The quickest way to change your profile picture
Open Facebook and click your profile picture in the top left corner of the screen. A menu will appear — select "Profile" from that menu. On your profile page, hover your mouse over your current profile picture and click the camera icon that appears in the bottom right corner of the image. A box will pop up with two options: "Upload Photo" and "Choose from Photos." Pick whichever matches what you want to do, then follow the steps below for your choice.
The whole process takes about 30 seconds once you have decided which photo to use. Facebook saves your change when ready — you do not need to click a separate "Save" button.
Key Takeaways
- Click your profile picture in the top left, then select "Profile" to reach your profile page.
- Hover over your current profile picture and click the camera icon to open the upload menu.
- You can upload a new photo from your computer or phone, or choose one you have already posted to Facebook.
- Facebook stores your old profile pictures in a folder you can view anytime, so you can switch back to an old one without re-uploading it.
- Your new profile picture shows up on your profile and in comments and messages within seconds.
Uploading a photo from your computer or phone
Click the camera icon on your profile picture, then select "Upload Photo." A window will open showing the files on your device. Navigate to the folder where your photo is saved — usually "Pictures" or "Downloads" on a computer, or "Photos" on a phone. Click the photo you want, then click "Open" or "Choose."
Facebook will show you a preview of how the photo will look as your profile picture. You can drag the image around to reposition it, or use the zoom slider to make it larger or smaller within the circular frame. Once you are happy with how it looks, click "Save" at the bottom of the screen.
Choosing a photo you have already posted
Click the camera icon on your profile picture, then select "Choose from Photos." Facebook will show you all the photos you have posted to your profile, organized by the date you posted them. Scroll through until you find the one you want. Click it once to select it.
Just like with a new upload, you will see a preview showing how it will appear as your profile picture. You can adjust the position and zoom the same way. Click "Save" when you are ready. This option is useful if you want to use a photo you have already shared without uploading it again.
What happens to your old profile picture
Facebook automatically saves every profile picture you have ever used in a folder called "Profile Pictures." You can view this folder anytime by going to your profile, clicking the three dots next to "Edit Profile," and selecting "View Profile Pictures." The most recent picture appears first.
If you want to switch back to an old profile picture without uploading it again, go to your Profile Pictures folder, click the photo you want, and select "Make Profile Picture." This is much faster than uploading the same photo twice.
Changing your profile picture on mobile
The steps are almost identical on Facebook's mobile app. Tap your profile icon at the bottom right of the screen, then tap your profile picture at the top of your profile. A menu will appear with options to take a photo, upload from your phone's photo library, or choose from photos you have already posted. Select whichever you prefer.
After you choose or take a photo, you will see the same preview screen where you can reposition and zoom. Tap "Save" or "Done" (the exact wording depends on your phone's operating system) to confirm. The change takes effect when ready.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common mistake is uploading a photo that is too small or blurry. Facebook will still let you use it, but it will look pixelated as your profile picture. Before you upload, make sure your photo is at least 400 pixels wide and is in focus. If you are using a phone photo, take it in good lighting and hold the camera steady.
Another mistake is forgetting to reposition the photo in the preview screen. If you upload a landscape photo (wider than it is tall), Facebook will crop it to a circle, and you might end up with just the top of your head showing. Always check the preview and drag the image so the part you want is centered in the circle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photo that is not of me as my profile picture?
Yes. Facebook does not require your profile picture to be a photo of yourself. You can use a photo of someone else, a pet, a landscape, a logo, or anything else. Some people use cartoon characters or abstract images instead of photos.
How long does it take for my new profile picture to show up everywhere?
Your profile picture updates on your profile page when ready. It may take a few minutes to show up in comments, messages, and other people's friend lists, but usually it appears within seconds. If you do not see it after five minutes, try refreshing the page.
Can I delete a profile picture without replacing it?
No. Facebook requires you to have a profile picture at all times. If you want to remove a photo, you must upload or choose a different one first. You can use a blank image or a very straightforward photo if you want something minimal.
What if I accidentally uploaded the wrong photo?
straightforward follow the same steps to change your profile picture again. There is no limit to how many times you can change it. You can switch back and forth between photos as often as you want.
Does changing my profile picture notify my friends?
No. Facebook does not send notifications when you change your profile picture. Your friends will only see the new picture if they visit your profile or if it appears in their feed through other activity. Some people do post a status to announce a new profile picture if they want to draw attention to it.