What you need before you start
To add a Facebook account, you need an email address or phone number and a password you create. If you already have a Facebook account, you can sign in on a new device. If you don't have one yet, you'll create it first, then sign in.
Facebook lets you add multiple accounts to the same device — useful if you manage a personal account and a business page, or if multiple people use the same phone or computer. Each account signs in separately, and you can switch between them without signing out.
The process is different depending on whether you're using the Facebook app on a phone, the website on a computer, or adding a second account to a device where you're already signed in. This guide covers all three.
Key Takeaways
- You need an email address or phone number and a password to sign in to Facebook, whether it's a new account or an existing one.
- On a phone, use the Facebook app or mobile website; on a computer, go to facebook.com and enter your login information.
- To add a second account on the same device, sign out of the first account, then sign in with the second account's details.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen to reset it through your email or phone number.
- Facebook may ask you to confirm your identity by entering a code sent to your email or phone, especially on a new device.
Adding Facebook on your phone using the app
Download the Facebook app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android). Open the app after installation. You'll see a login screen with fields for your email or phone number and password.
Enter the email address or phone number connected to your Facebook account. Then enter your password. Tap "Log In." If you don't have a Facebook account yet, tap "Create New Facebook Account" and follow the prompts to set up a new one with your email, name, birthday, and a password you choose.
Facebook may ask you to confirm your identity by entering a code. Check your email or text messages for a six-digit code, enter it, and tap "Continue." This step protects your account and usually happens the first time you sign in on a new device.
Adding Facebook on your computer
Open a web browser and go to facebook.com. You'll see the login screen with two fields: one for your email or phone number, one for your password. Type in your email address or phone number, then your password, and click "Log In."
If you see a message asking you to confirm your identity, Facebook has sent a code to your email or phone. Find that code, enter it on the screen, and click "Continue." You're now signed in on your computer.
If you don't have a Facebook account, click "Create New Facebook Account" on the login page. You'll enter your name, email or phone number, password, birthday, and gender. Follow the on-screen steps to finish creating your account, then you'll be signed in automatically.
Adding a second Facebook account on the same device
If you already have one Facebook account signed in on your phone or computer and want to add another, the steps depend on your device. On a phone using the app, scroll down to the bottom of the screen and tap "Menu" (three horizontal lines). Scroll down and tap "Log Out" or "Settings & Privacy" then "Settings" then "Log Out."
Once you're signed out, the login screen appears. Enter the email or phone number and password for your second account. Tap "Log In." You can now switch between accounts by going to the menu and tapping the account name at the top, then selecting the other account from the list.
On a computer, click your profile picture in the top right corner. Click "Log Out" at the bottom of the menu. The login page appears. Enter your second account's email or phone number and password, then click "Log In." To switch accounts later, click your profile picture again and select the other account from the dropdown menu.
What to do if you forget your password
On the login screen, click or tap "Forgot password?" This link appears below the password field on both the app and the website. Facebook will ask you to enter the email address or phone number connected to your account.
Facebook sends a password reset link to your email or a code to your phone. Check your email inbox (and spam folder) or your text messages. Click the link in the email or enter the code on the screen. You'll be taken to a page where you create a new password. Type it in twice to confirm, then click "Continue."
If you don't have access to the email or phone number on your account, Facebook offers other ways to confirm your identity. You may be asked to answer security questions you set up, identify friends in photos, or provide a government ID. Follow the on-screen steps to regain access to your account.
Fixing common sign-in problems
If you enter your password and see an error message, double-check that you're typing it correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters matter. Make sure Caps Lock is off unless you intentionally used capital letters when you created your password.
If you're on a public or shared computer, make sure you're not using autofill to enter someone else's password by mistake. Clear the email or phone field and type your own information carefully.
If Facebook says your account is locked or compromised, it's protecting you from unauthorized access. Follow the on-screen steps to unlock it. You'll usually need to confirm your identity using a code sent to your email or phone, or by answering security questions. If you can't unlock it yourself, use the "Help" option on the login page to contact Facebook's support team.
Signing out safely when you're done
On a phone, open the Facebook app, scroll to the bottom, tap "Menu," scroll down, and tap "Log Out." On a computer, click your profile picture in the top right, then click "Log Out" at the bottom of the menu.
Always sign out on shared devices or public computers. If you forget to sign out, someone else can access your account and see your messages, photos, and personal information. On your own device, signing out is optional — you can stay signed in and the app will open directly to your feed next time.
If you're selling or giving away a device, sign out of Facebook before handing it over. Better yet, go to your Facebook settings on a different device and check "Where you're logged in" to see all active sessions. You can sign out of any device remotely from that list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a phone number instead of an email address to sign in?
Yes. When you create a Facebook account or sign in, you can use either the email address or phone number connected to your account. If you added both during setup, either one works. If you only have a phone number on file and want to add an email, go to Settings & Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information, and add your email there.
What does it mean when Facebook asks for a code after I sign in?
Facebook is confirming that you're the real account owner, especially on a new device. Check your email inbox or text messages for a six-digit code. Enter it on the screen within the time limit (usually a few minutes). This is a security step and only happens once per new device.
Can I add Facebook to my computer if I've never used it before?
Yes. Go to facebook.com, click "Create New Facebook Account," and fill in your name, email or phone number, password, birthday, and gender. Follow the prompts to finish. You'll be signed in automatically once your account is created. You can then add it to your phone or other devices using the same email or phone number and password.
What if I see a message saying my account was hacked or locked?
Follow the on-screen instructions to unlock it. You'll confirm your identity using a code sent to your email or phone, or by answering security questions. Change your password to something new and strong. If you can't unlock it yourself, go to facebook.com/login/identify on a different device and follow the steps to regain access.
Do I need to sign in every time I open the Facebook app?
No. The app stays signed in by default. When you open it, you go straight to your feed. If you sign out manually, you'll need to enter your login information the next time. On shared devices, it's safer to sign out after each use so others can't access your account.