The quickest way to change your cover photo
Open Facebook on your computer or phone and go to your profile. Look for your current cover photo at the top of your profile — it's the large horizontal image above your profile picture. Hover your mouse over the cover photo (on computer) or tap it (on phone), and a pencil icon or "Edit" button will appear. Click or tap that button, then select "Upload Photo" to choose a new image from your device, or "Choose from Photos" to pick something you've already posted to Facebook.
The whole process takes about 30 seconds. Facebook will let you crop and position the image before you save it, so you can make sure your profile picture and name are visible and the photo looks the way you want it to.
Key Takeaways
- Your cover photo must be at least 400 pixels wide and 150 pixels tall, though Facebook recommends 820 by 312 pixels for the clearest display on all devices.
- You can upload a new photo, choose from photos already on your Facebook account, or use a video as your cover instead.
- After you upload, you can drag the image around to position it and choose who can see it — public, friends only, or just yourself.
- Cover photos are visible to anyone who visits your profile, even if they are not your friends, unless you change your privacy settings.
Uploading a photo from your computer or phone
Click or tap the pencil icon on your cover photo and select "Upload Photo." Your device's file browser will open. Navigate to the folder where your image is saved and select it. Facebook will show you a preview of how the photo will look on your profile, with a frame showing which part will be visible.
Use the zoom slider to make the image larger or smaller, then drag the image itself to position it the way you want. Make sure important details — like faces or text — are not hidden behind your profile picture or name. Once you're happy with how it looks, click "Save" or the checkmark button.
Choosing a photo you've already posted
If you want to use a photo that's already on your Facebook account, click the pencil icon and select "Choose from Photos." Facebook will show you your recent uploads and photos you're tagged in. Scroll through to find the one you want, or use the search bar to look for a specific photo by date or album.
Once you select a photo, you'll see the same positioning and zoom controls. Adjust it to your liking and click "Save." This method is faster if you're reusing an old favorite or want to pull from your existing library without uploading something new.
Setting privacy for your cover photo
By default, your cover photo is visible to everyone — even people who are not your Facebook friends. To change who can see it, click the small privacy icon (usually a globe or lock symbol) in the bottom right corner of your cover photo. A menu will appear with three options: Public (anyone can see it), Friends (only your friends can see it), or Only Me (only you can see it).
Choose the setting you prefer and click outside the menu to save it. This privacy setting applies only to your cover photo — it does not change who can see the rest of your profile. You can change this setting anytime by clicking the privacy icon again.
Using a video as your cover instead
Facebook lets you use a short video as your cover instead of a still image. Click the pencil icon on your cover photo and select "Upload Video." Choose a video file from your device — it should be at least 820 pixels wide and no longer than 120 seconds. Facebook will play a preview and let you trim it if needed.
Position and zoom the video the same way you would a photo, then click "Save." The video will play on a loop when someone visits your profile, but it will appear as a still image in most other places on Facebook. You can switch back to a photo cover anytime by following the same steps and selecting "Upload Photo" instead.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common mistake is uploading an image that's too small. If your photo is less than 400 pixels wide, Facebook will stretch it and it will look blurry. Check the dimensions of your image before you upload — most phones and cameras produce images large enough, but screenshots and old photos sometimes don't. If you're unsure, Facebook will warn you during the upload.
Another frequent issue is positioning the cover photo so that your profile picture or name gets hidden. When you're adjusting the zoom and position, make sure the main subject of your photo is not directly behind where your profile picture sits (usually the left side) or where your name appears (usually the center). Take a moment to look at the preview and imagine how it will look to someone visiting your profile.
Finally, remember that cover photos are public by default. If you change your mind about who can see it, go back and adjust the privacy setting. You can also delete a cover photo entirely by clicking the pencil icon and selecting "Delete" — your profile will then show a blank cover area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size should my cover photo be?
Facebook recommends 820 pixels wide by 312 pixels tall for the best quality on all devices. The minimum is 400 by 150 pixels, but smaller images may look blurry. Most modern phone photos are large enough, but if you're cropping or resizing, aim for the 820 by 312 size.
Can I change my cover photo on the Facebook app?
Yes. Open the app, go to your profile, tap your cover photo, and tap the pencil icon. The steps are the same as on a computer, though the buttons may be labeled slightly differently depending on your phone's operating system.
What if I want to go back to my old cover photo?
Click the pencil icon and select "Choose from Photos." Facebook keeps a history of photos you've used as covers, so you can scroll back and select an old one. If you deleted the photo, you may not be able to recover it — Facebook does not store deleted photos in your cover photo history.
Can people see when I change my cover photo?
No. Changing your cover photo does not post anything to your timeline or send notifications to your friends. Only people who visit your profile will see the new cover photo.
Why does my cover photo look different on my phone than on my computer?
Facebook crops cover photos differently depending on screen size. On a phone, more of the sides get cut off because the screen is narrower. When you upload, position the most important part of your image in the center to make sure it shows on all devices.