Changing your Facebook profile picture is a great way to update your look or share what’s going on in your life. Your profile picture is one of the first things people will see when they visit your profile, so keeping it updated ensures you always put your best face forward on Facebook.
Why Would I Want to Change My Facebook Profile Picture?
There are a few key reasons you may want to change your Facebook profile picture:
- You want to update your photo to something more current
- You’re celebrating a special occasion like a birthday, graduation, wedding, etc.
- You want to showcase a new haircut, style change or other physical change
- You’re representing a cause or raising awareness for something
- You’re on vacation or visiting somewhere new
- You want to share a new hobby or interest
Updating your profile picture from time to time keeps your profile looking fresh and engaging. It’s a simple way to give friends and connections a window into what’s going on in your life right now.
How Often Should I Change My Profile Picture?
There’s no rule for how often you need to change your Facebook profile picture. Some people like to change it frequently to showcase their latest activities and looks. Others prefer to keep the same profile photo for a long period of time for consistency.
A good general guideline is to change your profile picture every few months or at least once a year. When you notice your current photo is out of date or no longer an accurate representation of how you look or what you’re up to, it’s probably time for an update.
What Makes a Good Facebook Profile Picture?
Not all photos are well-suited for a Facebook profile picture. Follow these tips for choosing a photo that looks great:
- Use a clear, high-quality photo. Blurry, pixelated or poorly-lit photos will not look good as small profile thumbnails.
- Pick a headshot photo. Close-up face photos tend to work better than full body shots.
- Feature just yourself. Group shots can work but primarily showcase you.
- Smile and look friendly. You want to appear approachable.
- Wear something you feel great in. Profile pictures can boost your confidence.
- Show your interests. Pictures featuring your hobbies or favorite activities convey your personality.
- Use a consistent look. Drastic hair or style changes may confuse friends.
The goal is to pick a picture that represents you in a positive yet authentic way. Ask a friend for their opinion if you’re unsure.
How Do I Upload a New Profile Picture on Facebook?
Uploading a new Facebook profile photo only takes a few steps:
- Access your profile page by clicking on your name/profile picture on Facebook.
- Click on your current profile picture to reveal a box that says “Update Profile Picture.”
- Click the “Update Profile Picture” button.
- Browse your computer to select a new photo from your hard drive.
- Click “Open” once you’ve selected your new profile photo.
- Click “Save Changes” to confirm the photo change.
Your new profile picture may take a few minutes to update across Facebook. Refresh your profile to see it.
How Do I Upload a Profile Picture from My Phone?
You can also easily upload a profile photo right from your smartphone:
- Open the Facebook app on your iPhone or Android.
- Go to your profile page.
- Tap your current profile picture.
- Tap “Update Profile Picture.”
- Select a photo from your phone’s library or take a new selfie photo.
- Tap “Done” or “Save” to confirm the new picture.
Be sure you’ve allowed the Facebook app access to your phone’s photos. Changing your profile picture works the same on both iOS and Android devices.
Can I Have Multiple Profile Pictures?
Unfortunately, you can only have one Facebook profile picture at a time. However, there are a couple workaround options if you want to showcase multiple photos:
- Set a profile photo album. Create a photo album with your top pics and feature it atop your profile.
- Update your cover photo. Your cover photo sits above your profile pic.
- Rotate photos over time. Change your profile photo regularly to cycle through options.
While you can only have one profile picture, you can change it as often as you like to mix things up!
Should My Profile Picture Match My Cover Photo?
Your Facebook cover photo and profile picture don’t necessarily need to match or coordinate. Since they highlight different things, it’s fine if they are completely different:
- Your profile picture spotlights you. Use a great close-up selfie or headshot.
- Your cover photo showcases your interests. Share an exciting vacation photo or decor that expresses your style.
However, if you do want to align your profile and cover images, here are some ways to make them cohesive:
- Feature the same location in both photos.
- Use the same palette of colors in each photo.
- Apply similar filters to both photos.
- Mirror the same theme like nature, family, hobbies, etc.
Coordinate your cover and profile pictures for a polished, put-together look. But don’t be afraid to mix it up if you have two great photos that don’t match!
Can I Use a Group Photo as My Profile Picture?
You can use a group shot as your Facebook profile picture, but it’s often not the best choice. Since profile pictures are so small, group shots tend to look cluttered and chaotic at the thumbnail size.
If you really love a particular group photo, some better ways to use it include:
- Cropping it to feature just yourself
- Applying a filter to obscure other people
- Using it temporarily to commemorate an event or trip
- Setting it as your cover photo instead of profile picture
A group shot can work if you apply some edits to highlight just you. But in most cases, you’re better off using an awesome solo shot where you take center stage.
Can I Use a Picture with Someone Else as My Profile Photo?
Highlighting special people in your life can make for a meaningful profile picture. However, since you can only feature one photo at a time, it’s best to make it all about you.
Some better ways to showcase other people include:
- Making a photo with a loved one your cover photo
- Creating an album or collage of family photos
- Tagging friends and family members in your solo profile photo
- Sharing a relationship status or life event announcement
Use your profile picture space to flatter yourself. You can still celebrate friendships, partners, and relatives through other Facebook features.
How Do I Edit My Profile Picture Before Uploading?
Simple edits can take your profile photo from good to great. Try making adjustments like:
- Cropping/framing – Remove clutter and tighten focus
- Filter – Enhance color, contrast, brightness
- Retouch – Softens skin, minimizes “imperfections”
- Text/emoji – Add quirky personal touches
Free photo editing apps like Snapseed, AirBrush and Adobe Photoshop Express make enhancements easy. There are also fun Facebook profile picture frames you can add!
Does My Profile Picture Have to Be Square?
No, your Facebook profile picture does not have to be perfectly square. The profile pic area auto-crops and resizes any photo you upload to fit the space.
For best results, choose landscape/horizontal photos where your face fits nicely into a square crop. But any photo ratio or dimensions will work – Facebook will customize it for you.
Can I Use a Bitmoji as My Profile Picture?
Bitmoji are customized cartoon avatars created in the Bitmoji app. Using your Bitmoji as your Facebook profile picture adds a playful, animated touch.
To switch your Facebook profile to your Bitmoji:
- Create your Bitmoji in the Bitmoji app.
- In Bitmoji, tap on your avatar and select “Change Bitmoji Picture.”
- Choose “Set as Profile Picture” and select Facebook.
- This will automatically update your Facebook profile picture.
Bitmoji profile pictures are a fun way to express your personality! Just be aware some people may not recognize you with a cartoon avatar.
How Do I Remove the Current Profile Picture?
If you want to delete your current Facebook profile photo without replacing it, here’s how:
- Click your profile picture from your profile page.
- Click “Update Profile Picture.”
- Click the “x” icon in the top right corner.
- Click “Remove Current Profile Picture” to confirm.
Your profile picture space will revert to a blank generic silhouette. You can add a new photo anytime.
What Happens When I Change My Profile Picture?
When you update your Facebook profile picture, here’s what to expect:
- The new photo will update instantly on your profile.
- It takes a few minutes to update across all Facebook.
- Anywhere your old photo was shown will swap to the new one.
- The new photo will appear in future posts and comments.
- Friends will get a notification of your profile picture change.
Give it a few hours for your new profile picture to fully propagate everywhere on Facebook. Changing it up is an easy way to keep your profile fresh!
Can I Hide My Profile Picture from Certain People?
If you want to restrict who can see your Facebook profile picture, you have a few options:
- Adjust profile visibility settings for specific friends, lists or groups.
- Limit old profile pictures with the Activity Log’s “Limit Past Posts” tool.
- Block a person completely so they can’t access your profile.
However, remember your current profile picture is always public. For full control, maintain a conservative profile photo you’re comfortable sharing widely.
Conclusion
Updating your Facebook profile picture is an easy way to give your profile a quick makeover. Choose a photo that shows your best, most authentic self. Aim to change it a few times a year to keep your profile looking fresh. With the right profile picture, you can make a great first impression on Facebook friends and connections.