How to use Facebook safely

Lock down your login, control who sees your posts, and learn the habits that stop most Facebook scams.

About 30 minutes 18 steps Facebook

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Before you start

You can do this on the Facebook app or on a computer. Most steps start in Settings: in the app, tap the menu (☰) or your profile picture, then Settings & privacy, then Settings. On a computer, click your profile picture, then Settings & privacy, then Settings.

Facebook moves its menus around often. If you can’t find a setting, type its name into the search bar at the top of Settings.

No time for all of it? Do Part 1 first. It protects you the most.

Part 1 · About 15 minutes

Lock down your login

Keep other people out of your account, even if they get your password.

1. Use a strong password you don’t use anywhere elseGo to Settings → Accounts Center → Password and security → Change password. Use at least 12 characters, or 3 or 4 random words together. A password manager can create and remember it for you.Why: Hackers try passwords leaked from other websites. A password used only for Facebook stops that.3 min

2. Turn on two-factor authenticationGo to Accounts Center → Password and security → Two-factor authentication and pick your account. An authentication app is the strongest choice. A text message code is fine too.Why: Even if someone gets your password, they can’t log in without the code.4 min

3. Save your backup codesIn Two-factor authentication, find Recovery codes (sometimes called backup codes). Write them down or save them in your password manager, somewhere only you can get to.Why: They get you back in if you lose your phone.2 min

4. Add a passkey, if you see the optionIn the Facebook app, go to Accounts Center → Password and security → Passkeys. A passkey lets you log in with your face, fingerprint or phone PIN instead of typing a password. Not everyone has this option yet. If you don’t see it, skip this step.Why: Passkeys can’t be stolen by fake login pages.2 min

5. Turn on login alertsGo to Accounts Center → Password and security → Login alerts. Turn on alerts for in-app notifications and email.Why: You’ll know right away if someone logs in from a new device.1 min

6. Check where you’re logged inGo to Accounts Center → Password and security → Where you’re logged in. Log out of any device you don’t recognize, or that you no longer use.2 min

7. Make sure your email and phone number are yoursGo to Accounts Center → Personal details → Contact info. Remove anything that isn’t yours and add a current email and phone number.Why: This is how Facebook helps you get back in if you’re ever locked out.1 min

Part 2 · About 10 minutes

Control who sees your stuff

Make your posts and personal details private, so strangers and scammers can’t learn about you.

8. Make your future posts Friends onlyIn Settings, find Posts (under Audience and visibility), then set Who can see your future posts? to Friends.1 min

9. Limit your old public postsOn the same page, tap Limit who can see past posts, then Limit past posts. Old public posts change to Friends only.Why: Old posts can reveal your school, your kids’ names or where you live.1 min

10. Hide your phone number, email and birth yearGo to your profile, tap Edit profile or See your About info, and set your phone number, email, birth year, hometown and relationship status to Only me or Friends.Why: Scammers use these details to guess passwords and answer security questions.3 min

11. Stop strangers from finding youIn Settings, find How people find and contact you. Set Who can send you friend requests? to Friends of friends. Set Who can look you up using the email address or phone number you provided? to Only me. Turn off letting search engines outside of Facebook link to your profile.2 min

12. Hide your friends listIn the same section, set Who can see your friends list? to Only me or Friends.Why: Scammers copy your profile and send requests to everyone on your friends list.1 min

13. Review tags before they show upIn Settings, find Profile and tagging. Turn on Review posts you’re tagged in before they appear on your profile and Review tags people add to your posts before they appear on Facebook.1 min

14. Remove apps and games you don’t useIn Settings, find Apps and websites. Remove anything you don’t recognize or no longer use.Why: Old quiz apps and games may still be able to see your information.3 min

Part 3 · About 4 minutes

Everyday safety habits

Quick habits that stop most Facebook scams.

15. Double-check friend requests from people you knowIf you get a request from someone you’re already friends with, it’s probably a copycat account. Message your real friend another way to check, then report the fake.1 min

16. Know what Facebook will never send youFacebook won’t message you to say your account will be deleted, ask for your password, or ask for a login code. Messages like that are scams. Don’t click, and report them.1 min

17. Post your trips after you get homeAvoid posting where you are right now, your daily routine, or photos that show your address or your kids’ school.1 min

18. Find the Report and Block buttonsOpen any profile, tap the three dots (…), and look for Report and Block. Knowing where they are makes it quick to use them when you need to.1 min

Where this comes from

Last checked Nov 11, 2026. Apps change their menus often. If a step doesn't match your screen, try typing the setting's name into the search bar in Settings. Spotted a change? Tell us.

Keep going

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