How to Edit Your Birthdate on Facebook: A Comprehensive Guide

Changing your birthdate on Facebook is a straightforward process, but there are nuances you should be aware of. Here’s the direct answer:

To edit your birthdate on Facebook, navigate to your profile page, click on the “About” section, then find the “Contact and Basic Info” tab. Hover over the “Birthday” section and click “Edit.” From there, you can adjust the day, month, and year. Finally, choose who can see your birthday and save your changes.

Now, let’s dive into the details and address some common questions that arise during this seemingly simple task.

Understanding Facebook’s Birthday Settings

Facebook uses your birthday for a variety of reasons, from personalized recommendations to age verification and friend suggestions. It’s important to keep this information accurate, or at least presented in a way that aligns with your preferences for visibility.

Step-by-Step Guide to Editing Your Birthday

Here’s a more detailed walkthrough of the process:

1. Go to Your Profile: Log in to your Facebook account and click on your name at the top left to go to your profile page.
2. Access the “About” Section: Under your cover photo, you’ll find several tabs. Click on the “About” tab.
3. Find “Contact and Basic Info”: On the left-hand side of the “About” section, you’ll see a list of categories. Click on “Contact and Basic Info.”
4. Edit Your Birthday: Scroll down to the “Birthday” section. Hover your mouse over the birthday information, and an “Edit” button should appear on the right. Click on it.
5. Modify the Date: Use the drop-down menus to change the day, month, and year of your birthdate.
6. Set Visibility: Below the date fields, you’ll find privacy settings. You can choose who can see your birthday:
   • Public: Anyone on or off Facebook.
   • Friends: Only your Facebook friends.
   • Only Me: Only you can see it.
   • Custom: Allows you to specify certain people or lists who can or cannot see your birthday.
7. Save Changes: Once you’ve made your desired changes, click the “Save” button at the bottom of the section.

Important Considerations Before You Edit

• Facebook’s Editing Limits: Facebook limits the number of times you can change your birthday. This is a security measure to prevent abuse and maintain the integrity of user data. Be sure the changes you make are correct, because you cannot change it unlimited times.
• Privacy Settings: Think carefully about who you want to see your birthday. Public birthdays make it easier for people to send you greetings, but they also expose you to potential privacy risks. “Friends” is a good balance, while “Only Me” keeps your birthday completely private.
• Age Restrictions: If you’re trying to change your birthday to appear younger, remember that Facebook has age restrictions for certain features and content. Misrepresenting your age can lead to account restrictions.
• Mobile vs. Desktop: The process is virtually identical on both the Facebook website (desktop) and the Facebook mobile app. The only difference might be the slight layout variations, but the core steps remain the same.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions that can help you navigate the process of editing your birthday on Facebook:

1. How many times can I change my birthdate on Facebook?

Facebook limits how many times you can change your birthday to prevent abuse and ensure data integrity. While the exact number isn’t publicly disclosed, exceeding a certain number of changes will prevent you from editing it again for a period. If you have already changed your birthday a lot, it’s possible that you won’t be able to change it again.

2. What happens if I enter the wrong birthdate and Facebook locks me out?

If Facebook suspects you’ve entered a fake birthdate or violated their terms of service regarding age, your account may be locked. To regain access, you’ll likely need to provide proof of your real age, such as a government-issued ID.

3. Can I hide my year of birth while still displaying the day and month?

Yes, you can. When editing your birthday, there’s a separate privacy setting specifically for the year of birth. You can choose to show only the day and month to your friends while keeping the year hidden. Simply select your preferences in the visibility dropdown menus.

4. How do I change my birthdate on the Facebook mobile app?

The process on the mobile app is similar to the desktop version. Go to your profile, tap the “About” tab, find “Contact and Basic Info,” and tap “Edit” next to your birthday. Make your changes and save.

5. Can I change my birthdate back to the original date if I made a mistake?

Yes, assuming you haven’t reached the limit for changing your birthdate. Simply follow the steps outlined above to correct the mistake. If you are unable to edit, contact Facebook support.

6. Is it possible to completely remove my birthdate from Facebook?

While you can’t entirely remove the date, you can set the visibility of both the day/month and year to “Only Me”. This effectively hides your birthdate from everyone else on Facebook.

7. What if I don’t remember my exact birthdate?

If you don’t remember your exact birthdate, it’s best to estimate as accurately as possible. You might need to provide proof of age later on if your account is restricted.

8. Why can’t I see the “Edit” button next to my birthday?

This could be due to a few reasons:

• You’ve already changed your birthday too many times.
• There might be a temporary glitch in the Facebook system. Try again later.
• You might be looking in the wrong section. Ensure you’re in the “Contact and Basic Info” section under the “About” tab.

9. Will changing my birthdate affect my friends’ birthday notifications?

Yes. Once you change your birthdate, your friends will receive notifications based on the new date you’ve entered.

10. Does Facebook use my birthdate for advertising purposes?

Yes, Facebook uses your birthdate, among other information, to personalize advertising. This allows advertisers to target specific demographics, including age groups.

11. If I change my birthdate, will Facebook notify my friends?

No, Facebook does not directly notify your friends when you change your birthdate. However, if they happen to visit your profile and notice the change, they might be aware of it.

12. Can I appeal to Facebook if I’m locked out due to incorrect birthdate?

Yes, you can appeal. Facebook provides a process for verifying your age if your account is locked due to incorrect birthdate information. You’ll typically need to submit a copy of your government-issued ID to prove your age. Look for the support options on Facebook and follow their instructions.

By understanding these nuances and taking the necessary precautions, you can confidently manage your birthday information on Facebook and maintain your desired level of privacy. Remember to review your privacy settings regularly to ensure they align with your preferences.