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. Find the Phone section and click next to your current number. You can then remove the old number and add a new one.

Facebook stores your phone number for account recovery and security purposes. When you change it, the old number stops being linked to your account. The new number becomes active when ready, though Facebook may send a confirmation text to verify you own it.

You do not need to change your phone number if you are only changing your phone itself — your Facebook account stays the same across devices. You only need to update it here if your actual phone number has changed with your carrier.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information to find your phone number in Facebook's system.
  • Click next to your phone number to remove the old one and type in the new number.
  • Facebook may text your new number to confirm the change, and you will need to enter that code to complete it.
  • Your phone number is used for account recovery if you forget your password, so keeping it current helps protect your account.
  • Changing your phone number on Facebook does not affect your phone bill, carrier, or any other service — it only updates Facebook's records.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Desktop

Start by clicking the downward arrow in the top right corner of Facebook. A menu will drop down with several options. Click Settings and Privacy, then click Settings again from the submenu.

On the left side of the page, you will see a list of categories. Click Personal Information. Scroll down until you see the Phone section. Your current number will be listed there. Click the pencil icon or the word Edit next to it.

A box will appear with your current number highlighted. Click the X button to remove it. Type your new phone number in the empty field below. Make sure you include the country code and area code. Click Save Changes when you are done.

Facebook will send a text message to your new number with a confirmation code. Open that text and copy the code. Return to Facebook and paste the code into the box that appears. Click Confirm. Your phone number is now updated.

Changing Your Number on Mobile App

On the Facebook mobile app, tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and Privacy, then tap Settings. Tap Personal Information.

Find the Phone section and tap next to your number. Tap Edit. Remove your old number by tapping the X, then type your new number. Tap Save. Facebook will text a confirmation code to your new number. Enter that code when prompted, and your number is updated.

The process is the same whether you use iPhone or Android. If you do not receive the confirmation text within a few minutes, check that you typed the number correctly. You can also ask Facebook to call you instead of texting — look for a Call Me option on the confirmation screen.

What Happens If You Do Not Receive the Confirmation Code

If the text does not arrive, first check that you typed the number correctly. Common mistakes include forgetting the area code or adding extra spaces. Go back and verify each digit. If the number is correct, wait a few more minutes — texts can be delayed.

If you still do not receive it after five minutes, tap or click Call Me Instead. Facebook will call your new number and read the code aloud. You can then type that code into Facebook to confirm. This works even if your phone does not receive text messages.

If you cannot receive calls or texts on the new number, you may need to use a different number temporarily. You can also skip this step and add the number later — Facebook will remind you to confirm it the next time you log in.

Removing Your Phone Number Entirely

You do not have to keep a phone number on file. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information. Find your phone number and click the X next to it. Click Remove. Your phone number will be deleted from your account.

Without a phone number, you will have a harder time recovering your account if you forget your password. Facebook will ask you to use your email address instead. Make sure your email address is current and that you have access to it before you remove your phone number.

Why Facebook Asks for Your Phone Number

Facebook uses your phone number as a backup way to recover your account. If you forget your password and cannot access your email, Facebook can text you a code to reset it. This protects your account from being locked out permanently.

Your phone number is also used for two-factor authentication if you turn that security feature on. Two-factor authentication sends a code to your phone every time someone tries to log in from a new device, which makes your account harder to hack.

Facebook does not share your phone number with advertisers or other companies. It is stored separately from your public profile information. Only you and Facebook can see it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my contacts on Facebook know I changed my number?

No. Your phone number is private information that only you and Facebook can see. Your friends cannot see it unless you put it on your public profile yourself. Changing it does not notify anyone.

Can I have two phone numbers on my Facebook account?

No. Facebook allows only one phone number per account at a time. If you need to add a new number, you must remove the old one first. You can switch back and forth if needed, but only one can be active.

What if I change my number but do not update Facebook right away?

Your old number will stay on file until you change it. If you forget your password, Facebook will try to text your old number, and you will not receive the code. Update it as soon as you get a new number to avoid being locked out of your account.

Does changing my Facebook phone number affect my WhatsApp or Instagram account?

No. Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram are separate accounts with separate phone numbers. Changing your number on Facebook does not change it on WhatsApp or Instagram. You will need to update each app separately if you have changed your actual phone number.

Can I change my phone number if my account is hacked?

If you think your account is hacked, change your password first. Then update your phone number to one only you can access. If you cannot log in at all, use the "Forgot Password" option and follow the recovery steps. You may need to answer security questions or use your email instead.