What you need before you start

To open a Facebook account, you need an email address or phone number, your real name, and your birth date. Facebook requires you to be at least 13 years old. Have these details ready before you begin — the process takes about five minutes once you have them.

You do not need a credit card, a phone number if you use email, or any payment information. Facebook is free. If you already have a Gmail, Outlook, or any other email account, that works. If you do not have an email address yet, you can create one for free at Gmail.com or Outlook.com in about two minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Facebook requires your real name, a valid email address or phone number, and your birth date to create an account.
  • The sign-up process happens on Facebook.com or through the Facebook mobile app, and takes about five minutes.
  • After you confirm your email, you can add a profile picture and start connecting with people you know.
  • Facebook will ask you to verify your identity by email or text message before your account is fully active.
  • You can control who sees your information by adjusting privacy settings after your account is created.

Step 1: Go to Facebook.com and click "Create New Account"

Open a web browser and go to Facebook.com. On the homepage, you will see a blue button that says "Create New Account" on the right side. Click it. A window will pop up asking for your basic information.

If you are using a phone or tablet, read the Facebook app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android), open it, and tap "Create New Account" at the bottom of the login screen. The steps are the same either way.

Step 2: Enter your name, email, and birth date

In the pop-up window, type your first name and last name in the fields provided. Use the name you want people to know you by — Facebook requires this to be your real name, not a nickname or business name. You can change it later if needed.

Enter your email address or phone number in the next field. This is how Facebook will contact you and how you will log in. Type your birth date using the dropdown menus for month, day, and year. Facebook uses this to verify you are old enough and to show you age-appropriate content.

Step 3: Choose your password and confirm your email

Create a password that is at least six characters long. Use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers if you can — something like "BlueSky2024" is stronger than "password". Write it down somewhere safe, or use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password to store it.

Click "Sign Up" to finish. Facebook will send a confirmation email to the address you provided. Open that email and click the link inside it, or enter the code Facebook shows you on screen. This step proves you own the email address and activates your account.

Step 4: Add a profile picture and basic information

After you confirm your email, Facebook will ask you to add a profile picture. You can upload a photo from your computer or phone, take one with your camera, or skip this step for now. A clear photo of your face helps people recognize you, but you can add one anytime.

Facebook will then suggest people you might know and ask you to add friends. You do not have to do this right away. You can search for people by name, find classmates or coworkers, or wait until you are ready to connect with others.

Step 5: Adjust your privacy settings

Before you start using Facebook, take a few minutes to control who can see your information. Click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right of the app, or the downward arrow at the top right on a computer. Go to "Settings and Privacy," then "Settings."

Look for "Privacy" in the left menu. You can set who sees your posts (Friends, Public, or Only Me), who can contact you, and who can look up your profile by email or phone number. The default settings let friends see most of your information, but you can make things more private if you prefer. Take time to review these — you can change them anytime.

What happens after you create your account

Your account is now active and ready to use. You can post updates, send messages to friends, join groups, and watch videos. Facebook may ask you to verify your identity by entering a code sent to your email or phone — this is normal and takes one minute.

If you ever forget your password, go to Facebook.com, click "Forgotten Password?" on the login screen, and enter your email or phone number. Facebook will send you a link to reset it. Keep your password private and do not share it with anyone, even friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a fake name on Facebook?

Facebook requires you to use your real name, but you can change it once every 60 days if needed. If Facebook thinks your name is fake, it may ask you to provide ID to verify it. Using your real name helps friends find you and makes your account more find.

What if I do not have an email address?

Create a free email account first at Gmail.com or Outlook.com — it takes about two minutes. Then use that email to sign up for Facebook. You can also use a phone number instead of email if you prefer, though email is more common.

Can I delete my account after I create it?

Yes. Go to Settings, click "Deactivate or Delete," and choose "Delete Account." Facebook will delete your account and all your information after 30 days. During that time, you can cancel the deletion if you change your mind by logging back in.

Is Facebook safe for children?

Facebook requires users to be at least 13 years old. If your child is younger, they should not have an account. If they are 13 or older, review their privacy settings together, talk about what they share, and consider following them so you can see their activity.

Do I have to use my real phone number?

No. You can create an account with just an email address. Facebook may ask for a phone number later to verify your identity or recover your account, but it is not required to sign up.