To install an older version of Facebook on an iPhone running iOS 12.5.5, you must use the App Store's "Purchased" history feature. Since the current Facebook app requires iOS 13.4 or later, you cannot download it directly from the main store page on an older device. Installation Guide for iOS 12.5.5
Open the App Store: Ensure you are signed in with the Apple ID you previously used to download Facebook.
Navigate to Purchased: Tap your Profile icon (top right), then select Purchased.
Search for Facebook: Scroll or use the search bar to find "Facebook" in your history.
Download Previous Version: Tap the Cloud icon next to the app. A pop-up will appear stating, "The current version requires iOS 13.4 or later, but you can download the last compatible version."
Confirm: Tap Download to install the version compatible with iOS 12.5.5. Critical Limitations
Account History: If you have never "purchased" (downloaded) Facebook on that Apple ID before, it won't appear in your history. To fix this, you must "buy" the app on a newer device using the same Apple ID first. facebook old version for ios 1255 install
Third-Party IPA Files: Avoid downloading "old version" files from unofficial websites like Soft112, as these require dangerous "jailbreaking" or side-loading tools that can compromise your device security.
Web Browser Alternative: If the app is too slow, you can access Facebook via Safari or Chrome by visiting facebook.com.
You can install an older version of Facebook on iOS 12.5.5 by using the "Purchased" section of the App Store to trigger a prompt for a compatible version. 🛠️ How to Install on iOS 12.5.5
Since the current Facebook app requires iOS 13.4 or later, follow these steps to get the last compatible version: Open App Store: Tap your Profile Icon (top right). Go to Purchased: Select My Purchases. Search Facebook: Find it in your history. Tap Cloud Icon: Click the download button.
Confirm Downgrade: A popup will ask, "Download an older version of this app?"
Select Download: This installs the final version built for iOS 12. 💡 Key Features of the iOS 12 Version To install an older version of Facebook on
The older version (often around v280-v300) includes core functionality but lacks newer "heavy" features: Core Feed: Scroll, like, and comment on posts.
Groups & Pages: Full access to communities you manage or follow. Notifications: Real-time alerts for tags and messages. Marketplace: Buying and selling remains functional.
Lighter Performance: Fewer background processes than the current iOS 17+ versions. ⚠️ Important Limitations
Security: Older versions do not receive the latest security patches from Facebook Help Center.
Missing Features: No "Reels" editing tools or advanced privacy shortcuts.
Login Issues: If you use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), it may occasionally glitch on very old builds. "Facebook Keeps Crashing on Open"
Web Alternative: If the app crashes, use Facebook Mobile Web via Safari for better stability.
💡 Pro Tip: If Facebook hasn't been downloaded on your Apple ID before, you must first "purchase" it on a newer device (iOS 14+) using the same account. It will then appear in your iOS 12 "Purchased" list.
If you run into a "Verification Failed" error during the download, AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
hosts file (requires jailbreak).This method works on iOS 12.5.5 and is the most reliable way to install legacy apps without jailbreaking or sketchy third-party stores.
Prerequisites:
The Process:
The App Store will now pull the most recent version of Facebook that was coded for iOS 12. This is usually a build from late 2020 or early 2021. It is missing some newer features (like full Reels integration or the modern UI tweaks), but it is significantly faster and stable on older hardware.
Sites like TutuApp, AppValley, or PandaHelper sometimes host old Facebook IPAs. However, these are not safe — they can inject malware, steal login credentials, or violate Facebook’s terms.