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How to Save a Facebook Video to Your Phone: The Definitive Guide

Want to download that hilarious cat video your friend shared, or preserve a precious family moment caught on Facebook Live? Unfortunately, Facebook doesn’t make it overtly easy to download videos directly through their app. But fear not! This guide will walk you through several tried-and-true methods to save Facebook videos to your phone, whether you’re rocking an iPhone or an Android device.

The Quick Answer: How to Download Facebook Videos

The most straightforward method involves using a third-party video downloader app or website. Here’s a simplified process, which we’ll elaborate on later:

Find the Facebook video you want to save.
Copy the video’s link. You can usually do this by clicking the three dots in the upper right corner of the post and selecting “Copy Link”.
Paste the link into a reputable Facebook video downloader app or website.
Choose your desired video quality (if given the option).
Download the video. It will usually be saved in your phone’s downloads folder or gallery.

Now, let’s dive deeper into each method, explore reputable apps, and address some common questions you might have.

Method 1: Utilizing Video Downloader Apps

Several Android and iOS apps are specifically designed to download videos from Facebook. These apps streamline the process, often offering additional features like batch downloads and video format conversions. However, always be cautious when downloading apps, ensuring they are from reputable sources and have positive reviews.

Popular Android Apps:

Video Downloader for Facebook: This app is a popular choice on Android, offering a user-friendly interface and fast download speeds. Look for apps with good ratings and reviews.
Friendly Social Browser: This acts as a Facebook browser with integrated download capabilities.

Considerations for iOS Users:

Due to Apple’s stringent security policies, direct video downloader apps are less common on iOS. Many suggested iOS solutions involve downloading a file manager app (like “Documents by Readdle”) first. Then, you’d use the file manager’s built-in browser to access a Facebook video downloader website and download the video into the file manager. From there, you can move it to your phone’s Photos app. This is a slightly more cumbersome process, but necessary due to Apple’s restrictions.

Using a Video Downloader App: Step-by-Step

Download and install a reputable video downloader app from the Google Play Store (for Android) or the App Store (for iOS – using a file manager + website method).
Open the Facebook app and find the video you wish to download.
Copy the video’s link.
Open the video downloader app and paste the link into the designated field.
Tap the “Download” button.
Choose the video quality (if prompted).
The video will be downloaded and saved to your phone’s storage, typically in a “Downloads” folder or within the app’s own library.

Method 2: Using Online Facebook Video Downloaders

Numerous websites allow you to download Facebook videos directly without installing any software. These websites work similarly to the apps: you paste the video link, select your preferred quality, and download the video.

Popular Online Downloaders:

Fdown.net: This is a widely used and reliable online downloader.
SaveFrom.net: Another well-established option with support for various platforms.
Getfvid.com: Offers a simple and clean interface.

Using an Online Downloader: Step-by-Step

Open your mobile browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.).
Navigate to one of the online Facebook video downloader websites listed above.
Open the Facebook app and find the video you want to download.
Copy the video’s link.
Paste the link into the designated field on the downloader website.
Click the “Download” button.
Choose the video quality (if available).
The video will download to your phone’s default download location.

Method 3: Using Browser Extensions (Desktop-Based, then Transfer)

While not directly on your phone, a useful workaround involves using a browser extension on your computer (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) to download the video, then transferring it to your phone.

Popular Browser Extensions:

Video DownloadHelper (Firefox & Chrome): Detects and downloads videos from various websites, including Facebook.
FBDOWN (Chrome): Specifically designed for Facebook video downloads.

Steps for Desktop Download and Transfer:

Install a suitable browser extension.
Navigate to the Facebook video on your computer.
Use the extension to download the video.
Connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable.
Transfer the downloaded video file from your computer to your phone’s storage.

Important Considerations and Precautions

Privacy: Be mindful of the privacy settings of the video. If the video is set to “Friends Only” or “Private,” you might not be able to download it without being the video’s intended audience. Always respect the uploader’s privacy.
Copyright: Downloading copyrighted material without permission is illegal. Only download videos you have the right to save.
App Safety: Always download apps from reputable sources (Google Play Store or Apple App Store). Check reviews and permissions before installing.
Website Security: Be cautious when using online video downloaders. Look for secure (HTTPS) websites and avoid those with excessive ads or suspicious pop-ups.
Video Quality: The quality of the downloaded video will depend on the original video’s quality and the options offered by the downloader.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it legal to download Facebook videos?

It depends. Downloading videos for personal use is generally acceptable, but downloading copyrighted material without permission for commercial purposes is illegal. Always respect copyright laws and the video creator’s rights.

2. Can I download Facebook videos directly from the Facebook app?

No, Facebook doesn’t offer a direct download option within their app. You’ll need to use one of the methods described above.

3. Are video downloader apps safe to use?

Some are, some aren’t. Always read reviews and check app permissions before installing. Stick to reputable apps with a proven track record.

4. What if the video downloader app doesn’t work?

Try a different app or website. Sometimes, Facebook updates can temporarily break compatibility with downloaders. Clear the app’s cache or try updating it.

5. Where are downloaded videos saved on my phone?

Typically, videos are saved in the “Downloads” folder or the app’s own dedicated folder. You can also check your phone’s gallery or video player app.

6. Can I download Facebook Live videos?

Yes, but often only after the live broadcast has ended and the video is available as a regular post. Use the same methods described above.

7. Can I download videos from private Facebook groups?

It’s more challenging. Some downloaders might require you to be logged into your Facebook account within the app or website. However, this can pose security risks, so exercise caution. Respect the group’s privacy guidelines.

8. What video quality should I choose when downloading?

Choose the highest available quality for the best viewing experience. However, higher quality videos will take up more storage space. Consider your phone’s storage capacity and internet speed.

9. Will the video downloader app ask for my Facebook login details?

Be very wary of apps that request your Facebook login details. This could be a phishing scam. Reputable apps usually don’t require your login.

10. Can I download Facebook videos on my computer and then transfer them to my phone?

Yes, this is a viable option, as described in Method 3 above.

11. What if the video link doesn’t work in the downloader?

Double-check that you’ve copied the correct link. Make sure you’re copying the actual video link, not just the post link. Try generating a new link from the Facebook post.

12. Are there any alternatives to downloading videos?

Instead of downloading, consider sharing the video link directly with your friends or adding the video to a Facebook collection to save it for later viewing within the Facebook platform. This avoids any potential copyright issues or storage concerns.

By following these steps and keeping the precautions in mind, you can successfully save your favorite Facebook videos to your phone and enjoy them offline, anytime, anywhere. Remember to prioritize your online safety and respect copyright laws. Happy downloading!