Change Your Email Address in Facebook Settings

To change the email address on your Facebook account, open Facebook and go to the menu in the top right corner. Click the downward arrow, then select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Personal information, then find the Email section. Click the pencil icon next to your current email, type your new email address, and click Save changes.

Facebook will send a confirmation message to your new email address. You must open that email and click the confirmation link within a set time — usually 24 hours — or the change will not take effect. If you do not see the confirmation email, check your spam or junk folder. After you confirm, your account will be tied to the new email address.

You can keep your old email address on file as a recovery option if you want. When you add a new email, Facebook asks whether you want to remove the old one or keep it. Keeping it means you can use either email to log in, and Facebook can contact you at that address if you lose access to your main email.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then Personal information, then click the pencil icon next to your email address.
  • Type your new email and click Save changes, then confirm the change by clicking the link Facebook sends to that new address.
  • You have about 24 hours to confirm the new email, or the change will be cancelled.
  • You can keep your old email as a backup login method instead of removing it completely.
  • If the confirmation email does not arrive, check your spam folder or wait a few minutes and request a new confirmation link.

What Happens If You Do Not Confirm the New Email

If you do not click the confirmation link within 24 hours, Facebook cancels the change and your account stays tied to your old email. You will need to start over and request a new confirmation email. This is a safety feature — it prevents someone from changing your email without your knowledge.

If you accidentally closed the confirmation email or cannot find it, go back to Settings and Personal information, click the pencil icon again, and select Resend confirmation email. Facebook will send a fresh link to the new address you entered.

Changing Your Email When You No Longer Have Access to the Old One

If you cannot log into your account because you no longer have access to the email address it is tied to, you cannot use the Settings method. Instead, go to the Facebook login page and click Forgotten password? Enter your username, phone number, or full name. Facebook will show you a list of recovery options — usually a phone number or an older email address you added to your account.

If you have a phone number on file, Facebook can send you a code by text or call. If you have an older email address, Facebook sends a link to that address. Once you regain access, you can then change the primary email to a new one you control. This process is slower than the normal method and may take several attempts.

Using a Phone Number Instead of an Email

Facebook lets you use a phone number as your main contact method instead of an email address. In Settings and Personal information, you can add a phone number and set it as your primary contact. This does not remove your email — it just tells Facebook to use the phone number first when sending you messages or recovery codes.

If you want to remove your email entirely and use only a phone number, you must have a confirmed phone number on file first. Add the phone number, confirm it, then remove the email. However, most people keep both so they have backup options if they lose access to one.

Fixing Common Mistakes During the Change

The most common mistake is typing the new email address wrong. If you see a typo after you click Save changes but before you confirm, go back to Settings and Personal information and click the pencil icon again. You can change it to the correct address and request a new confirmation email. Facebook has not locked you in yet.

If you already confirmed the wrong email address, you will need to change it again. Go to Settings and Personal information, click the pencil icon, enter the correct email, and confirm it. There is no limit to how many times you can change your email, so do not worry about making a mistake.

Another common issue is the confirmation email going to spam. Before you assume the email did not arrive, check your spam, junk, and promotions folders. Search for "Facebook" or "confirm" in those folders. If you still cannot find it after 10 minutes, go back to Settings and request a new confirmation email.

What Information You Need Before You Start

You need access to the new email address you want to use. Facebook will send a confirmation link there, so the address must be real and working. You also need to be logged into your Facebook account — you cannot change the email if you are locked out.

If you are changing the email because the old one no longer works, make sure the new email is set up and receiving messages before you start the change. Test it by sending yourself an email from another account. This takes two minutes and prevents you from getting stuck with a confirmation link you cannot reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my email address on the Facebook mobile app?

Yes. Open the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right, scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then Settings. Tap Personal information, then tap Email. Tap the pencil icon, enter your new email, and tap Save. You will still need to confirm the change through the link Facebook sends to your new email address.

How long does it take for the email change to go through?

The change is when ready once you click the confirmation link in the email Facebook sends you. The confirmation email usually arrives within a few minutes. If you do not confirm within 24 hours, the change is cancelled and you must start over.

Can I use the same email address for two Facebook accounts?

No. Each email address can be tied to only one Facebook account. If you try to change your email to one that is already in use, Facebook will tell you the email is already associated with another account. You must use a different email address.

What if I change my email and then forget the new one?

You can still log in using your username or phone number if you have one on file. Once you are logged in, go to Settings and Personal information to see what email is currently tied to your account. You can also add a new email and remove the one you forgot.

Does changing my email affect my Facebook password?

No. Your password stays the same. Changing your email only changes how Facebook contacts you and which email you can use to log in. Your password does not change unless you go to Settings and choose to reset it.