Rediscovering an Enjoyable Facebook Experience

Insights from ZDNET

Lately, using Facebook feels like sifting through a mess. When logging in, instead of updates from friends, my feed is dominated by advertising and unsolicited suggestions. Occasionally, it takes what feels like an eternity to spot a genuine post from someone I know.

This situation is exasperating, almost making me consider abandoning the platform. If you can't connect socially on social media, what's the point? Trudging through these unnecessary posts in hopes of finding something worthwhile has become tiresome.

Thankfully, I discovered an app called Nobook.

Understanding Nobook

Nobook was developed by a solitary programmer who aimed to strip away Facebook's less desirable components, like ads and recommendations. With these out of the picture, you can actually focus on content from friends.

It's a breath of fresh air.

Nobook operates by acting as a frame around Facebook, akin to accessing Facebook's site with a high-functioning ad filter. This setup allows it to filter out undesired elements from your feed using JavaScript tactics not unlike an ad blocker.

With this approach, Nobook presents a cleaner interface, much like experiencing Facebook through a purified lens—without any clutter.

After installing Nobook on an Android smartphone, I was pleased with its functionality. Facebook became usable once again, and I could access posts from connections and groups without endless distractions. Occasionally, suggestions still appear, but they are in the minority. With Nobook, about 90% of what I view comes directly from those I follow.

How to Get Nobook on Your Device

Acquiring Nobook is slightly complicated since it's not on the Google Play Store. The APK file must be downloaded independently. I managed this on two phones: the Pixel 9 Pro and Fairphone Gen 6. The installation was seamless on the Fairphone. Simply:

However, my Pixel 9 Pro presented a challenge due to Android's Advanced Protection features. Disabling this for Nobook installation could take 18-24 hours for deactivation. Considering this, I settled on installing it on my Fairphone.

For Samsung users, the Auto Blocker needs to be turned off to allow installation of third-party apps. You can do this by navigating through Settings > Security and Privacy > Auto Blocker and then re-enabling it post-installation.

It’s unfortunate that the installation hurdles might deter some, because Nobook truly enhances the Facebook experience—mirroring ad-free viewing versus one with frequent commercial breaks. A superior choice, indeed.

If you yearn for a less cluttered Facebook on Android and can sideload apps, Nobook is worth trying. Experience Facebook as it was meant to be, akin to years past when it was genuinely enjoyable.