Facebook allows users to create and manage multiple profiles from a single account. This can be useful for separating personal and professional networks or representing different interests. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating an additional profile on Facebook.
Why Would You Want Multiple Facebook Profiles?
There are a few common reasons people choose to have multiple Facebook profiles:
- Keep personal and professional networks separate
- Have distinct profiles for different interests or aspects of your personality
- Manage pages or accounts on behalf of a business, organization, or public figure
- Anonymous or alternate account for privacy reasons
Maintaining separate profiles allows you to customize privacy settings, friends lists, and content for each audience. It prevents mixing together your coworkers, close friends, and extended family members.
You can also use additional profiles just for fun, like having one focused on hobbies and another for posting funny memes. Some social media managers handle multiple client accounts from their personal profiles.
Is It Against Facebook’s Policies?
Facebook’s terms of service allow you to “maintain more than one registered account” provided it is for personal use and does not violate their rules. However, you cannot misrepresent yourself or create fake accounts for deceptive purposes.
Some specific things that are not allowed:
- Pretending to be someone else
- Creating inauthentic profiles or interactions
- Evading restrictions like blocks or bans
- Artificially inflating popularity
- Disrupting Facebook communities
As long as you use additional profiles for legitimate reasons and comply with Facebook’s guidelines, having multiple profiles is permitted. Keep in mind that Facebook may require ID verification if they suspect foul play.
Step 1: Add a New Profile from Settings
The easiest way to create another profile is directly through your account settings. Here’s how:
- Click the down arrow at the top right of Facebook.
- Select “Settings & Privacy” from the menu.
- Click “Settings” in the left sidebar.
- Under the “Account” section, click “Add new profile.”
- Choose a name and profile image for your new profile.
- Confirm your current password when prompted.
Once you fill out the details, Facebook will create the new profile and attach it to your account.
Things to Know
- You can have up to 5 profiles total attached to one account.
- Each additional profile will have its own name, profile photo, cover image, and timeline.
- Friends, posts, photos, interests, and other profile info are kept separate.
- You can easily switch between your profiles from the toolbar.
Step 2: Set Up the New Profile
After you add the new profile, you’ll need to complete the initial set up:
- Confirm your identity – Facebook may ask you to verify your identity with a code sent to your phone or email.
- Select a username – Choose a unique username for the profile’s custom URL.
- Build your timeline – Add a cover photo, profile details, featured photos and life events.
- Follow Pages – Search for and like Pages that interest this profile.
- Find friends – Facebook will suggest friends to add based on your networks.
Take the time to personalize the new profile and make it distinct from your original one. Populate the About section, choose relevant interests, and clean up your photos.
Step 3: Adjust Privacy and Security
To keep each profile separate, double check the privacy and security settings:
Privacy Settings
- Customize who can see your posts, friends list, and other info.
- Limit old posts and profile details as needed.
- Choose a distinct audience for life events and featured photos.
Security Settings
- Use a different password for added security.
- Enable two-factor authentication for your account.
- Add your mobile number or backup email in case you get locked out.
Adjust based on how public or private you want the profile to be. You can always change these settings later on.
Step 4: Switch Between Profiles
Once you’ve created additional profiles, you can easily switch between them:
- Click your profile picture in the top right toolbar.
- Select the profile you want to switch to.
- Click “Use as [Name]” to activate that profile.
The toolbar makes it simple to toggle between your different profiles. Just remember to double check which one is active!
Things to Remember When Switching
- Only one profile can be active at a time.
- Your message threads, notifications, and other interactions are tied to the individual profile.
- Use the toolbar to swap profiles without having to log in and out.
Troubleshooting Multiple Facebook Profiles
Here are some tips for avoiding issues with multiple profiles:
Profile Mix-ups
- Carefully check which profile is active before posting.
- Use distinct profile pictures to tell profiles apart at a glance.
- Customize each timeline’s look and feel to keep things separate.
Login Errors
- Make sure you are using the correct password for that profile.
- If you get locked out, use the password reset option for your main account email.
- Add a backup email or mobile number in case you lose access.
Limit Reached Errors
- Facebook only allows up to 5 profiles per account.
- Try deleting unused test profiles if you hit the limit.
- You cannot merge profiles, so choose your 5 carefully.
Identity Verification
- Be ready to prove your identity if Facebook flags your new profiles.
- Identify verification helps Facebook detect fake accounts.
- The process should be quick if all profiles represent your real identity.
Best Practices for Multiple Facebook Profiles
Here are some best practices for maintaining multiple profiles properly:
- Use your real name and identity on every profile.
- Customize each profile’s look, friends, and content.
- Check which profile is active before posting, commenting, or messaging.
- Keep personal profiles private and professional ones public.
- Link profiles together by listing them on your intro cards.
- Use distinct profile and cover photos so they are easily recognizable.
The key is keeping each audience separate while also being transparent that the profiles are connected. With proper management, multiple profiles allow more customization and privacy.
Conclusion
Creating additional Facebook profiles is easy to do right from your account settings. Maintain separate timelines for personal and professional networks, hobbies, anonymous browsing, and more. Customize privacy and security settings for each profile. Link profiles together and be transparent about their connection. With proper management, multiple profiles enable greater flexibility and control over your presence on Facebook.