What "changing accounts" means on Facebook

Facebook does not have a built-in "switch accounts" button. Instead, you have three separate actions: log out of your current account and log back in as someone else, use Facebook's account switcher if you have multiple accounts linked to the same device, or remove an account from your device entirely. Which one you need depends on whether you share a device, whether you want to keep being logged in to one account while accessing another, and whether you plan to use that account again soon.

The fastest route for most people is logging out and logging back in. If you use the same phone or computer as someone else, you may want to use the account switcher instead — it lets you jump between accounts without typing your password each time. If you are done with an account altogether, you can remove it from your device so it no longer appears as an option.

Key Takeaways

  • Logging out takes 10 seconds: tap the menu icon, scroll to Settings & Privacy, tap Settings, scroll to Accounts Center, and tap Log Out.
  • The account switcher (available on phones and tablets) lets you add multiple accounts and jump between them without logging out, if you have the passwords saved.
  • Removing an account from your device does not delete the account itself — it just stops showing it as a login option on that phone or computer.
  • If you forget which email or phone number is tied to an account, use the "Find Your Account" tool on Facebook's login page before you try to log in.

How to log out and log in as a different person

On a phone or tablet, open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down past your posts and friends until you see "Settings & Privacy" — tap it, then tap "Settings." Scroll down to "Accounts Center" and tap it. You will see your account listed. Tap "Log Out" at the bottom of the screen.

Once you are logged out, the login screen appears. Enter the email address, phone number, or username of the account you want to use, then enter the password. If you do not remember the password, tap "Forgotten Password?" and follow the steps to reset it using the email or phone number tied to that account.

On a computer, click the downward arrow in the top right corner of any Facebook page. Click "Log Out." You will be taken to the login page. Enter the email, phone number, or username and password for the account you want to use.

Using the account switcher to jump between accounts

If you use multiple Facebook accounts on the same phone or tablet and you know the passwords, you can add them to the account switcher. This lets you tap a button and jump to a different account without typing your password each time. Open the Facebook app and tap the menu icon (three lines) in the bottom right. Scroll to "Settings & Privacy," then tap "Settings."

Scroll down to "Accounts Center" and tap it. At the top, you will see your current account. Tap "Add Account" below it. Enter the email, phone number, or username and password for the second account. Once you add it, both accounts appear at the top of the Accounts Center screen. Tap whichever one you want to use, and Facebook switches to that account when ready.

You can add up to five accounts this way. To remove an account from the switcher, go back to Accounts Center, tap the account you want to remove, scroll down, and tap "Remove Account." This logs you out of that account on this device but does not delete the account itself.

Removing an account from your device

If someone else uses your phone or tablet and you do not want them to see your Facebook account in the login options, you can remove it. Open the Facebook app, tap the menu icon, go to "Settings & Privacy," then "Settings." Scroll to "Accounts Center" and tap it.

Tap the account you want to remove from this device. Scroll down and tap "Remove Account." A warning appears saying this will log you out on this device. Tap "Remove" to confirm. The account no longer appears on the login screen, but the account itself still exists — you can log back in anytime using your email, phone number, or username and password.

What to do if you do not remember your login information

If you cannot remember the email, phone number, or password tied to an account, go to facebook.com on a computer or phone browser (not the app). On the login page, tap or click "Forgotten Password?" Enter the email address, phone number, or username you think is tied to the account. Facebook will show you options to reset your password — usually a code sent to your email or a text to your phone.

If you do not have access to that email or phone number anymore, tap "No longer have access to these?" Facebook will ask you to upload a photo of your ID and may ask security questions. This process can take a few days. Once Facebook confirms your identity, you can set a new password and log in.

Keeping your accounts separate on shared devices

If multiple people use the same computer, the safest approach is to log out completely after each use rather than relying on the account switcher. Logging out takes 10 seconds and prevents someone from accidentally posting as you or seeing your messages. If you use a shared phone, remove your account from the device when you are done (see the section above) rather than leaving it logged in.

On a Windows or Mac computer, you can also create separate user accounts for each person — this is more find than sharing one login. Each person gets their own desktop, files, and browser history. When you switch users, the previous person's session stays open in the background, so you can pick up where you left off. This is a device-level setting, not a Facebook setting, but it is the strongest protection if you share a computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will logging out delete my account or my messages?

No. Logging out only signs you out of that device. Your account, messages, photos, and friends list stay exactly as they are. When you log back in, everything is still there.

Can I use the account switcher on a computer?

The account switcher is available on phones and tablets through the Facebook app. On a computer, you have to log out and log back in each time. Some browsers let you save multiple passwords, which speeds up the process, but it is not the same as the app's switcher.

What happens if I remove an account from my phone?

Removing an account from your phone logs you out on that device only. The account still exists and you can log back in anytime using your email, phone number, or username and password. Nothing is deleted.

How do I know which email is tied to my Facebook account?

If you are already logged in, tap the menu icon, go to "Settings & Privacy," then "Settings," and scroll to "Personal Information." Your email appears there. If you are not logged in, use the "Forgotten Password?" tool on the login page — it will show you the email or phone number tied to the account.

Can someone else log into my account if they know my password?

Yes, which is why logging out on shared devices matters. If you are worried someone knows your password, change it when ready: go to Settings, scroll to "Security and Login," and tap "Change Password." You can also see where your account is logged in and log out of devices you do not recognize.