Facebook Lite is a slimmed down version of the Facebook app designed for areas with slow internet connections or for older phones that can’t handle the full Facebook app. With Facebook Lite you still get the core Facebook functions like posting statuses, commenting on posts, liking photos and more – but in a smaller app that uses less data and runs faster on older devices.
If you want to switch to Facebook Lite from the regular Facebook app, it’s a simple process of downloading the Lite version and logging into your account. Here’s what you need to know about updating to Facebook Lite on both Android and iOS devices.
Should You Switch to Facebook Lite?
Before updating to Lite, it helps to understand the key differences between the regular Facebook app and Lite:
- Facebook Lite is less than 1MB to download compared to over 100MB for the regular Facebook app.
- Lite uses significantly less mobile data than the full app – on average less than 1MB per day compared to 20-40MB per day for regular Facebook.
- Lite loads pages faster, especially on 2G and 3G networks or older devices.
- Lite supports most core Facebook functions like the news feed, profiles, commenting, likes, messages, notifications, etc.
- Some Facebook features are not supported on Lite, like Facebook Live, Games, Page management and more.
So in summary, Facebook Lite retains all the essential Facebook functions but in a much smaller, faster and more data-efficient app. It’s ideal for areas with slow connections or if you have an older Android or iPhone that struggles with the regular Facebook app.
The only drawback is you lose access to some additional Facebook features that are not supported in the Lite version. But for basic Facebook access, Lite provides everything you need.
Updating to Facebook Lite on Android
If you want to switch to Facebook Lite on your Android device, here are the steps:
Step 1) Download Facebook Lite from the Google Play Store
Open the Play Store app on your Android device and search for “Facebook Lite”. Tap on the Facebook Lite app in the search results.
Tap “Install” to download Facebook Lite to your device. The app is less than 1MB so it should only take a few seconds to install.
Step 2) Open Facebook Lite & Log Into Your Account
Open the Facebook Lite app from your home screen. On the Login screen, enter your Facebook email and password and tap Log In.
Facebook Lite will then open up your Facebook account. It should look very similar to the regular Facebook app, but a bit more simplified.
Once logged in, you can browse your news feed, view profiles, post statuses and do most other core Facebook activities – but all within the lighter Facebook Lite app.
Step 3) Optionally Delete Regular Facebook App
Since Lite provides core Facebook access, you may no longer need the full Facebook app installed on your phone.
To delete the regular Facebook app:
- Go to your Apps/Application Manager via your Android device’s Settings
- Find and tap on the Facebook app
- Tap Uninstall and confirm to delete it
You can always reinstall the regular Facebook app from the Play Store later if needed. But removing it can help free up storage space on your phone since Facebook Lite is much smaller.
And that’s it! With just those steps you’ve updated to Facebook Lite on your Android.
Updating to Facebook Lite on iPhone
Switching to Facebook Lite on iOS devices like the iPhone involves a couple extra steps since you can’t directly download Lite from the App Store. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1) Request the Desktop Version of Facebook
Open the Facebook app and tap the More (three line) icon in the bottom nav bar. Scroll down and tap “Request Desktop Site”.
This will load the desktop version of Facebook in your mobile browser.
Step 2) Navigate to Lite Sign Up Page
In the desktop Facebook site, click the down arrow at the top right and select “Sign Up”.
This opens the signup page. At the bottom, click “Facebook Lite” in blue text.
This will load the Facebook Lite signup page.
Step 3) Sign Up for a Lite Account
On the Lite signup page, enter your name and mobile number.
Then tap “Sign Up” to receive a confirmation code on your phone.
Enter the 6-digit confirmation code Facebook sent you.
Finally, create a password for your Lite account and tap Sign Up.
Step 4) Log Into Lite & Delete Regular Facebook
You should now be logged into Facebook Lite on your iPhone. The interface is very similar to regular Facebook mobile.
Feel free to delete the regular Facebook app from your home screen to save storage space, since Lite has all core functions.
And that’s all there is to it! With these steps you can easily switch over to the lighter, slimmed-down Facebook Lite app on both iPhone and Android.
Key Differences Between Facebook and Facebook Lite
Now that you have Facebook Lite installed, it helps to be aware of what features it doesn’t include compared to the full Facebook app:
| Facebook Feature | Available in Lite? |
|---|---|
| News Feed | Yes |
| Statuses & Posts | Yes |
| Photos | Yes |
| Events | Yes |
| Groups | Yes |
| Messages | Yes |
| Notifications | Yes |
| Profiles | Yes |
| Pages | Yes (Read-Only) |
| Facebook Marketplace | No |
| Games | No |
| Facebook Live | No |
| Ads Manager | No |
As you can see, Facebook Lite supports core social networking functions like the news feed, profiles, messaging, posts and more.
But additional Facebook features like live streaming, games, ads management, and Facebook Marketplace are not available in the Lite version.
However, Lite provides the essential Facebook experience for keeping up with friends and family – just in a smaller, faster, lighter app.
Tips for Using Facebook Lite
Here are some helpful tips for making the most of Facebook Lite after you install it:
Turn on Data Saver
Enable Data Saver in Facebook Lite’s Settings. This limits background data usage so the app uses even less mobile data.
Download Videos & Photos
To save data, download videos and photos over WiFi whenever possible instead of streaming them over mobile data.
Keep Notifications Off
Disable notifications in Lite settings to further reduce mobile data usage and battery drain. Just check-in manually instead.
Use Messenger Lite Too
For messaging, install the Messenger Lite app so you can have data-light messaging along with Facebook Lite.
Connect to WiFi When Possible
Whenever you are on WiFi, use that opportunity to browse Facebook Lite more heavily, watching videos, uploading content, etc.
Following these tips will help you maximize efficiency with the Facebook Lite app!
Troubleshooting Facebook Lite
If you run into any issues using Facebook Lite, here are some troubleshooting steps:
Can’t Download Facebook Lite
– On Android, check that your device meets the minimum requirements for installing apps from the Play Store. Older devices may not be supported.
– On iPhone, try requesting the desktop site again and follow the Lite signup steps carefully. Clear your browser cache if needed.
App Crashes or Freeze
– Force close and restart the Facebook Lite app. Also try restarting your device.
– Update to the latest version of Facebook Lite if available.
– Check for any Android or iOS software updates and install them.
Can’t Login to Account
– Double check you are entering the correct email/password.
– Try resetting your Facebook password if you still can’t login.
– Logout then login again or reinstall Facebook Lite.
Features Missing
– Keep in mind Facebook Lite does not support all features. Refer to the table above for details.
– Switch back to the regular Facebook app if you require features like Live, Games, Marketplace etc.
And those are some basic troubleshooting tips for issues with Facebook Lite. Reach out to Facebook support for any persistent problems.
Conclusion
Switching to Facebook Lite provides a lighter, faster Facebook experience that uses less data and battery life, while still offering core social networking capabilities. Updating is quick and easy on both iPhone and Android.
Just download the Lite app, login with your account, and enjoy the streamlined Facebook version. With fewer bells and whistles but all the essential features, Facebook Lite is ideal for slower networks or older phones. Give it a try and see if the slimmed-down Lite app is right for you!