Where to find your profile picture settings

Your profile picture on Facebook lives in the top left corner of your profile page. To change it, go to your profile by clicking your name or the profile icon in the top right corner of Facebook. Once you're on your profile, look for your current picture — it appears as a circular image at the top left of your cover photo.

Hover your mouse over that circular picture and you'll see a camera icon appear in the bottom right corner of the image. Click that camera icon and Facebook will open a menu with your options. This is where you'll start the process of uploading a new picture or choosing one you've already used before.

Key Takeaways

  • Your profile picture is the circular image in the top left of your profile page, and you access the change menu by hovering over it and clicking the camera icon.
  • You can upload a new photo from your computer, take a photo with your webcam, or choose from photos you've already posted to Facebook.
  • Facebook compresses images, so a clear, well-lit photo works better than a dark or blurry one.
  • Once you change your picture, it appears across Facebook when ready — in your profile, in comments, in messages, and next to your posts.

Uploading a photo from your computer

When you click the camera icon, Facebook shows you three main options. The first is "Upload Photo," which lets you pick an image file from your computer. Click that option and a file browser window opens, showing your computer's folders and files.

Navigate to wherever you keep your photos — usually a folder called "Pictures" or "Downloads" — and select the image you want. Once you click "Open," Facebook uploads that photo and shows you a preview. You can then crop the image by dragging the edges inward to frame just your face, which is the standard for profile pictures. When you're happy with how it looks, click "Save" or "Use Photo" to confirm the change.

Taking a photo with your webcam

If you don't have a photo ready, you can take one right now using your computer's built-in camera. Click the camera icon on your profile picture, then select "Take a Photo." Facebook will ask permission to use your webcam — click "Allow" when the browser asks.

A live preview of your webcam appears on screen. Position yourself in good lighting — natural light from a window works well — and click the button to take the shot. You'll see the photo when ready and can retake it if you don't like how it looks. Once you're satisfied, click "Save" or "Use Photo" to set it as your profile picture.

Choosing from photos you've already posted

Facebook keeps a record of every photo you've posted to your profile or timeline. When you click the camera icon, select "Choose from Photos" to see this library. Facebook shows you thumbnails of recent photos in reverse order — newest first.

Scroll through until you find the photo you want to use. Click it once to select it, and Facebook shows you a larger preview with cropping options. Adjust the frame if needed by dragging the edges, then click "Save" or "Use Photo." This is useful if you've already posted a good picture and don't want to upload the same file twice.

Cropping and positioning your picture

No matter which method you use to add a photo, Facebook gives you a chance to crop it before saving. The cropping tool shows your image with a circular frame overlay — this circle is what people will see as your profile picture. Drag the image around inside the circle to position your face where you want it.

You can also resize the circle itself by dragging the edges inward or outward, which changes how much of the photo is visible. The goal is to show your face clearly and centered. Avoid pictures where your face is too small, too dark, or partially cut off. Once the positioning looks right, click "Save" or "Use Photo" to explore the change.

What happens after you change your picture

Your new profile picture appears on Facebook within seconds. It shows up in your profile, next to your name in comments and posts, in your messages, and in your friends' news feeds when they see your activity. Everyone on Facebook can see your profile picture unless you've changed your privacy settings to hide it.

If you change your mind, you can always repeat this process to pick a different photo. Facebook keeps your old profile pictures in a folder called "Profile Pictures" that only you can see — you can view them by going to your profile, clicking the three dots next to your cover photo, and selecting "View profile pictures." From there you can set any old picture as your current one without uploading it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo that's not of my face as my profile picture?

Yes. Facebook doesn't require your profile picture to be a photo of you — you can use a pet, a landscape, a logo, or anything else. However, your profile picture is how friends recognize you in comments and messages, so a clear image of your face helps people know it's you.

Why does my photo look blurry or dark after I upload it?

Facebook compresses images to save space, which can make them look slightly different than the original. Use a photo that's already clear and well-lit before you upload it. Avoid photos taken in dim lighting or from far away, since compression makes these problems worse.

Can I hide my profile picture from certain people?

Your profile picture is visible to everyone who can see your profile. If you want to limit who sees your picture, you need to change your overall profile privacy settings. Go to Settings, click "Privacy," and adjust who can see your profile and posts.

What size should my profile picture be?

Facebook automatically resizes your photo to fit the profile picture space, so the exact size doesn't matter. A photo that's at least 400 by 400 pixels works well and stays clear after Facebook compresses it. Most photos from phones or cameras are larger than this, so you don't need to resize before uploading.

Can I change my profile picture on the Facebook app instead of the website?

Yes. Open the Facebook app on your phone, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), scroll down and tap your name, then tap the camera icon over your profile picture. The process is the same — you can upload a new photo, take one with your phone's camera, or choose from photos you've already posted.