With so much personal information stored on Facebook, it’s important to take steps to secure your account. One way to do this is by requiring a password or passcode to open the Facebook app on your mobile device. This prevents anyone else who has access to your phone from being able to open the app and view your Facebook profile and data.
Why should I password protect my Facebook app?
There are a few key reasons why you may want to password protect your Facebook app:
- Privacy – Requiring a password prevents others from accessing your private Facebook info if they get ahold of your phone. This includes posts, messages, photos, contacts, etc.
- Security – Adding a password makes it harder for hackers to break into your Facebook account through the mobile app. They would need the password to open the app and access your account.
- Lost or stolen phone – If your phone is ever lost or stolen, having a password prevents the person who finds it from getting into your Facebook app and account.
- Shared/family devices – If you share a phone or tablet with family members, a password prevents them from accessing your Facebook profile on a shared device.
Overall, a password provides an additional layer of security and keeps your private Facebook information more protected.
How to set a password for the Facebook app on iPhone
If you have an iPhone, you can set a password for the Facebook app by using the iPhone’s built-in Settings app:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on the Facebook option.
- Toggle on the switch for “Require Password.”
- Enter in a numeric passcode when prompted.
Once you toggle this on, you’ll need to enter your passcode anytime you want to open the Facebook app. You can always return to the Facebook settings to turn this off or change the password.
How to change your Facebook app password on iPhone
If you want to change your existing Facebook app password on your iPhone, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Facebook.
- Tap the “Change Password” option.
- Enter your current password when prompted.
- Enter and confirm your new password.
Your new password will now be required to open the Facebook app.
Setting a password for the Facebook app on Android
For Android devices, you can set up app password protection using your device’s security settings:
- Open your Android device’s Settings app.
- Tap Security > App Lock.
- Toggle on the setting for “Use App Lock.”
- Tap “Choose apps to lock” and select the Facebook app.
- Tap “Lock Facebook” to confirm.
- Enter your desired numeric password.
Now the Facebook app will require your password to open it. You can return to the App Lock settings to edit the password or unlock the app.
Changing your Facebook app password on Android
To change the existing app password for Facebook on your Android device:
- Go to Settings > Security > App Lock.
- Tap the gear icon next to Facebook.
- Tap “Change password.”
- Enter your current password, then enter and confirm your new password.
Your updated password will take effect immediately.
Setting up Facebook app password on Windows Phone
For Windows phones, you can add password protection for your Facebook app using the App Lock feature:
- Open the Settings app and tap Lock Screen.
- Slide the toggle for App Lock to the On position.
- Tap “Protected Apps” and select Facebook from the list.
- Enter a 4-digit numerical password and tap Done.
After following these steps, you’ll need to enter your 4-digit PIN to open the Facebook app.
Changing Facebook password on Windows Phone
To change your existing Facebook app password on a Windows phone:
- Go to Settings > Lock Screen.
- Tap “Change password” under App Lock.
- Enter your current password, then enter and confirm your new 4-digit password.
This will immediately change the password needed to open the Facebook app.
Setting up a Facebook app password on computer
If you primarily use Facebook through the desktop website or Facebook’s desktop apps, you can set up password protection there as well:
Require password for Facebook website
- Click the arrow in the top right and go to Settings & Privacy > Security and Login
- Under “Use two-factor authentication” click Edit.
- Select “Require a code to access Facebook on this browser” to turn it on.
- Enter your phone number and confirm the code Facebook sends you.
Now you’ll need to enter a login code from your phone anytime you try to access Facebook on that browser.
Password protect desktop Facebook app
For the desktop Facebook app, go to Settings > Security and toggle on “Require App Passcode” to set a password prompt when opening the app.
Using a password manager for Facebook passwords
Managing all these passwords for your Facebook app on different devices can get confusing. This is where using a dedicated password manager app can help:
- Stores all your passwords securely in one place
- Lets you generate strong, random passwords for each account
- Automatically fills in passwords so you don’t have to remember them
- Syncs passwords across all your devices
Popular password managers like LastPass, 1Password, and Dashlane have apps for iOS, Android, Windows, and desktop web browsers. Take advantage of these tools to easily create unique passwords for every online account, including your Facebook app.
Conclusion
Adding a password or PIN code to lock your Facebook app is a simple step to improve the security of your account. It prevents unauthorized access if your phone is lost or stolen, and acts as an extra safeguard against hackers. Take a few minutes to turn on Facebook app password protection in your iPhone, Android, or Windows Phone settings, and consider using a password manager to easily manage access across all your devices.
With over 2 billion users, Facebook contains a treasure trove of personal data that you don’t want falling into the wrong hands. Securing your account with strong passwords and login protections like two-factor authentication is more important than ever in our digital world. So lock down your Facebook app and give yourself greater peace of mind.