Want to save that funny Facebook Reel you just watched? Maybe it’s a recipe tutorial, a workout routine, or just something that made you laugh. Whatever the reason, Facebook Reels downloader isn’t as straightforward as hitting a simple “download” button. But don’t worry. I’ll show you exactly how to do it on both your phone and computer.
Why You’d Want to Download Facebook Reels
Before we get into the how, let’s talk about why people download these short videos in the first place.
You might want to save a Reel to watch later when you don’t have internet access. Or maybe you’re creating your own content and need inspiration. Some people collect cooking videos, fitness routines, or DIY tutorials they want to reference without scrolling through their feed forever.
Here’s the thing: Facebook doesn’t make it easy to download Reels directly. They want you to stay on their platform. That’s just how social media works. But there are legitimate ways to save these videos for personal use.
Understanding Facebook’s Download Limitations
Facebook lets you save Reels to a collection within the app, but that’s not the same as downloading them to your device. When you save a Reel on Facebook, it’s just bookmarked. You still need internet to watch it, and if the original poster deletes it, your saved version disappears too.
That’s why people look for ways to actually download the video file to their phone or computer. Once it’s on your device, you’ve got it regardless of what happens on Facebook.
How to Download Facebook Reels on Your Phone
Let’s start with mobile devices since most people watch Reels on their phones anyway.
Method 1: Using Third-Party Apps (Android)
Android users have more options here. You can find apps designed specifically for downloading social media videos. Here’s how it works:
First, open the Facebook app and find the Reel you want to save. Tap the three dots (usually in the top right corner) and select “Copy Link.” This copies the Reel’s URL to your clipboard.
Next, open your chosen download app. There are several reliable options like Video Downloader for Facebook or SaveFrom. Paste the link you copied into the app’s download field. The app will process the link and give you download options, usually in different quality settings.
Pick your preferred quality and hit download. The video saves directly to your phone’s gallery or downloads folder.
Method 2: Using Online Tools (iPhone and Android)
iPhone users don’t have as many app options due to App Store restrictions, but online tools work great for both platforms.
Start the same way by copying the Reel’s link from Facebook. Instead of an app, you’ll use your phone’s web browser to visit a Facebook Reels Downloader website. Popular ones include FBVideoDown, GetFBStuff, or SaveFrom.net.
Paste the link into the website’s input box and click the download button. The site processes your link and shows you download options. On iPhone, you’ll typically need to press and hold the download button, then select “Download Linked File” or “Save Video.”
The video downloads to your Files app on iPhone or your Downloads folder on Android.
Method 3: Screen Recording (Works for Both)
If you’re having trouble with other methods or just want a quick solution, screen recording works in a pinch.
On iPhone, open Control Center and tap the screen record button. On Android, pull down your notification shade and tap Screen Record (the location varies by phone model).
Play the Reel from start to finish while recording. Stop the recording when it’s done. You’ll find the recording in your Photos or Gallery app.
The downside? You’ll capture everything on your screen, including notifications or interface elements. You might need to trim the video afterward. The quality also depends on your screen resolution rather than the original video quality.
How to Download Facebook Reels on Desktop
Computer users have different options that can sometimes be more convenient than phone methods.
Using Your Web Browser
Open Facebook in your web browser and navigate to the Reel you want. Right-click on the Reel and select “Copy Link Address” or similar wording depending on your browser.
Open a new tab and visit a download website like FBDownloader or SaveFrom.net. Paste the link and click download. The site shows available quality options, and you can choose which version to save.
Click the final download button, and the video saves to your computer’s Downloads folder.
Browser Extensions
Some people prefer using browser extensions because they integrate directly into Facebook’s interface. Extensions like Video Downloader for Facebook add a download button right on the Reel itself.
Install the extension from your browser’s extension store (Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, etc.). Once installed, when you’re watching a Reel on Facebook, you’ll see an extra download button appear. Click it to save the video.
Be careful which extensions you install. Stick to well-reviewed ones with lots of users. Some sketchy extensions can compromise your privacy or slow down your browser.
Developer Tools Method (Advanced)
This method requires a bit more technical know-how but doesn’t rely on third-party sites or extensions.
Right-click anywhere on the Facebook page and select “Inspect” or “Inspect Element.” This opens your browser’s developer tools. Click the “Network” tab and refresh the page while playing the Reel.
Look through the network activity for a file that’s clearly the video (usually has .mp4 in the name and a large file size). Right-click it and select “Open in New Tab.” From there, you can right-click the video and save it.
This method works reliably but isn’t exactly user-friendly for non-technical folks.
Things to Keep in Mind
Let’s talk about the legal and ethical side of downloading Reels.
Copyright matters. Just because you can download a video doesn’t mean you should repost it as your own or use it commercially. These videos belong to whoever created them. Downloading for personal use is generally fine, but redistributing someone else’s content without permission crosses a line.
Facebook’s terms of service technically prohibit downloading content using unauthorized methods. You’re unlikely to face consequences for saving a few Reels for personal viewing, but mass downloading or using the content in ways that violate copyright could get you in trouble.
Be respectful of creators. If you love someone’s content, engage with it on the platform. Like it, comment, share it the official way. That’s how creators grow their audience and sometimes even make money.
Quality and Format Considerations
When you download a Reel, you’ll often see different quality options. Higher quality means larger file sizes but better viewing experience, especially on bigger screens.
Most Reels download in MP4 format, which works on pretty much every device and media player. If you get a different format, you can use free conversion tools like HandBrake or online converters to change it.
Some download methods compress the video more than others. Third-party apps and websites sometimes reduce quality to save bandwidth. If quality matters to you, try different tools to see which gives the best results.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes the link doesn’t work in download tools. This usually happens if the Reel is from a private account or has special privacy settings. You can only download Reels that are publicly accessible.
If a download fails midway, check your internet connection. Large video files need stable connections. Also, make sure you have enough storage space on your device.
Some download sites get overloaded or stop working. If one isn’t working, try another. There are dozens of options available.
Pop-ups and ads can be annoying on free download sites. Use an ad blocker or just be patient and close the extra windows. Never enter personal information on these sites, and watch out for suspicious download buttons that might actually be ads.
Organizing Your Downloaded Reels
Once you start downloading Reels, you’ll want a system to keep them organized. Create folders on your phone or computer for different categories. Maybe one for recipes, another for workouts, another for funny videos.
On iPhone, you can create albums in the Photos app. On Android, use your file manager to make folders. On desktop, organize them however you organize your other videos.
Consider adding dates to filenames so you know when you downloaded them. Some people even keep notes about where they got each video in case they want to credit the creator later.
Alternative: Using Facebook’s Built-In Save Feature
Remember, Facebook’s save feature isn’t a download, but it’s worth mentioning. If you just want to easily find a Reel again and don’t need it offline, saving within Facebook works fine.
Tap the three dots on any Reel and select “Save Video.” It goes to your saved collection, which you can access from your profile menu. This keeps everything organized in one place without taking up phone storage.
The trade-off is you need internet to watch, and you’re at the mercy of the original poster. If they delete it, you lose it.
Staying Safe While Downloading
Online download tools can be risky if you’re not careful. Stick to well-known sites with good reputations. Look for HTTPS in the URL and read reviews before trusting a new site or app.
Never install software that seems suspicious or asks for excessive permissions. Legitimate video downloaders don’t need access to your contacts, messages, or other unrelated phone features.
Keep your antivirus software updated if you’re using desktop download tools. Mobile users should scan downloaded apps with security tools available in their app stores.
The Future of Downloading Social Media Content
Social media platforms keep changing their policies and technology. What works today might not work tomorrow. Facebook regularly updates its platform, which can break third-party download tools.
That’s why it’s good to know multiple methods. If one stops working, you’ll have backups. The screen recording method, while not perfect, will always work as long as you can play the video.
Some people predict platforms will eventually offer official download features, especially as they compete for users. Until then, we’re stuck with workarounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download Facebook Reels without any app or website?
You can’t download Reels directly from Facebook without using third-party tools. The only native option is screen recording, which captures what’s on your screen but doesn’t give you the original video file.
Is it legal to download Facebook Reels?
Downloading Reels for personal, private viewing falls into a gray area. It’s technically against Facebook’s terms of service, but people do it all the time without issues. The legal problems come when you repost, redistribute, or use downloaded content commercially without permission.
Why can’t I download some Reels?
Reels from private accounts or those with restricted privacy settings can’t be downloaded. The account must be public, and the Reel must be accessible to everyone for download tools to work.
Do download tools reduce video quality?
Some tools compress videos, which can reduce quality. The amount varies by tool. Try a few different options to find one that maintains quality well. Generally, downloading at the highest available resolution gives the best results.
Can I download Facebook Reels on iPhone?
Yes, but it’s trickier than on Android. You’ll need to use web-based download tools through Safari or screen recording. The App Store doesn’t allow video downloader apps for social media platforms.
Will the creator know if I download their Reel?
No, creators don’t get notifications when someone downloads their Reel using third-party tools. Facebook only tracks official interactions like views, likes, comments, and shares.
What’s the best quality I can download?
The quality depends on what the original creator uploaded. Most Reels are in 1080p or 720p. Download tools typically offer whatever quality Facebook is serving, though some compress further. Always select the highest quality option when given a choice.
Are there any free methods to download Reels?
Yes, all the methods I’ve mentioned are free. Web-based download tools, screen recording, and browser extensions don’t cost anything. Some tools offer premium versions, but the free versions work fine for casual use.
Downloading Facebook Reels takes a few extra steps, but it’s totally doable once you know the right methods. Whether you’re using your phone or computer, you’ve got options that work. Just remember to respect creators’ rights and use downloaded content responsibly. Now go save those Reels you’ve been wanting to watch offline!