Where to find the photo change option on Facebook
To change your profile picture, go to your profile by clicking your name or profile icon in the top left corner of Facebook. Look for your current profile picture in the upper left area of your profile. Hover your mouse over it until a camera icon appears, then click that icon. A menu will pop up with options to upload a new photo or take one with your camera.
To change your cover photo instead, look for the large banner image at the top of your profile, just above your profile picture. Hover over the cover photo until a camera icon appears in the bottom right corner of that image. Click it to see your upload options.
On mobile, tap your profile icon at the bottom of the screen, then tap your profile picture. A menu will appear with options to change it. For your cover photo on mobile, go to your profile and tap the camera icon that appears over the cover image.
Key Takeaways
- Your profile picture and cover photo are changed from different locations on your profile — the profile picture is in the upper left, and the cover photo is the large banner at the top.
- Both changes use a camera icon that appears when you hover over the current image on desktop, or when you tap the image on mobile.
- You can upload a photo from your computer or phone, use a photo you have already posted, or take a new photo with your device's camera.
- Facebook stores old versions of your profile picture, and you can switch back to a previous one without re-uploading it.
Uploading a photo from your device
After you click the camera icon, select "Upload Photo" from the menu. Your device's file browser will open. Navigate to the folder where your photo is saved — usually Pictures, Downloads, or Photos depending on your device. Click the photo you want and then click "Open" or "Choose" to confirm.
Facebook will then show you a preview of how the photo will look. You can crop, rotate, or adjust the image before you save it. Use the tools on the screen to frame the photo the way you want it. When you are satisfied, click "Save" or "Confirm" to make the change live on your profile.
Using a photo you have already posted
Instead of uploading a new file, you can use a photo from your existing posts. Click the camera icon and select "Choose from Photos" or "Select Photo." Facebook will show you a grid of photos you have posted or been tagged in. Scroll through and click the one you want to use.
This option is faster if you have already shared the photo you want as your profile picture. Facebook will let you crop it to fit the profile picture frame before you save it.
Taking a new photo with your camera
If you want to take a fresh photo right away, click the camera icon and select "Take a Photo" or "Camera." Your device's camera app will open. Take the photo, and your device will ask you to confirm it. Once you approve it, Facebook will let you crop and adjust it before saving.
This option works on both desktop computers with built-in cameras and on mobile phones. The photo will be taken and used when ready without being saved to your device's photo library first.
Adjusting and cropping your new photo
After you upload or take a photo, Facebook shows you a preview with cropping and rotation tools. You can drag the corners of the frame to zoom in or out, or click and drag inside the frame to move the photo around. Use the rotation button if the photo is sideways.
For profile pictures, Facebook shows you how the photo will look as a small circle or square on your profile and in comments. Make sure the part of the photo you want visible is centered in that frame. When the crop looks right, click "Save" to explore the change.
Reverting to a previous profile picture
Facebook keeps a record of every profile picture you have used. To go back to an older one, click the camera icon over your current profile picture and select "See All Photos" or "View Profile Pictures." A list of your previous profile pictures will appear in order from newest to oldest.
Click any photo in that list to preview it, then click "Set as Profile Picture" to make it active again. You do not have to re-upload the photo — Facebook already has it stored. This is useful if you want to switch back to a photo you used months or years ago.
Privacy settings for your photos
When you change your profile picture or cover photo, Facebook makes them visible to the audience you have set in your privacy settings. By default, profile pictures are public and visible to everyone, but you can change this. Go to your profile, click the three dots next to your cover photo, and select "Edit Profile."
Look for the privacy icon next to your profile picture or cover photo. Click it to choose who can see the image — Public, Friends Only, or a custom list. Keep in mind that your profile picture is often visible even to people who are not your friends, because Facebook uses it in comments and messages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photo that is not on my computer or phone?
Yes. Click the camera icon and select "Choose from Photos" to browse photos you have already posted on Facebook or been tagged in. You can also paste a photo from your clipboard if you have copied one from a website — right-click in the upload area and select "Paste."
What size should my profile picture be?
Facebook automatically resizes your photo to fit the profile picture frame, so the exact size does not matter. However, photos that are at least 400 pixels wide will look sharpest. Make sure the part of the photo you want visible is centered, because it will be cropped into a circle or square depending on your device.
Can I change my profile picture on mobile the same way as on desktop?
The steps are similar but the layout is different. On mobile, tap your profile icon, then tap your profile picture. A menu will appear with the same options — upload, choose from photos, or take a new photo. The cropping and adjustment tools work the same way.
Will my old profile picture be deleted if I change it?
No. Facebook stores all your previous profile pictures. You can view them by clicking the camera icon and selecting "See All Photos" or "View Profile Pictures." You can switch back to any old profile picture at any time without losing it.
Why does my photo look blurry after I upload it?
If your photo is very small or low resolution, it may appear blurry when enlarged to fit your profile. Use a photo that is at least 400 pixels wide for the sharpest result. If you cropped the photo too tightly or zoomed in too far during the adjustment step, try uploading it again and adjusting the crop differently.