You can create a second Facebook account using the same email, phone number, or a different one entirely

Facebook lets you open multiple accounts from one device. You do not need separate phones or computers — you can switch between accounts in the same app or browser, or use Facebook's built-in account switcher. The process takes about five minutes and works the same way whether you are on a phone, tablet, or computer.

The main thing to know upfront: Facebook's rules say each account must represent a real person using their real name. You cannot create accounts for fake identities, businesses pretending to be people, or accounts designed to mislead others about who is posting. If you need a business presence, Facebook has a separate Business Page tool for that.

Key Takeaways

  • You can create a second account using a different email address, phone number, or the same one you used for your first account.
  • The fastest way is to use Facebook's account switcher, which appears in the menu on both the app and website.
  • Each account must use a real name and represent a real person, even if you are managing multiple accounts for yourself.
  • You can stay logged into both accounts at once and switch between them without logging out.
  • If you forget the password to your second account, you can recover it using the email or phone number you registered with.

Creating a second account on the Facebook app

Open the Facebook app and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down until you see your name and profile picture at the top of the menu. Below that, you will see a button that says "Create New Facebook Account" or "Add Account" — the exact wording depends on your phone's operating system and which version of the app you have.

Tap that button. Facebook will ask you for a first name and last name. Use your real name or the real name of the person this account represents. Next, enter a birth date, then choose a gender. After that, you will be asked for an email address or phone number. You can use a different email than your first account, or you can use the same one — Facebook allows both.

Create a strong password (at least six characters, mixing letters and numbers if possible). Read through Facebook's terms, then tap "Create Account." Facebook may ask you to confirm your email or phone number by entering a code they send you. Check your email inbox or text messages, find the code, and enter it into the app. Your second account is now active.

Creating a second account on a web browser

Go to facebook.com in any web browser. In the top right corner, click the downward-pointing arrow or your profile picture. A menu will drop down. Look for an option that says "Create New Account" or "Add Account." Click it.

A window will pop up asking for your first and last name, birth date, gender, email or phone number, and password. Fill in each field. Use a real name. You can use the same email as your first account or a different one. Click "Create Account" at the bottom of the window.

Facebook will send a confirmation code to the email or phone number you provided. Check your email inbox or text messages, find the code, and enter it into the browser window. Once confirmed, your second account is ready to use.

Switching between your accounts

After you create a second account, you can stay logged into both at the same time. On the Facebook app, open the menu (three horizontal lines at the bottom right), and at the very top you will see your name and profile picture. Below that is a list of all accounts you have created or logged into. Tap the account name you want to switch to, and the app will instantly show that account's feed, messages, and settings.

On a web browser, click the downward-pointing arrow or your profile picture in the top right corner. You will see a list of all your accounts. Click the one you want to switch to. The page will reload and show that account's content. You stay logged into all of them — switching is just a click away.

What happens if you forget your password

If you cannot remember the password to your second account, go to the Facebook login page (facebook.com on a browser, or open the app). Click "Forgot Password?" below the login fields. Enter the email address or phone number you used to create that account. Facebook will send you a link or code to reset your password.

Check your email inbox or text messages for the message from Facebook. Click the link or enter the code, then create a new password. Once you have done that, you can log back into your second account using the new password. If you no longer have access to the email or phone number you registered with, Facebook has a recovery process, but it takes longer — you will need to answer security questions or provide a photo ID.

Rules about multiple accounts

Facebook's terms of service say you can have more than one account, but each one must represent a real person using their real name. You cannot create fake accounts, accounts with made-up names, or accounts designed to impersonate someone else. If you are managing accounts for a business, a brand, or a public figure, use a Facebook Business Page instead — that is the tool designed for that purpose.

If Facebook detects that you are breaking these rules — for example, by creating accounts with fake names or using them to harass or mislead people — it can disable one or both accounts without warning. The company uses automated systems and human reviewers to catch this, and the process is difficult to reverse.

Common mistakes to avoid

The biggest mistake is using a fake name or a name that does not match the person the account represents. Facebook has systems that flag accounts with suspicious names, and you may be asked to upload a photo ID to prove your identity. If you cannot provide ID matching the name on the account, Facebook may disable it.

Another common mistake is reusing the same password for both accounts. If someone guesses or cracks your password, they get into both accounts at once. Use a different, strong password for each account — a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols if possible. If you have trouble remembering multiple passwords, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password.

Do not use your second account to do things your first account got disabled for. If Facebook disabled your first account for harassment, spam, or other violations, opening a new account to continue that behavior will get the new account disabled too. Facebook tracks this and can ban you from the platform entirely if the pattern continues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same email address for both accounts?

Yes. Facebook allows you to register multiple accounts with the same email address or phone number. When you log in, you will see a list of all accounts connected to that email, and you can choose which one to open. This is useful if you want to keep your login information simple.

Will my friends see both of my accounts?

Not automatically. Your second account starts with no friends, no posts, and no history. You have to add people to it yourself. If you want your friends to know about your second account, you can tell them the account name and they can send you a friend request, or you can search for them and send them a request from your second account.

Can I merge two Facebook accounts into one?

No. Facebook does not have a tool to combine accounts. If you want to move your friends, photos, or posts from one account to another, you have to do it manually — add the friends again, re-upload the photos, rewrite the posts. This is one reason to think carefully before creating a second account.

What if Facebook asks me to confirm my identity on my second account?

Facebook may ask for a photo ID if the name on your account does not match what they expect, or if the account looks suspicious to their systems. Upload a clear photo of your ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) that shows your name and face. Facebook reviews it and usually confirms your account within a few days. If your ID does not match the name on the account, you will need to change the account name first.

Can I use a second account to run a business or community group?

No. Facebook requires businesses, brands, and organizations to use a Business Page, not a personal account. A Business Page is free and gives you tools designed for that purpose — scheduling posts, viewing analytics, running ads. If you try to use a personal account as a business account, Facebook may disable it. Go to facebook.com/pages/create to set up a Business Page instead.