Download Facebook Videos On IOS: A Simple Guide

by Jhon Lennon 48 views

Hey guys! Ever stumbled upon a hilarious or heartwarming video on Facebook and wished you could save it to your iPhone or iPad? You're not alone! While Facebook doesn't offer a direct download button for videos, there are still some super easy ways to download Facebook videos on your iOS device. In this guide, we'll walk you through several methods, so you can keep those awesome videos for offline viewing, sharing, or just to relive those funny moments anytime, anywhere.

Why Download Facebook Videos on iOS?

Before we dive into the how-to, let's quickly touch on why you might want to download Facebook videos in the first place. There are tons of reasons!

  • Offline Viewing: Imagine you're on a long flight or train ride with no Wi-Fi. Downloading videos beforehand means you can still enjoy them without eating into your data plan.
  • Saving Precious Memories: Those adorable videos of your kids, pets, or hilarious family moments? Downloading them ensures you have a backup, even if they disappear from Facebook.
  • Sharing with Friends: Sometimes, it's easier to share a downloaded video via text or email, especially if your friend isn't on Facebook.
  • Creating Compilations: If you're a creative type, you might want to download several videos to create your own compilations or montages.

No matter your reason, downloading Facebook videos on iOS is a handy skill to have. So, let's get started!

Method 1: Using Third-Party Apps

One of the most straightforward ways to download Facebook videos on your iPhone or iPad is by using a third-party app. There are plenty of options available on the App Store, but it's crucial to choose a reputable one to avoid any security risks or privacy concerns. Here are a couple of popular and reliable apps that can get the job done:

1.1 MyMedia

MyMedia is a free file manager app that includes a built-in browser and download manager. It's a versatile tool that not only allows you to download videos from Facebook but also from other platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Download and Install: Head over to the App Store and download the MyMedia app.
  2. Open Facebook in MyMedia: Launch the app, and you'll see a browser interface. Use it to go to Facebook's website (www.facebook.com) – not the Facebook app.
  3. Log In: Enter your Facebook credentials and log in to your account.
  4. Find the Video: Browse your feed or go to the specific video you want to download.
  5. Play the Video: Tap on the video to start playing it.
  6. Download Option: Once the video starts, a download prompt should appear. Tap the “Download” button.
  7. Choose Quality: You might be given options to choose the video quality. Select your preferred resolution.
  8. Save the Video: The video will be downloaded and saved within the MyMedia app. You can then access it from the app's media section and save it to your device's camera roll.

MyMedia is a solid choice because it’s free, easy to use, and supports various video formats. However, like any third-party app, it's always wise to read reviews and check its privacy policy before installing.

1.2 Documents by Readdle

Documents by Readdle is another excellent file manager app that can handle a wide range of tasks, including downloading videos from Facebook. It’s a powerful tool that acts as a central hub for all your files. Here’s how to use it for downloading videos:

  1. Download and Install: Get Documents by Readdle from the App Store.
  2. Open the Built-in Browser: Launch the app, and you’ll see a browser icon at the bottom. Tap it to open the built-in browser.
  3. Go to Facebook: Navigate to Facebook’s website (www.facebook.com).
  4. Log In: Enter your Facebook login details.
  5. Find the Video: Locate the video you wish to download.
  6. Play the Video: Tap on the video to play it.
  7. Download Option: As the video plays, a download button should appear. Tap it to start the download process.
  8. Save the Video: Documents by Readdle will prompt you to choose a location to save the video. You can save it within the app and then move it to your camera roll.

Documents by Readdle is a fantastic app for managing files and downloading content. It’s well-regarded for its reliability and user-friendly interface. Plus, it offers a bunch of other features like PDF editing and cloud storage integration.

Method 2: Using Online Video Downloader Websites

If you're not keen on installing another app on your iPhone or iPad, you can use online video downloader websites. These websites allow you to download videos directly from your browser. Just a heads up: be cautious when using these sites, as some can be loaded with ads or even be malicious. Stick to reputable sites, and always double-check before clicking any links.

Here’s the general process for using an online video downloader:

  1. Copy the Video Link: Open the Facebook app or website and find the video you want to download. Tap the three dots in the top-right corner of the post and select “Copy Link.”
  2. Choose a Website: Open a new tab in your browser and go to a reliable online Facebook video downloader website. Some popular options include:
  3. Paste the Link: Paste the video link into the designated field on the downloader website.
  4. Download: Click the “Download” button or a similar option. The website will process the link and provide you with download options.
  5. Choose Quality: Select your preferred video quality (e.g., SD, HD) if prompted.
  6. Save the Video: The video will download to your device. You might need to tap a download icon or right-click on the video and choose “Save Video As…” to save it to your desired location.

While using online downloaders is convenient, it's essential to be cautious. Some sites might try to redirect you to other pages or display misleading ads. Always ensure you're on a secure and reputable site before pasting any links.

Method 3: Using Screen Recording

If the other methods don't work for you, or if you're dealing with a video that’s particularly tricky to download, you can use the built-in screen recording feature on your iPhone or iPad. This method essentially captures whatever is playing on your screen, including the Facebook video.

Here’s how to use screen recording:

  1. Enable Screen Recording (if needed): Go to “Settings” > “Control Center” and make sure “Screen Recording” is added to your included controls. If it’s not, tap the “+” icon next to it to add it.
  2. Open Facebook: Go to the Facebook app or website and find the video you want to record.
  3. Start Screen Recording: Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open the Control Center. Tap the Screen Recording icon (a circle inside another circle). A countdown will begin, and then the recording will start.
  4. Play the Video: Quickly go back to the Facebook video and start playing it. Let the video play through completely.
  5. Stop Screen Recording: Once the video has finished playing, swipe down from the top-right corner again to open the Control Center. Tap the Screen Recording icon to stop the recording.
  6. Edit the Video: The screen recording will be saved to your Photos app. You can then edit the video to crop out any unnecessary parts (like the Control Center appearing at the beginning and end) and trim it to the exact length of the video.

Screen recording is a foolproof method for capturing any video playing on your screen. However, keep in mind that the video quality might not be as high as downloading the video directly. Also, you'll need to edit the recording to remove any extra bits.

Important Considerations

Before you start downloading Facebook videos, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Copyright: Always respect copyright laws. Downloading videos for personal use is generally fine, but distributing or using them for commercial purposes without permission is a no-go.
  • Privacy: Be mindful of the privacy of others. Avoid downloading and sharing videos that feature other people without their consent.
  • Security: Be cautious when using third-party apps or websites. Stick to reputable sources and always double-check links before clicking.
  • Facebook’s Terms: Keep in mind that Facebook's terms of service might prohibit downloading videos. While it's unlikely you'll get into trouble for personal use, it's worth being aware of.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! Downloading Facebook videos on your iOS device is totally doable with these methods. Whether you prefer using a third-party app, an online downloader, or the screen recording feature, you can easily save those awesome videos for later viewing. Just remember to be mindful of copyright, privacy, and security, and you’ll be all set to enjoy your favorite Facebook videos offline!

Happy downloading!