The easiest way to download Facebook videos is to copy the video's link, paste it into a free online Facebook Video Downloader, and save the MP4 file in HD or SD. It works in your browser on iPhone, Android, Windows and Mac, with no app or login. If it's your own video, Facebook also lets you download it directly.
This guide shows every method step by step, explains the difference between "saving" and "downloading," and helps you fix common problems. It also covers what's allowed, so you can download Facebook videos the right way.
Save vs Download: What's the Difference?
These two words sound the same on Facebook, but they do different things.
| Save (inside Facebook) | Download (to your device) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it goes | Your "Saved" list in Facebook | An MP4 file on your phone or computer |
| Works offline? | No | Yes |
| If the owner deletes it | It disappears | Your copy stays |
| Best for | Watching later on Facebook | Offline viewing, editing your own clips |
Tapping "Save" only bookmarks the video. To get a real file, use one of the methods below.
Which method should you use?
| Your situation | Best method |
|---|---|
| Public video or reel, any device | Free online downloader (Method 1) |
| Your own single video or reel | Download option in the post's menu |
| Backing up all your videos | Download your information |
| Private video someone else posted | Ask the owner to send you the file |
Method 1: Download Facebook Videos With a Free Online Tool (Any Device)
This method works for public videos, reels, Watch videos and fb.watch links.
- Open the video on Facebook. Tap Share, then Copy link. On a computer, you can also copy the address from the browser bar.
- Go to our free Facebook Video Downloader.
- Paste the link into the box and tap Download.
- Choose HD (best quality) or SD (smaller file).
- The MP4 file saves to your device. If it opens in a new tab instead, press and hold (or right-click) the video and choose Download video or Save video as.
The tool doesn't ask for your Facebook login and doesn't store your videos. It only works with public videos, so private posts and private groups aren't supported.
How to Download Facebook Videos on iPhone or iPad
- In the Facebook app, tap Share on the video, then Copy link.
- Open Safari and go to the Facebook Video Downloader.
- Paste the link, tap Download, and pick a quality.
- When Safari asks, tap Download. The file goes to the Files app, in the Downloads folder.
- To move it to your Photos, open the video in Files, tap the Share icon, then Save Video.
How to Download Facebook Videos on Android
- In the Facebook app, tap Share, then Copy link.
- Open Chrome (or any browser) and go to the downloader.
- Paste the link, tap Download, then choose HD or SD.
- Find the video in your Downloads folder or your Gallery app.
How to Download Facebook Videos on Windows PC or Mac
- Open the video on facebook.com and copy the link from the address bar or the Share menu.
- Paste it into the downloader in Chrome, Edge, Safari or Firefox.
- Click Download and choose a quality.
- The MP4 is saved in your Downloads folder.
How to Download Facebook Reels
Reels work the same way. Tap the Share arrow on the reel, choose Copy link, and paste it into the downloader. For your own reels, Facebook often shows a download option in the reel's menu, so you may not need a tool at all.
How to Download Your Own Facebook Videos
If you posted the video, you have two official options:
- From the post: open your video, tap the three-dot menu, and look for Download video. Availability can vary by video type and device.
- Download your information: to back up many videos at once, go to Settings & privacy > Settings > Accounts Center > Your information and permissions > Download your information. Pick the date range and set media quality to High for the best video. Facebook will notify you when your file is ready.
Planning to reuse your own clips? Our free Audio Noise Remover cleans up background noise, and the Speech to Text tool turns the audio into captions or a transcript.
Can You Download Private Facebook Videos?
No, not with an online downloader. Videos in private groups, on private profiles, or with age limits can't be reached by public tools, and that's by design to protect privacy. If you need a private video, ask the person who posted it to send you the file.
Troubleshooting: Why Your Facebook Video Won't Download
If none of these fixes work, check that the video still exists and is set to Public, then try a different browser.
How to Stay Safe When Downloading Facebook Videos
Many download sites are full of pop-up ads and fake buttons. Keep these tips in mind:
- Never enter your Facebook password on a downloader site. A real downloader only needs the video link.
- Avoid sites that ask you to install an app or browser extension just to save one video.
- Ignore "Allow notifications" pop-ups. They are often used for spam.
- Check the file. A video should be an MP4 file. Don't open files ending in .exe, .apk or .dmg.
Is It Legal to Download Facebook Videos?
Downloading a public video to watch offline for personal use is common. The bigger issue is what you do with it next. A few clear rules:
- Don't re-upload someone else's video as your own.
- Don't use others' videos commercially (ads, client work, paid content) without permission.
- Respect Facebook's rules. Meta's Terms of Service limit automated collection of data from its products.
- Your own videos are yours. Downloading content you created is always fine.
This is general information, not legal advice. When in doubt, ask the creator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it free to download Facebook videos?
Yes. Our Facebook Video Downloader is free, with no sign-up, no app and no limit on public videos.
Can I download Facebook videos in HD?
Yes, if the video was uploaded in HD. The tool shows HD and SD options when both are available.
Where do downloaded Facebook videos go?
On Android and computers, they go to your Downloads folder. On iPhone, they go to Files > Downloads, and you can then save them to Photos.
Can I download Facebook reels on iPhone?
Yes. Copy the reel's link, open the downloader in Safari, paste the link and download the MP4.
Do I need to log in to Facebook to use the downloader?
No. The tool never asks for your Facebook password. It only works with public videos.
Can I download Facebook Live videos?
Once a Live video ends and is posted publicly, you can download it like any other video using its link. If it's your own Live, you can also download it from your post or through Download your information.
Conclusion
To download Facebook videos, copy the link, paste it into a free downloader and save the MP4 in HD or SD. Use Facebook's own download options for your own videos, skip private content, and always respect the creator's rights.
Ready to try it? Open our free Facebook Video Downloader and save your first video in seconds. Want to clean up the sound on a clip you made? Read our guide on how to remove background noise from audio for free.
