Uninstalling and reinstalling the Facebook app on your phone or tablet can be useful for troubleshooting issues, refreshing the app cache, or freeing up storage space. The process is straightforward but varies slightly depending on your device. This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to fully uninstall and reinstall Facebook on both Android and iOS.
Quick Overview of the Uninstall/Reinstall Process
Here is a quick rundown of the steps involved in uninstalling and reinstalling Facebook:
- Open your device’s Settings app and go to the Apps or Application Manager section
- Locate Facebook and tap Uninstall
- Confirm that you want to uninstall Facebook
- Open the Google Play Store or App Store and search for Facebook
- Tap Install to download the latest version of the Facebook app
- Once installed, open Facebook and log in to your account
The specifics around accessing the uninstall feature and reinstalling the app vary between Android and iOS. Full details are provided in the steps below.
Uninstalling the Facebook App on Android
Here are the steps to fully uninstall Facebook from an Android device:
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Open the Settings app on your Android phone or tablet. This is typically accessed through the apps drawer or home screen.
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Scroll down and tap Apps or Application Manager (location varies by Android version).
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Tap the See All Apps option to see a full list of installed apps on your device.
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Scroll down and tap the Facebook app.
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Tap the Uninstall button.
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Confirm that you want to uninstall Facebook when prompted.
This will immediately uninstall the Facebook app and all associated data and cache files from your Android device.
Reinstalling Facebook on Android
Once uninstalled, follow these steps to reinstall Facebook on Android:
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Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
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Search for “Facebook” using the search bar at the top.
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Tap the Facebook app in the search results.
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Tap Install to download the latest version.
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Tap Accept when prompted to grant the required app permissions.
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Once installed, open Facebook and log in to your account.
The Facebook app will download and install the latest available version from the Play Store. You can now start using Facebook as normal after logging in.
How to Uninstall the Facebook App on iPhone or iPad
To fully remove Facebook from an iPhone or iPad:
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Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
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Scroll down and tap General.
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Tap iPhone Storage (or iPad Storage on iPad devices).
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Find and select the Facebook app.
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Tap the Delete App button.
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Confirm that you want to delete Facebook.
This will delete the Facebook app and free up storage used by its data and cache files.
Reinstalling Facebook from the App Store
Once removed from your iPhone or iPad, you can reinstall Facebook by:
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Opening the App Store.
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Using the Search tab to search for “Facebook”.
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Tapping Get to reinstall Facebook.
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Tap Install when prompted.
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Enter your App Store password or use Touch ID/Face ID to confirm.
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Once installed, open Facebook and log in.
The latest version of Facebook will download from the App Store. You can then start using the app normally after logging in to your account.
Why Uninstall and Reinstall Facebook?
There are a few key reasons you may want to uninstall and reinstall the Facebook app on your mobile device:
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Fix app issues or crashes – Reinstalling can clear out bugs, glitches, frozen screens and other issues.
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Clear app data and caches – A fresh install removes temporary files and resets the app.
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Free up space – The Facebook app can take up a considerable amount of storage space.
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Reset advertisement identifiers – Uninstalling and reinstalling resets your ad ID for more relevant ads.
Beyond troubleshooting app problems, the process essentially gives you a fresh start with the latest Facebook app and clears out any accumulated digital cobwebs.
What Data Is Removed When Uninstalling Facebook?
Uninstalling the Facebook app from your mobile device removes the following data and account information:
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App settings and preferences
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Cached media files stored locally
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Sponsored content ad preferences
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Temporarily stored app login data
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Push notifications settings
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Location preferences
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Cellular data usage for Facebook
However, the following key Facebook account details will NOT be deleted:
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Your Facebook profile information
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Friends, followers and connections
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Photos, videos and other content you’ve posted
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Messages, chat history and call logs
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Groups you have joined
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Pages you have liked or followed
This data all lives in the cloud on Facebook’s servers, so uninstalling just removes the local app copy. Your Facebook activity and profile stay intact online.
Reconnecting Facebook After Reinstalling
When you reinstall and open Facebook, simply log in using your normal Facebook email and password.
This will reconnect the app to your existing Facebook account and restore your online profiles data, friends, messages, etc.
If you log in using a different account, it will start fresh and not restore your previous info or connections.
Troubleshooting Facebook App Issues
Before uninstalling and reinstalling Facebook, try these basic troubleshooting steps to fix common mobile app issues:
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Force close and restart the Facebook app
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Update to the latest Facebook app version
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Check for Android or iOS software updates
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Clear the Facebook app cache and data
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Reboot your mobile device
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Ensure you have a strong internet connection
If problems persist, uninstalling and reinstalling the app provides a clean slate. Make sure to backup any important local Facebook data you may need before uninstalling.
Best Practices When Reinstalling Facebook
Follow these tips for smooth Facebook reinstallation:
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Backup photos, videos or other files saved from Facebook that you want to keep
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Note down any customized notification or location settings
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Save your Facebook password in a safe place for easy login
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Update your Android or iOS software before reinstalling
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Reinstall over a WiFi connection for faster downloads
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Turn on automatic updates for the Facebook app
Refer to Facebook’s help pages for detailed instructions on managing your account and settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does uninstalling Facebook delete my account?
No, uninstalling the Facebook app does not delete or remove your Facebook account. Your profile, friends, photos, videos, and all other account details remain intact online and will be restored when you reinstall Facebook and log in again.
Can I restore my Facebook data if I reinstall?
Yes, upon reinstalling Facebook and logging into your account, all of your existing Facebook data and details that are stored online will be synced and restored.
Will I lose all my Facebook messages if I uninstall the app?
No, your conversations and Facebook messages are stored online, so uninstalling the app does not delete your chat history or messages. They will still be available when you reinstall and log in.
What is the easiest way to install Facebook after uninstalling?
The easiest way to reinstall Facebook is to download it from the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone/iPad). Search for Facebook, tap install, and log in to your account to quickly get up and running again.
How can I backup my Facebook data before uninstalling the app?
To backup your important Facebook data before uninstalling, you can save photos/videos to your device storage, export conversations, copy down your friends list, or use Facebook’s “Download Your Information” tool to archive your account details.
Summary
- Uninstalling the Facebook app removes the local copy from your device, but does not delete your online account
- Cached data and app storage space are cleared out when Facebook is uninstalled
- Key account details like your profile, friends, messages stay intact on Facebook’s servers
- You can quickly reinstall Facebook from your device’s app store for a fresh start
- Simply log into your Facebook account when launching the reinstalled app
- Useful for troubleshooting issues, resetting the app or freeing up storage space
Reinstalling Facebook is a quick and straightforward process on both iPhones and Android devices. Follow the steps outlined above to remove and reinstall the app, troubleshoot issues and retain your Facebook account details.