Edit a Facebook post in three steps
Once you've posted something on Facebook, you can change the text, add or remove photos, or delete it entirely. Facebook keeps the original timestamp but shows that you edited it, so people who saw it first will know the post changed.
To edit a post: find the post on your timeline or in a group, tap or click the three dots in the top right corner of the post, select Edit post, make your changes, and tap or click Save. The edited post stays in the same place — it doesn't move to the top of your timeline.
You can edit the text, add captions to photos, change who can see the post, or remove photos entirely. You cannot change the photos themselves to different images, only delete them and add new ones by editing again.
Key Takeaways
- Find the three dots on your post, tap Edit post, make changes, and save — the post stays where it was, not at the top of your timeline.
- Edited posts show a small "Edited" label so people know the text or photos changed after you first posted.
- You can edit text and captions, change privacy settings, or remove photos, but you cannot swap photos for different ones without deleting and re-uploading.
- Deleting a post removes it completely from your timeline and from other people's feeds, though they may remember seeing it.
- On mobile, the three-dot menu is usually in the top right; on desktop, it's in the top right corner of the post box.
Where to find the edit button on mobile and desktop
On an iPhone or Android phone, open Facebook and find the post you want to change. Tap the three dots (or three horizontal lines) in the top right corner of the post itself — not the three dots next to your name at the top of the app. A menu will pop up with options including Edit post and Delete.
On a computer, the process is the same: locate the post, hover your mouse over the top right corner until the three dots appear, click them, and select Edit post from the dropdown menu. If you don't see the three dots, make sure you're looking at a post you created — you can only edit your own posts, not comments or posts from other people.
If you're editing a post in a group you manage or a page you run, the menu may look slightly different, but Edit post will still be there. Posts shared to your timeline from a page or group cannot be edited the same way — you have to delete and reshare instead.
What happens when you edit a post
When you edit a post, Facebook adds a small label that says "Edited" next to the timestamp. Anyone who sees the post after you edit it will see the new version, but they'll know something changed. People who saw the post before you edited it won't get a notification that you changed it — they have to visit your timeline or the group to see the updated version.
The edited post does not move to the top of your timeline or your friends' feeds. It stays in the same position it was in originally, which means fewer people may see the change unless they specifically look at that post again. This is different from deleting and reposting, which would put a new post at the top.
If you edit a post multiple times, the "Edited" label stays the same — it doesn't say "Edited 3 times" or show a history of changes. Facebook does keep a record of edits on its servers, but you and your friends only see the current version and the fact that it was edited.
Delete a post completely
To delete a post, find it on your timeline, tap or click the three dots, and select Delete. Confirm that you want to delete it. The post disappears from your timeline, your friends' feeds, and any groups or pages where you shared it. Once deleted, it's gone — you cannot undo a deletion, though you can always write and post the same thing again.
Deleting a post also removes all the comments, reactions (likes, hearts, etc.), and shares that people added to it. If someone took a screenshot or shared the post before you deleted it, they'll still have their copy, but the original will no longer appear on Facebook.
If you delete a post by accident, you have a few seconds to undo it — look for an "Undo" button that appears briefly after you delete. If you don't see it or you wait too long, the post is permanently gone and you'll need to rewrite and repost it.
Edit privacy settings on an existing post
You can change who sees a post after you've shared it without editing the text or photos. Tap or click the three dots, select Edit post, and look for the privacy icon (usually a globe, lock, or silhouette icon) near the top of the editing window. Tap or click it to change the post from public to friends only, to a specific group of friends, or to private (only you).
This is useful if you posted something you thought was private but realize it's visible to everyone, or if you want to limit who can see an old post. The change takes effect when ready — people outside the new privacy setting will no longer see the post, though they may remember it if they saw it before.
Be aware that if someone already shared or commented on your post before you changed the privacy setting, their share or comment may still be visible to their friends, even if they can no longer see your original post. Changing privacy after the fact doesn't erase what others have already done with the post.
Reasons to edit instead of delete and repost
Editing keeps the post in its original place on your timeline and preserves all the comments and reactions people have already added. If you posted something important and people have already commented with questions or started a conversation, editing the text keeps that discussion intact instead of losing it.
Deleting and reposting puts a brand-new post at the top of your timeline and your friends' feeds, which can feel like you're spamming if you do it often. Editing is quieter — only people who look at that specific post will see the change.
If you made a small typo or want to add a clarification, editing is faster and less disruptive. If you want to completely change the message or remove something sensitive, deleting is sometimes the better choice because it removes the post entirely rather than just changing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit a post I shared to a group or page?
Yes, if you created the post. Find it in the group or on the page timeline, tap the three dots, and select Edit post. The process is the same as editing a post on your personal timeline. If you're a moderator or admin of the group or page, you can also edit posts that other people made.
What if I can't find the three dots on my post?
Make sure you're looking at a post you created yourself — you can only edit your own posts. On mobile, the three dots are in the top right corner of the post box. On desktop, hover your mouse over the top right corner of the post until the dots appear. If you're using an older version of the Facebook app, try updating it.
Can I change the photos in a post without deleting it?
You can remove photos by editing the post, but you cannot replace them with different photos in the same edit. If you want different images, delete the photos in the edit window, save, then edit again and add the new photos. Alternatively, delete the post entirely and create a new one with the photos you want.
Will people get a notification if I edit my post?
No, Facebook does not send notifications when you edit a post. People will only see the change if they visit your timeline or the group where you posted it. The "Edited" label shows that something changed, but they won't know what you changed unless they remember the original version.
Can I see the history of edits I made to a post?
Facebook stores edit history on its servers, but you cannot view it through the app or website. You can only see the current version of the post and the fact that it was edited. If you need to remember what you wrote originally, you would have to rely on your own memory or a screenshot someone else took.