You can create another Facebook account using a different email address or phone number

Facebook lets you run multiple accounts on the same device, but each one needs its own login credentials. The simplest way is to sign up for a new account with a different email address or phone number than your first account. You do not need Facebook's permission to have two accounts — the platform allows it, though the terms of service do require that information be accurate.

The process takes about five minutes. You will need either an email address you have not used on Facebook before, or a phone number. Facebook will send a verification code to whichever you choose, so make sure it is one you can actually access.

Key Takeaways

  • Each Facebook account requires a unique email address or phone number, so you cannot use the same login details for two accounts.
  • You can create a new account directly from the Facebook login page by clicking "Create New Facebook Account".
  • Facebook will ask you to verify your identity using a code sent to your email or phone before the account is fully active.
  • On the same device, you can switch between accounts without logging out each time by using the account menu.
  • If you want to keep accounts separate, use different passwords and consider using different browsers or devices for each one.

Steps to create a new Facebook account

Go to facebook.com and look at the login section. Below the password field, you will see a link that says "Create New Facebook Account" — click it. A window will pop up asking for your name, email or phone number, password, birth date, and gender.

Enter the information exactly as you want it to appear. Use an email address or phone number you have not connected to any other Facebook account. Facebook will send a verification code to that email or phone within a few minutes. Check your inbox (or spam folder if you do not see it) and enter the code when prompted. Once verified, your account is ready to use.

If you are creating the account on a phone or tablet, the process is the same — open the Facebook app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), scroll down, and tap "Create New Facebook Account".

Choosing between email and phone number

You can use either an email address or a phone number to create your account, but each has a trade-off. Email is more permanent — phone numbers change when you switch carriers or countries. However, email requires you to check another inbox, while a phone number sends a text you see immediately.

If you already have multiple email addresses, using a different one for each Facebook account keeps them cleanly separated. If you only have one phone number, you can still use it for multiple accounts, but Facebook will ask you to verify it each time you log in from a new device, which can be annoying.

Switching between accounts on the same device

Once you have created a second account, you do not have to log out and log back in every time you want to switch. On a computer, click your profile picture in the top right corner of Facebook. A menu will appear with an option that says "Switch Account" or "Log Into Another Account" — click it and select the account you want to use. You will stay logged into both simultaneously.

On a phone or tablet, tap the menu icon (three lines) at the bottom right, scroll to the very bottom, and tap "Log Out". Then log in with your second account's email or phone number and password. The app will remember both accounts, so next time you can switch without re-entering your password.

Keeping your accounts separate and secure

If you are creating a second account to keep work separate from personal life, or to manage a business page, use a different password for each account. Write them down in a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password rather than in a notebook or browser autofill — that way, if someone gains access to one account, they cannot immediately guess the other.

Consider using different browsers for each account. If you use Chrome for your personal account and Firefox for your second account, you will stay logged into both without accidentally posting to the wrong one. This is especially useful if you manage a business account or a community page.

What happens if Facebook detects suspicious activity

Facebook's systems are designed to catch fake accounts and accounts used to spam or harass people. If you create a legitimate second account with real information, you should not run into problems. However, if you create multiple accounts in a short time, or if the accounts behave similarly (posting the same content, adding the same people, logging in from the same location), Facebook may flag them as suspicious.

If Facebook disables one of your accounts, you will see a message when you try to log in explaining why. Common reasons include providing false information, violating the community standards, or appearing to be a duplicate account created to evade a previous ban. You can request a review, but Facebook's decision is usually final if the account genuinely violated the rules.

Alternatives if you want to keep things separate

If you want a Facebook presence for a business or community group but do not want to create a separate personal account, you can create a Facebook Page instead. A Page is different from a personal account — it has its own followers, posts, and messaging system, and you manage it from your main account. This is the official way to run a business or public figure presence on Facebook.

If you want to use Facebook without your real name, you cannot — Facebook requires you to use the name you go by in everyday life. If you have a legal name you do not use publicly, you can use that instead, but you cannot use a nickname or pseudonym as your primary account name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same phone number for two Facebook accounts?

Yes, but Facebook will ask you to verify the number each time you log in from a new device. It is easier to use different email addresses if you have them. If you only have one phone number, you can still create a second account with it, but expect extra verification steps.

What if I forget the password to my second account?

Click "Forgot Password" on the Facebook login page and enter the email address or phone number for that account. Facebook will send you a reset link or code. If you no longer have access to that email or phone number, you can answer security questions or upload a photo ID to regain access.

Can I merge two Facebook accounts into one?

No, Facebook does not offer a merge tool. If you want to combine information from two accounts, you will need to manually copy photos, posts, and friend lists to the account you want to keep, then delete the other one. This process is manual and time-consuming.

Will Facebook let me create an account for someone else?

No. Each account must belong to the person who uses it and must have their real information. Creating an account for someone else, even with their permission, violates Facebook's terms of service and can result in both accounts being disabled.

How do I delete a Facebook account I no longer want?

Log into the account you want to remove, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings. Scroll down to find "Deactivation and Deletion" and choose either deactivate (temporary, reversible) or delete (permanent after 30 days). Deactivation hides your profile but keeps your data; deletion removes everything after a waiting period.