Installing the Facebook app on a device running iOS 12.5.5 (like an iPhone 6 or 5s) is a bit of a "good news, bad news" situation. While the App Store officially requires iOS 13.4 or later
, there is a reliable workaround to get the "last compatible version". The "Last Compatible" Install Trick
If you try to download Facebook directly and see an error message, follow this method to force the App Store to offer an older version: Use a Newer Device First
: Log in to your Apple ID on a newer iPhone/iPad (one that already supports the current Facebook app). "Purchase" the App
: Download Facebook on that newer device so it’s linked to your account history. Go Back to Your iOS 12 Device : Open the App Store and tap your Profile Icon Download from History : Search for Facebook here and tap the Cloud Icon Confirm the Downgrade : A pop-up will ask: "Download an older version of this app?" Review: Facebook on iOS 12.5.5
Expect frequent crashes. Older versions aren't optimized for modern Facebook features like Reels or heavy video. Performance
On devices with 1GB of RAM (iPhone 6/5s), the app feels sluggish. Page loading and scrolling will be jittery.
Core features (Feed, Messaging, Notifications) usually work, but newer UI updates and security patches are missing.
You are running an unpatched version of the app on an old OS. It's riskier for your personal data. The Better Alternative: Web Browser
If the app is too slow or keeps crashing, your best bet is using facebook.com in your browser. It uses fewer system resources than the app. : Tap the "Share" icon in Safari and select "Add to Home Screen" to create a shortcut that looks and acts like an app icon. Are you trying to get this working on an older iPad How can i install Facebook in ios 12.5.5
I understand you're looking to install an old version of Facebook (iOS build 1255) to create a Story, but I need to give you some important context:
iOS 1255 corresponds to a very old Facebook version (likely from 2015–2016). Here's why that's problematic:
App Store doesn't support old versions — You cannot directly install a specific old build number (1255) from the App Store. iOS always downloads the latest compatible version for your device.
Security risks — Sideloading old Facebook versions exposes you to known exploits, malware, and data theft.
No Stories support — Facebook Stories were introduced in early 2017 (version 140+). Version 1255 predates Stories entirely — you wouldn't be able to create one anyway.
What you can do instead:
If you're on a legacy iOS version (like iOS 9 or 10) that no longer supports newer Facebook versions, you won't be able to use the Stories feature at all — it requires newer app APIs.
Would you like help creating a Story on the current version of Facebook instead?
The Quest for Facebook's Old Version on iOS: A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Version 12.5.5
In the ever-evolving world of social media, Facebook has become an integral part of our lives. With its constant updates and new features, some users may find themselves longing for the simplicity and familiarity of older versions. One such version that has garnered significant interest is Facebook version 12.5.5 for iOS. Although Facebook no longer supports or provides direct downloads for older versions of its app, there are methods to install Facebook old version for iOS 12.5.5. This article aims to guide you through the process, highlighting the reasons behind seeking older versions and the steps to achieve this.
Why Seek Older Versions of Facebook?
Before diving into the process, it's essential to understand why one might prefer an older version of Facebook. Some reasons include:
The Challenge with Older Versions
Facebook, like many app developers, regularly updates its application to enhance performance, security, and user experience. This means older versions of the app are not supported anymore, and users looking to install them face a challenge. The App Store no longer lists older versions of apps once they've been updated, making it seem like a straightforward download is out of the question. facebook old version for ios 1255 install
Methods to Install Facebook Old Version for iOS 12.5.5
Although direct installation from the App Store isn't possible, there are alternative methods. However, it's crucial to note that these methods may carry risks, such as potential security vulnerabilities, since the app won't receive updates.
Facebook version 1255 for iOS is not a practical daily driver. It is a digital artifact. Installing it requires either a time machine (an old iPhone on an obsolete OS) or a high tolerance for sideloading troubleshooting.
However, for the 20 minutes you scroll through it, you remember what social media felt like before the algorithm turned into a casino. It was slower, quieter, and arguably, better. As Facebook pushes further into the metaverse and AI-generated content, builds like 1255 serve as a reminder of the product we originally signed up for: a simple, blue rectangle connecting you to your friends.
If you have an old iPhone 6 in a drawer, and an evening to spare, give it a try. Just don't expect to post a Reel.
Disclaimer: Downloading and sideloading modified or old IPAs violates Facebook's Terms of Service. Your account may be flagged for "suspicious activity" or temporarily locked. Use at your own risk and never install untrusted IPAs from unknown sources on a device with banking information.
Finding a way to install Facebook on older hardware like the iPhone 5S or iPhone 6—devices that max out at iOS 12.5.5, 12.5.6, or 12.5.7—can be a bit of a puzzle. Since the current Facebook app usually requires a much newer version of iOS, the standard "Get" button in the App Store often results in a "Not Compatible" error. Why the Standard Install Fails
Apple and Meta (Facebook) frequently update their security protocols and features. As a result, the "minimum requirements" for the app move forward. When you try to download Facebook on iOS 12.5.5 today, the App Store sees that the current version requires iOS 13.4 or later and simply stops the download.
However, Apple’s servers still host the older, compatible versions; you just need to know the "backdoor" to trigger the download. Method 1: The "Purchased" Section Trick (Most Reliable)
This is the safest and most official way to get Facebook. This method works if you have previously downloaded Facebook on your Apple ID account at any point in the last decade. Open the App Store on your iOS 12.5.5 device.
Tap on your Profile Picture/Apple ID icon in the top right corner. Select Purchased (or "My Purchases"). Use the search bar to find Facebook. Tap the Cloud Icon next to the app name.
Crucial Step: A pop-up will appear saying: "Download an older version of this app? The current version requires iOS 13.4 or later, but you can download the last compatible version." Tap Download. Method 2: The "New Apple ID" Workaround
If you have a brand-new Apple ID or never "purchased" Facebook before, the method above won't work because Facebook isn't in your history. To fix this:
Find a friend or family member who has a newer device (iPhone 11, 12, 13, etc.).
Temporarily sign in to your Apple ID on their newer device’s App Store.
Download Facebook. This "tags" the app to your account history. Sign out of their device.
Go back to your iOS 12.5.5 device and follow Method 1. Facebook will now appear in your "Purchased" list. Method 3: The Web App Alternative (Battery Saver)
If the older version of the app is too laggy or crashes frequently (common on devices with only 1GB of RAM), the best experience is often found through Safari. Open Safari and go to facebook.com. Log in to your account. Tap the Share button (the square with an up arrow). Scroll down and select Add to Home Screen.
This creates an icon on your home screen that functions like an app but uses significantly less system resources than the native Facebook app. A Warning on IPA Files and Jailbreaking
You may see websites offering "Facebook .IPA" files for iOS 12. Proceed with extreme caution. Downloading app files from third-party sites can expose your Facebook login credentials to hackers. Stick to the App Store "Purchased" method whenever possible to ensure the app remains signed by Apple's security certificates. Troubleshooting Performance
Once installed on iOS 12.5.5, the app may feel slow. To speed things up:
Disable Auto-Play Videos: Go to Facebook Settings > Media > Autoplay > Never Autoplay Videos.
Clear Safari Cache: If using the web version, go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. Installing the Facebook app on a device running iOS 12
Installing the Facebook app on devices running iOS 12.5.5 (like the iPhone 5s, 6, or 6 Plus) is challenging because the current app officially requires iOS 13.4 or later
. Since these devices cannot be updated to iOS 13, you must use specific workarounds to access a compatible older version. Apple Support Community Recommended Installation Methods Download via Purchase History (Most Reliable)
If you have downloaded Facebook before using your Apple ID, you can often trigger a prompt for an older version: and tap your Profile Icon (or "My Purchases"). Search for "Facebook" and tap the Cloud icon to download. If a prompt appears saying the app is incompatible, select "Download"
when asked if you want to download the last compatible version. The "Newer Device" Trick
If you have never downloaded Facebook on your Apple ID before, it won't show up in your history. Log in with your Apple ID on a newer iPhone that supports current iOS versions. Download the Facebook app on that newer device. Return to your iOS 12.5.5 device , go to the
section in the App Store, and the app should now be available to download as an "older version". Web Browser Workaround
If the app installation fails or runs too slowly, the most stable alternative is to use the Safari web interface Open Safari and go to facebook.com Share icon (square with an up arrow) at the bottom. "Add to Home Screen" to create a shortcut that looks like an app icon. Advanced "Hail Mary" Methods For users comfortable with more technical solutions:
Title: "Tips for Using Facebook on Older iOS Devices"
Story:
Hey friends! I know some of you might still be using older iOS devices, like iOS 12.5.5. I want to share some helpful tips on how to use Facebook on your device:
1. Update Facebook to the Latest Compatible Version: Make sure you're running the latest version of Facebook that's compatible with your iOS device. You can check for updates in the App Store.
2. Use Facebook's Lite Version: If you're experiencing slow performance or crashes, try using Facebook Lite. It's a lighter version of the app that's designed for slower networks and older devices.
3. Adjust Your Settings: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, and see if there's any storage space available. You can also consider deleting some data or upgrading your storage plan.
4. Clear Cache and Cookies: Clearing cache and cookies can help resolve issues with the app. Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.
5. Reach Out to Facebook Support: If you're experiencing any issues, feel free to reach out to Facebook's support team for help.
Bonus Tip: Consider using Facebook's web version (m.facebook.com) on your mobile browser for a more optimized experience.
Share with Friends: Share this post with friends who might still be using older iOS devices, and let's help each other out!
Like and Comment: If you have any other tips or questions, please share them in the comments below!
Stay Connected: Stay connected with friends and family, no matter what device you're using!
Directly installing the latest Facebook app on iOS 12.5.5 is not possible because the current version requires iOS 13.4 or later. However, you can still get a compatible older version using the "Purchased" history workaround or by using the web version. 🛠️ How to Install a Compatible Old Version
Apple allows you to download the "last compatible version" of an app if it was previously linked to your Apple ID.
Check Your History: Open the App Store and tap your Profile Icon. Go to Purchases: Select Purchased (or My Purchases).
Search for Facebook: Use the search bar to find the app in your list. Download: Tap the Cloud Icon. App Store doesn't support old versions — You
Confirm: A popup will appear saying, "Download an older version of this app?" Tap Download.
If you never downloaded Facebook before:You must first "purchase" (add to account) the app on a newer device (iPhone 8 or newer) using the same Apple ID. Once it's in your history, it will appear in the "Purchased" section of your iOS 12 device. 🌐 The "Web App" Alternative (Recommended)
If the old app is too slow or buggy, the best alternative for iOS 12 is to use the Safari browser.
Your iPhone 5s or iPad Mini 2 still has a lot of life left in it. Don't let the App Store version numbers tell you otherwise. By using the hidden "Purchased" menu, you can bypass the iOS 13 requirement and get back to scrolling, liking, and sharing on the social network we all love to hate.
Have you successfully installed an older version? Let us know if the "Purchased" method worked for your device in the comments below
To install an older version of Facebook on a device running iOS 12.5.5 (such as an iPhone 6 or 5s), you can use the App Store's built-in compatibility feature. While the latest Facebook app typically requires iOS 13.4 or later, Apple allows users to download the last compatible version if the app was previously linked to their Apple ID. Steps to Install the Compatible Version
If you have downloaded Facebook before using your current Apple ID, follow these steps:
Open the App Store and tap on your profile icon (top right). Tap on Purchased (or "My Purchases"). Search for "Facebook" in your list of apps.
Tap the cloud icon to download. A prompt should appear stating: "The current version requires iOS 13.4 or later, but you can download the last compatible version.". Select Download to proceed. If You Have Never Downloaded Facebook
If Facebook is not in your "Purchased" list, the App Store may block the download. You can bypass this by:
Using a Newer Device: Sign in with your Apple ID on a newer iPhone (iOS 13+) and "Get" the Facebook app. Then, return to your iOS 12.5.5 device; the app will now appear in your Purchased history and allow the "last compatible version" download. Best Features of the iOS 12 Compatible Version
The older version of Facebook supported by iOS 12.5.5 still offers core social features, though it lacks newer generative AI tools. Facebook - App Store
Installing Facebook on iOS 12.5.5 (and newer versions like 12.5.7) is challenging because the official Facebook app now requires iOS 13.4 or later
. Since devices like the iPhone 5s, 6, and 6 Plus cannot update past iOS 12, standard App Store downloads will fail with a compatibility error. Apple Support Community Installation Methods for Legacy Devices
There are three primary ways to bypass these restrictions for older iOS versions: 1. The "Purchased History" Workaround (Easiest) Apple allows you to download the last compatible version
of an app if it's already in your account's "Purchased" history.
Short answer: It is extremely difficult and not officially supported.
Long answer: Facebook, like Apple, does not allow downgrading to arbitrary old versions through the App Store. However, there are three potential methods — each with serious caveats.
Sideloadly is the modern successor to Cydia Impactor. Download it from the official website (sideloadly.io).
This is the only official method Apple provides. It works if and only if your Apple ID previously downloaded Facebook version 1255 when it was current.
No. The nostalgia for a simpler Facebook is understandable, but installing version 1255 in 2025 is impractical and dangerous. You will face login blocks, missing features, and serious security risks.
Instead, use Facebook in Safari with content blockers, or switch to Facebook Lite if available. If you truly hate the modern app, consider deactivating Facebook and using the web interface only when needed.
Remember: When an app is that old, it’s not just the interface that ages — the security does too.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Downloading and installing modified or outdated apps may violate Facebook’s Terms of Service and Apple’s security policies. Proceed at your own risk.
Using tools like AltStore, SideStore, or Sideloadly, you can install an old .ipa on a non-jailbroken iPhone running iOS 14, 15, 16, or 17.