Running Facebook Lead Ads but not sure how to access your leads?
You're not alone. While Facebook makes it easy to collect leads, the download process isn’t always intuitive—and manual downloads can cause delays that hurt your follow-up speed.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to download your leads step-by-step—and show you how to automate the process using LeadOwl so you never miss a lead again.
Why Downloading Leads Matters (and Why It’s Not Ideal Long-Term)
Facebook Lead Ads allow users to submit forms without leaving the platform. But unless you connect a CRM or lead management tool, you have to download them manually—every time.
Problems with manual downloads:
- Leads go cold while waiting to be exported
- You miss real-time follow-up opportunities
- Files are easy to misplace
- It's a time-consuming, repetitive task
That’s why learning the process is important—but automating it is even better.
Step-by-Step: How to Download Leads from Facebook Ads Manager
Step 1: Go to Facebook Business Suite (Meta Business Manager)
Navigate to business.facebook.com and log in to the account that manages your Page.
Step 2: Click “More Tools” and Select Instant Forms
On the left-hand side of the dashboard: - Click “More Tools” - Select “Instant Forms” or “Lead Ads Forms” under Advertise
Step 3: Choose the Page You Used for Lead Ads
If you manage multiple Pages, make sure you’re viewing the correct one associated with your campaign.
Step 4: Find the Form and Click Download
Next to the form used in your ad: - Click the “Download” button - Choose CSV or XLS format
You’ll now have access to a spreadsheet with your leads’ information (name, email, phone, etc.).
📂 Keep in mind: Facebook only stores lead data for 90 days—after that, it’s gone.
Alternative Method: Download via Facebook Ads Manager
- Go to Ads Manager
- Click the Campaign that generated leads
- Click on the Ad Set, then the Ad
- Look for the “Leads” column
- Click Download Leads next to the form name
What Happens After You Download?
You now have a file of raw lead data—but here’s what most businesses do next (and where problems happen):
- Manually send leads to sales reps
- Paste leads into spreadsheets or CRMs
- Delay outreach due to lack of alerts
- Lose track of follow-up entirely
That’s where automation becomes essential.
Automate Lead Delivery with LeadOwl (No Downloads Needed)
LeadOwl eliminates the need for manual lead downloads by syncing directly with Facebook Lead Ads in real time.
Benefits of Using LeadOwl:
- 📲 Instant mobile/email alerts the moment a lead comes in
- 🔄 No manual downloads or spreadsheets
- 🔔 Smart reminders for follow-up if no action is taken
- 🧑🤝🧑 Lead assignment using the Lead Rotator
- 📊 Performance tracking to see who followed up, when, and how
With LeadOwl, you can respond to leads within seconds—not hours or days.
Why Real-Time Follow-Up Beats Manual Downloads
| Approach | Follow-Up Time | Risk of Lead Loss |
|---|---|---|
| Manual download | 1–24 hours | High |
| LeadOwl sync | Instant | Near zero |
⏱️ Responding within 5 minutes boosts conversion rates up to 400%—LeadOwl makes that possible.
Pro Tips
- Set a recurring calendar reminder if you're downloading leads manually
- Always back up your CSVs—Facebook only stores leads for 90 days
- Consider switching to a CRM or lead platform like LeadOwl to automate and scale
Conclusion
Downloading leads manually from Facebook Ads Manager works—but it’s not ideal for businesses that care about fast follow-up and streamlined workflows.
With LeadOwl, you get your leads in real time, on your phone, and in the hands of the right person—instantly.
Ready to stop downloading and start converting? Try LeadOwl free today.