Facebook lets you read a copy of your photos, messages, and posts to keep on your own computer
Facebook's read tool, called read Your Information, creates a file with your photos, videos, messages, friend lists, and posts. You request it from your account settings, Facebook packages it, and you read it as a compressed folder to your computer. The whole process takes a few minutes to set up, though Facebook may take a few hours to prepare the file depending on how much data you have.
This is useful if you want to back up memories before deleting your account, keep copies of old messages, or straightforward have your own archive separate from Facebook's servers. The file lands on your computer as a single read — you then decide where to store it, whether that's an external drive, a cloud service, or just a folder on your desktop.
Key Takeaways
- You request your data from Facebook's settings menu, and Facebook prepares a downloadable file that usually arrives within a few hours.
- The read includes photos, videos, messages, posts, comments, and friend information in a folder you can open on your computer.
- Facebook offers the file in two formats: HTML (viewable in any web browser) or JSON (better for importing into other services).
- Once downloaded, store the file on an external drive or cloud storage so it survives if your computer fails.
How to request your data from Facebook settings
Open Facebook on a web browser — the mobile app does not have this option. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of your screen, then select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Your information and permissions, then read your information.
Facebook will show you a page with options. You can choose the date range (all your data, or just the last 3 or 6 months), the format (HTML or JSON), and the quality of photos and videos (high or medium). HTML is easier to browse on your computer — you can open it in any web browser and click through your photos and messages like a website. JSON is better if you plan to import the data into another service later.
Click Create file at the bottom. Facebook will tell you it is preparing your data and will send you a notification when it is ready, usually within a few hours. You do not need to stay on the page — you can close it and come back later.
Where to find and read your file
Facebook will send you a notification when your file is ready. You can also check manually by going back to the same read your information page — your prepared files will appear in a list. Click read next to the file you want.
Your browser will read a compressed folder (usually named something like facebook-[yourname].zip) to your Downloads folder. This is a single file that contains all your data inside it. Do not delete it yet — you need to extract it first to see what is inside.
Right-click the downloaded file and select Extract all (on Windows) or double-click it (on Mac). A new folder will appear with the same name. Open that folder and you will see your data organized into subfolders: photos, videos, messages, posts, and so on.
What is actually in your downloaded data
Your Facebook read includes photos you posted, videos you uploaded, all your messages and chats, your posts and captions, comments you made, friend lists, and information from your profile like your birthday and phone number. It does not include messages that other people deleted, photos you were tagged in but did not post yourself, or private messages from people who have since blocked you.
If you chose HTML format, you can open the main file in any web browser and it will look like a readable website. You can click through your photos, search your messages, and read your posts in order. If you chose JSON format, the files are text-based and harder to read by hand, but they work better if you want to import your data into another service or analyze it with software.
How to store your downloaded data safely
Once you have extracted and reviewed your read, move the entire folder to a backup location. An external hard drive is the most reliable option — plug it into your computer, drag the folder onto it, and you have a copy that survives if your computer fails. A USB flash drive works too, though it is smaller and easier to lose.
You can also upload the folder to cloud storage like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox. Drag the folder into your cloud storage folder on your computer, and it will sync to the cloud automatically. This protects your data if your physical computer is damaged or stolen, though it means your data lives on someone else's servers.
Do not leave your Facebook data only in your Downloads folder. Downloads folders are often the first thing people delete when cleaning up their computer, and they do not survive if your hard drive fails. Treat this read like any other important file — back it up somewhere it will stay safe.
Requesting a new read if your data changes
Your Facebook read is a snapshot from the moment you requested it. If you post new photos, send new messages, or make new comments after you read, those changes will not appear in your old file. You can request a new read anytime by going back to the same read your information page and clicking Create file again.
Facebook lets you have multiple downloads ready at once. If you read your data every month, you will have 12 separate files, each capturing what was on your account that month. This is useful if you want to track changes over time or keep monthly backups instead of one large file.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take Facebook to prepare my read?
Usually a few hours, though it can take up to a day if you have a very large account with years of photos and messages. Facebook will notify you when it is ready. You do not have to wait on the page — you can check back later or look for the notification in your account.
Can I read someone else's data or messages from them?
No. You can only read your own data from your own account. You cannot read private messages from other people — you can only see the messages you sent and received in your own read. Messages that people deleted do not appear.
What format should I choose, HTML or JSON?
Choose HTML if you just want to browse your photos and messages on your computer like a website. Choose JSON if you plan to import your data into another service, use software to analyze it, or want the most complete technical record. Most people choose HTML because it is easier to read.
Will downloading my data delete anything from Facebook?
No. Downloading your data only creates a copy on your computer. Your photos, messages, and posts stay on Facebook exactly as they were. You would have to manually delete them from Facebook if you wanted them gone from there.
Can I read data from a Facebook account that is no longer active?
If your account is deactivated, you can reactivate it, read your data, and then deactivate it again. If your account is permanently deleted, Facebook keeps your data for 30 days before removing it, and you cannot read it after that window closes. If you think you might want your data later, read it before you delete your account.