How to Download Facebook Reels on iPhone and Android
Save public Facebook Reels and videos to your phone in HD without an app. Which links work, where the file goes, and why some Reels won't download.
Quick answer: on Facebook tap Share → Copy link on the Reel, paste it into the Facebook Video Downloader, choose a quality and tap Save. It works on iPhone and Android with no app. Only public Reels can be downloaded.
Step by step
- Copy the link. In the Facebook app, open the Reel, tap Share, then Copy link.
- Open SaveAnyReel in your phone's browser (Safari or Chrome) and paste the link.
- Pick a quality. You'll see the options Facebook offers: usually 720p or 1080p, and 360p for small files.
- Tap Save. Short Reels are ready in 10-20 seconds.
Link formats that work:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1234567890https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1234567890https://fb.watch/abc123/
Where does the file go?
| Phone | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| iPhone | Tap the download arrow (⬇) in Safari, open the video, then Share → Save Video to put it in Photos |
| Android | Chrome saves it to Downloads, and your Gallery or Google Photos usually shows it automatically |
Why won't my Reel download?
| Message | Reason | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| "This post looks private or restricted" | The Reel is friends-only or in a private group | Only public Reels work |
| "Media not found" | It was deleted or the link is incomplete | Copy the link again from the Reel itself |
| The link opens the app | A shortened share link | Long-press the link and choose Copy instead of opening it |
Quick test: open the link in a private or incognito window. If Facebook asks you to log in before it plays, it isn't public.
Video has sound but no picture on iPhone?
That is a codec issue, not a bad download. See Downloaded video has sound but no picture on iPhone. SaveAnyReel now makes iPhone-friendly H.264 files.
Which quality should I choose?
- 720p / 1080p: best for watching later or editing
- 360p: smallest, great for sending on WhatsApp. See 720p vs 1080p
A note on credit
Saving a public Reel to watch offline is personal use. If you repost it, tag the creator and ask permission first. See Is it legal to download social media videos?
Save a Reel now: Facebook Video Downloader →