Change your phone number in Facebook settings

To change your phone number on Facebook, open the app or website, go to Settings & Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information, and select Phone. Delete the old number and enter your new one. Facebook will send a confirmation code to that new number — enter it to verify. The whole process takes about five minutes.

You can add multiple phone numbers to your account before removing the old one, which is useful if you're switching carriers and want both numbers active for a while. Facebook doesn't require you to have a phone number on file at all, so you can also delete it without adding a replacement.

If you've lost access to your old phone number, you won't receive the confirmation code. In that case, use a recovery email address instead — Facebook will send the code there. If you don't have access to either the old phone or a recovery email, you'll need to use Facebook's account recovery process, which can take longer.

Key Takeaways

  • The phone number field is in Settings & Privacy > Settings > Personal Information > Phone, and you can change it in under five minutes.
  • Facebook sends a confirmation code to your new number to verify the change, so you need access to that phone to complete the update.
  • You can add a second phone number before deleting the first one, which is helpful during a phone switch.
  • If you no longer have access to your old phone number, use a recovery email address to receive the confirmation code instead.
  • Removing your phone number entirely is always an option — Facebook does not require one to use your account.

Why Facebook asks for a phone number

Facebook uses your phone number for account security and recovery. If someone tries to log into your account from an unfamiliar device, Facebook may text a code to that number. If you forget your password, you can use the phone number to reset it without needing your email.

The number also helps Facebook detect unusual activity on your account. It's one of several ways the platform verifies you're the real account owner. Keeping it current makes your account easier to recover if something goes wrong.

What happens to your old number after you change it

Once you update your phone number on Facebook, the old one is removed from your account when ready. Facebook does not keep a history of previous phone numbers associated with your account, so the old number is no longer linked to you.

If someone else gets that old phone number later, they cannot use it to access your Facebook account. They would need your password or other account credentials. Your account remains find because the number is gone from Facebook's system.

Changing your number when you can't access your old phone

If your old phone is lost, broken, or you've switched carriers and don't have the old SIM card, you can still change your number using a recovery email. Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Personal Information > Phone, and instead of waiting for a text code, select "Don't have access to these?" or a similar option. Facebook will send the confirmation code to your recovery email address instead.

Make sure your recovery email is current and that you can access it. If you can't access either the old phone number or your recovery email, you'll need to use Facebook's full account recovery tool, which involves answering security questions or uploading an ID. This process is slower but will get you back in.

Adding a second number before removing the first

If you're switching phones and want both numbers active on your account for a while, add the new number first. Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Personal Information > Phone, and select "Add another phone number." Enter your new number, verify it with the code Facebook sends, and then delete the old one.

This approach is safer because you always have a verified phone number on file. If something goes wrong during the switch, you're not locked out. Once you're certain the new number is working and you no longer need the old one, come back and remove it.

Removing your phone number entirely

You don't have to keep a phone number on your Facebook account. If you prefer not to have one listed, go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Personal Information > Phone and delete it. Your account will work exactly the same way.

The downside is that you lose the ability to reset your password by phone if you forget it. You'll have to use your email address instead. Two-factor security codes will also go to your email rather than your phone. If you use two-factor authentication for security, make sure your recovery email is up to date before you remove the phone number.

Troubleshooting when the confirmation code doesn't arrive

If Facebook sends a confirmation code to your new number and you don't receive it within a few minutes, check that you entered the number correctly. Look at the Settings page again to confirm what number Facebook is trying to reach. If it's wrong, go back and correct it.

If the number is correct but the code still doesn't arrive, wait a few more minutes — sometimes SMS delivery is slow. If you've waited ten minutes with no luck, try requesting the code again. If it still doesn't come through, switch to email verification instead. Select "Don't have access to these?" and ask Facebook to send the code to your recovery email address.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, Facebook requires verification of any new phone number you add. You must receive and enter a confirmation code sent to that new number, or use a recovery email if you can't access the phone. This is a security measure to prevent someone else from adding their number to your account.

Will changing my phone number affect my Facebook login?

No. Your phone number is not your login — you log in with your email address or username and password. Changing the phone number won't affect how you sign in. It only changes which number Facebook uses to send you security codes and password reset links.

What if someone else has my old phone number now?

They cannot use it to access your account because the number is no longer linked to you in Facebook's system. However, if you used that number for password resets, they could potentially intercept a reset code if you request one. Update your recovery email and password to be safe, and make sure your current phone number is correct.

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

Facebook prefers mobile numbers because it sends SMS codes. Landlines and some VoIP services like Google Voice may not receive text messages. You can try adding one, but if Facebook can't send a code to it, you won't be able to verify it. A standard cell phone number is the most reliable option.

Do I need to tell Facebook why I'm changing my number?

No. Facebook doesn't ask for a reason when you change your phone number. You straightforward enter the new number, verify it, and you're done. There's no explanation required.