You might have heard of "Facebook Lite"—a smaller, less demanding app ideal for old hardware. While this would be perfect for iOS 12, Meta discontinued Facebook Lite for iOS in due to low user adoption among iPhone owners. That version is no longer available for download from the App Store, even through the "purchased" trick. If you are on iOS 12.5.7, Facebook Lite is not an option.
Older versions of the app cannot support modern features like advanced Facebook Reels, certain marketplace tools, or complex 3D filters. If you notice specific missing features, switch to the Safari web app method detailed above to access full, modern desktop features.
Are you an iPhone user running iOS 12.5.7 and looking to download the Facebook app? Look no further! In this article, we'll walk you through the process of downloading Facebook on your iOS device, troubleshooting common issues, and provide some helpful tips and tricks.
Sign into your on a newer device (iPhone/iPad running iOS 13+). Download the Facebook app on that newer device. download facebook ios 12.5.7
"The current version requires iOS 13.4 or later, but you can download the last compatible version." What to do if you've never downloaded Facebook
Borrow an iPhone or iPad running a modern operating system (e.g., iOS 15, 16, or 17).
Close all background apps by double-clicking the Home button and swiping up on open windows. You might have heard of "Facebook Lite"—a smaller,
If you see an error in the App Store, follow these steps to trigger the download of the last compatible version: Open the App Store
Downloading Facebook on (typically for the iPhone 6 or 5s) requires a workaround because the current App Store version typically requires iOS 13.4 or later . How to Download an Older Compatible Version
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: Search for Facebook in your list of previously downloaded apps. Download Older Version Cloud Icon
It is a common issue for users with older iPhones, specifically the iPhone 6 and iPhone 5s, to find that they cannot download the latest Facebook app from the App Store. As of 2026, the official Facebook app requires , meaning iOS 12.5.7 is no longer officially supported.
Older versions of apps can struggle with modern server layouts. If your app crashes immediately: Force close the app and restart your device. If you are on iOS 12
Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and ensure "Set Automatically" is turned on. Incorrect system dates prevent Apple devices from verifying App Store security certificates.