How to turn off autoplay videos on Facebook

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting for disabling autoplay videos on Facebook.

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To turn off autoplay videos on Facebook, navigate to the Settings menu, select 'Videos', and then toggle the 'Auto-Play Videos' option to 'Off'. This can be done on both desktop and mobile platforms, ensuring that videos do not automatically play as you scroll through your feed.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before proceeding to disable autoplay videos on Facebook, ensure you meet the following requirements:
  • •A Facebook account with access to the settings menu.
  • •A compatible device (desktop, laptop, smartphone) with an internet connection.
  • •Updated version of the Facebook app (for mobile users).
  • •Basic knowledge of navigating settings on your device.

Method 1: Disabling Autoplay on Desktop

This method is suitable for users accessing Facebook via a web browser on their desktop or laptop. Follow these steps to disable autoplay videos:
  • •Step 1: Open your web browser and go to www.facebook.com. Log in to your account if prompted.
  • •Step 2: Click on the downward-facing arrow in the top right corner of the Facebook page to access the menu.
  • •Step 3: Select 'Settings & Privacy', then click on 'Settings'.
  • •Step 4: In the left sidebar, click on 'Videos'.
  • •Step 5: Locate the 'Auto-Play Videos' section and select 'Off' from the dropdown menu.
  • •Step 6: To confirm, scroll down and ensure the setting is saved. You should see 'Auto-Play Videos: Off'.
  • •Step 7: If videos still autoplay, refresh the page or log out and back in to ensure changes take effect.

For Windows 11

Follow these specific steps for Windows 11 users:
  • •Step 1: Open the Microsoft Edge or preferred browser.
  • •Step 2: Access Facebook as described in Method 1.
  • •Step 3: The settings menu layout is similar; follow the same steps as above.

For Windows 10

Windows 10 users can follow these steps:
  • •Step 1: Launch your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.).
  • •Step 2: Navigate to Facebook and log in.
  • •Step 3: The settings menu is identical to Windows 11, so follow the same instructions.

Method 2: Disabling Autoplay on Mobile

This method is ideal for users accessing Facebook through the mobile app on iOS or Android devices. Follow these steps:
  • •Step 1: Open the Facebook app on your mobile device.
  • •Step 2: Tap on the three horizontal lines (menu) in the bottom right corner (iOS) or top right corner (Android).
  • •Step 3: Scroll down and tap on 'Settings & Privacy', then tap on 'Settings'.
  • •Step 4: Scroll down to the 'Media and Contacts' section and tap on 'Videos and Photos'.
  • •Step 5: Find the 'Autoplay' option and select 'Never Autoplay Videos'.
  • •Step 6: Confirm the setting by checking that 'Autoplay' is set to 'Never'.
  • •Step 7: If videos still autoplay, restart the app to ensure changes take effect.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while trying to disable autoplay videos, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'Settings not saving' - Solution: Ensure you have a stable internet connection and try refreshing the page or restarting the app.
  • •Issue: 'Videos still autoplay after disabling' - Fix: Clear the app cache (for mobile) or browser cache (for desktop) and recheck the settings.
  • •Problem: 'Settings menu not accessible' - Workaround: Try accessing Facebook from a different browser or device.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For users looking to optimize their Facebook experience further, consider these advanced tips:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + I (Windows) - Opens Developer Tools, allowing you to inspect elements and troubleshoot issues.
  • •Command line: N/A - Facebook settings are not accessible via command line.
  • •Hidden feature: Use 'Data Saver' mode in the Facebook app to limit data usage, which also affects video playback.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

To effectively manage video autoplay settings, regularly check your app and browser settings to ensure they align with your preferences.