Facebook Not Loading? 10 Quick Fixes

Quick Fix

Clear your browser cache or force close the Facebook app and reopen it. If using the app, try switching from WiFi to mobile data or vice versa. Most Facebook loading issues are temporary glitches fixed by refreshing.

Understanding Facebook Loading Problems

When Facebook won’t load, you might see a blank white page, endless loading spinner, or error messages. This can happen on the mobile app, website, or both.

Common causes include internet connectivity issues, Facebook server outages, outdated apps, corrupted cache, or browser extensions interfering. Sometimes the problem is on Facebook’s end and affects millions of users simultaneously.

Before troubleshooting extensively, check if Facebook is down for everyone – this saves time when it’s a server issue.

Method 1: Check if Facebook is Down

1. Visit downdetector.com/status/facebook
2. Check for reported outages
3. Look at Twitter for #FacebookDown
4. If others report issues, wait for Facebook to fix it
5. Server outages usually resolve within hours
6. Try again later if there’s a confirmed outage

Method 2: Check Internet Connection

1. Try loading other websites or apps
2. If nothing loads, fix your internet first
3. Restart your WiFi router
4. Try switching from WiFi to mobile data
5. Move closer to your router for better signal
6. Test Facebook after connection is stable

Method 3: Force Close and Reopen App

1. iPhone: Swipe up from bottom, swipe Facebook away
2. Android: Settings > Apps > Facebook > Force Stop
3. Wait a few seconds
4. Open Facebook again
5. This clears temporary glitches
6. Try loading your feed

Method 4: Clear Facebook Cache

Mobile App:

1. Android: Settings > Apps > Facebook > Storage > Clear Cache
2. iPhone: Offload app in Settings or reinstall

Browser:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Delete (Mac)
2. Select cached images and files
3. Select cookies (you’ll need to log back in)
4. Click Clear Data
5. Reload Facebook

Method 5: Update Facebook App

1. Open App Store (iPhone) or Play Store (Android)
2. Search for Facebook
3. If Update button appears, tap it
4. Wait for update to install
5. Open Facebook and try again
6. Outdated apps often have bugs

Method 6: Disable Browser Extensions

1. Ad blockers and privacy extensions can break Facebook
2. Try opening Facebook in Incognito/Private mode
3. If it works in private mode, an extension is the cause
4. Disable extensions one by one to find the culprit
5. Add Facebook to your ad blocker’s whitelist

Method 7: Try a Different Browser

1. If using Chrome, try Firefox or Edge
2. If the app isn’t working, try the mobile website
3. Go to m.facebook.com in your phone’s browser
4. If a different browser works, the problem is browser-specific
5. Clear cache or reinstall the problematic browser

Method 8: Reinstall Facebook App

1. Uninstall Facebook from your device
2. iPhone: Hold icon > Remove App
3. Android: Settings > Apps > Facebook > Uninstall
4. Restart your phone
5. Download Facebook fresh from the app store
6. Log in again
7. Fresh install fixes most app issues

Preventing Future Loading Issues

• Keep the Facebook app updated
• Clear cache periodically
• Maintain a stable internet connection
• Don’t use too many browser extensions
• Report persistent issues to Facebook Help Center

FAQ

Why is Facebook slow but other sites work fine?

Facebook may be experiencing regional server issues, or your ISP may be throttling social media traffic. Try using a VPN to see if speeds improve. Also clear Facebook cache.

Why does Facebook load but show old posts?

This indicates a partial loading issue or aggressive caching. Pull down to refresh the feed, clear app cache, or log out and back in to force fresh content.

Why does only Facebook Messenger work?

Facebook and Messenger use different servers. Main Facebook may be down while Messenger works. Check downdetector for Facebook-specific outages.

Can my account be banned without warning?

If Facebook loads but you can’t access your account, you may be temporarily or permanently banned. Check your email for messages from Facebook explaining any restrictions.

Why does Facebook work on mobile data but not WiFi?

Your router or ISP may be blocking Facebook, or there’s a DNS issue. Try changing your WiFi’s DNS settings to Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).

Is Facebook Lite better for slow connections?

Yes, Facebook Lite uses less data and works better on slow or unstable connections. It’s designed for older phones and limited internet. Available on Android and as a mobile website.