As digital privacy becomes an increasing concern, many Facebook users are taking control of their personal information by downloading their data. Whether you want to keep a backup of your memories, review what Facebook has collected about you, or prepare to delete your account, knowing how to download Facebook data is a smart move. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to download a copy of all your Facebook data, step-by-step.
Why You Might Want to Download Facebook Data
There are several good reasons to export Facebook data. Maybe you’re planning to leave the platform and want to save your photos and posts. Maybe you’re just curious about how much Facebook knows about you. Or perhaps you’re doing a privacy audit to better manage your online presence. Whatever the reason, downloading a Facebook data archive gives you full access to a wide range of your personal history on the platform.
What’s Included in Your Facebook Data Archive
When you download your Facebook data, you can choose exactly what you want to include. Here’s a snapshot of what’s available:
Posts you’ve shared, including status updates, photos, and videos
Messages and chat conversations (including Messenger)
Comments and likes
Friends list and friend requests
Events, groups, and pages you’ve interacted with
Profile information, including previous profile pictures and bios
Advertiser interactions and ad interests
Login locations and device data
This level of detail makes a Facebook data archive an invaluable tool for anyone wanting full transparency into their online activity.
How to Download Your Facebook Data
Here’s how to download Facebook data in just a few steps:
On Desktop:
Log in to your Facebook account.
Click on the top-right corner (your profile icon or arrow) and go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
In the left-hand menu, click Your Facebook Information.
Select Download Your Information.
You’ll now see a detailed list of data categories. Check or uncheck the ones you want.
Choose your Date Range (all time or a specific period), Format (HTML or JSON), and Media Quality (low, medium, or high).
Click Create File to submit your request.
On Mobile:
Open the Facebook app and tap the menu icon (three lines).
Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
Scroll down and tap Download Your Information under “Your Information”.
Follow the same selection steps as on desktop.
Once you submit the request, Facebook will begin generating your data archive.
Format and Quality Options Explained
When exporting your Facebook data, you’ll have the option to customize how it’s delivered:
Date Range: Choose between “All Time” or a specific range (e.g., last month).
Format: HTML is best for easy viewing in a browser. JSON is ideal for developers or if you want to import the data elsewhere.
Media Quality: If you’re downloading photos and videos, you can select low, medium, or high resolution.
Selecting high-quality media will result in a larger file size, so keep storage space in mind.
Accessing and Downloading the File
Once your archive is ready, Facebook will notify you via email and through a notification in the app or browser. To download:
Return to the Download Your Information section.
Go to the Available Files tab.
Click Download next to your requested file. You may need to enter your Facebook password to confirm.
Save the file in a secure location, such as an encrypted external drive or secure cloud storage.
How to View and Understand Your Data
After downloading your Facebook data archive, unzip the file to reveal multiple folders. If you chose the HTML format:
Open the index.html file in your browser. This acts like a mini website where you can easily navigate through your activity.
You’ll see sections like “Messages,” “Photos,” “Timeline,” and more.
If you selected JSON, you’ll need a compatible app or text editor to view the structured data.
Tips for Managing Your Data Securely
Your downloaded data contains sensitive personal information. Here are a few safety tips:
Store securely: Use an encrypted drive or secure cloud service with strong passwords.
Don’t share the file: Avoid sending your data archive to others or uploading it to unsecured platforms.
Delete when no longer needed: If you’re finished with the data, securely delete the files to reduce risk.
Regularly downloading and reviewing your Facebook data can help you stay aware of your digital footprint.
Conclusion
Learning how to download a copy of all your Facebook data empowers you to take control of your online presence. Whether you’re planning to delete your account, audit your social activity, or simply back up your memories, having access to your Facebook data archive is a valuable step in managing your digital life. Make it a habit to backup your Facebook account periodically, and take the opportunity to better understand what Facebook knows about you.
I’m Maxwell Warner, a content writer from Austria with 3+ years of experience. With a Media & Communication degree from the University of Vienna, I craft engaging content across tech, lifestyle, travel, and business.
