This article shows the steps to download your Facebook data file from Meta’s Accounts Center. You’ll select your account, include messages, and generate a downloadable JSON file. Use the table of contents below to jump to any step in the process.
Step 1: Go to Meta Accounts Center
Go to https://accountscenter.facebook.com and log in to your account.
You can also access the Account Center dashboard by:
Log in to Facebook on a computer.
Click the Menu (your profile picture).
Click Settings & Privacy.
Click Settings.
Click the Account Center tile in the top-left corner of the screen.
Step 2: Your information and permission
Click Your information and permission.
Step 3: Export your information
Click Export your information.
Step 4: Create export
Click Create export.
Step 5: Choose a profile
Click Facebook.
Step 6: Choose where to export
Click Export to device.
Step 7: Start export
Select the Date Range. Set Format to JSON, then click Start export.
Meta will send you an email once your download is ready. This may take 24–72 hours.
Step 8: Download your file
Once you receive the email from Meta that the export is complete:
Click Your information and permission.
Click Export your information.
Click Download to save it to your computer or an external hard drive.
Next steps
Once your export is complete, continue to one of the following articles based on how you plan to share your data: