Facebook Lite is a stripped down version of the Facebook app designed for areas with slow or unstable internet connections. It uses less data and works on all Android phones. Like the main Facebook app, Facebook Lite needs to be updated periodically to get new features and security fixes.
Check for Updates
The easiest way to update Facebook Lite is to check if an update is available:
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
- Tap the ≡ menu icon in the top left.
- Tap “My apps & games.”
- Scroll through your list of installed apps and tap “Facebook Lite.”
- If an “Update” button is shown, tap it to update Facebook Lite to the latest version.
If no update is available, you’re already running the latest version of Facebook Lite.
Enable Auto-Update
You can enable auto-updates for the Facebook Lite app so you always have the latest version:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap the ≡ menu icon.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap “Auto-update apps.”
- Make sure “Auto-update apps at any time” or “Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only” is selected.
With auto-updates enabled, the Play Store will automatically install new versions of Facebook Lite in the background when they’re released.
Manually Update
If auto-update is disabled, you can manually trigger an update check:
- Open the Play Store app.
- Tap the ≡ menu icon.
- Tap “My apps & games.”
- Scroll to Facebook Lite and swipe down on the listing to refresh it.
- If an update is available, the “Update” button will appear.
Swiping down on the Facebook Lite Play Store listing will check if a new version is available and give you the option to update.
Troubleshoot Update Issues
If you’re having trouble updating Facebook Lite, try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Check connection: Make sure your device is connected to the internet.
- Restart device: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve update issues. Power your device off completely and turn it back on.
- Clear Play Store cache: From the Play Store menu, go to Settings > General > Reset and tap “Reset app preferences.”
- Uninstall updates: Go to Settings > Apps > Facebook Lite > Three dots menu > Uninstall updates. Then try updating again.
- Factory reset: As a last resort, backup your data and do a factory reset. Then try updating Facebook Lite again.
Following these troubleshooting steps should help resolve most update issues with Facebook Lite.
Update Facebook Lite on Multiple Devices
If you use Facebook Lite on more than one Android device, you’ll need to update it separately on each device:
- On each phone or tablet, check for updates in the Play Store and install any available updates.
- You can also enable auto-updates on all your devices to keep Facebook Lite up-to-date automatically.
- When switching to a new Android phone, simply install Facebook Lite from the Play Store to get the latest version.
Unlike the main Facebook app, there is no option to sync installed apps across devices. You’ll need to update Facebook Lite individually on each phone or tablet.
Update Facebook Lite on iPhone
Facebook Lite is only available on Android. There is no official Facebook Lite app for iOS or iPhone.
If you previously used Facebook Lite on an Android device and now have an iPhone, you have a couple options:
- Install the regular Facebook app from the App Store. This has all the same core features as Facebook Lite.
- Use the Facebook mobile site at facebook.com on your iPhone’s web browser. The functionality is similar to Facebook Lite.
While you can’t get the actual Facebook Lite app on iOS, the main Facebook app or mobile site provide a similar experience with comparable performance.
Key Differences Between Facebook Lite and Regular Facebook App
| Facebook Lite | Regular Facebook App | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Under 1MB | Around 100MB |
| Data usage | Less mobile data needed | Uses more data |
| Performance | Optimized for slower connections | Requires a faster connection |
| Features | Basic Facebook features only | Includes all Facebook features |
| Availability | Android only | Android, iOS, web |
In summary, Facebook Lite is a stripped down, fast and lightweight version of Facebook for Android. It provides core Facebook functionality like News Feed, messages, photos and more. The full Facebook app offers the complete experience with more features but also higher data usage and device requirements.
Should I Use Facebook Lite or Regular Facebook App?
Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to use Facebook Lite or the regular Facebook app on your Android device:
- If you have an older or low-end Android phone, Facebook Lite is likely the better choice.
- In areas with slow mobile internet speeds, Facebook Lite performs better.
- The smaller app size makes Facebook Lite better for devices with limited storage.
- If you only need basic Facebook functionality, stick with Facebook Lite.
- For full access to all Facebook features, the regular Facebook app is required.
- Consider switching to Facebook Lite if the main Facebook app is crashing or buggy.
- If you regularly use Facebook gaming, videos, or advanced features, the regular app is preferable.
Test both apps to see which provides the best experience on your specific Android device and with your preferred usage. If in doubt, Facebook Lite is the safer choice for older phones, limited data plans, and basic usage.
Conclusion
Updating Facebook Lite ensures you have the latest features and security improvements. On Android, updates can be installed automatically or by checking the Play Store manually. While Facebook Lite itself isn’t available on iOS, the main Facebook app or mobile site provide a similar experience on iPhones.
Facebook Lite strikes a balance between core features and performance for low-end devices. Compare it to the full Facebook app to decide which version best fits your personal needs and usage preferences on your Android smartphone.