Why and when to change your Facebook email
Your email address on Facebook is the key to getting back in if you're locked out, so changing it matters when you switch email providers, stop using an old account, or want to use a work email instead of a personal one. Facebook lets you add multiple email addresses to your account and swap which one is primary — the one Facebook uses to contact you and the one you use to log in.
The process takes about five minutes and doesn't affect your profile, friends, or posts. You can keep old email addresses attached to your account as backup login options, or remove them entirely. Most people change their primary email when they've moved to a new provider like Gmail or Outlook, or when their employer gives them a work email they'd rather use.
Key Takeaways
- You can add a new email address to Facebook without removing the old one, then switch which email is your primary login.
- Facebook sends a confirmation link to any new email address you add, so you must have access to that email inbox to complete the change.
- Old email addresses stay attached to your account as backup login options unless you actively remove them.
- If you no longer have access to your old email, you can still remove it from your account using your current login credentials.
How to add a new email address
Open Facebook and click the downward arrow in the top right corner (on desktop) or tap the three horizontal lines at the bottom right (on mobile). Select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left sidebar, click Personal information.
Under the Email section, you'll see your current email address. Click Add email (or the plus icon on mobile). Type your new email address in the box that appears and click Add email. Facebook will send a confirmation link to that new address — check your inbox and spam folder, then click the link in the email to verify it.
Once you've confirmed the new email, it appears in your email list marked as "Confirmed". You now have two email addresses attached to your account and can log in with either one.
How to make a new email your primary address
After you've confirmed your new email address, go back to Settings and privacy > Settings > Personal information > Email. You'll see both email addresses listed. Next to the email you want to use as your primary, click the three dots (on desktop) or swipe left (on mobile), then select Make primary.
Your new email is now your primary address. Facebook will use it to send you notifications, password reset links, and security alerts. You can still log in with your old email address — it doesn't disappear unless you remove it.
How to remove an old email address
If you want to delete an old email from your account entirely, go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Personal information > Email. Next to the email you want to remove, click the three dots (desktop) or swipe left (mobile), then select Remove. Confirm the removal when prompted.
Once removed, you can no longer use that email to log into Facebook. You won't be able to add it back to your account for 24 hours. If you're removing your only confirmed email address, Facebook won't let you — you must have at least one confirmed email on file at all times.
What to do if you can't access the confirmation email
If you added a new email address but never received the confirmation link, check your spam or junk folder first — confirmation emails sometimes land there. If it's not there, go back to Settings and privacy > Settings > Personal information > Email and look for the unconfirmed email. Click the three dots next to it and select Resend confirmation email.
Wait a few minutes and check your inbox again. If you still don't receive it, the email address you entered may be incorrect, or the inbox may be full. Try adding the email address again, typing it carefully. If the email account itself is no longer active, you'll need to use a different email address instead.
Changing your email on mobile
The steps are the same on Facebook's mobile app, but the layout is slightly different. Tap the three horizontal lines at the bottom right, scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then Settings. Scroll to Personal information and tap Email. Tap the plus icon to add a new address, or swipe left on an existing address to remove it or make it primary.
Mobile confirmation works the same way — you'll receive an email with a link to verify. Open that email on your phone or another device and tap the link to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same email address on multiple Facebook accounts?
No. Each email address can only be attached to one Facebook account. If you try to add an email that's already in use, Facebook will tell you it's associated with another account. You'll need a different email for each account you own.
What happens to my old email if I don't remove it?
It stays attached to your account as a backup login option. You can still use it to log in, but Facebook won't send notifications to it. There's no harm in keeping old emails on file — they're useful if you ever need to recover your account.
How long does it take to confirm a new email?
The confirmation link arrives within a few minutes. Once you click it, the email is confirmed when ready. If you don't see the email within 10 minutes, resend the confirmation link or check your spam folder.
Can I change my email if I don't remember my password?
Yes. You can change your email using any confirmed email address or phone number on your account. If you've lost access to all of those, use Facebook's account recovery process — you'll answer security questions or upload an ID to regain access.
Will changing my email affect my Facebook friends or messages?
No. Your email address is only used for login and notifications. Changing it doesn't affect your profile, friends list, messages, or any content you've posted.