Facebook is one of the largest social media platforms in the world, with billions of active users sharing videos every single day. From funny clips, tutorials, and trending reels to music performances and personal moments, Facebook has become a massive video hub for entertainment, education, and information.
However, there are times when you may want to download a video from Facebook — maybe to watch it offline without internet access, back it up for future use, or save a tutorial that inspired you. Unfortunately, Facebook doesn’t provide a direct download button for most videos, which leaves many users wondering how to save their favorite clips.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to download videos from Facebook safely and legally, using simple, step-by-step methods that work on both desktop and mobile devices. Whether it’s a public video, a Facebook reel, or one you uploaded yourself, these proven techniques will help you save videos in high quality without violating Facebook’s policies.
Important Notice Before Downloading:
Before downloading any video from Facebook, it’s important to understand the legal and ethical guidelines that protect video creators and your own account from potential violations. Facebook’s Terms of Service clearly state that all content uploaded to the platform remains the property of its original creator. This means you should only download videos that meet one of the following conditions:
• The video belongs to you (you uploaded it yourself).
• The video is publicly available, and the creator has given permission for it to be downloaded.
• You intend to use the video strictly for personal and offline viewing, without re-uploading or distributing it elsewhere.
Avoid downloading copyrighted videos or reusing other people’s content for commercial purposes without proper consent — doing so may violate Facebook’s copyright policy and even result in account restrictions.
To stay safe, always:
• Double-check that the video is public or yours before downloading.
• Use only reputable and secure Facebook video downloader tools or trusted screen recording methods.
• Avoid sites or apps that ask for your Facebook login details — these are potential phishing scams.
Respecting these guidelines helps protect both your privacy and the rights of video creators while allowing you to enjoy Facebook videos legally and responsibly.
Quick Summary:
Here are the five best ways to download Facebook videos:
1. Download your own videos directly from Facebook.
2. Use online Facebook video downloader websites.
3. Download videos on mobile using your browser.
4. Use browser extensions on PC.
5. Use a screen recorder when downloading is restricted.
Now, let’s go through each method step by step.
1. Download Your Own Facebook Videos (Official Method):
If you’ve ever uploaded a video to Facebook — whether on your profile, a Page, or a Group — the easiest and most secure way to save it is by using Facebook’s built-in download feature. This is the official method provided by Facebook itself, and it ensures you get the highest quality version of your video without relying on any third-party tools.
Downloading your own Facebook videos is useful when you want to:
• Reuse or edit your old video content for YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram.
• Back up your videos before deleting your account or page.
• Keep offline copies for archiving or personal viewing.
Here’s how to do it step by step:
Steps to download your own Facebook videos:
1. Log in to your Facebook account on your computer or mobile browser.
2. Go to your profile or page where the video was originally posted.
3. Click on the Videos tab or scroll through your timeline to find the specific video.
4. Open the video and click the three dots (•••) in the top-right corner of the post.
5. From the dropdown menu, select Download video or Download in HD (if available).
Your video will begin downloading automatically and save to your device’s storage.
Tip:
If you don’t see a download button, try this workaround:
• Open the video in a new tab.
• Right-click anywhere on the playing video and select “Save video as…” to download it manually.
This method is 100% safe, works directly through Facebook’s servers, and doesn’t require entering your credentials on any third-party websites — making it the most reliable way to download Facebook videos you’ve uploaded yourself.
2. Download Facebook Videos on Desktop Using an Online Downloader:
If you want to save public Facebook videos uploaded by other users, pages, or groups, you can easily do it through a Facebook video downloader website. These tools let you copy the video link and download it directly in HD or SD quality without installing any software.
This method works well for most public videos, tutorials, and Facebook Reels that are viewable without login restrictions. It’s fast, free, and compatible with all major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
Steps to Download Facebook Videos Using an Online Downloader:
1. Open Facebook on your desktop browser.
2. Find the video you want to save and click on the timestamp (for example, “2 hours ago” or “Yesterday at 9:00 PM”) to open it in a new tab.
3. Copy the video URL from your browser’s address bar.
4. Go to a trusted Facebook downloader website such as:
5. Paste the copied Facebook video link into the input box provided.
6. Click Download, then choose the preferred video quality — HD (High Definition) or SD (Standard Definition).
7. When the video preview appears, right-click on it and select Save video as… to store it on your computer.
Tips for Best Results:
• Choose HD download when available for clearer playback.
• Some sites may open the video in a new tab — simply right-click and save manually.
• Always use secure, HTTPS-enabled downloader websites to avoid malware or intrusive ads.
• Never enter your Facebook password on third-party downloader sites.
Why This Method Works:
Facebook’s video URLs are public for any user who can view the post. Downloader tools simply extract the direct video link (MP4 format) from Facebook’s servers and make it downloadable. This saves you time and ensures the file maintains its original quality.
This method is ideal if you frequently collect tutorial videos, trending clips, or motivational content from Facebook pages for personal use or offline learning.
3. How To Download Facebook Videos on Mobile:
Most people access Facebook from their smartphones, so it’s important to know how to download Facebook videos directly on Android or iPhone without using complicated software. Fortunately, there are simple and safe methods that allow you to save your favorite clips, tutorials, or Facebook Reels straight to your phone storage for offline viewing.
This method works perfectly on both mobile browsers and through downloader websites, and it doesn’t require any app installation.
How to Download Facebook Videos on Android:
1. Open the Facebook app or visit facebook.com using the Chrome browser.
2. Find the video you want to download and tap the three dots (•••) on the post.
3. Select Copy link to copy the video URL.
4. Open a new tab and visit a trusted downloader website such as:
5. Paste the copied video link into the input box and tap Download.
6. Choose your preferred video quality (HD or SD), then long-press the video preview and select Download video.
Your video will be saved to your Downloads folder or Gallery, depending on your browser settings.
Tip:
If the video doesn’t download automatically, tap and hold the video, then choose Save video as… to download manually.
How to Download Facebook Videos on iPhone:
1. Open the Facebook app or Safari browser and find the video you want.
2. Tap the Share icon below the video, then select Copy link.
3. Open Safari and visit a downloader site like snapsave.app or fdown.net.
4. Paste the copied URL into the input field and tap Download.
5. Choose the video quality (HD or SD) and wait for the download link to appear.
6. Tap and hold the video, then select Download Linked File to save it.
The video will be stored in your Files app Downloads folder, where you can later move it to your Photos app if needed.
Safety Tips for Mobile Users:
• Avoid apps or websites that request your Facebook login credentials.
• Always use HTTPS-secured downloader websites.
• Clear browser pop-ups or redirect ads before clicking the download button.
• Keep your phone’s antivirus active to prevent malware from unsafe sites.
Downloading Facebook videos on mobile is quick, secure, and convenient — perfect for users who want to watch tutorials, funny clips, or educational videos anytime, even without an internet connection.
4. Use a Browser Extension (For Chrome or Firefox):
If you frequently download Facebook videos on your computer, using a browser extension can save you a lot of time. Browser extensions are small add-ons that integrate directly with your web browser, allowing you to download Facebook videos with just one click.
This method is ideal for people who want a faster, more convenient option without visiting downloader websites each time. However, you must use only trusted and secure extensions to avoid privacy or security risks.
Steps to Download Facebook Videos Using a Browser Extension:
1. Open your browser (Google Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge).
2. Visit the official Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons page.
3. In the search bar, type “Facebook video downloader” or “video download helper.”
4. Choose a highly rated extension with many downloads and good user reviews.
5. Click Add to Chrome or Add to Firefox to install it.
6. After installation, open Facebook.com and find the video you want to save.
7. Play the video — the extension icon on your toolbar should light up or show a download option.
8. Click the extension icon, choose your desired video quality (HD or SD), and select Download.
Your video will be saved automatically to your Downloads folder.
Recommended Extensions (Popular & Safe Options):
While you should always verify each extension’s reputation, some popular and reliable choices include:
• Video DownloadHelper (available for Chrome and Firefox)
• Social Video Downloader
• FBDown Video Downloader
Always download from official browser stores and check the extension’s permissions before adding it to your browser.
Important Security Tips:
• Never install extensions that request your Facebook password or suspicious permissions.
• Avoid extensions from unknown websites or file-sharing platforms.
• Periodically review and remove unused browser extensions to improve speed and security.
• Keep your browser updated to prevent compatibility or security issues.
Using browser extensions to download Facebook videos offers speed, simplicity, and efficiency — perfect for people who regularly save tutorial clips, funny videos, or educational content for offline use. Just ensure you stick to verified extensions from trusted developers to keep your account and data safe.
5. Record the Video Using a Screen Recorder:
If a Facebook video is private, unlisted, or restricted and cannot be downloaded through regular means, using a screen recorder is your best alternative. This method lets you capture the video exactly as it plays on your screen — perfect for saving private clips, live streams, or Facebook Reels that downloaders can’t access.
Most smartphones and computers now come with built-in screen recording tools, so you don’t need to install extra apps. Just ensure you record videos only for personal use to avoid violating copyright rules.
How to Record Facebook Videos on Android:
1. Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the Quick Settings Panel.
2. Tap Screen Recorder (if you don’t see it, add it from your phone’s quick settings menu).
3. Open Facebook and play the video you want to capture.
4. Once the video starts playing, tap the Record button.
5. When finished, tap Stop — the recording will be saved automatically in your Gallery → Screen Recordings folder.
Tip: Turn on Do Not Disturb mode before recording to prevent notifications from appearing in your video.
How to Record Facebook Videos on iPhone:
1. Go to Settings → Control Center → Add Screen Recording (if it’s not already there).
2. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open the Control Center.
3. Tap the Record button, then open the Facebook app and play the video.
4. When done, tap the red recording bar at the top to stop.
5. Your recording will be saved in the Photos app automatically.
Tip: You can also record sound by long-pressing the record icon and turning on Microphone Audio.
How to Record Facebook Videos on Windows:
1. Press Windows + G to open the Xbox Game Bar.
2. Click the Record button or press Windows + Alt + R to start recording.
3. Play the Facebook video in your browser.
4. Press the same keys again to stop recording.
5. Your video will be saved in Videos → Captures folder.
How to Record Facebook Videos on Mac:
1. Open QuickTime Player.
2. Go to File → New Screen Recording.
3. Select your recording area (full screen or just the Facebook window).
4. Click the Record button, then play your Facebook video.
5. When finished, click the Stop button in the menu bar.
6. Save the video to your desired folder.
Why Screen Recording Works Best for Private Videos:
Screen recording doesn’t rely on video download links — it captures whatever appears on your display in real time. This makes it a perfect workaround for:
• Private Facebook group videos
• Friends-only content
• Facebook Live videos that don’t allow downloading
While the video quality depends on your screen resolution, this method guarantees that you can save any playable video for offline viewing.
Important Legal Reminder:
Always record Facebook videos for personal use only. Re-uploading or redistributing someone else’s content without permission may infringe on copyright laws. When in doubt, ask for the creator’s consent before sharing recorded content publicly.
Common Problems and Fixes:
While downloading Facebook videos is usually simple, users sometimes face errors or issues depending on the device, browser, or privacy settings of the video. Below are the most common problems and how to fix them — whether you’re using an online downloader, browser extension, or mobile phone.
These troubleshooting tips will help ensure your Facebook video downloads smoothly every time.
1. Video Not Downloading or Showing Error Message:
Cause: The video may be private, deleted, or restricted by Facebook’s privacy settings. Some downloader tools can only access public videos.
Fix:
• Check if the video is set to Public. If it’s Private or Friends Only, only the uploader or approved viewers can access it.
• If it’s your own private video, use the official download option from your profile or Page.
• As an alternative, use the screen recorder method to capture the video directly from your screen.
2. Low or Blurry Video Quality After Downloading:
Cause: The downloader defaulted to SD (Standard Definition) instead of HD (High Definition).
Fix:
• Before downloading, select HD quality if available on the downloader website or extension.
• Try viewing the video in HD on Facebook first — some downloaders use the resolution currently being viewed.
• Use desktop browsers for higher-quality downloads, as mobile browsers often compress video files.
3. Downloader Opens a Blank Page or Redirects to Ads:
Cause: Some free downloader sites display ads, pop-ups, or use redirects before generating download links.
Fix:
• Close unwanted pop-ups and wait for the actual video download link to appear.
• Try using another trusted downloader such as fdown.net, snapsave.app, or getfvid.com.
• Use an ad blocker to prevent misleading pages.
• Avoid clicking suspicious buttons or fake download prompts.
4. The “Download” Button Is Missing on Facebook:
Cause: Facebook only provides a download button for videos you uploaded yourself. Other users’ videos won’t show that option.
Fix:
• Use the video URL method and paste it into a downloader website.
• On mobile, switch to desktop mode in your browser (e.g., Chrome → three dots → “Desktop site”).
• If still unavailable, use a screen recorder to capture the video instead.
5. Downloaded Video Has No Sound:
Cause: Some downloaders extract only the visual part of a video, or your browser settings may block audio capture.
Fix:
• Re-download using a different downloader that supports audio.
• Ensure your browser is updated.
• If screen recording, enable Microphone Audio or System Sound in the settings.
6. Video Not Playing After Download:
Cause: The video file format might be corrupted or unsupported by your media player.
Fix:
• Try renaming the file with “.mp4” at the end (e.g., video.mp4).
• Use a universal video player such as VLC Media Player or MX Player.
• If it’s still not playing, re-download from another source.
Bonus Tip: How to Prevent Download Errors.
• Always use a stable internet connection when downloading.
• Keep your browser updated to the latest version.
• Clear your browser cache and cookies regularly.
• Stick to verified downloader websites and avoid installing random apps.
By following these quick fixes, you can easily solve most Facebook video download issues — ensuring every clip you save is high quality, secure, and playable on any device.
Safety and Privacy Tips:
While downloading Facebook videos is convenient, it’s important to stay safe, protect your privacy, and avoid breaking Facebook’s community guidelines or copyright laws. Many users make the mistake of using unsafe downloader sites or reuploading other people’s content, which can lead to malware infections, account restrictions, or even legal trouble.
Below are essential safety and privacy tips to keep in mind when downloading videos from Facebook in 2025.
1. Use Trusted Facebook Video Downloaders Only:
Always download from secure and reputable websites such as snapsave.app, fdown.net, or getfvid.com. Avoid sites filled with pop-ups, fake download buttons, or requests for permissions to access your Facebook account — these could be phishing or malware traps.
Tip: Look for websites with “https://” at the beginning of their URL, as this indicates a secure connection.
2. Don’t Download Copyrighted or Restricted Videos:
Many Facebook videos — especially movies, TV shows, or music content — are protected by copyright. Downloading and sharing them without the creator’s permission violates Facebook’s Terms of Service and can result in account suspension or DMCA strikes.
Best practice: Only download videos for personal viewing, education, or research purposes, and always give proper credit if you plan to reuse or share clips publicly.
3. Be Careful with Browser Extensions:
While browser extensions make it easy to download Facebook videos, some may collect personal data, track your browsing habits, or inject ads into pages.
To stay safe:
• Install only extensions from official sources like the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons.
• Read reviews and ratings before installing.
• Regularly remove extensions you no longer use.
4. Avoid Third-Party Apps That Request Facebook Login:
Never enter your Facebook username or password on downloader sites or apps that require you to “log in to download.” This is a common tactic used by scammers to steal Facebook credentials.
Safe alternative: Stick to downloaders that only require the video URL, not your login information.
5. Scan Downloaded Files for Malware:
Even though Facebook videos are usually in MP4 format, malicious sites can disguise harmful software as video files.
To protect your device:
• Scan every downloaded file using antivirus software before opening.
• Avoid suspicious file extensions like .exe, .bat, or .zip.
• Enable real-time protection on your phone or PC.
6. Respect Others’ Privacy:
Never download or share private Facebook videos (such as personal posts or private group videos) without the owner’s consent. This could violate privacy laws and Facebook’s community guidelines.
If you need a copy for personal reasons, it’s always best to ask the uploader directly for permission.
7. Keep Your Facebook Account Secure:
Downloading videos doesn’t normally require logging into any external service. If you accidentally grant permission to a suspicious site, immediately:
• Change your Facebook password
• Revoke app permissions under Settings → Apps and Websites
• Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra protection
Final Safety Tip:
Always remember: if a downloader or website seems too aggressive, redirects you multiple times, or asks for unnecessary permissions — leave immediately. A safe Facebook video downloader should be quick, simple, and never request personal data.
By following these privacy and security practices, you can safely download and enjoy Facebook videos without compromising your personal information or violating any rules.
Frequently Asked Questions:
• Can I download any Facebook video?
No, you can only download public videos or ones you own. Private videos are protected by Facebook’s privacy settings.
• Is it legal to download Facebook videos?
Yes, for personal use or when you have the creator’s permission. Commercial use without consent may violate copyright laws.
• What format are downloaded videos in?
Most are in MP4 format, compatible with all devices.
• Can I download Facebook Reels or Live videos?
You can download them after they’ve been published, using the same methods above.
Conclusion:
Downloading videos from Facebook can be incredibly useful — whether you want to save tutorials, funny clips, inspirational reels, or personal memories to watch later. With the right tools and safety practices, you can easily download Facebook videos on Android, iPhone, or PC without any risk.
In this guide, we’ve covered every method — from using online video downloaders and browser extensions to screen recording private videos. You also learned how to fix common download errors and how to protect your privacy and device security while doing so.
Always remember to download Facebook videos legally and ethically. Use them for personal viewing or educational purposes only, and respect other users’ privacy rights. Avoid reuploading or redistributing videos that aren’t yours without permission — this helps maintain a positive and fair online community.
If you follow these steps, you’ll have a smooth and secure experience saving any Facebook video you love.
Final Tip for Readers:
Bookmark this page or share it with friends who often ask, “How can I download videos from Facebook?” — and keep this guide handy for the next time you want to save your favorite clips quickly and safely.
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