How to Download Facebook Videos: 4 Easy Methods (2026)
Facebook still doesn't include a download button, but saving public videos is straightforward once you know the options. Here are the four methods that actually work in 2026 — from the 10-second online tool to the manual trick for private videos shared with you.
Method 1: Online downloader (fastest)
Copy the video's link (three dots → Copy link), paste it into Ultra Video Downloader's Facebook video downloader, and choose HD or SD. The MP4 saves directly — no account, no software, works on iPhone, Android, and desktop. This is the method to use for any public video.
Method 2: Facebook's own Save (watch later, not download)
Tapping “Save video” in the Facebook app bookmarks the post inside Facebook — useful for watch-later, but it doesn't give you a file and needs the app plus internet to rewatch. Fine for casual saving; useless on a plane.
Method 3: Screen recording (last resort)
Both iPhone (Control Center → Screen Recording) and Android have built-in recorders. Quality is noticeably worse — you're re-compressing an already-compressed stream — and you'll capture notifications and UI unless you're careful. Use it only when every other method fails.
Method 4: Private videos you have access to
No online tool can touch private or friends-only videos — they're protected on Meta's servers. But if a video was shared with you, you can grab it from your own logged-in desktop browser: open the video, right-click → View page source, search for “.mp4”, and copy the first video file URL into a new tab to save it. Only do this for content shared with you, and never redistribute someone else's private video.
Quick comparison
- Online downloader: fastest, best quality, public videos only.
- In-app Save: bookmark only, no file, needs internet.
- Screen recording: works on anything visible, worst quality.
- Page-source trick: the only option for private videos you can already watch.
Frequently asked questions
What's the easiest way to download a Facebook video?+
An online downloader: copy the video link, paste it into the tool, pick a quality, done. No software to install and it works on phones and computers alike.
How do I download a private Facebook video I have access to?+
Online tools only handle public links. For a private video shared with you, open it in a desktop browser while logged in, right-click the page and choose View page source, then search for “.mp4” — the first video file URL is usually the download. Copy it into a new tab and save. Only do this for videos shared with you, and don't redistribute them.
Can I download Facebook videos on iPhone?+
Yes. Use Safari: paste the link into an online downloader, and after processing use the Share menu → Save to Photos or Save to Files. Facebook's iOS app doesn't offer downloads directly.
Why does Facebook make downloading so hard?+
Facebook wants viewing to happen on Facebook — that's their ad business. There's no technical reason a public video can't be saved; the platform just doesn't provide the button.
Ready to try it? Head to the Facebook video downloader — or grab Reels specifically with the Facebook Reels downloader.