How to change your phone number on Facebook
You can change the phone number linked to your Facebook account in Settings, under Personal Information. Facebook lets you add multiple phone numbers and set which one is primary — the one used for login and account recovery. You can also remove old numbers entirely. The process takes about two minutes and doesn't affect your account security or login method unless you choose to change those.
Your phone number on Facebook serves two purposes: it's one way you can log in (instead of your email), and it's what Facebook uses to send you security codes if you lose access to your account. Changing it doesn't log you out or require you to re-verify anything — you just update the number and you're done.
Key Takeaways
- Open Facebook Settings, go to Personal Information, then Phone, and you can add, remove, or change which number is primary.
- You can keep multiple phone numbers on your account, but only one can be set as your primary number for login and recovery.
- Removing a phone number from your account doesn't affect your password or login method unless that number was your only recovery option.
- If you no longer have access to an old phone number, remove it from your account so someone else who gets that number can't use it to reset your password.
Step-by-step: adding or changing your primary phone number
Log into Facebook on a computer or phone. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines on mobile, or the downward arrow on desktop in the top right). Scroll down and select Settings and Privacy, then Settings. On the left sidebar, click Personal Information. Click Phone.
You'll see any phone numbers already on your account. To add a new number, click Add Phone Number, type it in, and click Add. To change which number is primary (the one used for login), find the number you want and click Make Primary. To remove a number, click the three dots next to it and select Remove.
Facebook will not send you a confirmation text or ask you to verify the new number — it saves immediately. If you added a number by mistake, you can remove it the same way.
When you should update your phone number
Change your phone number on Facebook as soon as you get a new phone or switch carriers. If you're keeping your old number but getting a new device, you don't need to change anything — the number stays the same. If you're giving your old number to someone else (or it's being recycled by your carrier), remove it from Facebook first. This prevents someone else from using that number to request a password reset code.
If you've lost access to a phone number that's on your account, remove it as soon as you can. You can do this from any device where you're already logged in. If you can't log in at all, you'll need to use your email address or another recovery method to regain access first.
What happens if you forget your password and your phone number is outdated
If you can't log in and your only recovery option is an old phone number you no longer have, Facebook will ask you to identify photos of friends or answer security questions instead. You can also use a recovery email address if you set one up. This is why it's important to keep your phone number current and to have at least one other recovery method (like an email address) on your account.
If you're locked out and none of your recovery methods work, Facebook has a form you can fill out to prove your identity, but it can take days or weeks. Keeping your phone number and email up to date prevents this situation entirely.
Using your phone number to log in
Once you set a phone number as primary, you can use it to log into Facebook instead of your email address. On the login screen, enter your phone number in the username field and your password. This works whether you're on mobile or desktop. You don't have to use your phone number to log in — you can always use your email instead, even if a phone number is set as primary.
If you remove your phone number from your account, you can no longer use it to log in, but your email login still works. Changing your primary number doesn't change your password or log you out of devices where you're already signed in.
Protecting your account when you change your phone number
Removing an old phone number is a security step, not a security risk. If someone gets your old number, they could potentially request a password reset code sent to that number — but only if it's still linked to your account. Removing it closes that door.
If you're concerned about account security, check your login activity. In Settings, go to Security and Login, then scroll to Where You're Logged In. You'll see all devices currently signed into your account. If you see a device you don't recognize, click it and select Log Out. You can also turn on Login Alerts to get notified whenever someone logs in from a new device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Facebook without a phone number?
Yes. A phone number is optional on Facebook. You can create an account and use it with only an email address. Adding a phone number is useful for account recovery, but not required.
What if I add a phone number and Facebook asks me to verify it?
Facebook normally doesn't ask for verification when you add a phone number in Settings. If you see a verification request, it usually means Facebook detected unusual activity on your account. Follow the prompts to verify your identity — you may need to confirm via email or answer security questions.
Can someone else see my phone number on my Facebook profile?
No. Your phone number is private and stored in your Settings. It doesn't appear on your profile or in search results, even if your profile is public. Only you and Facebook can see it.
Do I need to change my password when I change my phone number?
No. Changing your phone number doesn't affect your password. Your password stays the same unless you choose to change it separately in Settings under Security and Login.
What if I get a new phone but keep the same number?
You don't need to do anything. Your phone number on Facebook stays the same because the number itself hasn't changed — only the device it's on. You'll stay logged in on your new phone if you sign back in with your email and password.