Imagine you just found your old iPhone 6 lying around. It still works fine, but when you try to open Instagram or Facebook—boom! It either crashes, won’t install, or gives you an error. Sounds frustrating, right?
With iOS updates leaving older devices behind, running modern apps on an iPhone 6 in 2025 isn’t straightforward. But don’t worry—there are ways to get Instagram and Facebook up and running again on your iPhone 6.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best workarounds, tricks, and settings to make it happen.
Why Instagram & Facebook No Longer Work on iPhone 6
The iPhone 6, released in 2014, no longer receives the latest iOS updates. Here’s why that’s a problem:
- App Compatibility: Instagram and Facebook require newer iOS versions.
- App Store Restrictions: The latest versions of these apps may not even appear in your App Store.
- Security Concerns: Outdated iOS versions may prevent apps from running properly.
- Performance Issues: Even if installed, these apps may crash or freeze due to hardware limitations.
But don’t toss your iPhone 6 yet—there are tried-and-tested methods to make these apps work!
Method 1: Download an Older Version of Instagram & Facebook
Even if the latest versions aren’t compatible, you can still install an older version of the apps that work with iOS 12.5.7 (the last supported version for iPhone 6).
Here’s how:
- Check if you’ve downloaded the app before
- Open the App Store
- Tap on your profile picture (top right)
- Go to Purchased > My Purchases
- Search for Instagram or Facebook
- If you’ve downloaded it before, tap the download icon. The App Store will offer you the last compatible version.
- If you haven’t downloaded it before, try logging into an older Apple ID that had the apps previously.
Method 2: Use Safari to Access Instagram & Facebook
Can’t install the app? No problem! You can use the web versions instead.
Steps:
- Open Safari (or another browser like Chrome)
- Go to www.instagram.com or www.facebook.com
- Log in and use them just like the apps!
- For a better experience, tap the Share button and choose “Add to Home Screen” to create an app-like shortcut.
While this method doesn’t offer push notifications, it works smoothly and takes up less storage.
Method 3: Jailbreak Your iPhone 6 (For Advanced Users)
If you’re tech-savvy, jailbreaking lets you install apps that are normally restricted.
Pros of Jailbreaking:
✅ Install older app versions without App Store restrictions ✅ Gain access to third-party app stores ✅ Improve performance with custom tweaks
Cons of Jailbreaking:
❌ Security risks (exposes your device to malware) ❌ No official support (Apple won’t help with issues) ❌ May cause instability
If you want to jailbreak, check sites like checkra1n or unc0ver for the latest compatible tools.
Method 4: Use a Third-Party App Store
If the App Store won’t let you download Instagram or Facebook, try third-party app stores like:
- AppValley
- TutuApp
- Panda Helper
How to Install:
- Open Safari and visit one of the third-party app store websites.
- Download and install their profile (you may need to allow this in Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management).
- Search for Instagram or Facebook and install an older version.
⚠️ Warning: These sources aren’t always reliable, so be careful of malware.
Method 5: Use a Lite Version of Facebook
Facebook Lite is a stripped-down version that runs better on old devices. While Instagram Lite isn’t available on iOS, you can still download Facebook Lite through an alternate Apple ID from a country where it’s supported.
How to Download Facebook Lite:
- Change your App Store country to India or another region where it’s available:
- Go to Settings > Apple ID > Media & Purchases
- Tap View Account > Country/Region
- Change to India (you may need an Indian payment method, but a free app should bypass this)
- Search for Facebook Lite in the App Store and install it.
Method 6: Upgrade to a Newer iPhone (If Possible)
If you rely heavily on Instagram and Facebook, consider upgrading to at least an iPhone 7 or later. Even an older iPhone SE (2016) still receives iOS updates and supports modern apps.
You can find affordable refurbished iPhones on sites like:
- Amazon Renewed
- eBay Certified Refurbished
- Best Buy Refurbished
A used iPhone 7 can cost under $100 and will make your social media experience much smoother.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your iPhone 6 Useful!
Even though iPhone 6 is outdated, you don’t have to stop using it. Whether you install older versions, use Safari, or try a workaround like jailbreaking, you can still access Instagram and Facebook.
If you’ve successfully got Instagram or Facebook working on your iPhone 6, let us know in the comments! What worked for you? Share your experience below! 👇
