You can create another Facebook account using the same email address or a different one

Facebook lets you set up multiple accounts on the same device or computer. The simplest method is to create a new account with a different email address, then log out of your first account and log into the second one when you need it. If you want to use the same email for both accounts, you'll need to remove that email from your first account before you can use it on the second one.

The process takes about five minutes and works the same way on phones, tablets, and computers. You don't need Facebook's permission, and there's no limit to how many accounts you can own — though Facebook's rules do say each account should represent one real person.

Key Takeaways

  • Create a new account by going to facebook.com, clicking the create new account button, and filling in your name, email or phone number, birth date, and gender.
  • If you want to use the same email address on both accounts, you must first remove that email from your original account in settings.
  • After creating the second account, you can switch between them by logging out of one and logging into the other.
  • On mobile apps, you can add multiple accounts to the same app and switch between them without logging out each time.

Creating a new account with a different email

Go to facebook.com on a web browser or open the Facebook app on your phone. If you're on the website, look for the link that says "Create new Facebook account" near the bottom of the login page. On the mobile app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and scroll down to find the option to create a new account.

Click or tap that option and fill in the form with your name, email address or phone number, birth date, and gender. Use a different email than the one attached to your first account. Choose a strong password — one with uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Facebook will send a confirmation code to your email; enter that code to finish setting up the account.

Once your new account is created, Facebook may ask you to add a profile picture and find friends. You can skip these steps if you want to set them up later.

Using the same email for two accounts

If you want both accounts to use the same email address, you need to remove that email from your first account before you can use it on the second one. Log into your first account, go to Settings, click Personal Information, and find the email section. Click the X next to your email address to remove it.

After you remove the email, you can use it to create your second account. Keep in mind that once you remove the email from your first account, you won't be able to use it to log in to that account anymore — you'll need to use your phone number or a different email if you want to access it later.

Switching between accounts on your phone

The Facebook mobile app lets you add multiple accounts and switch between them without logging out each time. After you create your second account, open the Facebook app and tap the menu icon. Scroll to the bottom and tap "Log in with another account." Enter the login details for your second account.

Once both accounts are added to the app, you can switch between them by tapping the menu icon and looking for your account name at the top. Tap it to see a list of all accounts on that app, then tap the one you want to use. The app will switch to that account instantly.

Switching between accounts on a computer

On a computer, you'll need to log out of your first account and log in to your second one each time you want to switch. Go to facebook.com, click the menu icon in the top right corner, and select "Log out." Then go back to facebook.com and log in with your second account's email and password.

If you use the same computer and want to make switching faster, you can open Facebook in different browser windows or use different browsers altogether — one for each account. This way you can keep both accounts open at the same time without logging out.

What happens to your old account

Creating a second account doesn't affect your first one. Your friends, messages, photos, and posts all stay exactly where they are. You can use both accounts at the same time on different devices, or switch between them on the same device whenever you want.

If you ever want to stop using one of the accounts, you can deactivate it (which hides it temporarily) or delete it permanently. Deactivation takes effect right away, but deletion takes up to 90 days to complete.

Things to know before you create a second account

Facebook's rules state that each account should represent one real person using their authentic name. Creating accounts under fake names or to impersonate someone else violates Facebook's terms of service and can result in both accounts being disabled.

If you're creating a second account for a business, Facebook offers a separate tool called Facebook Pages, which is designed specifically for businesses, brands, and organizations. A Page is different from a personal account and has its own features and settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Each phone number can only be connected to one Facebook account. If you want to use a phone number on your second account, you must first remove it from your first account in Settings under Personal Information.

What if I forget the password to my second account?

Go to facebook.com and click "Forgotten password?" on the login page. Enter the email or phone number for that account, and Facebook will send you a link to reset your password. Follow the link and create a new password.

Can I have two Facebook accounts open at the same time on my phone?

Yes, if you use the Facebook app. Add both accounts to the app and switch between them using the menu. On a web browser, you can open two separate browser windows or tabs and log into each account in a different one.

Will my friends see that I have a second account?

Not unless you tell them or add them as friends on your second account. Your second account starts with no friends, and only people you send friend requests to will know it exists.

Can Facebook disable my accounts if I have more than one?

Facebook allows multiple accounts per person. However, if you use them to break Facebook's rules — like pretending to be someone else, spamming, or harassing people — both accounts can be disabled. As long as each account represents you and you follow the rules, having multiple accounts is fine.