Facebook’s interface is constantly evolving, and sometimes changes can make familiar features harder to find. If you’ve noticed the Add Friend button missing from Facebook profiles lately, you’re not alone. Here are some tips to help you locate or re-enable the Add Friend feature on Facebook.
What Happened to the Add Friend Button?
In late 2020, Facebook began testing removal of the dedicated Add Friend button from profiles. Instead of a button, it showed the text “Add Friend” without a button to click. This change rolled out to more users over time. The goal was to simplify and declutter the interface.
However, the change received mixed reactions from users who had gotten accustomed to the prominent green Add Friend button. Some felt the text link was harder to notice and less clear for adding friends.
How to Find the Add Friend Option
Even though the obvious Add Friend button is gone, you can still send friend requests on Facebook. Here are places you can find and use the Add Friend feature:
On a User’s Profile
From a profile, look below the cover photo for the button or text saying “Add Friend” or “Follow.” Click or tap on it to send a friend request or follow the user to see their public posts in your feed. If it says “Follow” instead, that means you aren’t yet connected on Facebook.
In Search Results
When you search for someone’s name or profile on Facebook, their profile will show up in results. Hover over their name and click “Add Friend” or “Follow” to send a request or follow them.
In Friend Suggestions
Facebook suggests new friends for you in several places, like the Friend Requests menu and on the sidebar. Any suggested friends will have the “Add Friend” or “Follow” button.
How to Get the Dedicated Add Friend Button Back
If you prefer having a dedicated Add Friend button on profiles, there are a couple options to re-enable it:
Use a Browser Extension
A few browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox add the green Add Friend button back to Facebook profiles. These include FB Purity, Social Fixer, and Old Facebook Extension. Install one of these extensions in your desktop browser settings to bring back the classic button.
Switch Back to Classic Facebook Layout
You can revert Facebook to its classic web layout complete with the old Add Friend button. On desktop, go to your Facebook Settings and select “Switch to Classic Facebook” at the bottom. On mobile, go to Menu > Settings & Privacy > Settings > Classic Facebook. This will change the look and feel of Facebook across your account.
Friend Request Alternatives
If the Add Friend option isn’t available on someone’s profile, here are some other ways you can potentially connect with them on Facebook:
- Send them a message – You can message anyone on Facebook, even if you aren’t friends.
- Comment on their public posts – Engage with their content and they may notice you.
- Like and react to their posts – This also helps get their attention.
- Follow their public profile – You’ll see their posts in your News Feed.
- Wait for them to add you first – If they want to be friends, they can send the request.
Troubleshooting when the Add Friend Button Disappears
If you aren’t seeing the Add Friend option anywhere for a specific person, here are some things to check:
- Make sure you are logged into the correct Facebook account.
- Refresh the page or try again later if it’s temporarily missing.
- Check if you’ve blocked that person, in which case you can’t add them.
- Make sure you have the latest version of the Facebook app.
- The profile may have privacy settings enabled to limit friend requests.
- It’s possible they have blocked you, preventing you from adding them.
Why Facebook Removes Features Like the Add Friend Button
Facebook is constantly A/B testing interface tweaks with subsets of users. Sometimes these tests get broadly rolled out if they align with Facebook’s priorities. Facebook likely removed the defined Add Friend button to clean up the interface and only show interactive options when needed. Other motivations may have included:
- Encourage more intentional adding of friends
- Reduce spam or low-quality friend requests
- Increase use of the Follow option for non-friends
- Promote Facebook’s new Meeting and Dating features
- Motivate use of alternatives like messaging
Conclusion
While the prominent green Add Friend button is gone from Facebook profiles, you can still easily send friend requests by tapping “Add Friend” or “Follow.” Use browser extensions to restore the classic button, or change your Facebook layout back to the original desktop view. With over 2 billion users, Facebook is bound to test changes to optimize features and engagement. But the core ability to connect with people remains intact.