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If Facebook's auto-play videos are bothering you, here's how you can switch them off

If you’re worried about using up too much mobile data, this will come in handy.

WITH OUR FACEBOOK feeds filled to the brim with videos of friends (and friends of friends) doing the ice-bucket challenge, you may have noticed something a little different with them.

For most videos, they play automatically when you view them in the feed. That’s because Facebook auto-plays videos that are uploaded onto the site instead of elsewhere like YouTube.

While the reason for so many of these videos appearing is down to a very worthy cause, viewing numerous auto-play videos will mean you’re using more data on your phone and in the worst case scenario, this could lead to a significant bill.

To prevent that from happening, here’s how you can switch them off entirely, or only allow them to play when you have a WiFi connection.

(Note: you have to switch off videos in desktop and the iOS/Android app separately)

Android

You will have to go into the Facebook app itself to switch it off. Go into the menu and look for ‘App settings.’ When you select it, you will see an option for auto-play where you can select an option.

Android FB auto-play videos

iPhone

Instead of going into the Facebook app, you will need to go into settings instead. Scroll down to find Facebook and tap on settings. There you will see Auto-Play where you can choose an option.

iOS FB autoplay settings

Windows Phone

Since the Facebook app is made by Microsoft and not Facebook, auto-play videos aren’t supported on it. Therefore, there’s no option to change them on Windows Phone.

Desktop

The easiest one to switch off. Either click on this link, or go into settings and select the video tab on the left.

FB autoplay desktop Facebook Facebook

Read: Snapchat is on track to becoming a $10 billion company >

Read: Mobile Monthly: The biggest developments that happened in August >

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22 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John O Mahony
    Favourite John O Mahony
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    Mar 29th 2022, 1:43 PM

    No wonder look who’s running the country

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute lelookcoco
    Favourite lelookcoco
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    Mar 29th 2022, 4:52 PM

    @John O Mahony: Saddo

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John O Mahony
    Favourite John O Mahony
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    Mar 29th 2022, 6:13 PM

    @lelookcoco: hide away

    5
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John O Mahony
    Favourite John O Mahony
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    Mar 29th 2022, 6:18 PM

    @lelookcoco: me a. Saddo it’s you who are hiding behind a false name. No man enough to use your own

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kate Peters
    Favourite Kate Peters
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    Mar 29th 2022, 5:49 PM

    I got a message this morning from BOI,bank of ireland and said my card was been used in Currys for a €139..I’m with AIB,I didn’t click on the link,or even check my AIB app just incase,yesterday I got a text from Three mobile to say if I buy €25 before a date in April,il be in for a draw for a new phone,I didn’t click,I’m constantly getting phone calls from 0044 English numbers I’ve blocked at least a 100,what I can not understand is how have they got my phone number,I got caught 2 years ago,when the 3 message came into the inbox I thought it was genuine,we expect it from the emails,we are entitled to know,if our data has been sold…

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Caroline Otoole
    Favourite Caroline Otoole
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    Mar 30th 2022, 12:46 AM

    @Kate Peters: I’m afraid your number may be on a list of numbers that they deem worth targeting because you clicked on the link before.

    1
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