How to Change Your Facebook Phone Number: A Definitive Guide

Changing your Facebook phone number is a straightforward process that enhances your account security and ensures you receive important notifications at the correct number. You can update your number directly through the Facebook website or the mobile app in just a few simple steps.

Changing Your Phone Number on Facebook: Step-by-Step

Here’s a detailed walkthrough on how to change your Facebook phone number using both the website and the mobile app:

Method 1: Changing Your Phone Number via the Facebook Website

1. Log in to your Facebook account on your computer.
2. Click the downward-facing arrow in the top right corner of the screen. This opens the menu.
3. Select “Settings & Privacy” from the dropdown menu.
4. Click on “Settings”.
5. In the left sidebar, click on “Mobile”. If you don’t see “Mobile,” look for “Contact Information” or “Personal and Account Information”, then “Contact Info”. The navigation may slightly vary based on Facebook updates, but the core information remains accessible.
6. You’ll see your current phone number listed. Click “Add a phone number” or “Remove” (if you need to remove the old number first).
7. Enter your new phone number. Select your country code from the dropdown menu.
8. Click “Continue”.
9. Facebook will send a confirmation code to your new phone number via SMS.
10. Enter the confirmation code in the designated field and click “Confirm”.

Your Facebook phone number has now been successfully updated.

Method 2: Changing Your Phone Number via the Facebook Mobile App

1. Open the Facebook app on your smartphone (Android or iOS).
2. Tap the three horizontal lines (the “hamburger menu”) usually located in the top right corner on Android or the bottom right corner on iOS.
3. Scroll down and tap “Settings & Privacy”, then tap “Settings”.
4. Under the “Account” section, tap “Personal and Account Information”.
5. Tap “Contact Info”.
6. Tap “Add Phone Number” or tap on your existing phone number to “Update Phone Number”.
7. Enter your new phone number, making sure to select the correct country code.
8. Tap “Add”.
9. Facebook will send a confirmation code to your new phone number.
10. Enter the confirmation code in the app and tap “Confirm”.

Your Facebook phone number is now updated within the mobile app. This change reflects across all devices where you’re logged into Facebook.

Important Considerations

• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): If you use your phone number for two-factor authentication, updating your phone number is crucial. This ensures you continue to receive security codes and maintain secure access to your account.
• Verification Code Issues: If you don’t receive the confirmation code, double-check that you entered the correct phone number and country code. Also, ensure your phone can receive SMS messages and that you have a stable network connection. You can usually request a new code after a short waiting period.
• Privacy Settings: After changing your phone number, review your privacy settings to control who can see your contact information. You can set your phone number to be visible only to you, your friends, or your friends of friends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Changing Your Facebook Phone Number

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to provide additional valuable information:

1. Why should I change my Facebook phone number?

There are several reasons:

• Security: To ensure you receive security alerts and verification codes if you’ve changed your phone number.
• Recovery: To easily recover your account if you forget your password.
• Notifications: To receive important Facebook notifications on your current phone.
• Privacy: To prevent unauthorized access to your account if your old number is reassigned to someone else.

2. What happens if I don’t update my Facebook phone number after getting a new one?

If you don’t update your number, someone else could potentially gain access to your account if your old number is reassigned. They could request a password reset code sent to that number and then take over your account. It’s a significant security risk.

3. Can I use the same phone number for multiple Facebook accounts?

No, Facebook generally prohibits using the same phone number for multiple accounts. This is to prevent spam and maintain account security. Using one number for multiple accounts might trigger a security check or lead to account suspension.

4. What if I don’t receive the confirmation code when trying to change my number?

Here are some troubleshooting steps:

• Double-check the number: Ensure you entered the correct phone number and country code.
• Check your signal: Make sure your phone has a strong cellular signal.
• SMS settings: Verify that you can receive SMS messages from unknown numbers. Some phone plans block these by default.
• Request a new code: Wait a few minutes and request a new code.
• Contact Facebook support: If all else fails, contact Facebook support for assistance.

5. How often can I change my Facebook phone number?

While Facebook doesn’t explicitly state a limit, changing your number too frequently could trigger security alerts and require additional verification steps. It’s best to only change it when necessary.

6. Will changing my phone number affect my friends list or other account settings?

No, changing your phone number will not affect your friends list, profile information, privacy settings, or other account settings. It only updates the contact information associated with your account.

7. Can I change my Facebook phone number if I don’t have access to my old number?

Yes, you can. During the number change process, Facebook usually offers an option to verify your identity through other means, such as email address, security questions, or uploading a photo ID. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully. If you don’t have access to either the old number or the associated email, recovering your account becomes much more difficult and might require contacting Facebook support directly.

8. What if Facebook suspects suspicious activity while I’m changing my phone number?

Facebook may implement security checks, such as asking you to identify friends in photos or answer security questions. This is to verify that you are the legitimate account owner. Cooperate with these checks to complete the number change.

9. How does changing my phone number affect two-factor authentication?

If you use your phone number for two-factor authentication, changing it will update the number where you receive security codes. Make sure to complete the verification process after changing the number to ensure you continue to receive 2FA codes. If you are using an authenticator app, this will not be affected.

10. Can I change my phone number from a different device than the one I usually use?

Yes, you can change your phone number from any device where you’re logged into your Facebook account, whether it’s a computer, smartphone, or tablet. The process is the same across different devices.

11. Will people be notified when I change my phone number on Facebook?

No, Facebook does not notify your friends or other users when you change your phone number. This is considered private information.

12. What should I do if I accidentally entered the wrong phone number while changing it?

If you accidentally entered the wrong number, immediately repeat the process with the correct number. The incorrect number will likely be flagged as invalid. If you’re concerned about potential misuse, contact Facebook support.