What you need before you start

Creating a Facebook account takes about five minutes and requires three things: a working email address or phone number, your real name, and your birth date. Facebook will send a confirmation message to whichever email or phone number you provide, so make sure it's one you can access right now. You don't need a credit card, and Facebook won't charge you to set up an account.

If you're using a phone number instead of email, have it ready. Facebook accepts most mobile carriers in the United States, Canada, and other countries, though some prepaid services may not work. An email address is usually faster and more reliable if you have one available.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to facebook.com on a web browser or open the Facebook app, then click "Create New Facebook Account" to start the signup process.
  • Enter your real name, email address or phone number, birth date, and gender — Facebook requires your actual name to create the account.
  • Check your email or text messages for a confirmation code, then enter it on Facebook to verify your account.
  • After verification, you can add a profile picture, write a bio, and start searching for friends or joining groups.

Step-by-step account creation on a computer

Open any web browser and go to facebook.com. On the homepage, you'll see a white box on the right side labeled "Create New Facebook Account." Click that button to open the signup form.

Fill in the form with your first name and last name in the name fields. Facebook requires your real name — you can't use a nickname or business name at this stage. Enter your email address or phone number in the next field. Below that, enter your birth date using the dropdown menus for month, day, and year. Select your gender from the radio buttons provided.

Create a password that's at least six characters long and includes a mix of numbers and letters. Facebook will show you a strength indicator as you type. Once all fields are complete, click the "Sign Up" button at the bottom of the form.

Verifying your account by email or text

After you click "Sign Up," Facebook will send a confirmation code to the email address or phone number you provided. If you used email, check your inbox and look for a message from Facebook. If you used a phone number, you'll receive a text message with a six-digit code.

Go back to Facebook in your browser. You should see a screen asking you to enter the confirmation code. Type the code exactly as it appears in your email or text message, then click "Confirm." If you don't see the code within a few minutes, check your spam or junk folder — sometimes confirmation emails end up there by mistake.

Once you enter the correct code, your account is verified and ready to use. Facebook may ask you to add a profile picture and search for friends, but you can skip these steps and do them later.

Creating an account on the Facebook mobile app

If you're using a phone or tablet, download the Facebook app from the Apple App Store (for iPhone and iPad) or Google Play Store (for Android devices). Open the app after installation.

On the login screen, tap "Create New Facebook Account" at the bottom. The signup form will appear with the same fields as the web version: first name, last name, email or phone number, birth date, and gender. Fill in each field carefully, then create your password.

Tap "Sign Up" when you're finished. You'll receive a confirmation code by email or text, just as you would on a computer. Enter the code on the screen that appears, and your account will be verified. The mobile app will then prompt you to add a profile picture and find friends.

What to do if you can't receive the confirmation code

If the confirmation code doesn't arrive within five minutes, first check your email spam folder or text message archives — the code may have been filtered or delayed. Wait another few minutes and check again, as carriers sometimes take longer to deliver text messages.

If you still don't see the code, go back to the Facebook signup screen and look for a link that says "Didn't get a code?" or "Resend code." Click it to request a new code. You can usually request a new code up to three times before Facebook temporarily locks you out of that signup attempt.

If you're locked out, wait 24 hours and try creating the account again with the same email address or phone number. If the problem continues, try using a different email address instead of a phone number, or vice versa. Some email providers and phone carriers have compatibility issues with Facebook's verification system.

Setting up your profile after verification

Once your account is verified, you can add a profile picture by clicking the camera icon on your profile page. You can upload a photo from your computer or phone, or take a new one using your device's camera. A clear, well-lit photo of your face makes it easier for friends to recognize you.

Add a bio or "About" section by clicking "Edit Profile" and filling in information like your hometown, workplace, school, or a short description of yourself. This is optional — you don't have to fill in any of these fields if you prefer to keep your profile minimal.

To find friends, use the search bar at the top of Facebook and type in people's names. When you find someone you know, click "Add Friend" to send them a friend request. They'll see your request and can accept or decline it. You can also browse suggested friends that Facebook recommends based on mutual connections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a fake name or nickname on Facebook?

Facebook requires you to use your real name when you create the account. However, once your account is set up, you can change your display name to something different in your settings. Some people use this feature to go by a nickname publicly while keeping their legal name on file with Facebook.

What if I don't have an email address?

You can create a Facebook account using only a phone number instead of an email address. Facebook will text you a confirmation code to verify the number. If you don't have a phone number either, you'll need to set up an email address first — most email providers like Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook are free and take just a few minutes to create.

Can I create multiple Facebook accounts with the same email address?

No. Each Facebook account must have its own unique email address or phone number. If you try to use the same email for a second account, Facebook will show an error message. You'll need a different email address for each account you want to create.

Is my personal information safe when I create an account?

Facebook encrypts the information you enter during signup, so it's protected while being transmitted. However, once your account is created, you control what information is visible to others through your privacy settings. You can adjust who sees your name, birth date, email, phone number, and other details in the "Settings & Privacy" menu.

How long does it take to verify my account?

Verification usually happens within a few minutes of you entering the confirmation code. In rare cases, it may take up to an hour. If your account still isn't verified after an hour, try requesting a new confirmation code and entering it again.