Facebook’s autoplay feature, which automatically plays videos as you scroll through your feed, can be both a blessing and a curse. While it helps catch up on updates, it can also be disruptive—especially if you’re in a quiet place, managing data limits, or just prefer a quieter, smoother experience. Fortunately, Facebook offers the option to turn off video autoplay, giving you control over your feed.
In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to disable video autoplay on Facebook across various devices, answer frequently asked questions, and provide some quick tips to improve your Facebook browsing experience.
There are several reasons to disable video autoplay on Facebook:
Save Mobile Data : Autoplay videos can eat up your data quickly, especially if you’re not connected to Wi-Fi.Reduce Battery Usage : Videos require more power, and autoplay means every video is running even if you’re not watching it.Prevent Disruptions : Unexpected video sounds can be embarrassing or distracting, particularly in quiet or professional settings.Improve Page Load Times : With autoplay turned off, your Facebook feed loads faster, providing a smoother browsing experience. If any of these points resonate with you, read on to learn how to disable this feature on different devices.
Disabling autoplay on Facebook varies slightly depending on the device you’re using. Here’s a simple breakdown for Android, iOS, and desktop.
Open the Facebook App : Make sure your Facebook app is up-to-date to follow these steps.Access Settings : Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top-right corner of the app.Go to Settings & Privacy : Scroll down and tap on “Settings & Privacy,” then choose “Settings.”Locate Media and Contacts : Scroll down until you find “Media and Contacts.”Select Autoplay : Tap “Autoplay,” and choose “Never Autoplay Videos” to completely disable autoplay. With these settings, videos will no longer play automatically in your feed, helping you save data and avoid distractions.
If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:
Open the Facebook App : As with Android, make sure your Facebook app is up-to-date.Access Settings : Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom-right corner of the app.Navigate to Settings & Privacy : Scroll down to find and tap on “Settings & Privacy,” then tap on “Settings.”Find Media and Contacts : In the settings menu, go to “Media and Contacts.”Choose Autoplay Settings : Tap “Autoplay,” and select “Never Autoplay Videos.” This option will stop autoplay on your iOS device, giving you control over when you want to watch videos.
For those using Facebook on a laptop or desktop computer, here’s how to turn off autoplay:
Log into Facebook : Access Facebook through your preferred web browser.Go to Settings : Click the down arrow in the top-right corner of the page, and select “Settings & Privacy,” then “Settings.”Choose Videos : Scroll down on the left side and click on “Videos” at the bottom of the menu.Adjust Autoplay Settings : Next to “Auto-Play Videos,” click the dropdown menu and select “Off.” With autoplay turned off, your Facebook videos will not play automatically on your desktop, saving you from unwanted noise and distraction.
1. Will Turning Off Autoplay Affect My Facebook Experience?
Disabling autoplay only stops videos from playing automatically. You can still play videos by tapping on them whenever you want. Turning autoplay off won’t limit your video content, but it will give you control over what plays in your feed.
2. Does Turning Off Autoplay Save Data?
Yes! Autoplaying videos can use significant amounts of data, especially if you’re watching in HD. By disabling autoplay, you save data and reduce the likelihood of going over your data plan.
3. Will Autoplay Stay Disabled If I Log Out or Switch Devices?
If you disable autoplay on one device, it generally stays off on that device but may need to be adjusted separately on others. Ensure you disable it on each device you use for consistent control over autoplay.
4. Can I Turn Autoplay Back On Later?
Absolutely. If you ever want to enable autoplay again, simply follow the same steps and choose the “Autoplay” option that suits you best.
5. Are There Any Alternatives to Autoplay Control?
If you’re using Facebook on mobile and want autoplay on only when connected to Wi-Fi, you can choose the “Autoplay on Wi-Fi Only” option. This way, videos autoplay only when Wi-Fi is available, saving your mobile data.
Use Wi-Fi for Videos : If you enjoy watching videos on Facebook, connect to Wi-Fi to save data.Set Your Preferred Quality : Within the video settings, you can control the quality to further manage data and battery usage.Explore Content Control Options : Besides autoplay, you can also control other media settings in Facebook, such as HD playback, which helps manage how content loads. Disabling video autoplay on Facebook is a simple way to improve your browsing experience. By turning off autoplay, you can save data, extend battery life, and enjoy a quieter, distraction-free feed. With this guide, you’re now equipped to adjust your autoplay settings on any device.
Take control of your Facebook feed by following these steps, and browse without unexpected interruptions!
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