Old Facebook Download 2017: How to Get the Previous Version of the App
Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over 2.8 billion monthly active users as of 2021. However, not everyone is happy with the latest version of the app, which has undergone many changes and updates over the years. Some users may prefer to use an older version of Facebook, such as the one from 2017, for various reasons. In this article, we will explain why you might want to download an older version of Facebook, how to do it on Android and iOS devices, and what are the risks and drawbacks of using an outdated app.
Why You Might Want to Download an Older Version of Facebook
There are several reasons why you might want to download an older version of Facebook, such as:
Compatibility Issues
Some older devices may not be able to run the latest version of Facebook smoothly, or at all. For example, if you have an Android device running on Android 4.0 or lower, or an iOS device running on iOS 9 or lower, you will not be able to install the latest version of Facebook from the official app stores . In that case, you might want to download an older version of Facebook that is compatible with your device’s operating system.
Privacy Concerns
Some users may have privacy concerns about the latest version of Facebook, which has been accused of collecting and sharing too much personal data from its users. For example, in 2018, Facebook was involved in a major scandal involving Cambridge Analytica, a political consulting firm that used data from millions of Facebook users without their consent to influence elections. In 2020, Facebook also faced backlash for its new privacy policy for WhatsApp, which required users to share their data with Facebook and its other apps. Some users may feel more comfortable using an older version of Facebook that has less intrusive data collection and sharing practices.
User Interface Preferences
Some users may simply prefer the user interface and design of an older version of Facebook, which they find more intuitive, user-friendly, or aesthetically pleasing. For example, some users may not like the new layout and features of the latest version of Facebook, such as the dark mode, the stories, the reels, or the marketplace. Some users may also miss some features that were removed or changed in newer versions of Facebook, such as the chronological news feed, the poke button, or the ticker. Some users may want to download an older version of Facebook that has their favorite features and layout.
How to Download and Install an Older Version of Facebook on Android
If you have an Android device and you want to download and install an older version of Facebook, such as the one from 2017, you will need to follow these steps:
Enable Unknown Sources
Since you will not be able to download an older version of Facebook from the official Google Play Store, you will need to enable unknown sources on your device. This will allow you to install apps from third-party sources that are not verified by Google. To do this, go to your device’s settings, then security or privacy, then toggle on unknown sources or allow installation from unknown sources. Note that this may vary depending on your device model and Android version. Be careful when enabling unknown sources, as this may expose your device to malware or viruses from untrusted sources.
Find a Reliable APK Source
Next, you will need to find a reliable source for the APK file of the older version of Facebook that you want to download. APK stands for Android Package Kit, and it is the file format used to distribute and install apps on Android devices. There are many websites that offer APK files of older versions of Facebook, such as APKMirror, APKPure, or Uptodown. However, not all of them are safe and trustworthy, so you should do some research and read reviews before downloading any APK file from them. You should also check the file size, version number, and permissions of the APK file before downloading it.
Download and Install the APK File
Once you have found a reliable source for the APK file of the older version of Facebook that you want to download, you can proceed to download and install it on your device. To do this, open your browser and go to the website where you found the APK file. Tap on the download button and wait for the file to be downloaded. Then, go to your device’s file manager and locate the downloaded APK file. Tap on it and follow the instructions to install it on your device. You may need to grant some permissions or confirm some warnings during the installation process. After the installation is complete, you can launch the older version of Facebook from your app drawer or home screen.
How to Download and Install an Older Version of Facebook on iOS
If you have an iOS device and you want to download and install an older version of Facebook, such as the one from 2017, you will need to follow these steps:
Jailbreak Your Device
Since you will not be able to download an older version of Facebook from the official App Store, you will need to jailbreak your device. Jailbreaking is a process that allows you to remove the restrictions and limitations imposed by Apple on your device, and gain root access to its system. This will allow you to install apps from third-party sources that are not verified by Apple. However, jailbreaking is not recommended by Apple, as it may void your warranty, expose your device to security risks, and cause instability or performance issues. To jailbreak your device, you will need to use a tool such as Checkra1n, Unc0ver, or Chimera, depending on your device model and iOS version. You should do some research and follow the instructions carefully before jailbreaking your device.
Find a Reliable IPA Source
Next, you will need to find a reliable source for the IPA file of the older version of Facebook that you want to download. IPA stands for iOS App Store Package, and it is the file format used to distribute and install apps on iOS devices. There are some websites that offer IPA files of older versions of Facebook, such as iPhoneCake, AppAddict, or iPABox. However, not all of them are safe and trustworthy, so you should do some research and read reviews before downloading any IPA file from them. You should also check the file size, version number, and permissions of the IPA file before downloading it.
Download and Install the IPA File
Once you have found a reliable source for the IPA file of the older version of Facebook that you want to download, you can proceed to download and install it on your device. To do this, open your browser and go to the website where you found the IPA file. Tap on the download button and wait for the file to be downloaded. Then, go to your device’s file manager and locate the downloaded IPA file. Tap on it and follow the instructions to install it on your device. You may need to grant some permissions or confirm some warnings during the installation process. After the installation is complete, you can launch the older version of Facebook from your app drawer or home screen.
Risks and Drawbacks of Using an Older Version of Facebook
While using an older version of Facebook may have some benefits for some users, it also comes with some risks and drawbacks that you should be aware of before downloading it. Some of them are:
Security Vulnerabilities
Using an older version of Facebook may expose your device and your data to security vulnerabilities that have been fixed or patched in newer versions. For example, in 2019, a security flaw in Facebook’s Android app allowed hackers to access users’ phone numbers. In 2020, another security flaw in Facebook’s iOS app allowed hackers to access users’ cameras. These flaws were fixed in later updates, but if you use an older version of Facebook, you may still be vulnerable to them or other potential threats. Therefore, using an older version of Facebook may compromise your security and privacy.
Missing Features and Updates
Using an older version of Facebook may also mean that you will miss out on some features and updates that have been added or improved in newer versions. For example, you may not be able to use some functions or services that require the latest version of Facebook, such as the dating feature, the gaming feature, or the messenger rooms. You may also not be able to see some content or posts that are created or shared using newer features, such as the 3D photos, the live videos, or the polls. Moreover, you may not be able to benefit from some bug fixes or performance enhancements that have been made in newer versions. Therefore, using an older version of Facebook may limit your functionality and experience.
Incompatibility with Other Apps and Services
Using an older version of Facebook may also cause some incompatibility issues with other apps and services that you use on your device. For example, some apps or websites may require you to log in or sign up using your Facebook account, but they may not support or recognize an older version of Facebook. This may prevent you from accessing or using those apps or websites. Alternatively, some apps or services may integrate with your Facebook account, but they may not work properly or sync correctly with an older version of Facebook. This may cause some errors or glitches in those apps or services. Therefore, using an older version of Facebook may interfere with your other apps and services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, downloading and installing an older version of Facebook, such as the one from 2017, is possible on both Android and iOS devices, but it requires some extra steps and precautions. Some users may prefer to use an older version of Facebook for various reasons, such as compatibility issues, privacy concerns, or user interface preferences. However, using an older version of Facebook also comes with some risks and drawbacks, such as security vulnerabilities, missing features and updates, and incompatibility with other apps and services. Therefore, you should weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding to download an older version of Facebook.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about downloading and installing an older version of Facebook:
Q: Can I download an older version of Facebook from the official app stores?
A: No, you cannot download an older version of Facebook from the official app stores, such as the Google Play Store or the App Store. The official app stores only offer the latest version of Facebook for download and update. To download an older version of Facebook, you will need to use third-party sources that provide APK files for Android devices or IPA files for iOS devices.
Q: Can I switch back to the latest version of Facebook after downloading an older version?
A: Yes, you can switch back to the latest version of Facebook after downloading an older version. To do this, you will need to uninstall the older version of Facebook from your device, and then download and install the latest version of Facebook from the official app stores. However, you may lose some data or settings that are not compatible or transferable between different versions of Facebook.
Q: Can I use both the older version and the latest version of Facebook on the same device?
A: No, you cannot use both the older version and the latest version of Facebook on the same device. You can only have one version of Facebook installed on your device at a time. If you try to install another version of Facebook while having a different version already installed, it will either overwrite the existing version or fail to install.
Q: Can I download any older version of Facebook that I want?
A: No, you cannot download any older version of Facebook that you want. You can only download older versions of Facebook that are available from third-party sources that provide APK files for Android devices or IPA files for iOS devices. However, not all third-party sources offer all older versions of Facebook, and some may only offer certain versions for certain devices or regions. Therefore, you may not be able to find or download the exact older version of Facebook that you want.
Q: Is it legal to download an older version of Facebook?
A: It is not illegal to download an older version of Facebook from third-party sources that provide APK files for Android devices or IPA files for iOS devices. However, it may violate the terms and conditions of service of Facebook or the official app stores. It may also infringe on the intellectual property rights of Facebook or its developers. Therefore, you should download and use an older version of Facebook at your own risk and discretion.
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