Facebook 101: How to Download All Your Data from the Android & iPhone App

How to Download All Your Data from the Android & iPhone App

We've been able to download our Facebook data onto our computers for a while now, but now you can do so right from the comfort of your iPhone or Android phone. With it, you'll be able to integrate your data into other apps that support it or even just download it before you deactivate your account.

First brought to attention to use by social media consultant Matt Navarra, this feature lets you download all of your posts, photos, videos, comments, likes and reactions, friends list, followers list (and those who follow you), list of places, apps you've installed, list of ad topics relevant to you, location history, search history, calls and messages, your "about" information, and more.

Note that if you don't see the feature in Facebook's mobile app on your smartphone just yet, be patient, as it might not have rolled out to you just yet. You can still do the same thing from your computer in the meantime.

Step 1: Go to Your Facebook Info Section

Open up Facebook on your Android or iOS device, then tap the menu icon (three lines) tab. From there, tap on "Settings & Privacy" near the bottom, then "Account Settings." Next, tap on "Your Facebook Information" form the list of available settings. If you don't see it, the feature has not rolled out to you just yet.

Step 2: Download Your Facebook Data

Under the Your Facebook information section, tap "Download your information." You then get to choose exactly what you're downloading, like posts, photos, sections of your profile, etc. Choose what to download by making sure they're checked (they will be by default). You can tap "Deselect All" in the top right to uncheck all the items, where you can choose what to download with a fine-toothed comb.

Images via Social Media Consultant Matt Navarra

After you've chosen what to download, choose a Date range, Format, and Media quality for the bundle of data using the appropriate drop-downs. With regards to the format, JSON files are useful for transferring the data to another service, while HTML files are easily viewed by you. Once you choose all your options, tap "Create File" at the bottom, followed by "Download" on the next screen.

Images via Social Media Consultant Matt Navarra

Now, if you feel tethered to Facebook, like you can't escape from it because of how many of your pictures and other media live on there, you can easily unhook yourself by downloading all your information.

Just updated your iPhone to iOS 18? You'll find a ton of hot new features for some of your most-used Apple apps. Dive in and see for yourself:

Cover image by Brian Lang/Gadget Hacks

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