Installing the official Facebook app on iOS 12.5.5 (typically for iPhone 5s, 6, or 6 Plus) is no longer supported directly, as Meta now requires iOS 13.4 or later. However, you can still access Facebook by downloading a "last compatible version" or using alternative access methods. Methods for Accessing Facebook on iOS 12.5.5
Download Last Compatible Version (Recommended):If you have downloaded Facebook with your Apple ID in the past, you can often download an older version. Open the App Store and tap your Profile Icon. Go to the Purchased section. Search for "Facebook" and tap the cloud download icon.
A prompt will appear asking if you want to "Download an older version of this app?" Select Download.
Use a Newer Device for Activation:If you haven't "purchased" Facebook before, sign in to your Apple ID on a newer device (running iOS 13+) and download Facebook there. This adds the app to your "Purchased" history, allowing you to follow the steps above on your iOS 12 device.
Web Browser Access:Meta has officially ceased support for iOS 12 on its main apps, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Using the Facebook Mobile Site via Safari is the most reliable way to access your account without hardware limitations or security risks from unofficial IPA files. Summary of Compatibility
Facebook IPA for iOS 12.5.5: How to Install on Older iPhones facebook ipa for ios 1255
If you are using an older device like the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, or iPhone 6 Plus, you have likely encountered a frustrating message: "This application requires iOS 13.4 or later". Because these devices are capped at iOS 12.5.5 (or the slightly newer security updates like 12.5.7), the standard App Store version of Facebook is no longer compatible.
However, there are still several ways to access Facebook on your legacy device without needing a newer phone. 1. The "Purchased" Method (Recommended)
This is the safest and most reliable way to get a compatible version of Facebook without searching for sketchy IPA files online.
Requirements: You must have "purchased" (downloaded) Facebook on your Apple ID at some point in the past. Step-by-Step: Open the App Store on your iPhone 6 or 5s. Tap your Profile Icon in the top right corner. Go to Purchased (or "My Purchases"). Search for "Facebook" in the list. Tap the Cloud Download icon.
When the prompt appears saying the current version isn't compatible, tap Download to install the "last compatible version" for your device. Installing the official Facebook app on iOS 12
Pro Tip: If you’ve never downloaded Facebook before, sign in with your Apple ID on a friend's newer iPhone (iOS 14+) and download Facebook there first. Once it’s in your "Purchased" history, it will appear on your older device for download. 2. Using IPA Files via Sideloading
If the App Store method fails, some users look for Facebook IPA files to sideload. An IPA is the installation package for iOS apps.
Facebook not working on my iOS 12.5.5 - Apple Support Community
The primary reason users seek out Facebook IPAs is legacy support.
Apple stops updating older devices eventually. The iPhone 6, for example, is stuck on iOS 12.5.5. Meanwhile, Meta (Facebook) constantly updates their app to require newer iOS versions for security and feature reasons. Steal your login credentials
By finding an older version of the Facebook IPA, you can bypass the App Store restriction and install a version of Facebook that was compatible with iOS 12.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If your device supports a newer iOS version, updating will let you install the latest Facebook IPA — directly from Apple.
Unofficial IPAs can contain code to:
Even if you install a Facebook IPA from 2021 (for iOS 12), many of its internal features rely on Graph API endpoints. Facebook routinely shuts down old API versions. You may find that the app installs, but: