Creating a Facebook account takes about five minutes and requires only an email address or phone number

Go to facebook.com on any browser or open the Facebook app on your phone. Click the "Create New Facebook Account" button. Facebook will ask for your name, email address or phone number, birth date, and gender. Choose a strong password — one with uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol. Confirm your email or phone number when Facebook sends you a code, and your account is active.

You do not need to add a profile picture, fill out your bio, or connect with friends right away. Facebook lets you set up those details later. Your account exists and works as soon as you verify your email or phone number.

Key Takeaways

  • You need only an email address or phone number, your real name, birth date, and a password to create an account.
  • Facebook sends a verification code to your email or phone — you must enter it to finish setup.
  • Your privacy settings are public by default, so change them before you post if you want to limit who sees your content.
  • You can delete your account permanently or deactivate it temporarily at any time from your settings.

What information Facebook requires at signup

Facebook asks for your first and last name, email address or phone number, birth date, and gender. The name you enter should be the one you go by in everyday life — Facebook has rules against fake names and may ask you to change it if you use a nickname or stage name without a legal name attached. Your birth date is used to set your age and determine which features you can use; Facebook restricts some features for users under 13.

Your email or phone number is how Facebook verifies you are a real person. You will receive a code by email or text message that you must enter to complete signup. If you use a phone number, Facebook can also use it to help you recover your account if you forget your password. You can add or change your email and phone number later in your settings.

Setting a password and keeping your account find

Your password should be at least six characters long, though Facebook recommends longer passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, birth date, or common words. Do not use the same password you use for email, banking, or other important accounts — if someone guesses your Facebook password, you want them locked out of everything else.

After you create your account, turn on two-factor authentication in your settings. This means Facebook will ask for a second code (sent to your phone or generated by an app) when you log in from a new device. It takes an extra 30 seconds but makes it much harder for someone else to access your account even if they know your password.

Adjusting your privacy settings before you post

When you first create an account, your profile and posts are visible to everyone on Facebook by default. Before you post anything, go to Settings and Privacy, then Privacy, and change who can see your posts. You can choose "Friends Only" so only people you have accepted can see what you share, or "Only Me" if you want to keep posts private while you decide who to connect with.

You can also control who can contact you, who can see your friends list, and who can look up your profile using your email or phone number. These settings are in the Privacy section and the Apps and Websites section. Changing them takes a few minutes and prevents strangers from messaging you or finding your account through a search.

Adding a profile picture and basic information

Your profile picture is the small image that appears next to your name in comments and messages. You can upload one when ready after signup or wait until later. Click your profile icon in the top right corner, then "Edit Profile," and look for the camera icon next to the large profile picture space. You can upload a photo from your phone or computer, or take one with your device's camera.

You can also add a bio, list your hometown or current city, add your workplace, and link to a website. None of these are required. Many people leave them blank or fill them in gradually as they get comfortable with the platform. You control who sees each piece of information through your privacy settings.

Finding and connecting with friends

Once your account is set up, Facebook will suggest people you might know based on your email contacts, phone contacts, and mutual connections. You can search for people by name using the search bar at the top of the page. When you find someone, click their profile and select "Add Friend" to send them a friend request. They will see your request and can accept or decline it.

You do not have to add friends right away. Many people create an account and spend a few days exploring before they start connecting with others. You can also join groups or follow pages related to your interests without having friends on your account.

Deactivating or deleting your account later

If you decide Facebook is not for you, you have two options. Deactivating your account hides your profile, posts, and friends list from other people, but Facebook keeps your information in case you want to reactivate later. You can reactivate by logging back in. Deletion is permanent — after 30 days, Facebook removes your account and all your data cannot be recovered.

Both options are in Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Deactivation and Deletion. You will need to enter your password to confirm. If you deactivate, Facebook will ask why you are leaving and may offer options to adjust your settings instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use my real name on Facebook?

Facebook requires you to use the name you go by in everyday life. You can use a nickname or middle name if that is what people actually call you, but Facebook may ask for legal documentation if your name seems fake. Stage names and professional names are sometimes allowed if you can show they are genuinely how you are known.

What happens if I forget my password?

Click "Forgot Password" on the login page. Facebook will send a code to your email or phone number. Enter the code and create a new password. If you no longer have access to your email or phone, you can use a trusted contact or answer security questions you set up earlier to regain access.

Can I create multiple Facebook accounts?

Facebook allows you to have one personal account. You can create a separate business or community page, but that is different from a personal account. Creating multiple personal accounts violates Facebook's rules and can result in all of them being disabled.

Is Facebook free to use?

Yes. Creating an account and using Facebook costs nothing. Facebook makes money from advertising, not from charging users. You may see ads in your feed, but you will not be charged to post, message, or use any core features.

How long does it take to create an account?

The signup process takes about five minutes. Verification by email or text message is when ready. You can start using your account when ready after you enter the verification code, though you may want to spend a few more minutes adjusting privacy settings before you post.