How to Save or Download Facebook Videos Safely
Facebook uses the words save and download for different actions. Saving a video adds it to a private list inside Facebook so you can find it later. Downloading creates a copy on your device.
You can generally download videos you uploaded yourself through Facebook’s information tools. For another person’s video, use a download option supplied by the creator or obtain permission. Avoid websites and browser extensions that ask for your Facebook password, cookies, or account access.
Quick answer
| What you want to do | Safest method |
|---|---|
| Watch someone else’s video later | Use Facebook’s Save feature |
| Download a video you uploaded | Use the post’s available options or Download Your Information |
| Back up many photos and videos | Request an export through Accounts Centre |
| Get a creator’s video file | Ask the creator or use their official download link |
| Download a public video with a third-party site | Avoid tools requiring login details; confirm copyright and permission first |
How to save a Facebook video for later
Saving keeps the video in Facebook rather than placing a file in your phone’s gallery or computer.
- Open the video or reel.
- Select the three-dot menu.
- Choose Save video or Save reel, when available.
- To find it later, open Facebook’s Saved section from the menu.
The label and location can vary by device and app version. A saved item may become unavailable if the creator deletes it, changes its audience, or Facebook removes it.
How to download a Facebook video you uploaded
Try the video’s menu first
Open your own video, choose the three-dot menu, and look for a download option. Availability can depend on the post type, device, audience, and current Facebook interface.
Use Download Your Information
Facebook’s account tools provide a more reliable way to export your own information, including selected photos, videos, posts, and activity.
- Open Facebook or Accounts Centre settings.
- Go to Your information and permissions.
- Select Download your information.
- Choose the Facebook profile and the categories you need.
- Select a date range, media quality, and file format when offered.
- Create the export and wait for Facebook to prepare it.
- Download the archive from the official notification or account page.
Large exports can take time and may be divided into several files. Store the archive securely because it can contain private posts, photos, messages, and account information.
Download versus transfer a copy
Facebook may also offer Transfer a copy of your information. Instead of downloading an archive to your device, this sends supported content to another service. The available destinations and data types can change.
Review the destination account and privacy settings before transferring anything. A transferred copy will be governed by the receiving service’s terms and controls.
Can you download someone else’s Facebook video?
A video being publicly viewable does not mean it is free to copy, repost, sell, or edit. Copyright normally belongs to the creator or rights holder unless permission or a licence says otherwise.
Use one of these approaches:
- Save the post inside Facebook.
- Share the original Facebook link.
- Ask the creator for the original file.
- Use an official download link or feature the creator provides.
- Confirm that the work is licensed for reuse and follow the licence terms.
Fair dealing or fair use may apply in limited situations, but the rules depend on the country and specific use. It is not a blanket permission to copy online video.
Why third-party Facebook downloaders can be risky
Many external sites claim to download any Facebook video. Risks can include:
- Phishing pages that imitate Facebook login screens
- Malicious advertisements and fake download buttons
- Browser extensions with broad access to browsing data
- Requests to paste session cookies or account tokens
- Low-quality, incomplete, or altered files
- Copyright or privacy violations
- Collection of the video URL and other usage data
Never provide a third-party downloader with your Facebook password, login code, recovery code, session cookie, or access token. If a site asks for these, leave it.
How to download a Facebook video on Android or iPhone
For your own videos, use the Facebook app’s available download option or request your information through Accounts Centre. After downloading, check the device’s Files or Downloads folder. On some phones you may need to move the file into the Photos or Gallery library.
For another person’s content, save the post within Facebook or request the file from the creator. Screen recording may capture lower-quality video and notifications, and it does not remove copyright or privacy obligations.
How to download your Facebook videos on a computer
- Sign in through the official Facebook website.
- Open Accounts Centre or Facebook settings.
- Choose Your information and permissions.
- Select Download your information.
- Choose only the categories and dates you need to reduce the archive size.
- Request the export and download it when Facebook confirms it is ready.
Extract the downloaded ZIP file using your computer’s built-in archive tool. Keep the original archive until you confirm the videos open correctly.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| No download option appears | Confirm the video is yours; use Download Your Information instead |
| Saved video disappeared | The creator may have deleted it or changed the audience |
| Export is taking a long time | Reduce the date range or categories and wait for the official notification |
| Video quality is low | Request a new export using the highest offered media quality |
| Downloaded file will not play | Finish extracting the archive and try a current media player |
| Suspicious login prompt | Close it and access Facebook by typing the official address yourself |
Frequently asked questions
Does saving a Facebook video use phone storage?
Not in the same way as downloading a file. Save creates a bookmark in your Facebook account. Streaming the video later still uses data unless Facebook or your device has cached part of it.
Can I download private Facebook videos?
You can export your own information. Do not attempt to bypass another person’s privacy settings or access restrictions.
Can I repost a downloaded video?
Only if you own the rights, have permission, or a licence or applicable law allows the use. Credit alone does not automatically provide permission.
Are browser extensions safe?
An extension can potentially read page content and browsing data, depending on its permissions. Avoid unnecessary extensions and never grant account access merely to download a video.
Bottom line
Use Facebook’s Save feature when you simply want to find a video later. Use Download Your Information to back up videos and other content you uploaded. For anyone else’s video, request permission or share the original link. These methods are safer than handing account information to an unknown downloader.
References
- Facebook Help Centre: Access, transfer, and download your information
- Facebook Help Centre: Privacy settings and information controls
- Facebook Help Centre: Data scraping and protecting your information
Facebook features and menu names can change. This guide does not recommend bypassing access controls or downloading content without the necessary rights. Reviewed under EverydayNext’s editorial standards.
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