “Save Video” to save it to your Photos app.
- Alternatively, some websites may offer a direct download link. Clicking the link will download the video to your iPhone’s Downloads folder (if you have a file manager app installed) or prompt you to save it to iCloud Drive. From iCloud Drive, you can move the video to your Photos app.
Important Considerations When Using Online Downloaders:
- Advertisements: Online video downloaders are often heavily laden with advertisements, some of which can be misleading or malicious. Be cautious and avoid clicking on suspicious ads. Use an ad blocker for a cleaner experience.
- Reliability: The reliability of online downloaders can vary. Some websites may not work consistently, or they may offer low-quality downloads.
- Security: Be wary of websites that ask for personal information or request access to your Facebook account. Avoid entering any sensitive data on untrusted websites.
- Copyright: As with any video download method, always respect copyright laws and the original uploader’s intentions.
Method 3: Using a Facebook Wrapper App with Download Functionality (Example: Friendly Plus)
Some Facebook wrapper apps offer a more integrated experience, combining the functionality of the Facebook app with built-in video download features. “Friendly Plus” is one such example. These apps essentially act as a modified version of Facebook, often with additional features and customization options.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Using Friendly Plus as an Example):
- Download and Install a Facebook Wrapper App:
- Search the App Store for “Friendly Plus” or another similar Facebook wrapper app.
- Read the app description and user reviews to ensure it’s reputable and meets your needs.
- Download and install the app.
- Log in to Your Facebook Account:
- Open the Facebook wrapper app.
- Enter your Facebook login credentials (email or phone number and password).
- Navigate to the Facebook Video:
- Use the app’s interface to browse Facebook and find the video you want to download. The interface will look very similar to the standard Facebook app.
- Download the Video:
- Within the video post, look for a download icon or button (typically represented by a downward-pointing arrow). This button is integrated into the app’s interface.
- Tap the download button.
- You may be prompted to choose the video quality (HD, SD). Select your preferred option.
- Access the Downloaded Video:
- The downloaded video will usually be saved within the app’s internal storage or directly to your iPhone’s Photos app.
- Check the app’s settings to determine where the videos are stored.
- If the video is saved within the app, you may need to use the app’s built-in options to export the video to your Photos app.
Important Considerations When Using Facebook Wrapper Apps:
- Security: Exercise caution when using Facebook wrapper apps, as they require access to your Facebook login credentials. Choose reputable apps with strong security measures and positive user reviews. Some wrapper apps may collect data or display excessive advertisements.
- Functionality: The functionality and reliability of wrapper apps can vary. Some apps may not be compatible with all Facebook features, or they may experience glitches.
- Terms of Service: Review the app’s terms of service and privacy policy to understand how your data is being handled.
- Updates: Keep the app updated to ensure compatibility with Facebook’s latest changes and to benefit from bug fixes and security improvements.
Method 4: Screen Recording (As a Last Resort)
If all other methods fail, you can resort to screen recording the video while it’s playing on your iPhone. This method captures everything displayed on your screen, including the video and any surrounding interface elements. While it’s not the ideal solution due to potential quality loss and extraneous content, it can be a viable option in some cases.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Enable Screen Recording:
- If you haven’t already, enable screen recording in your iPhone’s Control Center.
- Go to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls.
- Find “Screen Recording” in the list of available controls and tap the “+” button to add it to your Control Center.
- Navigate to the Facebook Video:
- Open the Facebook app on your iPhone.
- Find the video you want to record.
- Start Screen Recording:
- Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen (or up from the bottom on older iPhones) to access the Control Center.
- Tap the Screen Recording icon (a circle within a circle). A countdown timer will appear, and then the recording will begin.
- Play the Video:
- Immediately switch back to the Facebook app and play the video in full screen.
- Stop Screen Recording:
- Once the video has finished playing, swipe down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom) to access the Control Center.
- Tap the Screen Recording icon again to stop the recording.
- Alternatively, tap the red status bar at the top of the screen and select “Stop.”
- Trim the Screen Recording:
- Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
- Find the screen recording you just created.
- Tap “Edit” in the top-right corner.
- Use the trimming tool at the bottom of the screen to remove any unnecessary portions of the recording, such as the Control Center interface at the beginning and end.
- Tap “Done” to save the trimmed video.
Important Considerations When Using Screen Recording:
- Video Quality: Screen recording may result in lower video quality compared to downloading the video directly.
- Extraneous Content: The screen recording will capture everything displayed on your screen, including notifications, interface elements, and any other distractions. Trimming the video is essential to remove unwanted content.
- Audio: Ensure your iPhone’s volume is at the desired level before starting the screen recording. The recording will capture the audio from the video.
- Notifications: Disable notifications before starting the screen recording to avoid them appearing in the recording.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
You might encounter some issues while trying to download Facebook videos to your iPhone. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:
- The Video Downloader App or Website Isn’t Working:
- Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
- Try a different video downloader app or website.
- Clear the app’s cache and data (if applicable).
- Restart your iPhone.
- Check if the app or website is experiencing any known issues or downtime.
- The Downloaded Video Is Low Quality:
- Choose a higher video quality option (HD) when downloading, if available.
- The original video’s quality may be low, which will affect the downloaded video.
- Screen recording will inherently result in some quality loss.
- The Downloaded Video Won’t Play:
- Ensure you have a compatible video player installed on your iPhone. The default Photos app should be able to play most common video formats (MP4, MOV).
- Try a different video player app, such as VLC or MX Player.
- The downloaded video file may be corrupted. Try downloading the video again.
- The Video Downloader App Asks for Excessive Permissions:
- Be cautious of apps that request unnecessary permissions.
- Review the app’s privacy policy to understand how your data is being handled.
- Consider using a different video downloader app.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
It is crucial to use these methods responsibly and ethically. Consider the following:
- Copyright: Downloading copyrighted videos without permission is illegal and unethical. Only download videos that you have the right to download.
- Uploader’s Intentions: Respect the uploader’s wishes. If a video is not intended to be downloaded, do not attempt to download it.
- Personal Use: Downloaded videos should be for personal use only. Do not distribute or share copyrighted videos without permission.
- Facebook’s Terms of Service: Be aware of and adhere to Facebook’s terms of service regarding video downloads.
Conclusion
Downloading Facebook videos to your iPhone can be a convenient way to enjoy your favorite content offline. By using the methods outlined in this guide, you can successfully save videos to your device and watch them whenever and wherever you want. Remember to choose reputable apps and websites, respect copyright laws, and always prioritize ethical and responsible usage. Whether you opt for a dedicated video downloader app, an online downloader, a Facebook wrapper, or screen recording, you now have the knowledge to download Facebook videos to your iPhone with confidence. Enjoy your offline viewing!