How to Fix “Session Expired” Error on Facebook

The ‘Session Expired‘ error on Facebook is a common issue that users encounter across various devices, including Android, iOS, PC, and Mac. This article explores the possible causes of this problem and offers solutions to fix it.

The error can arise from several sources, including:

• Concurrent access on the same device: If you access another Facebook instance on your mobile device, the solution is to log out and log in again.
• Technical logout: A DNS inconsistency may force the error, which can be fixed by manually clearing cached data.
• Browser cache issues: On browsers, you might resolve the error by addressing cache consistency problems and clearing the cache.
• Manual app cache clearing on mobile: Clearing your app’s cache will sign you out, as the authentication token will be removed.

Let’s move on to the solutions that have proven effective for other users experiencing the ‘session expired’ error on Facebook.

1. Restart Your Device

A system restart, regardless of your device, can eliminate any glitches causing the ‘session expired’ notice.

After restarting, attempt to access Facebook and see if the error recurs.

If a restart proves ineffective, continue to the subsequent method.

2. Check Facebook Server Status

At times, the problem may lie with Facebook’s servers themselves. Before proceeding with extensive troubleshooting, confirm the server status. Sites like DownDetector allow you to monitor whether others face similar issues. If the servers are experiencing difficulties, your only option is to await Facebook’s resolution.

3. Log-out and Log-in Again

When you see the session expired pop-up, follow the on-screen instructions, which generally involve re-entering your credentials.

Following these steps often solves the problem. However, if it does not help, completely close the app (or browser) and attempt to log in once more.

Should the problem persist on a mobile app, consider the next solution.

4. Update your Facebook App

Updating your Facebook app to the newest version on your mobile device can resolve issues. Check the Google Play Store or App Store for available updates.

On Android, the timing of automatic app updates can vary based on data, Wi-Fi settings, and phone modes.

1. Launch the Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. Tap the profile icon at the top-right.
3. Choose Manage Apps & Device.

   

4. Select the Manage tab and apply the Updates Available filter.

   

5. Locate the Facebook app in the list.
6. If an update is available, tap the Update button and wait for the installation.
7. Restart the app to verify if the issue is fixed.

For iOS devices, you can manually update the Facebook app, even if you have automatic updates enabled:

1. Open the App Store from your iOS home screen.

   

2. Tap your Apple profile icon for store settings.
3. Scroll to Available Updates.

   

4. Update the Facebook app.
5. Relaunch the app post-update to confirm the resolution.

5. Clear the Cache and Data (for Android and iOS).

Corrupted cache files can cause the Facebook ‘session expired’ error. Removing cache and data may resolve this.

On an Android device, ensure the app is not running before clearing the cache:

1. Navigate to your Android device’s Settings menu from the home screen.

   

2. Go to Apps, find Facebook, tap on it, then choose Force Stop.

   

3. Head to the Storage section and clear the app’s cache and data.

   

4. Verify for updates in the Google Play Store, install them, and wait for the process to finish.
5. Restart your device and launch Facebook to see if the issue persists.

For iOS devices:

1. Open the Settings menu and choose General.

   

2. Proceed to iPhone Storage, select the Facebook app.

   

3. Use Offload App and confirm.
4. Restart your device and check the app for the error.

6. Remove or Disable Extensions (only for PCs and Macs).

Browser extensions can sometimes trigger the ‘session expired’ error. Disable each extension one by one to identify the issue. This is applicable to various browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, and Edge.

In Chrome, you can disable extensions by these steps:

1. Open Chrome and select the action button (three dots) at the top-right.
2. Choose More tools, then Extensions.

   

3. Deselect each questionable extension, restart Facebook, and look for the error. Note: Disabling all extensions could help pinpoint the issue more effectively.

For Firefox:

1. Access the menu on the top-right of Firefox.
2. Click Add-ons and Themes.
3. In the related menu, select Extensions.

   

4. Toggle off the extensions one at a time.

   

5. Refresh Facebook and verify if the error has been corrected.

Opera treats extensions similarly to ‘plugins.’

1. Start Opera and input the following:

   opera://plugins (for older versions of Opera)
   opera://settings/content/flash (for somewhat recent Opera versions)
   opera://extensions (for the latest versions)

   Hit Enter.

2. Select Disable or toggle off the extension.

   

3. With the extension disabled, recheck the Facebook error. Note: Continue this process as necessary and re-enable as needed.

The Edge browser, based on Chromium, resembles Chrome in disabling extensions:

1. Open Edge and click the action button in the corner.
2. Select Extensions.

   

3. Select and disable any extension you suspect.
4. Re-examine Facebook to confirm if the issue is fixed.

If the ‘session expired’ error remains after attempting extension removal, consider the follow-up solution.

7. Restart your Device.

A system restart, regardless of your device, can eliminate any glitches causing the ‘session expired’ notice.

After restarting, attempt to access Facebook and see if the error recurs.

If a restart proves ineffective, continue to the subsequent method.

8. Reinstall the Facebook App

Reinstalling the Facebook application can purge data that might be causing the ‘session expired’ error.

For Android:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Select the option for ‘My Apps & Games.’
3. Navigate to the ‘Library‘ section.

   

4. Go to the Installed tab, choose the Facebook app.
5. Hit ‘Uninstall,’ then reinstall the app from Play Store.
6. Launch the Facebook app to verify if the error is resolved.

For iOS:

1. Long press the Facebook app icon until it wiggles.
2. Press the ‘–‘ icon.
   
3. Tap on Delete App and it’ll be uninstalled.
   
4. Press Home to exit the deletion mode.
5. Download and install the app again from the App Store.
6. Open the reinstalled app to check for the error.

9. Review Account Security and Activity

Facebook may log you out of sessions as a security measure if suspicious activity is detected. Ensure that your account has not been compromised by reviewing recent activity and updating your security settings, including changing your password and enabling two-factor authentication.

1. Log into Facebook and navigate to your Settings.
2. Tap on See more in Accouts Centre under the Meta tab.
   
3. Open Password and security under the Account settings tab.
   
4. Tap on Where you’re logged in option under the Security checks tab.
   
5. Look for any unfamiliar locations or devices that have accessed your account and, if necessary, take steps to secure your account either by logging them our or by changing your password.