Facebook lets you change your birth date once every 60 days
You can change the age or birth date on your Facebook profile through your account settings. The process takes about two minutes. Facebook limits how often you can make this change — you can update it once every 60 days, so plan ahead if you need to correct a mistake or update your information after a birthday.
The steps are the same whether you use Facebook on a computer or phone, though the menu locations look slightly different. You will need to be logged into your account and know your current password.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your birth date through Settings & Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information.
- Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period between changes, so you cannot update your age more than once every two months.
- If you set your birth date to under 18, Facebook will restrict certain features like ads and third-party apps.
- If you cannot remember your birth date or need to change it more than once in 60 days, you will need to contact Facebook support through the Help Center.
Change your age on a computer
Open Facebook and log in if you are not already. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the page — this opens a menu with your account options. Select Settings & Privacy, then click Settings.
On the left side of the screen, click Personal Information. You will see your birth date listed. Click the pencil icon next to it to edit. Type in your new birth date using the format shown (usually month, day, year), then click Save Changes. Facebook will ask you to confirm your password before the change takes effect.
Change your age on a phone or tablet
Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings.
Scroll down to Personal Information and tap it. Tap your birth date to open the editor. Change the month, day, or year as needed, then tap Save. You will be asked to enter your password to confirm the change.
What happens if you set your age to under 18
If your birth date shows you are under 18, Facebook automatically restricts certain features on your account. You will not see ads from third-party companies, and you cannot use some apps or games that require you to be an adult. Your profile will also have stricter privacy settings by default — for example, only friends can message you, and your posts are not visible to the public.
These restrictions stay in place until your birth date shows you are 18 or older. You do not need to do anything to set up or remove them — Facebook applies them automatically based on your age.
The 60-day waiting period explained
Facebook does not let you change your birth date more than once every 60 days. This rule applies whether you are correcting a typo, updating after your birthday, or changing the information for any other reason. If you try to change it before 60 days have passed since your last change, Facebook will show you a message saying you have to wait.
The 60-day timer starts from the date of your last change, not from when you first created your account. If you made a change on January 15, you cannot make another change until March 16 (60 days later). Keep track of when you last updated your birth date so you know when you can change it again.
What to do if you forgot your birth date or cannot change it
If you do not remember your birth date or cannot change it because of the 60-day limit, you can contact Facebook through the Help Center. Go to facebook.com/help and search for "change birth date" or "birthday". Click on the relevant article and look for the option to contact support.
Facebook support can sometimes override the 60-day restriction if you have a legitimate reason — for example, if you entered the wrong year when you created your account. Be prepared to explain why you need the change. Response times vary, but support usually replies within a few days to a week.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common error is typing your birth date in the wrong format. Facebook usually shows you the format it expects (for example, MM/DD/YYYY), so check the example before you enter your date. If you type it incorrectly, Facebook will reject the change and ask you to try again.
Another mistake is forgetting your password. Facebook requires you to enter your password to confirm any change to your birth date, even if you are already logged in. If you do not remember it, click "Forgot Password?" on the login screen and follow the steps to reset it before you try to change your birth date.
Do not try to change your birth date more than once in 60 days expecting the second change to go through — it will not. If you made a mistake and need to fix it right away, contact Facebook support instead of waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my birth date without entering my password?
No. Facebook requires you to enter your password every time you change your birth date, even if you are already logged in. This is a security measure to protect your account. If you do not remember your password, use the "Forgot Password?" option on the login page to reset it first.
What if I set my age wrong when I created my account?
You can change it using the steps above. If you entered the wrong year and now the 60-day limit is preventing you from fixing it, contact Facebook support through the Help Center and explain the situation. They may be able to override the waiting period for you.
Does changing my birth date affect my friends or my posts?
No. Your friends will not be notified that you changed your birth date. Your existing posts and messages stay the same. However, if you change your age from over 18 to under 18, Facebook will explore stricter privacy settings to your account going forward.
Can I hide my birth date instead of changing it?
Yes. In Personal Information settings, you can click the privacy icon next to your birth date and choose who can see it — only you, friends, or everyone. You can also hide just the year or the month and day. This does not change your actual birth date on file; it only controls who sees it.
How long does it take for the change to show up?
The change takes effect when ready after you confirm your password. If you are logged in on multiple devices, you may need to refresh the page or close and reopen the app to see the updated birth date.