Update your phone number in Facebook settings, then request a fresh confirmation code

To change the phone number Facebook uses for your account, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings. Click Personal Information, then Mobile Phone. Remove the old number and enter the new one. Facebook will send a confirmation code to that new number by text message. Enter the code on the same screen to complete the change.

The confirmation code arrives within a few minutes. If you do not receive it, check that you typed the number correctly — Facebook will not send a code to a number with typos. If the number is correct and you still have not received the code after five minutes, you can request a new one by clicking "Didn't get a code?" on the confirmation screen.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings and Privacy, select Settings, then Personal Information, then Mobile Phone to reach the phone number field.
  • Delete your current number before entering the new one, or Facebook may reject the change.
  • The confirmation code arrives by text to the new number within a few minutes of entering it.
  • If the code does not arrive, check for typos in the phone number and request a new code using the link on the confirmation screen.
  • You can only have one phone number attached to your Facebook account at a time.

Step-by-step process to change your phone number

Start by opening Facebook on a web browser or the mobile app. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines on mobile, or the downward arrow on desktop in the top right). Select Settings and Privacy, then tap Settings.

Once you are in Settings, look for the Personal Information section on the left side (desktop) or scroll down to find it (mobile). Tap Personal Information. You will see a list of fields including your name, email, and phone number. Tap Mobile Phone.

The current phone number will appear in a field. Tap the X or delete button next to it to remove the old number completely. Then tap Add a Mobile Phone Number and type your new number in the format Facebook requests — usually with the country code and area code included. Tap Add Phone Number or confirm the entry.

What happens when you enter the new number

After you submit the new phone number, Facebook sends a text message to that number containing a six-digit confirmation code. This code proves you own the phone number and have access to it. The message arrives from a short code or a number that may vary by country.

Return to the confirmation screen on Facebook and type the six-digit code into the field labeled Confirmation Code. Do not include spaces or dashes. Tap Confirm or Submit. Facebook will then update your account and show the new number in your settings.

Troubleshooting when the confirmation code does not arrive

If five minutes pass and you have not received the text, first check that you entered the phone number correctly. A single wrong digit means the code goes to the wrong phone. Go back to the Mobile Phone field and verify each digit matches your actual number.

If the number is correct, tap "Didn't get a code?" or "Resend Code" on the confirmation screen. Facebook will send a new code to the same number. Wait another few minutes. If you still do not receive it, your phone plan or carrier may be blocking short codes or international messages — contact your carrier to check.

In rare cases, Facebook's system may have a temporary issue sending codes. If you have tried resending twice and still have no code, wait an hour and try the entire process again from the beginning. You can also use a different phone number if you have access to one.

Why Facebook asks for a phone number

Facebook uses your phone number for two main purposes: 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 protects your account from unauthorized access.

A phone number also makes it harder for someone to lock you out of your own account. If a hacker changes your password and email, your phone number remains a way to prove ownership and regain control. You do not have to add a phone number to use Facebook, but having one is a strong security practice.

What to do if you no longer have access to the old phone number

If you changed phone carriers or lost your old phone and cannot receive the confirmation code, you can still update your number. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information. Tap Mobile Phone and select Remove or Delete next to the old number. This removes it without requiring a confirmation code.

Once the old number is removed, tap Add a Mobile Phone Number and enter your new number. Facebook will send the confirmation code to the new number. This method works even if you have no way to access the old phone anymore.

Keeping your phone number current

Update your phone number on Facebook whenever you change carriers or get a new phone. An outdated number means Facebook cannot reach you if your account is compromised or if you forget your password. Check your phone number in Settings at least once a year to make sure it is still correct.

If you plan to change your phone number soon, update Facebook before you switch. That way, the confirmation code goes to your new number and you complete the change in one step. If you switch first and then try to update Facebook, you will not be able to receive the confirmation code on the old number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have two phone numbers on my Facebook account?

No. Facebook allows only one phone number per account. If you add a new number, the old one is automatically removed. You cannot keep both active at the same time.

How long does the confirmation code stay valid?

The code is valid for a limited time, usually 10 to 15 minutes. If you do not enter it within that window, you will need to request a new code. The exact time limit may vary.

What if I typed my phone number wrong and the code went to someone else?

Go back to the Mobile Phone field and remove the incorrect number. Then add the correct number and request a new code. The code sent to the wrong number will expire and cannot be used on your account.

Do I need to confirm my phone number every time I log in?

No. You only confirm the number once when you first add it or change it. After that, Facebook remembers it. You will only be asked for a code again if you change the number or if Facebook detects suspicious activity on your account.

Can I use a landline instead of a mobile phone?

Facebook prefers mobile numbers because they can receive text messages. Landlines typically cannot receive SMS codes. If you only have a landline, you may not be able to complete the phone verification, but you can still use other recovery methods like email.