Change Your Facebook Phone Number in Settings

To change the phone number linked to your Facebook account, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings. On the left side, select Personal Information. Click Phone Number, then the pencil icon next to your current number. Delete the old number and enter your new one, then click Save Changes.

Facebook will send a confirmation code to your new phone number. Check your text messages for this code and enter it into the box that appears on your screen. Once you confirm the code, your phone number is updated. The whole process takes about two minutes.

If you no longer have access to your old phone number, you can still remove it without confirming the new one first. Click the X next to the old number to delete it, then add your new number separately. You will only need to confirm the new number with a code.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Facebook phone number through Settings and Privacy by navigating to Personal Information and selecting Phone Number.
  • Facebook sends a confirmation code to your new phone number, which you must enter to complete the change.
  • If you no longer have access to your old phone number, delete it first, then add and confirm your new one.
  • Your phone number is used for account recovery and login verification, so keeping it current helps protect your account.
  • You can have multiple phone numbers on your account, though only one is set as primary for recovery purposes.

Why Facebook Asks for a Phone Number

Facebook uses your phone number for two main reasons: account recovery and login verification. If you forget your password or someone tries to access your account from an unfamiliar device, Facebook can send a code to your phone to confirm it is really you. This is a security feature, not a requirement to use Facebook.

You can use Facebook without adding a phone number at all. However, if your account is ever locked or compromised, having a phone number on file makes it much faster to regain access. Without one, you may need to verify your identity through other methods, which can take longer.

Adding Multiple Phone Numbers to Your Account

Facebook allows you to add more than one phone number to your account. This is useful if you have a work phone and a personal phone, or if you are switching to a new number and want to keep the old one active for a while during the transition.

To add a second number, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information, then Phone Number. Click Add Phone Number and enter the new one. Facebook will send a confirmation code to that number. Once you confirm it, both numbers are active on your account. You can set either one as your primary number for recovery purposes.

What Happens to Your Old Number After You Change It

When you change your phone number on Facebook, the old number is removed from your account completely. Facebook does not keep a record of previous phone numbers linked to your account. This means someone who gets your old phone number cannot use it to access your Facebook account.

If you are switching phone numbers with your carrier, the new owner of your old number will not be able to use it to reset your Facebook password or receive login codes meant for you. Your account is only tied to the phone number currently listed in your settings.

Changing Your Number When You Cannot Access Your Old Phone

If you have switched phones or lost access to your old number, you can still update your account. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information, then Phone Number. Click the X next to your old number to remove it without needing a confirmation code. Then click Add Phone Number and enter your new number. You will need to confirm the new number with a code sent to it.

If you cannot access either your old or new phone number, you will need to use Facebook's account recovery process instead. Go to the login page, click Forgot Password, and follow the steps to verify your identity using your email address or other recovery methods.

Using Your Phone Number for Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication is an extra security layer that requires a code from your phone in addition to your password when you log in. You can turn this on in Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Security and Login. Scroll to Two-Factor Authentication and click Edit.

When two-factor authentication is on, Facebook sends a code to your phone every time you log in from a new device or browser. This means if someone has your password, they still cannot get into your account without access to your phone. Keeping your phone number current is important if you use this feature.

Removing Your Phone Number Entirely

You can remove your phone number from Facebook without adding a new one. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information, then Phone Number. Click the X next to your number. Facebook will ask you to confirm that you want to remove it. Click Remove and your phone number is deleted from your account.

Removing your phone number makes account recovery slower if you ever need it. You will still be able to log in with your password, but if you forget your password or your account is locked, you will have to verify your identity through email or other methods instead of receiving a code on your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Facebook charge me for texting codes to my phone?

No. Facebook sends codes through text message at no cost to you. Your phone carrier may charge standard text message rates if you are on a plan with limited texts, but Facebook itself does not charge anything.

Can I change my phone number on Facebook without confirming a code?

You must confirm your new phone number with a code before the change is complete. However, you can delete your old number without confirming anything. If you do not receive the code on your new number, check your spam folder or wait a few minutes and request the code again.

What if someone else's phone number is on my Facebook account?

Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information, then Phone Number. Click the X next to the number that is not yours and remove it. If you cannot access your account, use the account recovery process at the login page to regain control.

Will changing my phone number log me out of Facebook?

No. Changing your phone number does not log you out or affect your ability to use Facebook. You will stay logged in on all your devices. The phone number change only affects account recovery and login verification.

Can I use a landline or VoIP number instead of a mobile number?

Facebook prefers mobile numbers because they can receive text messages. Some VoIP services work, but landlines typically do not. If you try to add a landline and Facebook rejects it, use a mobile number instead.