From funny clips to family moments, never lose a share worth keeping. Here's how to save a video from Facebook Messenger.
How to Save a Video from Facebook Messenger
Updated on Jul. 28, 2025
Roughly 144 million Americans used Facebook Messenger in 2024, but contrary to popular belief, the app isn’t just for swapping texts and memes with friends. If someone sends you a heartwarming clip, a hilarious pet video or even a memory you’d hate to lose, Messenger lets you keep it close by. Did that get you wondering how to save a video from Facebook Messenger to your phone or computer? It’s easier than you think, and we’re here to walk you through it.
When a fun or fascinating video pops up on your main feed, you may save the Facebook video to your gallery or the platform itself to watch later. But if you’ve got chronically online friends, there’s a chance you have a goldmine of content right in your inbox that you’d like to save, too. And if that’s the case, read on to learn exactly how to save a video from Facebook Messenger.
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Can videos sent on Facebook Messenger be downloaded?
Yes! While it’s true that Facebook makes it tough for users to save videos from their homepage feed directly to their gallery, one can easily save videos that are shared through Facebook Messenger—if the person sending the message directly uploads it to Messenger, that is. But how exactly do you do it—on both your smartphone and computer? Find out ahead!
How to save a video from Facebook Messenger on your smartphone
Once a friend or family member sends you that memorable video on Messenger, here are some easy steps to download it on your smartphone and keep it for good:
- Open the Facebook Messenger app and tap on the conversation with the video you want to save.
- Tap and hold the video file inside the chat, then choose “Save” when the option pops up on the screen. If you don’t see “Save” right away, tap “More …”
- Give Facebook Messenger permission to access your phone’s video and photo library, if prompted.
- Close the Facebook Messenger app and go to your phone’s Photos or Gallery app. You should find the saved video there.
Once the video is downloaded to your phone, you can watch and even edit it at any time, even when you’re not connected to Wi-Fi. This will work on both iPhones and Androids. And when it comes to PCs, saving a video from Facebook Messenger is just as easy.
How to save a video from Facebook Messenger on your computer
No phone? No problem. Downloading videos from Facebook Messenger to your computer doesn’t take knowing high-tech Facebook hacks, either. Here’s how to do it in a few quick steps:
- Open Facebook in your browser and go to Messenger.
- Find the conversation where the video was shared.
- Hover over the video and click the three-dot menu, or right-click the video itself.
- Select “Download” or “Save video as …” (depending on your browser).
- Choose where to save it on your computer, rename the video if you want and hit “Save.”
And that’s it! You’ll have the video tucked safely away on your PC, ready to rewatch whenever you like (no Wi-Fi required). Just remember: Only download videos from people you know and trust. With Facebook Messenger scams on the rise, it’s smart to stay cautious while staying connected.
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Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of articles on personal technology, arming readers with the knowledge to protect themselves against cybersecurity threats and internet scams as well as revealing the best tips, tricks and shortcuts for computers, cellphones, apps, texting, social media and more. For this piece, two-time Emmy-nominated reporter Brooke Nelson Alexander tapped her experience as a tech and consumer products writer covering the latest in digital trends, product reviews, security and privacy, and gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We rely on credentialed experts with personal experience and know-how as well as primary sources including tech companies, professional organizations and academic institutions. We verify all facts and data and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- ThinkImpact: “Facebook Messenger Statistics”
- WikiHow: “How to Save Videos from Messenger or Facebook on iOS & Android”
