Want quick and easy access to Facebook on your Mac without having to open your web browser every time? While you won’t find a dedicated Facebook app in the macOS App Store, there’s a simple workaround using Google Chrome to essentially create a web-based “app” that lives right in your Dock. Let’s start and see how that works.
Why No Native Facebook App for Mac?
You might have noticed that searching for “Facebook” in the Mac App Store doesn’t yield the official Facebook app. This is because Facebook primarily focuses on delivering its experience through web browsers and its native mobile applications for iOS and Android.
The Google Chrome Workaround: Turning Facebook into a Mac “App”
This method leverages Google Chrome’s ability to install progressive web apps (PWAs), which essentially wrap a website into an application-like window for a more streamlined experience.
Here’s how to do it:
- Open Google Chrome: If you don’t have Google Chrome installed on your Mac, you’ll need to download and install it first from the official Google Chrome website.
- Navigate to Facebook: Once Chrome is open, go to facebook.com in the address bar and press Enter.
- Log in to your Facebook account: Enter your email or phone number and password to log in to your Facebook profile.
- Install Facebook as an “App”:
- Once you’re logged in, look for the three vertical dots (⋮) in the top right corner of the Chrome window. Click on them to open the Chrome menu.
- In the menu, hover over “Save and share”.
- A submenu will appear. Click on “Install Facebook”.
- A small pop-up window will ask you to confirm the installation. Click “Install”.
- Facebook “App” Installed! Chrome will now install Facebook as a standalone “app” on your Mac. You might see a notification in the bottom right corner confirming the installation.
Accessing Your Facebook “App”
There are a couple of ways to easily access your newly installed Facebook “app”:
- Launchpad: Open your Launchpad (the rocket ship icon in your Dock). You should find the Facebook “app” icon there. Click on it to open Facebook in its own window, separate from the main Chrome browser.
- Dock (Optional): For even quicker access, you can add the Facebook “app” icon to your Dock:
- Open the Facebook “app” from Launchpad.
- Once the Facebook window is open, right-click (or Control-click) on its icon in the Dock.
- In the context menu, go to “Options”.
- Click on “Keep in Dock”.
Now, the Facebook “app” icon will remain in your Dock, allowing you to open Facebook with a single click, just like any other application on your Mac.
Benefits of Using Facebook as a Chrome “App”:
- Dedicated Window: Facebook opens in its own separate window, keeping it distinct from your other browser tabs.
- Faster Access: Launch Facebook directly from your Dock or Launchpad without needing to open your browser and navigate to the website.
- App-like Experience: It provides a more focused and less cluttered experience compared to browsing Facebook within a full browser window.
Conclusion
While this isn’t a true native macOS application, it offers a convenient and efficient way to access Facebook on your Mac, bridging the gap between a web browser and a dedicated app. Enjoy a smoother and quicker way to stay connected.
Sourav Banerjee is a passionate tech writer and blogger with a knack for simplifying complex technology concepts. With years of experience in the IT industry, Sourav specializes in creating easy-to-follow, step-by-step guides on the latest software, tools, and tech trends. His content empowers beginners and enthusiasts alike to navigate the ever-evolving tech landscape. Whether it’s troubleshooting issues, exploring new gadgets, or mastering programming languages, Sourav’s insightful articles make tech accessible for all. Stay updated with his expert tips and tutorials to stay ahead in the digital world!