Where to find the pronouns setting on Facebook
Facebook lets you add pronouns to your profile so people see them alongside your name. The pronouns field sits in your profile information, separate from your name itself. You reach it through your profile settings, not through a general account menu.
On desktop, go to your profile by clicking your name or profile picture in the top left. Click the "About" tab below your cover photo. Scroll down to the "Basic Information" section. You will see a field labeled "Pronouns" — if it is not visible, click "Edit" next to "Basic Information" to show all available fields.
On mobile, tap your profile picture in the bottom right, then tap "About." Scroll to "Basic Information" and tap "Edit." The pronouns field appears in the same section as your birthday and gender.
Key Takeaways
- Your pronouns appear on your profile under your name and in your "About" section, visible to anyone who can see your profile.
- You can enter custom pronouns or choose from Facebook's preset list, which includes he/him, she/her, they/them, and others.
- You control who sees your pronouns by adjusting the privacy setting next to the field — you can show them to everyone, friends only, or just yourself.
- Changing or removing pronouns takes less than a minute and can be done from either desktop or mobile.
- Facebook does not require pronouns; the field is optional and you can leave it blank or remove it at any time.
Entering custom pronouns versus using Facebook's list
When you click in the pronouns field, Facebook shows you a dropdown menu with common options: he/him, she/her, they/them, and a few others. You do not have to pick from this list. Below the preset options is a text box where you can type any pronouns you want.
If you use pronouns not on the list — such as ze/zir, ey/em, or any other form — type them directly into the text box. Facebook will save whatever you enter. There is no character limit that prevents longer or less common pronouns from being stored.
Once you enter pronouns, click "Save" or "Done" depending on whether you are on desktop or mobile. The pronouns will appear on your profile when ready.
Controlling who sees your pronouns
Next to the pronouns field is a privacy icon — usually a globe, a group of people, or a lock symbol. Click or tap this icon to choose who can see your pronouns. Your options are typically "Public" (everyone), "Friends" (friends only), or "Only Me" (just you).
This privacy setting is separate from your overall profile privacy. You can have a public profile but keep your pronouns visible only to friends, or vice versa. The setting applies only to the pronouns field — it does not change who sees the rest of your "About" section.
If you change your mind about the privacy level later, go back to the pronouns field and click the privacy icon again. You can adjust it as many times as you want.
Removing or changing pronouns later
To remove pronouns from your profile, go back to the pronouns field in your "About" section and delete the text. Click "Save" or "Done." Your pronouns will no longer appear on your profile.
To change your pronouns to something different, click in the field, clear the current text, and type the new pronouns. Save the change the same way. Facebook does not limit how often you can update this field.
If you remove pronouns and later want to add them back, the process is identical to adding them the first time — go to "About," find the pronouns field, and enter what you want to display.
What happens if you do not add pronouns
Adding pronouns to your Facebook profile is completely optional. If you do not fill in the pronouns field, nothing appears on your profile — there is no default or placeholder text. Your profile will look the same as it did before the pronouns feature existed.
You can also add pronouns later. There is no important date or requirement to do it when you first set up your profile or when Facebook introduced the feature. You can add them whenever you choose, or never add them at all.
Pronouns on your profile versus in comments and messages
The pronouns you add to your profile appear only in your "About" section and next to your name when someone visits your profile. They do not automatically appear in your comments, posts, or messages.
If you want people to know your pronouns in other contexts — such as in a group discussion or a comment thread — you would need to mention them separately in that conversation. The profile pronouns are a way to make them visible in one central place.
Troubleshooting: pronouns field not showing
If you cannot find the pronouns field in your "About" section, the most common reason is that you have not clicked "Edit" next to "Basic Information." The field only appears when you are in edit mode. Click "Edit," and the pronouns field should become visible.
If you are using an older version of the Facebook app on mobile, the pronouns feature may not be available yet. Update your app to the latest version from your device's app store. On desktop, pronouns should be available in any current version of Facebook.
If the field still does not appear after updating, try logging out and logging back in. Clear your browser cache if you are on desktop. If the issue persists, the feature may not yet be rolled out to your account — Facebook sometimes releases features gradually to different users over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can other people change the pronouns on my profile?
No. Only you can change your pronouns. Other people cannot edit your profile information, including your pronouns. If you see pronouns on your profile that you did not add, log in and check your account — it is possible someone else has access to your account, and you should change your password when ready.
Will my pronouns show up in old posts or comments I made?
No. Your pronouns appear only on your profile in the "About" section and next to your name when someone visits your profile. They do not retroactively appear on posts, comments, or messages you made before you added them.
Can I use different pronouns for different groups of friends?
No. You can only set one set of pronouns on your profile. However, you can control the privacy level — you can show pronouns to friends only, to everyone, or to no one. You cannot show different pronouns to different groups of people.
What if I change my pronouns frequently?
You can update your pronouns as often as you want. Go to your "About" section, click "Edit" next to "Basic Information," and change the pronouns field. There is no limit on how many times you can do this, and no record of previous pronouns is shown to other people.
Do I need to use Facebook's preset pronouns or can I make up my own?
You can use any pronouns you want. The preset list is just a shortcut for common options. If you want to enter pronouns that are not on the list, type them directly into the text box below the preset options. Facebook will save whatever you enter.