Facebook not loading does not always mean there is a global outage. Here is how to figure out what is actually going on.
Check if it is just you
Before assuming Facebook itself is down, rule out the simple causes first.
- Check your internet connection. Try loading another website to confirm your connection is working.
- Restart the app. Force close and reopen the Facebook app, or refresh the page in your browser.
- Try a different network. Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data, or vice versa, to see if the problem follows you.
- Update the app. An outdated version of the Facebook app can sometimes cause loading issues that look like an outage.
Check for a wider outage
If the basics check out and Facebook still is not loading, it may be a broader issue. Search social media (from another platform) for terms like “Facebook down” to see if other people are reporting the same problem, or check a third-party outage tracking site. Widespread outages are usually resolved within a few hours and are reported quickly because so many people notice at once.
What to do while you wait
If Facebook is genuinely down, there is not much you can do except wait, since the issue is on Facebook’s servers rather than your device. Avoid repeatedly logging in and out, as this does not speed anything up and can occasionally trigger extra security checks once the service is back.
Frequently asked questions
Why does only Messenger or only the main app not work?
Facebook’s different products (the main app, Messenger, Marketplace) sometimes have separate outages, so one can be affected while the others work normally.
How long do Facebook outages usually last?
Most are resolved within minutes to a few hours. Longer outages are rare but do happen occasionally.