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How to access and download your Facebook data

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How to access and download your Facebook data

Reviewing your Facebook data allows you to see what personal information Facebook has collected about you, helping you make informed decisions about your privacy settings. 

You might also need a copy of your data, which serves as a backup of your photos, messages and memories in case you lose access to your account or decide to delete it. 

Additionally, understanding what data Facebook stores can help you better comprehend how the platform uses your information for advertising and content personalization. Here’s how to do it.

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A person logging onto Facebook. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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What data can you access on Facebook?

Facebook collects a wide range of data from you, including your profile information, posts, photos, comments, likes, friends list, location data, search history and interactions with ads and pages. The company uses this data to personalize your experience and show you targeted ads. It also uses the data and shares it with third-party partners to improve its services.

When you request your data, you can access files containing the information you’ve provided (like your name, email and address) as well as account activity such as posts, photos, messages and data logs. These logs include your interactions, device information and connections to third-party apps, websites and services.

Keep in mind that not all data Facebook collects about you will be included in your download. 

HOW TO MANAGE A DECEASED LOVED ONE’S FACEBOOK ACCOUNT

How to download your Facebook data on desktop

The process of accessing and downloading your data from Facebook can change. As of May 2025, you can access and download your information on Facebook using the steps below:

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  • Click your profile picture icon in the top-right corner of the screen. When the menu appears, click Settings & Privacy.

Steps to download your Facebook data on desktop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Click Settings in the submenu that appears.

WHAT HACKERS CAN LEARN ABOUT YOU FROM A DATA BROKER FILE

Steps to download your Facebook data on desktop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Click Accounts Center in the left sidebar.

Steps to download your Facebook data on desktop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • In the left menu, click Your information and permissions. Then, click Access your information in the right panel.

5 MOBILE PRIVACY TERMS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

Steps to download your Facebook data on desktop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • After verifying that all the information you need is there, scroll to the bottom and click Download your information.

Steps to download your Facebook data on desktop   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • In the pop-up, click Download or transfer information.

Steps to download your Facebook data on desktop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Select your Facebook account from the list of accounts and click Next.

Steps to download your Facebook data on desktop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Now you need to select how much information you want to receive. We recommend clicking Available information to get a complete copy of everything you need.

Steps to download your Facebook data on desktop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Click Download to device so that it’s downloaded to your computer.

Steps to download your Facebook data on desktop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Now you need to select your file options. In the Date range field, select the period from which you want Facebook to send your data. The default is Last year, but you can choose Last 3 years or All time for a more comprehensive dataset (note that longer periods take more time to prepare the data). In the Notify field, verify that your email address is correct. Keep the Format and Media quality fields set to HTML and Medium, respectively. Then, click Create files.

Steps to download your Facebook data on desktop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Wait for an email notification from Facebook that your requested file is ready to download. That can take up to an hour. Once you receive it, you have four days until the download request expires. When you receive the notification, log into your Facebook account and follow the steps below to download the requested information:

  • Click the bell icon in the top-right corner. In the menu, click the notification that says “The files you requested are ready to download.”

Steps to download your Facebook data on desktop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Click Download in the pop-up.

Steps to download your Facebook data on desktop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Enter your Facebook password and click Continue to download the file to your computer.

Steps to download your Facebook data on desktop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW FACEBOOK SECRETLY COLLECTS YOUR INFORMATION EVEN IF YOU HAVEN’T SIGNED UP 

How to download your Facebook data on mobile

The steps below are for iPhone, but they will also work on Android. However, some menu items may appear in slightly different locations or use slightly different names compared to the iPhone. Follow the steps below:

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  • Tap Menu (the profile picture icon) in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

Steps to download your Facebook data on mobile. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Tap Settings & Privacy to expand it and then tap Settings.

Steps to download your Facebook data on mobile. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Steps to download your Facebook data on mobile. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Tap Your information and permissions.

Steps to download your Facebook data on mobile. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Tap Access your information.

Steps to download your Facebook data on mobile. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • You can review the information to see if it includes everything you need. Afterward, scroll to the bottom and tap Download your information.
  • Tap Download or transfer information.
  • Select the Facebook account(s) you want to download the information from and tap Next.
  • On the screen for selecting how much information you want, tap Available information to get a complete copy.

Steps to download your Facebook data on mobile. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Next, tap Download to device to store the information on your phone.

Steps to download your Facebook data on mobile. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Next, you will need to create the file to download. Set Date range to Last 3 years or All time (might take longer to create). Ensure the email address in the Notify field is the one where you want the notification to be sent. Keep the Format and Media quality fields as they are: HTML and Medium, respectively. Finally, tap the Create files button.

Steps to download your Facebook data on mobile. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Wait for an email notification from Facebook that your requested file is ready to download. That can take up to an hour. Once you receive it, you have four days until the download request expires. When you receive the notification, follow the steps below to download the requested information:

  • Open the Facebook app and tap the Notifications (the bell icon) in the bottom-right corner.

Steps to download your Facebook data on mobile. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • In the Notifications screen, tap the notification that says “The files you requested are ready to download.”

Steps to download your Facebook data on mobile. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Tap Download in the pop-up.

Steps to download your Facebook data on mobile. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Enter your Facebook password and tap Continue to download the file to your phone.

Steps to download your Facebook data on mobile. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

WHY IT’S HARD TO TRUST EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS FROM FACEBOOK

Kurt’s key takeaways

Downloading your Facebook data helps you understand what information the platform holds about you. While it may take some time to compile, especially for longer periods, it’s worth doing periodically so you’re aware of your digital footprint on the platform and keep a personal backup in case something happens to the online version.

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Did you find any surprising information that made you reconsider your social media usage? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Technology

The Setapp Mobile iOS store is shutting down on February 16th

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The Setapp Mobile iOS store is shutting down on February 16th

Setapp Mobile was a bold, breakthrough project that aimed to provide EU iOS users with access to alternative app marketplaces – creating a new app ecosystem where both developers and users could thrive. We are proud of what we have accomplished with it over the past two years and still believe passionately in this vision.

As a result of still-evolving commercial conditions, we have determined that it is not viable to continue development or support for Setapp Mobile within Setapp’s current business model.

While we are disappointed to discontinue Setapp Mobile, we are looking forward to pursuing the development of other innovations. We are excited to focus efforts on various projects that will launch later this year. This includes Eney, a first-of-its-kind AI assistant native to macOS, and new enhancements to Setapp Desktop.

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Breakthrough device promises to detect glucose without needles

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Breakthrough device promises to detect glucose without needles

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The idea of tracking blood sugar without needles has challenged health tech for years. For people with diabetes, constant monitoring is critical, yet the tools remain uncomfortable and invasive. Finger pricks hurt. Traditional continuous glucose monitors still sit under the skin. That daily burden adds up fast.

Recently, one small device has been drawing significant attention for tackling that problem in a very different way.

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WEIGHT LOSS EXPERTS PREDICT 5 MAJOR TREATMENT CHANGES LIKELY TO EMERGE IN 2026

A small breath-based device called isaac aims to alert users to glucose changes without needles or sensors under the skin. (PreEvnt)

Why noninvasive glucose tracking matters

Blood sugar levels can rise or fall quickly. When changes go unnoticed, the risks increase, from long-term organ damage to sudden hypoglycemia. Monitoring can be especially difficult for:

  • Small children
  • Older adults
  • Anyone who struggles with needles

At the same time, glucose tracking has surged among people without diabetes. As GLP-1 medications gain popularity, many people now track their blood sugar to understand how food affects their bodies. The need for simpler tools keeps growing.

Even Apple has spent years trying to bring no-prick glucose tracking to wearables. Despite heavy investment, the feature has yet to arrive.

NEEDLE-FREE GLUCOSE CHECKS MOVE CLOSER TO REALITY

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Instead of finger pricks, the device analyzes acetone and other compounds in exhaled breath linked to blood sugar levels. (PreEvnt)

How the PreEvnt isaac monitors glucose using breath

One of the most talked-about health devices at CES 2026 came from PreEvnt. Its product, called isaac, takes a nontraditional approach to glucose awareness. Instead of piercing skin or using optical sensors, isaac analyzes your breath. 

The device measures volatile organic compounds, especially acetone, which has long been associated with rising blood glucose. That sweet fruity breath is a known marker of diabetes. By detecting changes in those compounds, isaac can alert users to potential glucose events. The device is small, about the size of a quarter, with a loop so it can be worn on a lanyard or clipped to clothing or a bag.

The breath-based design is intended to reduce how often users need finger-prick blood tests, while providing early alerts for glucose-related changes.

The device is named after the inventor’s grandson, Isaac, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just 2 years old. The inventor, Bud Wilcox, wanted to reduce the number of painful finger pricks his grandson faced each day. That personal motivation led to years of collaboration with scientists, designers and engineers. Research and development included work with Indiana University under the direction of Dr. M. Agarwal. The goal was simple but ambitious: Alert families to blood sugar events earlier while reducing the physical and emotional toll of constant testing.

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How the isaac device fits into daily life

Isaac is designed to fit into everyday routines. Users breathe into the device, which processes the reading and sends the data to a companion smartphone app. The app, still in its final stages of development, focuses on awareness and safety. Current features include:

  • A timeline for logging meals
  • A history of breath readings
  • Alerts that can notify emergency contacts

This matters because people with diabetes can become disoriented or incapacitated during hypoglycemic events. Early alerts give caregivers or family members a chance to step in. A single charge lasts all day and supports multiple breath tests. The device comes with a USB-C charging cradle and cable.

Who isaac is designed for

According to PreEvnt, isaac is being developed for:

  • Type 1 diabetics
  • Type 2 diabetics
  • Prediabetics

It may also appeal to people focused on metabolic health. As mentioned, the device is still undergoing development and FDA review and is not yet for sale in the U.S. The companion app will launch on iOS and Android closer to availability.

TYPE 1 DIABETES REVERSED IN LANDMARK STUDY, PAVING THE WAY FOR HUMAN STUDIES

Designed for everyday use, the isaac wearable device pairs with a smartphone app to log readings and send alerts when needed. (PreEvnt)

Clinical trials and FDA review for the isaac device

PreEvnt first introduced isaac publicly at CES 2025. Later that year, the device entered active human clinical trials. Those studies compare isaac’s breath-based alerts with traditional blood glucose monitoring methods. 

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Trials began with adolescents who have Type 1 diabetes and later expanded to adults with Type 2 diabetes. The company is now working toward regulatory review with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Because this technology is new, PreEvnt is pursuing a de novo pathway, which allows devices to be evaluated while standards are still being defined. According to the company, regulators have shown strong interest as the data continues to come in.

Isaac does not claim to replace medical-grade glucose meters. The device is being developed to supplement existing monitoring methods by offering breath-based alerts tied to glucose-related changes.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Noninvasive glucose monitoring has long felt like a future promise that never quite arrives. The attention around isaac at CES 2026 suggests that promise may finally be getting closer. If clinical trials continue to deliver strong results and regulators give approval, breathing into a small device could one day replace at least some finger pricks. For families living with diabetes, that shift could make daily life easier and safer.

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Would you trust a breath-based device to warn you about rising blood sugar before symptoms appear? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Disney deleted a Thread because people kept putting anti-fascist quotes from its movies in the replies

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Disney deleted a Thread because people kept putting anti-fascist quotes from its movies in the replies

”Share a Disney quote that sums up how you’re feeling right now!”

That’s what Disney posted on Threads the other day, and people immediately replied with lines from Star Wars, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and even Mary Poppins. The throughline between all the quotes: they were pretty pointedly anti-fascist and clearly aimed at the current administration.

Apparently, Disney either couldn’t handle the anti-fascist messaging of its own movies or was too afraid of pissing off the powers that be, because it quickly deleted the post. Thankfully, one resourceful Threads user recorded it for posterity, reminding us that yes, the human world is, in fact, a mess.

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