Open Facebook, tap your profile, and select Change Profile Picture

To change your Facebook profile picture on iPhone, open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) at the bottom right. Tap your name at the top of the menu to go to your profile. Once there, tap your current profile picture. A menu will appear with options including "Change Profile Picture" — tap that option.

From here, you can choose to take a new photo with your camera, select an existing photo from your phone's library, or remove your current picture entirely. The process takes less than a minute from start to finish.

Key Takeaways

  • Tap the menu icon (three lines) at the bottom right of the Facebook app, then tap your name to reach your profile.
  • Tap your current profile picture to open the menu where you can change it.
  • You can take a new photo, choose one from your phone's photo library, or delete your current picture.
  • Facebook lets you set a temporary profile picture that disappears after a set time if you want to change it back automatically.
  • Your new profile picture appears across Facebook when ready, including on your posts and comments.

Taking a New Photo as Your Profile Picture

If you want to take a fresh photo right then, tap "Take Photo" from the menu that appears after you tap your profile picture. Your iPhone's camera will open. Take your shot, then tap "Use Photo" to confirm. You can retake the photo as many times as you want before confirming.

Facebook will then ask you to crop and position the photo. Pinch to zoom in or out, and drag to move the image around until you like how it looks in the circular frame. Once you are satisfied, tap "Save" or "Done" (the button name varies by app version). Your new picture goes live when ready.

Choosing a Photo from Your Library

Tap "Choose from Photos" if you already have a picture on your phone that you want to use. Your photo library will open. Scroll through and select the photo you want. You can pick any image — a selfie, a landscape, a photo with other people, or anything else.

After you select the photo, Facebook shows you a preview with a circular crop frame. Adjust the zoom and position the same way you would for a new photo. Tap "Save" or "Done" when the framing looks right. The photo becomes your profile picture right away.

Using a Temporary Profile Picture

Facebook offers a feature to set a profile picture that automatically changes back after a certain time. This is useful if you want to use a seasonal photo or a special image for a limited period without having to remember to change it back manually.

When you select your photo and reach the crop screen, look for an option that says "Make Temporary" or "Set as Temporary Profile Picture." Tap it, and Facebook will ask you to choose how long you want it to stay — usually options like one week, one month, or until a date you pick. After that time passes, your previous profile picture returns automatically.

Removing Your Profile Picture

To remove your profile picture entirely, tap your current picture and select "Remove" or "Delete Profile Picture" from the menu. Facebook will ask you to confirm. Once you confirm, your profile picture disappears, and Facebook displays a generic silhouette or placeholder in its place.

You can add a new picture at any time by following the same steps. Removing your picture does not affect any other part of your profile or your ability to use Facebook.

What Happens After You Change Your Picture

Your new profile picture appears on your profile when ready and shows up next to your name on all your posts, comments, and messages. Friends and other people on Facebook see the new picture right away — there is no delay. The old picture is replaced everywhere at once.

If you change your picture multiple times in a short period, Facebook may ask you to wait before changing it again. This is to prevent spam and abuse. The wait is usually short, and you can try again in a few minutes or hours.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If the "Change Profile Picture" option does not appear when you tap your picture, make sure you are logged into the right account and that you have the latest version of the Facebook app. Check the App Store to see if an update is available. Close the app completely and reopen it if the menu does not show up.

If your new picture does not appear after you save it, try refreshing your profile by pulling down at the top of the screen. If the problem continues, log out and log back in. If you are still having trouble, check your internet connection — a weak connection can prevent the picture from uploading properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo that is not on my phone?

No, the Facebook app on iPhone only lets you take a new photo or choose from photos already saved on your device. If you want to use a photo from the internet, you need to save it to your phone first. Open Safari, find the image, tap and hold it, then select "Save Image" to add it to your photo library.

Will my old profile pictures be saved somewhere?

Yes. Facebook keeps a record of all your profile pictures in a folder called "Profile Pictures" in your photos section. You can view them by going to your profile, tapping the three dots at the top, and selecting "View Profile Pictures" or a similar option. You can also set any old picture as your current profile picture from there.

Can I change my profile picture if my account is restricted or limited?

In most cases, yes. Changing your profile picture is a basic account function. However, if your account has been temporarily restricted by Facebook for violating community standards, some features may be limited. Check your account status in Settings to see if any restrictions explore.

Does changing my profile picture notify my friends?

Facebook does not send a direct notification to your friends when you change your profile picture. However, the change may appear in their News Feed if they follow your activity. Your new picture is visible to anyone who visits your profile or sees your posts and comments.

What image size works best for a profile picture?

Facebook automatically crops your photo into a circle, so the exact size does not matter as much as the composition. A photo that is at least 400 by 400 pixels will look sharp. Make sure the part of the image you want visible is centered, since Facebook will crop the edges when it fits the photo into the circular frame.