How to Change Your Number on Facebook

Changing the phone number linked to your Facebook account is pretty straightforward and essential for keeping your profile secure. Whether you've switched to a new phone, updated your plan, or simply want to use a different number, this guide will walk you through the process, step by step. We'll cover everything from making the change on your computer and the mobile app to what to do if you encounter any snags along the way.

Why Your Phone Number on Facebook Actually Matters

Before jumping into the "how," it's helpful to understand why keeping your phone number current is so important. It's not just a piece of contact info floating in your profile, it serves several key functions that protect your account and your digital life.

The Cornerstone of Account Security

Your phone number is the primary layer of defense for your account. Facebook uses it for:

• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): When you log in from a new device, Facebook sends a unique code to your phone via SMS. Without this code, a hacker with your password still can’t get in. An old, inaccessible number makes this critical security feature useless.
• Account Recovery: If you ever forget your password or get locked out, your phone number is one of the fastest ways to prove your identity and regain access. Facebook can text you a recovery link or code to reset your credentials. Without an updated number, you could face a much longer and more complicated recovery process.

Making Friend Connections

You can choose to allow people who have your phone number in their contacts to find your Facebook profile more easily. It’s part of Facebook’s “people you may know” algorithm. While entirely optional and controllable in your privacy settings, it’s one of the ways the platform connects you with real-world contacts.

Staying in the Loop with Notifications

While most people rely on push notifications from the app these days, you still have the option to receive certain Facebook notifications via SMS. This could include alerts about logins from unrecognized devices, password changes, or important security updates. If you use this feature, an outdated number means you're missing potentially vital information about your account's safety.

One Crucial Step Before You Change Your Number

Here’s a small bit of advice that can save you a world of trouble: check your security settings before you lose access to your old phone number.

Many people run into problems when they get a new phone number and try to update Facebook, only to find that the platform wants to send a confirmation code to their old number to verify the change. If you no longer have that SIM card, you’re stuck.

To avoid this, take a minute to set up an alternative verification method while you still can:

1. Go to your Facebook Settings &, Privacy >,, Settings >,, Password and Security.
2. Under Two-Factor Authentication, check your existing methods.
3. If only your old phone number is listed, add another option like an Authenticator App (such as Google Authenticator or Authy) or save a set of Recovery Codes.

Having a backup method means you can authorize the phone number change without needing your old SIM card. It’s a proactive step that makes the whole process smooth.

How to Change Your Facebook Number on a Desktop Computer (Step-by-Step)

Meta has consolidated profile management into the Accounts Center, which syncs your personal details across Facebook, Instagram, and Meta accounts. Changing your number on a desktop is a clear process once you know where to find it.

1. Log Into Your Account
2. Log into your Facebook account on your web browser. In the top-right corner, click your profile picture, and then select Settings &, Privacy from the dropdown menu. From there, click Settings.
3. Navigate to the Accounts Center
4. In the left-hand menu, you'll see the Accounts Center at the very top. Click on it, or click the blue link that says "See more in Accounts Center," to manage all your connected profiles.
5. Find Your Personal Details
6. Within the Accounts Center menu on the left, click on Personal details. This section houses your contact information, birthday, and identity confirmation.
7. Manage Your Contact Information
8. Click on Contact info. You'll see any email addresses and phone numbers currently associated with your account. For security, your full number will be partially hidden.
9. Add Your New Phone Number
10. First, add the new number before removing the old one. Click the blue Add new contact button and select Add mobile number from the options.
11. Enter and Verify the New Number
12. Type in your new mobile number and choose which of your connected Meta accounts (e.g., your Facebook profile) you want to associate it with. Facebook will then send a confirmation code to that number via SMS to prove you own it. Enter the code when prompted.
13. Remove Your Old Phone Number
14. Once your new number is successfully added and verified, go back to the Contact info screen. Click on your old phone number. You’ll now see an option to Delete number. Click it and confirm your choice. Facebook will likely ask for your password one last time to authorize the removal.

And that’s it! Your number is now updated on your desktop profile.

The Faster Way: Updating Your Number on the Facebook Mobile App

The process on your phone is nearly identical, as the mobile app also uses the integrated Accounts Center. It's often faster since you have your phone right there to receive a confirmation code.

1. Open Settings in the App
2. Open the Facebook app and tap the Menu icon in the bottom-right corner (it looks like your profile picture with three horizontal lines). Scroll down and tap Settings &, Privacy, and then tap Settings.
3. Go to the Accounts Center
4. Just like on desktop, the Accounts Center will be at the very top of the Settings screen. Tap the "See more in Accounts Center" panel to continue.
5. Access Your Personal Details
6. Under Account Settings, tap Personal details, followed by Contact info.
7. Add the New Number
8. Tap Add new contact and choose Add mobile number.
9. Verify and Finalize
10. Enter your new phone number, tick the box for your Facebook account, and wait for the SMS confirmation code to arrive. Input the code into the app. Your new number is now active.
11. Delete the Old Number
12. Finally, tap on the old number in your Contact info list and select Delete number. Follow the prompts and enter your password if required to complete the removal.

Common Problems &, Troubleshooting Tips

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here are solutions for the most common issues people face when trying to change their Facebook phone number.

"I'm Not Receiving the Confirmation Code."

This is easily the most frequent hiccup. If the code isn't arriving, try these steps:

• Double-check the number: A simple typo is often the culprit. Make sure you entered the digits correctly.
• Wait a bit: SMS networks can sometimes be delayed. Give it 5-10 minutes before trying again.
• Resend the code: The interface will have a "Resend code" option. Use it once if you suspect the first one failed.
• Check your phone's signal: Make sure you have a stable carrier connection. Stepping outside or moving to a different room can help.
• Review your blocklist: Ensure you haven't accidentally blocked messages from unknown numbers on your phone, as Facebook's verification service may be flagged.

"I Can't Log In Because I Don't Have My Old Number Anymore."

This is the exact scenario that the "before you start" tip is meant to prevent. If you’re already locked out and your old number is the only recovery method, you'll need to go through Facebook’s formal account recovery process. Visit www.facebook.com/login/identify and follow the instructions. You will likely be asked to provide an email address you can access and upload a copy of a government-issued ID to prove you are the account owner. Be patient, as this process can take several days.

"Facebook Keeps Giving Me an Error."

If you're seeing a generic error message, try these general troubleshooting steps:

• Clear your browser cache and cookies if you're on a desktop.
• Update the Facebook app to the latest version on your mobile device.
• Try a different device or browser to see if the issue is isolated.

Managing Your Privacy: Keep Your Number Out of Sight

Once you’ve updated your number, take a moment to confirm who can see it. Security and privacy go hand in hand.

In the same Contact info section within the Accounts Center, click on your new number. You’ll see an option to control its visibility on Facebook. The most common settings are:

• Public: Anyone can see it. (Not recommended!)
• Friends: Only your confirmed friends can see it.
• Only me: It is kept private and used only for security and account management.

For most people, setting the visibility to Only me is the best choice. It allows you to use your number for two-factor authentication and account recovery without broadcasting your digits to everyone on your friends list.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your contact details current on Facebook is a simple but vital part of digital hygiene. By using the Accounts Center on either a computer or the mobile app, you can easily add a new number, verify it, and remove an old one in just a few minutes, securing your account for the long run.

Managing your social media professionally goes beyond safeguarding a contact number, it’s about using reliable tools that streamline your entire workflow across every platform. Here at Postbase, we work to make social media management feel calm and controlled. Our platform is built specifically for today's video-first world - Reels, TikToks, and Shorts - so you can schedule everything on a visual calendar and have confidence your content will actually publish when it’s supposed to, every time.