How to Use Facebook Without the App

Let’s face it, we’re all paranoid about using the Facebook App on our iPhones. People have posted plenty of videos perpetuating a conspiracy theory about the stalker feature of the Facebook Messenger App see here and here. Facebook hasn’t done much to calm fears in the wake of continued concerns. If you’re still feeling a little creeped out following Zuckerberg’s testimony in Congress this week, fear not, we’ve got the answers for how you can use Facebook without the App and avoid life-imposing consequences altogether.

Step 1: DELETE THE FACEBOOK APP AND MESSENGER APP

This is a simple, but necessary first step. Don’t worry, none of your content will be deleted.

Step 2: OPEN SAFARI OR CHROME ON YOUR PHONE

Instead of opening Facebook from an app, simple use the mobile version accessible through your phone browser. Once open, go to www.facebook.com and sign in. Make sure to bookmark the page for quick access. You can also put a bookmark icon on your home screen so access closely mimics using the App. Basically all functionality is accessible through the mobile version including Ads and page management. One thing I’ve noticed that don’t seem to come through on mobile are Canvas Ads. Not a huge loss there from a user experience.

Step 3: BOOKMARK FULL FACEBOOK SITE

One of the downsides to the mobile browser version of Facebook is that it doesn’t allow you to access Messenger. The best workaround for how to access Facebook Messenger without the App is to use the full desktop version of Facebook. Go to https://www.facebook.com/home.php for the full version. It isn’t mobile friendly, but at least you’ll be able to access and respond to any messages in Messenger.

Step 4: SET UP NOTIFICATIONS IN MOBILE FACEBOOK

One of the few downsides to using the mobile site is that it doesn’t behave like the app and walk you through setting up notifications. However, you can go to Account Settings -> Notifications and set up your preferences for notifications on post updates.

Here are a few samples of how the mobile site and full site look in Safari on an iPhone.

Other FACEBOOK news from our blog:

Facebook News Feed Changes
Facebook Link Photos Not Showing
Why Does Facebook Search Suck?

About the Author
Ben Lindberg, CR is a partner at Lion Tree Group, a marketing and web development agency in Madison, WI. His expertise is in multi-platform brand messaging with a focus on inspiring homeowners. As an industry insider, he has walked the walk and developed a winning strategy from experience with one of Wisconsin’s largest remodeling companies. His agency specializes in digital design and branding face lifts. He regularly blogs on his company’s blog: The Bark and Roar.