If you try to access Facebook and see a message that your browser or browser version is not supported, it means your current web browser is too outdated for Facebook to work properly. Facebook regularly updates its platform and sometimes drops support for older browser versions in the process. Here are some common reasons why Facebook may show the browser not supported message and what you can do about it.
Your Browser Version is Too Old
The most likely reason Facebook says your browser is not supported is that you are using a very outdated version of your web browser. For example, you may be using Internet Explorer 8 or an old version of Chrome or Firefox from 5+ years ago. Facebook requires you to use a relatively modern browser version to ensure all features work properly.
Facebook currently supports the latest versions of popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. They recommend always keeping your browser up-to-date to the latest version available. If you are using an outdated version, you’ll need to update to continue accessing Facebook.
Here are the minimum browser version requirements according to Facebook as of October 2022:
- Google Chrome: Version 110+
- Mozilla Firefox: Version 78+
- Microsoft Edge: Version 91+
- Apple Safari: Version 12.1+
So if you are using Chrome 107 for example, you’ll need to update to Chrome 110 or later. In Firefox 69, update to Firefox 78 or later. Make sure you are running the latest browser version available and Facebook should start working again.
Update Your Browser
To update your browser on desktop:
- In Chrome, click the 3 dots in the top right > Help > About Google Chrome. This will trigger an update check.
- In Firefox, click the 3 lines in the top right > Help > About Firefox. This will start an update.
- In Safari, click Safari > About Safari in the menu bar. This will trigger an update.
- In Edge, click the 3 dots in the top right > Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge. Start an update here.
On mobile devices like iPhones and Androids, updating your browser is generally done through your device’s app store. Open the app store, go to the Updates section, and install any available updates for web browsers you have installed.
You’re Using an Unsupported Browser
Facebook also completely drops support for some older browsers like Internet Explorer. So even if you are on the latest IE version, Facebook may show the unsupported message. This is because very old browsers like IE do not support modern web standards and technology that Facebook uses.
For example, Internet Explorer has not been supported on Facebook since 2020. If you are still using IE, you’ll need to switch to a modern browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge to continue accessing Facebook.
Here are some major browsers that are no longer supported at all on Facebook as of October 2022:
- Internet Explorer
- Opera Mini
- Blackberry Browser
- Firefox ESR
- UCBrowser
If you are using any of those browsers, Facebook will show the unsupported message and not allow access. Install and switch over to a supported mainstream browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari instead.
Install a Supported Browser
To install a supported browser on desktop:
- Download Chrome here: https://www.google.com/chrome/
- Get Firefox here: https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/
- Download Edge here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge
- Get Safari for Macs here: https://www.apple.com/safari/
On iPhone or iPad, Safari comes pre-installed. On Android devices you can install Chrome or Firefox from the Google Play Store.
Once installed, set the new mainstream browser as your default. Now try loading Facebook again. It should work normally without any unsupported browser messages.
Your Browser is Missing Required Plugins
Some additional browser plugins like Flash Player were previously required to use certain Facebook features. If your browser is missing plugins that Facebook needs, it may show the unsupported message.
However, most modern browsers no longer depend on plugins like Flash. Facebook has also updated their platform to function properly without them. So this reason is less common now.
If you are getting an unsupported browser message, first make sure your browser is fully updated. Install a fresh supported browser like latest Chrome or Firefox if needed. This should make Facebook work again without needing any extra plugins.
You Have an Ad or Script Blocker Enabled
Browser extensions that block ads, trackers or scripts can sometimes interfere with Facebook’s functionality. This may cause Facebook to show the browser unsupported message, even if you are on a supported browser.
Try temporarily disabling any ad blockers, tracking protection, or script blocking extensions you have enabled. Reload Facebook and see if the unsupported browser message goes away.
If that fixes it, you can re-enable your extensions. But you may need to whitelist Facebook to prevent issues from occurring again. Refer to your specific ad blocker’s documentation to learn how to whitelist sites.
Your Browser is in Compatibility Mode
On Windows computers, you may have an old version of Internet Explorer still installed. Even if you mainly use Chrome or Firefox, IE compatibility modes can affect Facebook’s performance.
Open IE, then click the Gear icon > Compatibility View Settings. Make sure facebook.com is not listed here. Removing it from compatibility view can fix browser unsupported messages on Facebook.
You can also try uninstalling all old IE versions on your computer to prevent compatibility mode issues. IE is no longer needed for most websites including Facebook.
Facebook is Temporarily Down
In some cases, the unsupported browser message on Facebook may be caused by site issues rather than your browser. If Facebook is experiencing an outage or temporary glitch, it may show browser errors even if you are using a fully supported browser.
Check sites like DownDetector to see if Facebook is having widespread issues impacting many users. Try loading Facebook again after some time has passed. The unsupported browser message should go away once Facebook resolves their outage.
Conclusion
So in summary, reasons Facebook may say your browser is unsupported include using an outdated browser version, very old unsupported browser, missing plugins, ad blockers enabled, compatibility mode, or temporary Facebook issues. Updating to the latest version of a mainstream browser like Chrome and disabling any blocking extensions should resolve most browser unsupported messages on Facebook.