Facebook’s Terms of Service state that each person should only have one personal Facebook account. However, many people wonder if it’s possible for two people, such as a couple, to share a single Facebook account. There are some advantages and disadvantages to consider when deciding whether to share an account.
The Pros of Sharing a Facebook Account
Here are some potential benefits of two people sharing one Facebook account:
- Convenience – It’s easier to manage one shared account versus two separate logins.
- Shared memories – Couples can look back on their relationship history together through old posts and photos.
- United social circle – Friends and family only need to follow one account to get updates on both people.
- Lower costs – Paid features like Facebook ads only need to be purchased once.
The Cons of Sharing a Facebook Account
However, there are also some downsides for couples sharing a Facebook account:
- Lack of privacy – Each person loses some privacy since posts and messages are visible to the other.
- Misrepresentation – The account only shows limited information about each individual.
- Logistical issues – Managing notifications, tags, and messaging across two users can be tricky.
- Risk of losing access – If the relationship ends, access to the shared account and its memories could be lost.
Facebook’s Policy on Shared Accounts
Facebook’s Terms of Service explicitly prohibit sharing an account with another person:
You will not share your password, let anyone else access your account, or do anything else that might jeopardize the security of your account.
If Facebook discovers two people actively using the same account, they may disable the account without notice. Some signs that could trigger scrutiny of an account include:
- Two different voices, writing styles, or interests evident in posts and messaging
- Posts referencing things from each person’s separate point of view (e.g. “my husband”/”my wife”)
- Logging in from different locations or devices around the same time
The Risks of Getting Caught
If someone reports a shared account to Facebook, or their automated systems detect suspicious activity, there can be consequences:
- Account disabled – All account content and data would be inaccessible.
- Losing control – If ownership disputes arise, it may be unclear who the rightful account owner is.
- Difficulty merging – If forced to split the shared account, untangling years of intertwined data and connections can be messy.
- Legal issues – Facebook could allege violation of their Terms of Service.
Alternatives to Consider
Instead of using one shared Facebook account, couples have a few other options:
Each Have a Personal Account
This is Facebook’s intended model – each individual signs up for their own account. Each person can customize their privacy settings and content. Connections between accounts are easy to manage through features like relationship status, tagging, and sharing posts.
Create a Joint Account
Some couples maintain separate personal accounts and also jointly run a shared account. This shared account is used specifically for dual content relevant to the couple – shared photos, events, groups, and memories. This still violates Facebook’s ToS if both individuals actively use the joint account.
Link with Facebook Connect
Third-party apps like SweetHeart for Couples allow two people to link their individual Facebook accounts. This provides some joint functionality but data and passwords remain completely separate.
Pro Tips for Couples on Facebook
Here are some best practices for couples looking to balance connectivity with privacy on Facebook:
- Discuss boundaries – Agree on what info should stay private vs be shared.
- Use lists – Take advantage of Facebook’s lists feature to filter who sees what.
- Create joint albums – Collaboratively share photo albums of your relationship moments.
- Share sparingly – Think carefully before sharing personal details posted by your partner.
- Coordinate logins – Avoid overlapping Facebook access from different locations.
The Bottom Line
Having multiple people share a single Facebook account is officially prohibited by their Terms of Service. However, it remains a tempting option for some couples seeking convenience and close connectivity.
If you choose to discreetly maintain a jointly shared account, be aware of the risks. Make sure to consistently log in from the same location, keep individual voices consistent, and avoid obvious references to each other.
For most couples, having separate personal accounts plus an optional joint account works best. With good communication and proper privacy settings, you can achieve intimacy and openness while also maintaining some healthy independence.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Convenience | Lack of privacy |
| Shared memories | Misrepresentation |
| United social circle | Logistical issues |
| Lower costs | Risk of losing access |
In summary, while sharing a Facebook account has some benefits like simplicity and connectedness, the risks of losing access, legal issues, and privacy concerns typically outweigh the advantages for most couples. Using separate personal accounts with linked joint accounts where permitted is usually the best path forward.