Facebook Not Working? How to Fix It

If Facebook is not loading, freezing, or refusing to refresh, the problem is usually caused by a server issue, a weak connection, cached app data, or an outdated app version. The steps below work for the app and the browser.
Quick check: if Facebook fails on every device, check whether the service is having a wider outage before changing settings on your phone or computer.

Why Facebook Stops Working

Facebook problems usually come from one of these causes:

How to Fix Facebook

1Check Your Internet Connection

Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data, or test another network. A weak connection can make Facebook look broken when it is really just loading slowly.

2Force Close and Reopen Facebook

Close the app completely and reopen it. On desktop, refresh the page or open Facebook in a new tab to clear a minor loading glitch.

3Clear Cache and Temporary Data

Clear the Facebook app cache on Android or clear browser cache and cookies on desktop. Old session data often causes loading issues.

4Update the App or Browser

Install the latest version of Facebook, Messenger, or your browser. Older versions can become unstable after a platform update.

5Log Out and Log Back In

If your feed is stuck or your account is acting strangely, sign out and sign back in to refresh the session.

6Reinstall the Facebook App

If the app keeps crashing on iPhone or Android, delete it and install it again from the App Store or Google Play.

7Disable Browser Extensions

On desktop, turn off ad blockers, privacy tools, and other extensions that might block Facebook scripts or tracking requests.

8Try Messenger Separately

If only Messenger is failing, test the standalone Messenger app or web version to see whether the issue is limited to one product.

Tip: If Facebook works in one browser but not another, the problem is probably tied to that browser's cache or extension list.

Device-Specific Checks

Small platform differences can help narrow the issue:

Warning: Repeatedly logging in and out can trigger extra security checks. If Facebook is having a server issue, it is usually better to wait a bit and try again later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Facebook not loading?

Facebook may not load because of a server outage, slow internet, outdated app files, corrupted cache, or DNS issues.

Why is my Facebook feed not refreshing?

A stuck feed is often caused by a poor connection or cached app data. Force close Facebook, reopen it, and clear the app cache if needed.

Why can't I log into Facebook?

Login problems are commonly caused by a wrong password, two-factor authentication issues, or an account restriction. Use the password recovery flow if needed.

How do I fix Facebook on iPhone?

Force close Facebook, check your internet connection, update the app, restart your iPhone, and reinstall Facebook if the problem continues.

How do I know if this is a server problem or a problem with my device?

Try the same service on a different device or network. If it works elsewhere, the issue is local to your device or network. If it fails everywhere, the service itself may be down - check Downdetector or the service's official status page to confirm.

Should I restart my device first?

Yes. A full restart (not just closing the app) clears stale connections, frees memory, and resolves the majority of intermittent glitches. Try this before deeper troubleshooting steps.

How do I check if my app is up to date?

Open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) and search for the app - if an Update button appears, tap it. On desktop apps, look for an About or Check for Updates option in the menu. Outdated apps often break after server-side updates.

When should I reinstall the app?

If clearing the cache, updating, and restarting have all failed, reinstall the app as a last resort. A clean reinstall removes corrupted data, settings, and permissions that the standard fix steps cannot reach. Your account and saved data are stored in the cloud, so you won't lose anything by reinstalling.