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
To install Facebook on a device running iOS 12.5.5, you must download a compatible legacy version, as the current Facebook app requires iOS 13.4 or higher.
Method 1: Using the "Purchased" Section (No Computer Needed)
This is the most reliable way to prompt the App Store to offer an older, compatible version. Open the App Store on your iPhone 5s, 6, or 6 Plus. Tap your Profile Icon in the top-right corner. Navigate to "Purchased" (or "My Purchases").
Search for "Facebook" in the list of apps you have previously downloaded. Tap the Cloud/Download Icon.
Confirm the Prompt: A message should appear stating, "Download an older version of this app?" Select Download to install the last version compatible with iOS 12. Method 2: Using a Newer iPhone (To Enable the Download)
If Facebook is not in your "Purchased" history, it will not offer the older version. You can fix this using a friend's or family member's newer device. facebook old version for ios 1255 install
Sign in to the App Store on a newer iPhone (iOS 14 or later) using your Apple ID.
Download Facebook on that newer device. This adds the app to your account's permanent "Purchased" history.
Return to your iOS 12.5.5 device and go back to the Purchased section in the App Store as described in Method 1.
The Facebook app will now appear with a cloud icon, allowing you to download the legacy version. Alternative: Use Facebook via Safari
If the app is too slow or crashes frequently—a common issue on older hardware—the web version is often more stable.
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.
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. Installing the Facebook app on a device running iOS 12
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.
You're looking for information on an older version of Facebook for iOS, specifically version 1255. Here are some insights:
Some key features of Facebook version 1255 include:
Keep in mind that using an older version of Facebook might not be the most secure or stable experience. Facebook has released many updates and security patches since version 1255, so it's recommended to use the latest version of the app.
To install Facebook on an older device running iOS 12.5.5, you generally need a "workaround" because the current version of Facebook requires iOS 13.4 or later Apple Support Community Recommended Workarounds The "Purchased" List Trick (Easiest Method)
If you have previously downloaded Facebook using your Apple ID on
device, you can often download a compatible older version directly to your iOS 12 device: on your iOS 12 device profile icon/avatar and go to the AppleInsider Search for cloud download icon
. A prompt should appear asking if you want to "Download an older version of this app." Select AppleInsider Using a Newer Device first If Facebook is
in your purchase history, you can "force" it there using a newer iPhone: Log in to your on a newer iPhone (running iOS 13 or later) Download the Facebook app on that newer device. Now, go back to your older iOS 12 device , open the App Store > Purchased , and the cloud icon should now appear for download The Browser Shortcut (No Install Required)
If the app methods fail or the older version is too slow, many users find using a mobile browser is the most reliable experience on older hardware Apple Support Community facebook.com button (square with an up arrow). Add to Home Screen Simplicity : New updates often bring changes to
. This creates an icon on your home screen that functions similarly to an app Advanced/Alternative Options
If you are holding an iPhone 5s, an iPhone 6, or even the original iPad Air, you likely know the specific frustration of the "iOS 12.5.5 Wall."
Your device works perfectly fine. The screen isn't cracked, the battery holds a charge, and it plays music just fine. But when you try to open Facebook, you’re hit with the dreaded prompt: "Update required to use this app." And when you hit "Update," the App Store gives you the final blow: "This application requires iOS 13 or later."
It feels like planned obsolescence at its finest. But before you toss your perfectly good device in a drawer, there is a workaround. If you have a specific version number in mind—like the elusive Facebook v255—or just want the app working again, here is your guide to breathing new life into your older iOS device.
Instead of chasing a risky, broken old version, consider these safer options:
| Alternative | Why It Works | |---|---| | Facebook Lite (via Safari or third-party IPA) | Lightweight, data-friendly, runs on old iOS | | Use Safari mobile website | Add to Home Screen — feels like an app, no forced updates | | Friendly Social Browser (App Store) | Third-party client with chronological feed and ad blocking | | Frost for Facebook (if you can sideload) | Open-source, clean UI, supports older iOS | | Downgrade to iOS 12 + older Facebook (jailbreak only) | Only for advanced users with device backups |
There is a hidden benefit to running the "legacy" version of Facebook on iOS 12.5.5.
Modern Facebook apps are bloated. They are constantly running background processes, tracking metrics, and loading high-resolution assets that choke the A7 chip in the iPhone 5s. The older version you just installed is leaner. It uses less RAM and, frankly, feels snappier on older devices than the modern app does on a new iPhone 14.
You might find that your battery lasts longer, too.
Here is where most dreamers fail. iOS does not allow you to simply install old versions of apps from the App Store.
Apple’s ecosystem is designed for security and uniformity. You cannot download Facebook.ipa (iOS App Store package) version 1255 and sideload it like an Android .apk. However, there are three methods, ranging from impossible to moderately difficult.
Honestly? Only for specific use cases.
| Pros of Facebook 1255 | Cons of Facebook 1255 | | :--- | :--- | | Lightning fast on old devices | No Stories, Reels, or Live | | Uses 50% less battery | Broken chat (requires separate app) | | Classic UI (no TikTok clone) | Security vulnerabilities | | No advertisements in Groups | Cannot react with emojis (only Like) |
If you are using an iPhone 5s, 6, or 6 Plus on iOS 10 or 11, performing a Facebook old version for iOS 1255 install will breathe new life into your device. You will scroll the newsfeed without stutter.
If you have an iPhone X or newer, stay on the modern version. The features you lose (video calling, stories, marketplace buying) outweigh the speed gains.
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.