Alex Ruben
How to Manage Auto Play Videos on Facebook
Auto play videos on Facebook can be both a convenience and a distraction, depending on your preferences. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to enable and disable auto play videos on Facebook for both mobile and desktop users. This is particularly useful when you want to save data on mobile networks or avoid unsolicited video playback while scrolling through your feed. Follow along for a step-by-step tutorial on managing your video settings efficiently.
Step 1: Access Facebook Settings
To begin managing auto play settings on Facebook, you need to access your account settings. On your desktop, log in to your Facebook account and click on the drop-down arrow at the top right corner of the page. From the menu, select Settings & Privacy, then click on Settings. For mobile users, open the Facebook app, tap on the three horizontal lines (menu), scroll down to Settings & Privacy, and select Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Video Settings
Once you are in the Settings menu, look for the option labeled Videos on the left sidebar for desktop users. On mobile devices, this option may be found under the Preferences section. Clicking on Videos will take you to settings specifically related to video playback.
Step 3: Configure Auto Play Settings
Under the Videos settings, you will find an option for Auto-Play Videos. You can choose between three settings: On, Off, or Include Audio. Choose On if you’d like videos to auto play as you scroll, Off to disable this feature entirely, or Include Audio to allow audio to play alongside video. Select your preferred setting and ensure to save your changes if prompted.
Step 4: Manage Mobile Data Usage (Optional)
If you are concerned about your mobile data usage, it’s advisable to review the option for auto-play while connected to cellular data. You can set this to Off or On Wi-Fi Connections Only to prevent videos from auto-playing when you’re not on a Wi-Fi network.
Step 5: Turning Off Auto Play Videos Completely
If you want to stop auto play videos altogether, return to the auto-play settings in the Videos section and ensure that the Auto-Play Videos setting is turned to Off. This will prevent any video from playing automatically in your news feed, giving you greater control over what content you watch.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are a few tips to enhance your experience with Facebook video settings:
- Ensure the app is updated to the latest version for smooth access to settings.
- Check your cellular data usage preferences in your device settings if you notice high data consumption.
- If you encounter any issues, try refreshing the app or logging out and back into your account.
Conclusion
Managing auto play videos on Facebook is a simple task that can greatly enhance your browsing experience. Whether you choose to enable or disable this feature, understanding how to navigate your Settings allows you to customize your account to fit your viewing habits. If you’re interested in more guides like this, consider exploring other tips related to social media management and privacy controls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn off auto play for specific videos?
No, the auto play setting applies to all videos on your feed and cannot be toggled on a per-video basis.
Will turning off auto play save my battery?
Yes, turning off auto play can help reduce battery usage, especially if you frequently scroll through videos.
Can I turn auto play back on later?
Absolutely! You can revisit the Video settings at any time to change your auto play preference back on.