You can change your birthdate in Facebook settings, but Facebook limits how often you can do it

To change your birthdate on Facebook, go to your profile, select "Edit profile," find the birthdate field, and update it. Facebook allows you to change your birthdate, but the platform restricts how frequently you can make changes — you cannot alter it more than once every 60 days. If you need to change it again soon after an update, you will have to wait until the 60-day window closes.

The steps are straightforward, but the restrictions matter. Facebook enforces the 60-day rule to prevent misuse of the platform and to protect account security. If you enter an incorrect birthdate now, you need to plan ahead before making another change.

Key Takeaways

  • Access your birthdate through your profile settings under "Edit profile," not through account settings.
  • Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period between birthdate changes, so you cannot update it again when ready after making a change.
  • Your birthdate controls who can see your birthday on the platform and affects age-restricted features like alcohol or gambling ads.
  • If you cannot change your birthdate because of the 60-day restriction, you will need to wait until the period expires before trying again.

Step-by-step: changing your birthdate on Facebook

Open Facebook and go to your profile by clicking your name or profile picture in the top right corner. Once on your profile, look for the three dots or menu icon near your cover photo and select "Edit profile."

Scroll down until you see the "Basic information" section. Your birthdate field will appear there. Click on the birthdate to open the date picker, then select the correct month, day, and year. After you enter the new date, click "Save" or confirm the change. Facebook will update your birthdate when ready, but you will not be able to change it again for 60 days.

What happens if you hit the 60-day limit

If you try to change your birthdate within 60 days of your last change, Facebook will show an error message saying you cannot modify it yet. The message will tell you the date when you can change it again. There is no way to override this restriction or request an exception through Facebook support.

If you made a mistake and need to change your birthdate urgently, your only option is to wait. Plan your birthdate entry carefully the first time, because you are locked in for two months. If the date is significantly wrong — for example, if it puts you in a different age bracket — you may need to contact Facebook support to explain the situation, though they rarely make exceptions to the 60-day rule.

Why Facebook restricts birthdate changes

Facebook limits birthdate changes to prevent fraud and account takeovers. Scammers sometimes change birthdates on hacked accounts to make the account harder to recover or to bypass age restrictions on certain features. The 60-day window gives Facebook time to detect suspicious activity and gives you time to notice if someone has accessed your account without permission.

Your birthdate also controls access to age-restricted content and ads. Changing it frequently could allow someone to manipulate what ads or features appear on the account. The restriction protects both you and the platform from misuse.

Privacy settings for your birthday

Your birthdate does not have to be visible to everyone on Facebook. After you update your birthdate, you can control who sees it by adjusting your privacy settings. Go back to "Edit profile," find your birthdate field, and look for the privacy icon next to it — it usually shows a globe, friends icon, or lock.

Click that icon to choose who can see your birthday: everyone, friends only, or only you. Many people set their birthday to "Friends only" or "Only me" to limit who knows when they were born. You can change these privacy settings as often as you want — the 60-day restriction applies only to the birthdate itself, not to who can see it.

What to do if you cannot remember your birthdate

If you entered a birthdate on Facebook years ago and no longer remember what you put in, you can view it by going to your profile, selecting "Edit profile," and looking at the birthdate field. Facebook will show you the date currently on file.

If the date is wrong and you want to correct it, you can change it when ready — but only once. After that change, you will be locked into the 60-day waiting period. If you are unsure whether the current date is correct, take time to verify it before making a change.

Birthdate changes on mobile versus desktop

The process is nearly identical on mobile and desktop. On the Facebook app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), scroll to "Settings & privacy," then "Settings." Tap "Personal information" and select "Date of birth." Make your change and save it. On desktop, the path is the same: profile menu, "Edit profile," then the birthdate field.

Both versions enforce the same 60-day restriction, so changing your birthdate on mobile does not bypass the waiting period if you later try to change it on desktop, or vice versa. The restriction is tied to your account, not to the device you use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my birthdate more than once in 60 days?

No. Facebook enforces a strict 60-day waiting period between birthdate changes. You cannot change it again until 60 days have passed since your last update. There is no way to request an exception or bypass this rule.

What if I entered the wrong year and Facebook thinks I am a different age?

You can change it once when ready. After that, you will have to wait 60 days before making another change. If the age bracket is significantly wrong and affecting your account, contact Facebook support to explain, though they rarely override the restriction.

Does changing my birthdate affect my account security?

Changing your own birthdate is safe. The 60-day restriction exists to protect you from someone else changing it if they gain access to your account. If you did not make a recent birthdate change and see one on your account, change your password when ready and review your login activity.

Can I hide my birthday from everyone on Facebook?

Yes. After updating your birthdate, click the privacy icon next to it in "Edit profile" and select "Only me." Your birthday will not appear on your profile or in your friends' birthday reminders, though Facebook will still use it internally for age-restricted features.

What happens if I change my birthdate right before my actual birthday?

Your friends will see the new birthday on your profile and in their birthday reminders. If you change it to a date that already passed in the current year, Facebook may not send birthday notifications until the following year. Plan your change accordingly if you want your actual birthday to be recognized.