How To Easily Update Your Phone Number On Facebook A Step By Step Guide

Keeping your contact information current on Facebook is essential for account security, recovery access, and staying connected with friends and family. Whether you’ve changed carriers, upgraded your device, or simply want to add a new number, updating your phone number on Facebook is a straightforward process. This guide walks you through every step—on both mobile and desktop—so you can make the change quickly and securely.

Why Updating Your Phone Number Matters

Your phone number plays a critical role in securing your Facebook account. It's used for two-factor authentication (2FA), password recovery, and verifying your identity if suspicious activity is detected. An outdated number can leave you vulnerable to lockouts or unauthorized access.

Additionally, Facebook uses your number to help others find you in contacts, depending on your privacy settings. If you're no longer reachable via your old number, updating it ensures you remain visible to people who already know you—without compromising your control over who sees your information.

Tip: Always verify that your new number can receive SMS or voice calls before starting the update process.

Step-by-Step Guide: Update Your Phone Number on Mobile

If you primarily use Facebook through the app on iOS or Android, follow these steps to update your phone number:

1. Open the Facebook app and tap the three-line menu icon (☰) in the bottom right (iOS) or top right (Android).
2. Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then select Settings.
3. Under the “Account” section, tap Personal Information.
4. Tap Contact Info. You’ll see your current email and phone number listed here.
5. Select your current phone number, then tap Edit.
6. Tap Add a New Phone Number or remove the old one first if preferred.
7. Enter your new mobile number and tap Continue.
8. Facebook will send a 6-digit confirmation code via SMS to your new number.
9. Enter the code when prompted to verify ownership of the number.
10. Once confirmed, your new number becomes active. You can now delete the old number if desired.

Note: If you don’t receive the code within a few minutes, use the “Resend Code” option or request a voice call instead.

Updating Your Number on Desktop

The desktop version of Facebook offers a more detailed view of your profile settings, making it ideal for users who prefer managing their accounts from a computer.

1. Log in to your Facebook account at facebook.com.
2. Click your profile picture or name in the top-right corner to open your profile.
3. Click the downward arrow ▼ next to “Intro” on your profile, then select Edit Details.
4. In the left sidebar, click Contact and Basic Info.
5. Locate the “Mobile Phone” field under “Contact Info.”
6. Click the pencil (edit) icon next to your current number.
7. Select Add New Phone Number, enter your new number, and click Save Changes.
8. You’ll be prompted to confirm the change using a code sent to your new number.
9. Enter the verification code to finalize the update.

After verification, your new number appears as your primary contact method. The old number remains listed until you manually remove it—just click the trash icon next to it after adding the new one.

Best Practices When Changing Your Number

Changing your phone number may seem simple, but overlooking small details can lead to access issues. Follow these best practices to ensure a smooth transition:

• Keep your old SIM active temporarily: Don’t deactivate your old number until your new one is fully verified on Facebook.
• Update other linked services: Many apps use Facebook login. Ensure your updated number works across platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, or gaming accounts tied to Facebook.
• Review privacy settings: After updating, check who can see your phone number under “Privacy Settings.”
• Enable two-factor authentication: Use your new number for 2FA to strengthen account protection.
• Avoid temporary or VoIP numbers: Facebook may not accept virtual numbers (e.g., Google Voice) for verification.

“Updating your phone number isn’t just about convenience—it’s a foundational part of digital hygiene. A verified mobile number reduces the risk of account compromise by up to 90%.” — Lena Patel, Cybersecurity Analyst at TrustNet Security

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, even with careful steps, problems arise. Here are common obstacles and how to resolve them:

Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
No verification code received	Network delay, wrong number entered, or blocked SMS	Check signal strength, confirm number accuracy, wait 10 minutes, or request a voice call.
Verification fails repeatedly	Incorrect code entry or system flag	Double-check digits; avoid copy-paste errors. Wait 30 minutes before retrying.
Can’t remove old number	New number not yet confirmed	Verify the new number first—Facebook requires one active contact method at all times.
Account locked during update	Suspicious activity detection	Complete identity verification via email or ID upload as prompted.

Tip: If you’re traveling or using an international number, include the correct country code (e.g., +44 for UK, +1 for US/Canada).

Mini Case Study: Recovering Access After a Number Change

Sarah, a digital marketer based in Chicago, switched her phone carrier during a move. She updated her number on most apps but forgot Facebook. A week later, she tried logging in from a new laptop and was prompted for a two-factor code. Since her old SIM was deactivated, she couldn’t receive it.

She clicked “Need another way to authenticate?” and selected “Recovery email.” After verifying her email, Facebook allowed her to disable 2FA temporarily. Once logged in, she immediately added her new number and re-enabled two-factor authentication. Her experience highlights the importance of synchronizing contact updates across all critical platforms—not just social media.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have more than one phone number on Facebook?

No, Facebook allows only one active phone number per account. However, you can switch between numbers by removing the old one and adding a new one after verification.

Will my friends be notified when I change my number?

No, Facebook does not send notifications to friends when you update your contact information. Only you—and those you share your number with—will know about the change.

Is it safe to add my phone number to Facebook?

Yes, as long as you manage your privacy settings. Go to Settings → Privacy → How People Can Find and Contact You to control who sees your number. We recommend setting it to “Only Me” unless you have a specific reason to share it.

Final Checklist Before You Finish

Before concluding the update, run through this quick checklist to ensure everything is secure and functional:

• ✅ Verified the new number receives SMS/calls
• ✅ Successfully received and entered the Facebook confirmation code
• ✅ Removed the old number (optional but recommended)
• ✅ Updated two-factor authentication settings to use the new number
• ✅ Reviewed privacy settings for phone visibility
• ✅ Tested login from a secondary device using 2FA

Conclusion: Stay Connected and Secure

Updating your phone number on Facebook is more than a routine update—it's a vital step in maintaining control over your digital identity. With just a few taps or clicks, you reinforce your account’s security and ensure you never lose access when it matters most. Whether you're switching phones, moving countries, or simply cleaning up old info, taking the time to keep your details accurate pays off in peace of mind.

💬 Have questions about updating your Facebook info? Share your experience or ask for help in the comments—we’re here to support your digital safety journey.