Finding a way to install Facebook on older hardware like the iPhone 5S or iPhone 6—devices that max out at iOS 12.5.5, 12.5.6, or 12.5.7—can be a bit of a puzzle. Since the current Facebook app usually requires a much newer version of iOS, the standard "Get" button in the App Store often results in a "Not Compatible" error. Why the Standard Install Fails
| 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 | facebook old version for ios 1255 install
hosts file (requires jailbreak).Why this fails for most people: Because Facebook updates so frequently, unless you stopped using the app in 2018, your "last downloaded" version is likely v.250+. This method rarely yields 1255 anymore. Finding a way to install Facebook on older
The Quest for Facebook's Old Version on iOS: A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Version 12.5.5 Cause: Old APIs talking to new backend servers
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.
Core features (Feed, Messaging, Notifications) usually work, but newer UI updates and security patches are missing.
If you're concerned about the potential drawbacks, consider these alternatives: