Facebook Lite is a slimmed down version of the Facebook app for Android devices. It provides the core Facebook experience while using less data and working on slower networks. Facebook Lite takes up less space on your device, launches quicker, and consumes less battery life than the standard Facebook app. If you are looking to install Facebook Lite on your Android device, this guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step.
Reasons to Use Facebook Lite
Here are some of the key benefits of using Facebook Lite on Android:
- Uses less data – The app is under 1MB in size and engineered to work in areas with limited bandwidth.
- Saves storage space – Facebook Lite takes up very little storage space on your device.
- Fast performance – The app launches quicker and runs smoothly even on older Android devices.
- Extended battery life – Facebook Lite consumes less battery than the standard Facebook app.
- Core features – Provides access to all the core Facebook features like News Feed, Messages, Notifications, Photos, etc.
- Free to use – Facebook Lite is completely free to download and use with no ads or hidden costs.
So if you want a fast and light Facebook experience on your Android device, Facebook Lite is the way to go. The app provides all core functionalities without taking up too many device resources.
Eligibility Criteria
Facebook Lite has some minimum requirements that your Android device needs to meet for installing and running the app smoothly:
- Android OS version – Your device should be running at least Android 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or higher.
- Screen resolution – The app requires a minimum screen resolution of 800×480 pixels.
- Storage space – Facebook Lite requires only around 100MB of free storage space on your device.
- Active internet connection – You’ll need a working internet connection for accessing the app and its features.
As long as your Android smartphone or tablet meets these basic criteria, you should be able to install and use Facebook Lite without issues. The app is designed to work even on relatively older Android models.
How to Install Facebook Lite on Android
Installing Facebook Lite is quick and straightforward. Here are the step-by-step instructions to get Facebook Lite on your Android device:
Step 1 – Enable Unknown Sources
Since Facebook Lite is not available on the Google Play Store, you need to enable installation from unknown sources on your Android device. Here’s how to do it:
- Open your phone’s Settings app.
- Tap on Security or Lock Screen and Security (varies by device).
- Look for an option called Install Unknown Apps or Install from Unknown Sources.
- Enable this option on your device.
This allows your device to install apps from sources other than the Google Play Store.
Step 2 – Download Facebook Lite APK
Now you can download the Facebook Lite APK file onto your device:
- Open your phone’s web browser and go to https://www.facebook.com/lite.
- Scroll down and tap on the Download for Android button.
- The latest APK file will start downloading.
- Once finished, tap on the notification to initiate the installation.
Alternatively, you can download the APK file directly from a trusted third-party website like APKMirror. Just make sure you are downloading the official unaltered APK file for best results.
Step 3 – Install the APK File
After the download completes, you can install Facebook Lite by following these instructions:
- Open your Android’s file manager app and go to the APK download folder.
- Tap on the Facebook Lite APK file.
- On the installation prompt, tap on Install.
- Accept the various permissions requested by the app to continue installation.
- Wait for the installation process to complete.
Once installed, you will see the Facebook Lite icon in your app drawer or home screen. Tap to open it.
Step 4 – Sign In
On first launch, Facebook Lite will ask you to log in or sign up:
- If you already have a Facebook account, enter your email/phone and password to log in.
- If you are new to Facebook, tap on Create New Account and follow the on-screen instructions to sign up.
After logging in, the app will open your Facebook News Feed and you’re all set to start using Facebook Lite on your Android!
How to Use Facebook Lite
Facebook Lite provides the core Facebook experience optimized for Android devices. Here’s an overview of how to use the app:
- News Feed – Scroll through your personalized feed to see posts from friends, pages, and groups you follow on Facebook.
- Stories – View stories shared by your connections on the Stories bar at the top.
- Messages – Tap the Messages icon to read and reply to your Facebook messages.
- Notifications – Access your notifications from the Notification icon.
- Menu – Tap the hamburger menu icon to access your profile, groups, pages, and other options.
- Posting – Tap the Photo icon from your News Feed to make a new text post, share photos/videos or start a Live broadcast.
Facebook Lite has stripped down but functional versions of all core Facebook features. The interface is clean and intuitive for quick access. Explore all sections of the app to discover what’s possible with Facebook Lite.
Tips for Using Facebook Lite
To get the best experience from Facebook Lite on your Android device, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Wi-Fi whenever possible to reduce mobile data usage.
- Enable auto-Updates so you always have the latest version.
- Turn on notifications to stay updated with what’s happening.
- Manage your privacy and security settings as per your preferences.
- Switch to Dark Mode under Settings > Theme for easier night-time usage.
- Disable Background App Refresh to conserve battery life.
- Clear the app cache occasionally if you face performance issues.
Following these best practices will help you optimize Facebook Lite for your Android device.
Troubleshooting Facebook Lite
In case you face any issues while using Facebook Lite, try these troubleshooting tips:
App Crashes or Won’t Open
- Update to the latest version of the app
- Reboot your Android device
- Clear Facebook Lite’s cache and data
- Uninstall and reinstall the app
Can’t Login
- Check your internet connection
- Make sure you enter the correct email/password
- Reset your Facebook password if needed
- Clear Facebook Lite’s cached data and try logging in again
Notifications Not Working
- Enable notifications in the Facebook Lite app
- Allow Facebook Lite to run in the background
- Check notification settings on your Android device
- Force close and restart the Facebook Lite app
If the issues persist, you can reach out to Facebook Support or post on the Facebook Lite Community page for help.
Conclusion
Installing and using Facebook Lite is quick and easy on most Android devices. It provides the core Facebook experience without taking up too many resources. The app works even on slow networks and older smartphones. Just enable external app downloads, install the APK file, log into your account, and you’re good to go. Refer to this guide anytime you need a refresher on using Facebook Lite for Android. Share it with friends and family to help them install the app on their devices as well.