Change Your Phone Number in Account Settings

To change the phone number Facebook has on file for your account, open Facebook on a computer or phone and go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings. On the left menu, click Personal Information, then find the phone number field. Click the pencil icon next to your current number, delete it, type your new number, and click Save Changes.

Facebook will send a confirmation code to your new phone number. Check your text messages or voicemail for this code, enter it into the box that appears on screen, and click Confirm. Your phone number is now updated. This process takes less than five minutes and does not affect your password or login method.

If you no longer have access to your old phone number, you can still change it — just skip the confirmation step and proceed directly to entering your new number. Facebook will mark it as unconfirmed until you verify the new one, but your account will continue to work normally.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information to find your phone number field.
  • Click the pencil icon next to your phone number, delete the old one, type the new one, and save.
  • Facebook sends a confirmation code to your new number by text message — enter it to complete the change.
  • You can change your number even if you no longer have access to your old phone; just skip confirmation.
  • Your password and login method do not change when you update your phone number.

Why Facebook Asks for a Phone Number

Facebook stores your phone number for account recovery and security. If you forget your password or someone tries to log into your account from an unfamiliar location, Facebook can send a code to your phone to verify it is really you. This is called two-factor authentication, and it protects your account from being hacked.

Your phone number also helps Facebook confirm you are a real person when you first create an account or when the system flags unusual activity. The number is not displayed on your profile unless you choose to make it public — by default, only you and Facebook can see it.

Changing Your Number on Mobile Apps

The steps are the same on iPhone and Android. Open the Facebook app, tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the bottom right corner, scroll down and tap Settings and Privacy, then tap Settings. Scroll to Personal Information and tap Phone Number. Tap the pencil icon, delete your old number, enter your new one, and tap Save.

Wait for the confirmation code to arrive as a text message, then return to the app and enter it in the box that appears. Tap Confirm and you are done. If the code does not arrive within a few minutes, tap Request a New Code and Facebook will send another one.

What to Do If You Do Not Receive the Confirmation Code

Check your spam or junk folder first — sometimes carriers filter text messages incorrectly. If the code is not there, wait a few minutes and tap Request a New Code in the Facebook app or on the website. Facebook will send a fresh code to your new number.

If you still do not receive a code after requesting it twice, your phone number may not be set up to receive text messages, or your carrier may be blocking Facebook's messages. Try using a different phone number if you have one, or contact your phone carrier to ask whether they are filtering messages from Facebook. You can also proceed without confirming the number — your account will work, but the number will show as unconfirmed until you verify it later.

Removing Your Phone Number Entirely

You do not have to keep a phone number on file with Facebook. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information. Click the pencil icon next to your phone number and select Delete. Facebook will ask you to confirm — click Delete again and your number is removed from your account.

Removing your phone number means Facebook cannot send you a code if you forget your password or if the system detects suspicious login activity. You will need to use another recovery method, such as an email address or a trusted contact, to regain access if you are locked out. Make sure you have at least one other recovery method set up before you delete your phone number.

Adding a Second Phone Number to Your Account

Facebook allows you to store more than one phone number on your account. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information. Below your current phone number, you will see an option to Add Another Phone Number. Click it, enter the new number, and Facebook will send a confirmation code to that number. Enter the code to verify it.

Having a second number is useful if you change phones often or want a backup recovery method. Both numbers work equally for account recovery and two-factor authentication. You can remove either number at any time by clicking the pencil icon next to it and selecting Delete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my phone number log me out of Facebook?

No. Changing your phone number does not affect your login or password. You will stay logged in on all your devices and can continue using Facebook when ready after you confirm your new number.

Can I change my phone number if I forgot my password?

If you can still log into your account, yes — follow the steps in Settings and Privacy. If you are locked out and cannot log in, you will need to use the Forgot Password link on the login screen and follow Facebook's account recovery process, which may ask you to confirm your identity using your old phone number or another recovery method.

Does Facebook tell my contacts when I change my phone number?

No. Your phone number is private information that only you and Facebook can see by default. Changing it does not notify your friends or contacts, and it does not affect your friend list or messages.

What happens to my old phone number after I change it?

Facebook removes your old number from your account and does not store it. If someone else gets that phone number later, they cannot use it to access your Facebook account — your account is now tied to your new number only.

Can I use a landline or business phone number instead of a mobile number?

Facebook prefers mobile numbers because it sends confirmation codes by text message. Landlines and business numbers typically cannot receive text messages, so confirmation will fail. Stick with a mobile number that can receive SMS texts.