You can change your age on Facebook, but the process depends on how old your account says you are and how long ago you set it

Facebook lets you edit your birth date in your profile settings at any time. The change takes effect when ready for most people. However, if you set your age when you created your account and it has been more than a few months, Facebook may restrict how much you can change it — you might only be able to adjust the day and month, not the year. If you need to change the birth year itself and Facebook won't let you, you will need to contact Facebook support and provide proof of your real date of birth, such as a government ID.

The reason for these restrictions is that Facebook uses age to enforce its 13-year minimum age requirement and to show age-appropriate content and ads. Changing your age frequently or by large amounts can trigger a review, and Facebook may temporarily lock the setting or ask you to verify your identity.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your birth date in Facebook settings under Personal Information, and the change shows up right away in your profile.
  • If you set your age when you created your account and want to change the birth year now, Facebook may only let you change the day and month.
  • To change your birth year when Facebook blocks it, you will need to contact Facebook support and upload a photo of your ID.
  • Your age setting controls what ads you see and whether your profile appears in age-restricted searches, so accuracy matters for your experience.
  • Changing your age multiple times in a short period may cause Facebook to lock the setting temporarily or ask you to verify your identity.

How to change your age in Facebook settings

Open Facebook on a computer or in the mobile app. Click the menu icon (three horizontal lines on mobile, or the downward arrow on desktop) and select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Personal information. You will see your birth date listed there. Click the pencil icon next to it to edit.

Change the month, day, or year as needed. You can also choose whether your birth date shows on your profile and whether friends see it on your birthday. Once you have made your changes, click Save. The new age takes effect when ready, and your profile will reflect it right away.

When Facebook won't let you change your birth year

If you created your Facebook account years ago and set your birth year at that time, Facebook may now prevent you from changing the year itself. You will see a message saying you can only edit the month and day. This is a safety measure to prevent people from drastically altering their age after the account has been active for a long time.

If you need to change the birth year, you will have to contact Facebook support. Go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Personal information, find your birth date, and look for an option to request a change or contact support. Facebook will ask you to upload a clear photo of a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or national ID card — that shows your real birth date. The review usually takes a few days. Once Facebook verifies your ID, it will unlock the birth year field and allow you to change it.

Why your age matters on Facebook

Facebook uses your birth date to determine what ads you see. Advertisers can target specific age groups, and your age setting controls which ads appear in your feed. Your age also affects what content Facebook recommends to you and whether your profile appears in age-restricted searches.

If your age is set incorrectly, you may see ads that do not match your interests, or you may miss content that would be relevant to you. Additionally, if your account is set to an age under 13, Facebook may restrict certain features or ask you to verify your age before allowing you to use the platform fully.

What happens if you change your age frequently

Changing your birth date multiple times in a short period — such as several times in a week or month — can trigger Facebook's security systems. Facebook may temporarily lock your birth date setting and prevent further changes for a set period. You may also receive a message asking you to verify your identity by entering a code sent to your email or phone number.

These restrictions exist to prevent account takeovers and fraud. If your account has been locked, wait a few days before trying again. If the lock persists, contact Facebook support and explain that you made the changes yourself. Providing a government ID can help speed up the process.

Changing your age on Facebook mobile app versus desktop

The process is nearly identical on both platforms. On mobile, tap the menu icon (three lines) at the bottom right, then Settings and privacy > Settings > Personal information. On desktop, click the downward arrow in the top right corner, then Settings and privacy > Settings > Personal information. In both cases, tap or click the pencil icon next to your birth date and save your changes.

Mobile users may find it slightly easier to upload an ID photo if Facebook asks for one, since the phone camera is built in. Desktop users can upload a file from their computer or use their webcam. Either way, the ID photo needs to be clear and show your full birth date.

Privacy settings for your birth date

When you edit your birth date, Facebook also lets you control who sees it. In the same Personal information section, you will see options to make your birth date visible to Public, Friends, Friends except, or Only me. You can also hide your birth date entirely so that only Facebook knows it — your friends and the public will not see it on your profile.

Many people choose to hide their birth date for privacy reasons, especially the year. Your age still affects the ads you see and the content Facebook shows you, even if your birth date is hidden from your profile. The setting only controls visibility, not Facebook's internal use of the information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my age on Facebook if I am under 18?

Yes, you can change your birth date the same way any other user can. If you are under 13, Facebook may restrict certain features or ask you to verify your age. If you need to change your birth year and Facebook blocks it, you will still need to provide a government ID to Facebook support.

How long does it take Facebook to verify my ID when I change my birth year?

Facebook typically reviews ID submissions within a few days, though it can take up to a week during busy periods. You will receive a notification once the review is complete. If Facebook cannot read your ID clearly, it will ask you to resubmit.

Will changing my age affect my Facebook friends or my messages?

No. Changing your birth date does not delete messages, remove friends, or affect your account in any way other than updating your age. Your friends will not be notified of the change unless they visit your profile and notice the new age.

What if I do not have a government ID to verify my age?

If Facebook requires ID verification and you do not have a government-issued ID, contact Facebook support and explain your situation. In some cases, Facebook may accept alternative forms of identification or may work with you on other ways to verify your birth date, though this varies by location.

Can I hide my birth year but show my birth month and day?

Facebook does not offer that level of control. You can either show your full birth date, hide it completely, or choose who sees it. You cannot selectively hide just the year while showing the month and day on your profile.