Change Your Phone Number in Account Settings

To change the phone number Facebook has on file for your account, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Personal Information. You'll see a Phone field with your current number (or blank if you haven't added one). Click next to it to edit, delete the old number, and type in your new one. Facebook will send a confirmation code to that new number—enter the code to complete the change.

The whole process takes about two minutes. Your phone number is used for account recovery (if you forget your password) and for two-factor authentication if you've turned that on. Changing it doesn't affect your profile, your friends list, or anything else people see about you.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Personal Information to find the phone number field.
  • Facebook sends a confirmation code to your new number, so you must have access to it before you start.
  • Your phone number is private and only used for account security, not displayed on your profile.
  • If you no longer have access to your old number, you can still change it by using a backup recovery method like email.
  • Two-factor authentication will continue to work with your new number once the change is confirmed.

What Happens If You Don't Have Access to Your Old Number

If you've switched carriers, lost your phone, or straightforward don't have the old number anymore, you can still change it. Instead of going through the phone confirmation process, use your email address as the recovery method. Go to Settings > Personal Information, and if you can't receive texts on the old number, click "Can't use this phone?" Facebook will let you verify your identity using your email instead.

This route takes a bit longer because Facebook may ask you to confirm your identity in other ways—they might ask when you created your account, what devices you usually log in from, or send a link to your email. Once you've verified, you can add your new number without needing the old one.

Updating Your Number for Two-Factor Authentication

If you've already turned on two-factor authentication (the security feature that requires a code from your phone when you log in from a new device), your new number will automatically become your 2FA number once you confirm the change. You don't need to turn it off and back on.

However, if you're changing your number because you're getting a new phone right away, do the change before you switch devices. That way you'll have the new number active and ready to receive codes. If you switch first and then try to change the number, you might get locked out if you can't receive the confirmation code.

Removing Your Phone Number Instead of Changing It

You don't have to keep a phone number on file at all. If you'd rather not store one with Facebook, go to Settings > Personal Information, find the Phone field, and click the X or delete button next to it. Your account will work fine without a phone number—you'll just use your email and password to log in normally.

The trade-off is that if you forget your password and can't access your email, you'll have a harder time recovering your account. Facebook recommends keeping at least one recovery method (phone or email) on file, but it's not required.

Why Facebook Asks for a Phone Number

Facebook uses your phone number for two main reasons: to help you get back into your account if you forget your password, and to send you security codes if you turn on two-factor authentication. It's not used to contact you for marketing, and it's not shown on your profile or to other users.

Your phone number is stored separately from your public profile information. Even if your profile is set to public, your phone number stays private. Only you and Facebook can see it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest mistake is typing in a number you don't have access to. Facebook sends the confirmation code when ready, and you have a limited time to enter it. If you mistype the number or use one that's no longer active, the change won't go through and you'll have to start over.

Another common issue is forgetting that you've set up two-factor authentication. If you change your number without realizing 2FA is on, you might not be able to log in from a new device until the new number is confirmed. Check your security settings first if you're about to switch phones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my phone number affect my Facebook friends or messages?

No. Your phone number is only used for account security. Changing it won't alter your profile, your friend list, your messages, or anything else about your account that other people see or interact with.

How long does it take for the new number to be confirmed?

Usually a few seconds. Facebook sends the confirmation code right away, and once you enter it, the change is complete. If you don't receive the code within a minute or two, check that you typed the number correctly and try again.

Can I use a landline or VoIP number instead of a cell phone?

Facebook prefers mobile numbers because it needs to send text messages. Some VoIP services work, but landlines typically won't receive SMS codes. If you try and don't get the code, you'll need to use your email recovery method instead.

What if I get a new phone number but want to keep the old one on my account?

Facebook only stores one phone number per account. When you change it, the old number is replaced. If you need to keep both for some reason, you'd have to manage them outside of Facebook—there's no way to add multiple phone numbers to a single account.

Do I need to turn off two-factor authentication before changing my number?

No. Your two-factor authentication will automatically use your new number once the change is confirmed. You don't need to turn it off and back on.