For a user on iOS 12.5.7, the official path is often a dead end. Meta currently requires for the Facebook app. When a user attempts a fresh download from the App Store , they are typically met with an error stating the app is "not compatible with this iPhone". This software wall effectively turns a perfectly functional piece of hardware into a "digital island," cut off from the most popular social platform on the planet. The "Last Compatible" Workaround
If you are still holding onto an older Apple device—such as an iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, or an early-generation iPad—you have likely encountered the dreaded "software update required" message when trying to download modern apps.
You can download Facebook for iOS 12.5.7 by exploiting Apple’s legacy compatibility feature in the App Store’s Purchase History. The app will function for basic use, but it is outdated, unsupported, and carries real security risks. For longevity, switch to the Safari web app method.
Apple allows users to download the "last compatible version" of an app if it was previously linked to their Apple ID. This is the safest and most reliable method to get Facebook on iOS 12.5.7. Step-by-Step Instructions: on your iOS 12.5.7 device. download facebook ios 12.5.7
First, I checked the App Store. The store’s interface looked the same, but the listing for Facebook warned that the current version required a newer iOS. That familiar ache: modern apps drifting beyond compatibility, leaving older devices stranded. The store, trying to be helpful, sometimes offers a “download last compatible version” prompt when you attempt to install an app that previously had a build supporting your iOS. But that only works if one crucial condition is met — the Apple ID trying to download must have downloaded that app before on any device (or at least be linked to a purchase record for it). If it’s the first time this Apple ID ever requested Facebook, the App Store typically refuses to serve an older build.
The App Store is designed to provide the latest version of apps. As of 2026, Facebook developers require iOS 13.4 or higher for the current app functionality. When you try to download it directly on an iPhone 6 (max OS 12.5.7), the app store denies the download because the hardware cannot support the newer software. Method 1: The "Purchased" Workaround (Best Working Method)
Yes, almost certainly. As Facebook updates its backend servers and APIs, older app versions gradually lose functionality. What works today may break tomorrow. This is why using Safari is a more future-proof solution. For a user on iOS 12
: A pop-up will appear stating, "The current version requires iOS 13.4 or later, but you can download the last compatible version." Tap Download to proceed. If you have never downloaded Facebook before:
Search for and download the app onto their device. This links the app license to your Apple ID permanently.
If the app workaround fails or performs poorly, the most reliable way to access Facebook on iOS 12.5.7 is via a web browser like Safari . Navigate to facebook.com in Safari. This software wall effectively turns a perfectly functional
or the account icon in the top right corner of the screen.
Return to your iOS 12.5.7 device, open the App Store, go to , and you should now see Facebook in your purchase history, allowing you to download the last compatible version.
To download Facebook on your iOS device, follow these simple steps: