There are a few common reasons why Facebook links may not be opening properly when clicked:
You’re using an outdated version of Facebook
Facebook is constantly releasing new updates to its platform. If you haven’t updated the Facebook app on your phone or the Facebook website in a while, you may be using an outdated version. Older versions of Facebook sometimes have bugs or issues with opening links properly. Make sure you have downloaded the latest version of the Facebook app on your phone or clear your browser cache if you’re using Facebook on your computer.
Your browser cookies or cache need to be cleared
Often when links aren’t working properly on Facebook, it’s an issue with your browser’s cookies or cache rather than an issue with Facebook itself. Try clearing your browser cookies and cache and then testing Facebook links again. Here are instructions for clearing cookies and cache on some popular browsers:
Google Chrome
On your computer, open Chrome. Click on the 3 vertical dots in the top right corner and select Settings. Click “Privacy and security” on the left. Click “Clear browsing data”. Select “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files”. Click “Clear data”.
Mozilla Firefox
Click on the 3 lines in the top right corner. Go to Options. In the Privacy & Security tab, click on “Cookies and Site Data”. Click “Clear Data”. Check “Cookies and Site Data” and click “Clear”.
Safari
Click Safari in the top left corner. Select Preferences. Go to the Privacy tab and click “Manage Website Data”. Click “Remove All”.
There’s an issue with your internet connection
Links failing to open on Facebook can also point to a problem with your internet connection rather than an issue with Facebook. Links require your device to connect to the internet to open, so if there is an interruption in your connection, links may fail to work properly. Try disconnecting and reconnecting to the wifi or turning airplane mode on and off to reset your connection.
Facebook links contain errors
In some cases, the links themselves that are shared on Facebook contain errors or point to broken URLs. If a link keeps failing to open, copy the link URL and try opening it in a new browser tab. If the link fails to open in the new tab as well, it likely contains an error or broken URL that needs to be fixed by the owner of the original post.
Your Facebook account is restricted
If you’ve recently violated Facebook’s terms of service, your account may have been temporarily restricted from certain features, including opening external links. You’ll need to check if your account has been restricted due to policy violations and follow the instructions provided by Facebook to restore full access.
Facebook is having server issues
Like any website or platform, Facebook can experience occasional server outages or glitches that affect certain features. If many users are reporting problems opening links on Facebook around the same time, it likely indicates wider server issues that Facebook’s engineers need to investigate and resolve. Check Facebook’s public status pages or follow their social media accounts to see if they’ve reported any known issues.
Your Facebook security settings are blocking links
Facebook has advanced security and privacy settings that allow you to control exactly what your account can access. It’s possible your enhanced security settings are blocking certain links from opening properly. Go to your Facebook account settings and look for options like “Block links redirecting out of Facebook” or “Enable link scanning” that may be preventing links from working.
Tips for troubleshooting Facebook links
Here are some general tips for troubleshooting and fixing non-working Facebook links:
- Update to the latest version of the Facebook app and clear your browser cookies/cache
- Check your internet connection and reconnect if needed
- Try opening the original post’s link in a new browser tab
- See if Facebook has reported any server outages
- Review your Facebook security and privacy settings
- Try logging out and back into your Facebook account
- Report the issue directly to Facebook if it persists
When to seek further help
If you’ve tried all the basic troubleshooting tips above and links still aren’t working on your Facebook account, reach out to Facebook directly for help diagnosing the issue:
- Go to the Facebook Help Center and search for your issue
- Ask friends or followers if they’re experiencing the same problem
- Report a problem through your Facebook account settings
- Contact Facebook support online or by phone
A Facebook support representative can provide personalized help getting your link functionality restored. They may need to review your account details, security settings, and recent activity to pinpoint what’s causing links to break.
Preventing Facebook link issues
While occasional Facebook link problems are inevitable, there are some tips that can help minimize issues in the future:
- Keep your Facebook app and browser updated
- Don’t click sketchy or questionable links in posts
- Enable enhanced Facebook security settings
- Beware of internet connectivity problems disrupting links
- Regularly clear your browser cookies, cache, and data
- Use reputable anti-virus/malware software
Practicing good security and having the latest Facebook updates can go a long way in ensuring links open smoothly. But in the event you do encounter malfunctioning links, use the troubleshooting steps outlined above to get back on track.
Facebook link FAQs
Why do some Facebook links work but others don’t?
If some Facebook links are opening normally while others aren’t, the problematic links likely contain errors themselves or are pointing to temporarily broken web pages. Try copying the faulty link URLs and opening them in new browser tabs to test.
Why does Facebook say a link is spam?
Facebook has automatic filters in place to try and identify spammy or dangerous links and stop them from posting. Sometimes valid links get accidentally flagged as spam. You can report the incorrect spam classification to Facebook to get it fixed.
Can you get a virus from Facebook links?
Fake or compromised Facebook accounts sometimes share links designed to spread viruses and malware. It’s best to only click links from people and Pages you trust. Keep your antivirus software updated to catch any potential infections.
Why are my Facebook links redirecting strangely?
Scammy links will sometimes redirect you to strange external sites. Check your Facebook security settings and make sure you don’t have any browser extensions installed that could be redirecting links. Links should go directly to their stated destinations.
How do I request restoration of my Facebook account’s link functions?
If your account has had major functionality like links restricted, go to the Facebook Help Center and submit an appeal. Explain why you believe the restrictions are invalid or excessive and request full reinstatement of features.
The bottom line
Facebook links failing to open is usually just a temporary glitch that can be fixed with some basic troubleshooting. Clearing your browser data, updating Facebook, and checking your internet connection will solve many issues. For ongoing problems, dig deeper into your specific account and security settings. With the right triage, you can get your Facebook links working again smoothly.