What you need before you start

To create a Facebook account, you need an email address or phone number, your real name, your birth date, and a password you haven't used elsewhere. Facebook will ask for these four pieces of information before your account exists. You don't need a credit card, a profile photo, or friends — those come after.

If you're using an email address, make sure you can access it. Facebook sends a confirmation link there, and you'll need to click it to finish setting up. If you use a phone number instead, Facebook texts a code to that number. Either way, have that device nearby before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • You can create a Facebook account on facebook.com or through the Facebook mobile app using an email address or phone number.
  • Facebook requires your real name, birth date, and a strong password — use one you've never used on another website.
  • After you enter your information, Facebook sends a confirmation code by email or text that you must enter to activate your account.
  • Your account is ready to use once you confirm, but you can add a profile photo and other details later.
  • If you already have a Facebook account, trying to create another with the same email or phone number will show you your existing account instead.

Creating your account on a computer

Go to facebook.com in your web browser. On the homepage, you'll see a sign-up section on the right side with fields for your name, email or phone number, password, and birth date. Click the "Create New Facebook Account" button to start.

Enter your first and last name exactly as you want them to appear on your profile. Type your email address or phone number in the next field — this is how you'll log in later. Create a password that's at least six characters long and includes numbers, uppercase letters, and symbols. Facebook will show you a strength meter as you type.

Select your birth date using the dropdown menus for month, day, and year. Choose your gender from the options provided. Then click "Sign Up." Facebook will send a confirmation code to your email or phone within a few minutes.

Confirming your account by email or text

Check your email inbox or text messages for a message from Facebook. The email will have a subject line like "Confirm your Facebook account" and contain a six-digit code. If you chose text confirmation, you'll receive an SMS with the same code.

Go back to facebook.com and enter the code in the confirmation box that appears. If you don't see a confirmation box, Facebook may have already logged you in — check by going to facebook.com and seeing if you're on your new profile page. If you don't receive the code within five minutes, click "Didn't receive a code?" and Facebook will send another one.

Creating your account on a phone or tablet

Download the Facebook app from the Apple App Store (for iPhone or iPad) or Google Play Store (for Android phones). Open the app and tap "Create New Facebook Account" at the bottom of the login screen.

Enter your name, email address or phone number, and birth date. Create a password and choose your gender. Tap "Sign Up." The app will then ask you to confirm your account using a code sent to your email or phone — follow the same confirmation steps as the computer method above.

What to do if you can't receive the confirmation code

If you don't get an email or text within five minutes, check your spam or junk folder first — confirmation emails sometimes end up there. If it's not there, go back to the confirmation screen and click "Didn't receive a code?" Facebook will resend it to the same email or phone number.

If you're using an email address and still don't receive anything, try switching to phone number confirmation instead. Go back to facebook.com, click "Create New Facebook Account" again, and this time enter your phone number instead of your email. If you don't have a phone number or the code doesn't arrive by text either, you can contact Facebook through their help center, though response times vary.

Setting up your profile after confirmation

Once you confirm your account, Facebook takes you to your new profile. You'll see prompts to add a profile photo, find friends, and fill in details like where you work or went to school. You can skip all of these and do them later — there's no rush.

Your account is fully active and ready to use as soon as you confirm the code. You can start messaging people, joining groups, or following pages right away. Add a profile photo whenever you're ready — it helps other people recognize you, but it's not required to use Facebook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a fake name on Facebook?

Facebook requires you to use the name you go by in everyday life. If you use a nickname or stage name that people actually call you, that's acceptable. Facebook reviews accounts that use names that seem fake and may ask you to change it, so using your real name avoids this problem.

What if I already have a Facebook account and try to create another?

If you enter an email address or phone number that's already connected to a Facebook account, Facebook will show you that existing account and ask if you want to log in instead. You can't have two active accounts with the same email or phone number.

Do I need to add friends or a profile photo to finish setting up?

No. Your account is complete and ready to use as soon as you confirm the code. Adding a photo, finding friends, and filling in your bio are optional and can be done anytime after you create your account.

Is my password stored safely?

Facebook doesn't store your actual password — it stores an encrypted version that only Facebook's systems can check. Never share your password with anyone, including Facebook staff. Facebook will never ask you for your password through email or message.

What if I forget my password after I create my account?

Go to facebook.com and click "Forgotten password?" on the login screen. Facebook will send a password reset link to your email or phone number. Click the link and create a new password. You'll then be able to log in with your new password.