7+ Ways to Fix Facebook Not Loading Issue

If you can’t open Facebook, certain Facebook pages won’t work, or you’re having trouble viewing pictures and videos on the site, there are some easy ways to fix Facebook not loading issues.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons why the social media site sometimes doesn’t work the way it should and how to troubleshoot and solve the issue.

Why Are Facebook Pictures Not Loading?

An average person opens Facebook 8 times a day, making the social media platform one of the most visited sites in the world.

Like any other site on the web, it’s not uncommon for social media platforms to face occasional issues, such as pictures not opening on Facebook. 

Here’s why that usually happens:

Issues With The DNS Server

A DNS failure occurs when the Domain Name System cannot match the website domain name to the location of the server where that site is stored.

This typically happens when there’s a problem with your ISP (Internet Service Provider), router or modem, the browser you’re using, and even your computer.

Cache Issues

Cache helps apps load faster by keeping temporary files — like video snippets, scripts, and thumbnails — on your phone, rather than loading them from the web every time you visit a website.

When cache gets corrupted or is missing, it might prevent pictures and videos on Facebook from loading properly. 

Bad Internet Connection

A poor connection is one of the primary reasons behind loading problems on any app or site, including Facebook; It can slow down loading speed and trigger an error when opening photos and videos on Facebook.

Ad Blockers Or Other Tools

Add-ons, extensions, and other apps can affect Facebook’s performance.

Facebook Free Mode

Free Mode is a lightweight version of Facebook that allows users to like, comment, and post on the platform without a data plan. It also doesn’t show photos or videos.

If Facebook is not showing pictures in posts, then you might be using this version of the platform.

Data Saving Feature

If you’re using a browser extension that helps save data, it might be the reason why pictures are not loading on Facebook.

Facebook’s Server Issues

If Facebook’s server is down or they’re experiencing a technical issue on their end, the app or site won’t be able to load any pictures or videos.

Host File Error

Your computer’s Host file is a database of domain names that the operating system uses to identify and locate a host in an IP network.

When it’s changed, becomes corrupt, or if data is missing from it, it can cause some connectivity issues.

Ways to Fix Facebook Not Loading Issue

Regardless of whether you visit Facebook on a browser or via the app, sometimes, it doesn’t work as expected.

Here are some things you can try to fix the issue: 

1. Re-Login To Your Facebook Account

If Facebook will not load, the first thing you can try is sign out of your account and log into it again.

This gives the app a fresh start and the chance to properly load.

2. Try Another Browser (Google Chrome, Firefox)

One of the most common ways to troubleshoot any computer problem is to try and reproduce it elsewhere. 

If Facebook isn’t working on your Safari browser, try it in Chrome or Firefox and see if the issue persists.

3. Clear Your Browsing Data And Cache

Clearing your browsing data and cache is simple, but the step-by-step process depends on the browser you’re using. In Google Chrome— which has the largest market share—  you can clear cache, cookies, and other temporary files in Settings under Privacy and Security.

4. Check And Reset Your Network

If you believe Internet connection is causing your loading issues and an Internet speed test confirms it, you might be able to fix it by restarting the router. 

If that doesn’t work, you might want to try resetting it, which would bring all configurations and settings to default. 

5. Disable Browser Extensions

If you have any active extensions, like an ad blocker add-on, on your web browser, there's a chance that it may be causing loading issues on Facebook. 

Try turning off your pop-up blocker or any performance tools you might have and see if the problem persists.

6. Update The Facebook App

Updating your Facebook app regularly is crucial if you want to get the best of it. Developers typically issue new patches to improve security, boost performance, and sometimes, introduce new features. 

If you haven’t updated your app in a while, it might start to misbehave, especially if your current version is no longer compatible.

7. Reinstall The Facebook App

If you don’t see an update available, you can delete the app and then download it and install it from the App Store or Play Store. 

Deleting the app will remove any files that came with it, which might have been the reason behind the connectivity issues.

8. Turn Off VPN

A VPN is a great tool to encrypt traffic and access geo-restricted content, but it can slow down your Internet speed, which might lead to some loading issues.

You can try a different server than the one you typically use or turn it off completely.

9. Report The Problem To Facebook

If you have tried everything and failed and your issues still persist after a day or two, you can report it to Facebook. 

Make sure you list all of the methods you’ve already tried to fix the issue in the report. 

Bottom Line

Whether you’re accessing Facebook on your phone via an app or in a browser at your computer, sometimes the site doesn’t work the way it should. It can be anything from corrupted cache to a DNS server issue or a browser extension that doesn’t work well with the platform. Fixing the issue is quick and easy— as long as you find what’s actually causing it.