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How to Download Your Facebook Information

You can download a copy of your Facebook photos, posts, messages and other information from Accounts Center. Facebook prepares the file and notifies you when it’s ready.

Updated
Time
5 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Applies to
Android, iPhone, Web

By Published Sep 26, 2026

Quick answer

  1. 1 Open Settings & privacy > Settings > Accounts Center.
  2. 2 Tap Your information and permissions > Export your information.
  3. 3 Choose your profile and what to include.
  4. 4 Select Export to device and start the export.

Request a copy of your information

  1. Step 1: Open Accounts Center

    Go to Settings & privacy > Settings and tap Accounts Center.

  2. Step 2: Open Your information and permissions

    Tap Your information and permissions, then Export your information (called Download your information in some versions).

  3. Step 3: Choose what to include

    Select your Facebook profile. Choose all of your information, or only what you need, such as photos or messages.

  4. Step 4: Pick the format

    Choose Export to device, a date range, a format (HTML is easiest to read) and media quality.

  5. Step 5: Download the file

    Start the export. Facebook notifies you when the file is ready; download it from the same page. The file is only available for a few days.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take?

Small exports are ready in minutes. Large accounts with many photos and videos can take hours or even a few days.

Does downloading my information delete it from Facebook?

No. It only makes a copy. Your account doesn’t change.

Summary

Use Accounts Center > Your information and permissions > Export your information, and download the file as soon as it’s ready.

Sources

Written by

James Chambo

Founder

James is the Founder and Senior Editor of OnlineHow with more than 20 years of experience in internet publishing.