The quickest way to change your cover photo

Open Facebook on your computer or phone and go to your profile page. Look for your current cover photo at the top — it's the wide banner image above your profile picture. Click or tap anywhere on that image, and a menu will appear with the option to change it. Select Upload Photo to pick a new image from your device, or Choose from Photos to use something you've already posted to Facebook.

The entire process takes less than a minute. Your new cover photo will appear immediately to anyone who visits your profile, though it may take a few seconds to load on slower connections.

Key Takeaways

  • Click your current cover photo and select Upload Photo to add a new image from your computer or phone.
  • You can reposition your cover photo by dragging it up or down so the part you want to see is centered in the frame.
  • Cover photos are public by default, but you can change who sees them in your privacy settings if you want to limit visibility.
  • Facebook accepts JPG, PNG, and GIF files, and recommends images that are at least 820 pixels wide for the best appearance.

Uploading a photo from your device

On a computer, hover your mouse over your cover photo until you see a camera icon appear in the bottom right corner. Click that icon, then select Upload Photo. A file browser will open where you can navigate to the image you want to use. Select the file and click Open.

On a phone or tablet, tap your cover photo directly. The menu that appears will show Upload Photo as the first option. Tap it, and your phone will open either your camera roll or file manager depending on your device. Find the image you want and tap to select it. Facebook will then ask you to position the photo before confirming.

Choosing a photo you've already posted

If you want to reuse a photo that's already on your Facebook account, click or tap your cover photo and select Choose from Photos instead of uploading new. This opens a gallery of your past posts. Scroll through and click the image you want to use as your cover.

This option is faster than uploading if you've already shared the photo you want, and it saves space on your device. You can still reposition the photo after selecting it, so you don't have to worry about choosing the exact right crop the first time.

Adjusting the position of your cover photo

After you upload or select a photo, Facebook will show you a preview with a white frame around it. This frame shows how much of your image will actually be visible as your cover. If your photo is taller or wider than the frame, you can drag the image up, down, left, or right to center the part you want people to see.

Take a moment to make sure your profile picture doesn't overlap with an important part of the cover image. On most devices, your profile picture sits in the bottom left corner of the cover photo, so avoid putting faces or text in that area. Once you're happy with the position, click or tap Save to confirm the change.

Understanding cover photo privacy and visibility

Your cover photo is public by default, meaning anyone on Facebook can see it whether they're your friend or not. If you want to change who can see your cover photo, go to your profile settings and look for the privacy controls next to your cover image. You can set it to Friends Only, Only Me, or keep it Public.

Keep in mind that even if you set your cover photo to private, your profile picture and name remain visible to everyone. The cover photo is just the banner behind those elements, so limiting its visibility won't hide your account from searches.

Image requirements and best practices

Facebook works best with cover photos that are at least 820 pixels wide. If your image is smaller, it may look blurry or stretched. The ideal size is 820 by 312 pixels, though Facebook will accept larger images and resize them automatically.

Supported file types are JPG, PNG, and GIF. If you're using a GIF, it will animate on your profile, which can be eye-catching but may distract visitors. Avoid putting important text or faces in the bottom left corner where your profile picture overlaps, and remember that mobile users will see a cropped version of your cover photo, so keep the main focus centered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my cover photo without uploading a new one?

Yes. Click your cover photo, select the three dots menu, and choose Delete. Facebook will replace it with a plain blue background. You can add a new cover photo anytime by clicking that blue area.

Why does my cover photo look different on my phone than on my computer?

Mobile devices show a cropped version of your cover photo because phone screens are narrower. The center of your image will always be visible, but the sides may be cut off. Test how your photo looks on both devices before finalizing it.

Can I use a video as my cover photo?

No, Facebook only accepts still images for cover photos. You can upload videos to your timeline or use them in other places on your profile, but the cover banner must be a JPG, PNG, or GIF file.

What happens to my old cover photo after I change it?

If you uploaded the photo directly as a cover, it's deleted and won't appear anywhere on your profile. If you chose it from your existing photos, the original post remains in your timeline — changing the cover doesn't remove it from there.