Change your phone number in Facebook settings

To change the phone number Facebook has on file for your account, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings. On the left menu, 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 number by text or call. Enter that code on the screen to verify ownership. Once verified, your account is linked to the new number. The old number is removed automatically.

If you no longer have access to your old number, you can skip the verification step by clicking "Don't have access to this phone number?" Facebook will ask you to verify your identity another way — usually by uploading a photo ID or answering security questions about your account history.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your phone number through Settings and Privacy > Settings > Personal Information > Phone Number.
  • Facebook sends a confirmation code to your new number by text or call, and you must enter it to complete the change.
  • If you no longer have access to your old number, you can verify your identity using a photo ID or security questions instead.
  • Your old phone number is removed from your account once the new one is confirmed.
  • Changing your phone number does not affect your login method unless you specifically set up two-factor authentication using that number.

What happens to two-factor authentication when you change your number

If you use two-factor authentication (also called login alerts or two-step verification) and your old number was part of that setup, you need to update it. Two-factor authentication sends a security code to your phone when you log in from a new device or location.

After you change your phone number in Personal Information, go back to Settings and Privacy > Settings. Select Security and Login on the left menu. Look for "Two-Factor Authentication" and click Edit. Remove your old number and add your new one. Save your changes.

If you do not update two-factor authentication, you will not receive the security codes on your new phone, and you may get locked out of your account when you try to log in from an unfamiliar device.

Updating your recovery phone number

Facebook lets you add a recovery phone number separate from your main phone number. This is a backup number Facebook can use to help you regain access if you lose your password or get locked out of your account.

To add or change a recovery number, go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Personal Information > Recovery Phone Number. Click the pencil icon and enter a different phone number — this can be a family member's number or a second phone you own. Click Save Changes. Facebook will send a confirmation code to that number.

Having a recovery number is useful because it gives you another way back into your account if your main phone is lost or stolen. You do not have to use the same number for both purposes.

Changing your number on the Facebook mobile app

The steps are similar on the Facebook app for iPhone or Android. Open the app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right. Scroll down and tap Settings and Privacy, then Settings. Tap Personal Information, then Phone Number. Tap the pencil icon next to your current number, delete it, and enter your new one.

Tap Save Changes. Facebook will send a confirmation code to your new number. Enter the code on the screen to verify. The process works the same way as on a computer — you just navigate through the app instead of a web browser.

What to do if you cannot receive texts or calls on your new number

If Facebook sends a confirmation code but you do not receive it, wait a few minutes — text delivery can be slow. If nothing arrives after 10 minutes, tap "Didn't get a code?" and ask Facebook to call you instead, or vice versa.

If you still cannot receive the code, you can verify your identity using a photo ID. Click "Don't have access to this phone number?" and follow the prompts to upload a government-issued ID or passport. Facebook reviews the ID and confirms your identity, then lets you change your number without the text code.

Make sure your new phone number is active and can receive texts or calls before you start the change process. If you are switching carriers or phones, test that the new number works first.

Why Facebook asks for a phone number

Facebook uses your phone number for security and account recovery. If someone tries to log into your account from a new location or device, Facebook may send a code to your phone to verify it is really you. Your phone number also helps Facebook contact you if your account is compromised or if you forget your password.

You are not required to add a phone number to Facebook, but having one makes your account more find and easier to recover if something goes wrong. Without a phone number on file, you will have fewer options to regain access if you get locked out.

Removing your phone number from Facebook

If you do not want Facebook to have your phone number at all, you can delete it. Go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Personal Information > Phone Number. Click the pencil icon, then click Remove. Confirm that you want to remove it.

Removing your phone number means you will not receive text codes for two-factor authentication or account recovery on that number. You can still use other recovery methods, like a recovery email address or a backup phone number. If you remove your only recovery method, make sure you have a strong, memorable password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my phone number log me out of Facebook?

No. Changing your phone number does not log you out or require you to log back in. You stay logged in on all your devices. The change only affects which number Facebook uses to send you security codes or contact you about your account.

Can I use the same phone number for multiple Facebook accounts?

Facebook allows one phone number per account. If you try to add a number that is already linked to another account, Facebook will ask you to remove it from that account first. You can then add it to your current account.

How long does it take to change my phone number?

The change is when ready once you verify the new number with the confirmation code. If you use a photo ID to verify instead, Facebook may take a few hours to review it, but usually completes the review within one business day.

What if I change my number and then change it back?

You can change your phone number as many times as you want. Each time, Facebook sends a new confirmation code to verify the number. There is no limit on how often you can update it.

Do I need to tell Facebook if I got a new phone but kept the same number?

No. If your phone number stays the same, you do not need to change anything in Facebook settings. Your account is still linked to that number, and it works the same way on your new phone.