How do I remove limited use number on Facebook?

Having a limited use number on Facebook can be frustrating, as it restricts your ability to use certain Facebook features. Thankfully, removing a limited use number from your Facebook account is a straightforward process. In this article, we’ll walk through the steps to remove a limited use number from Facebook using both mobile and desktop.

What is a Limited Use Number on Facebook?

A limited use number on Facebook is a phone number that has been flagged by Facebook due to suspicious activity associated with the number. This could happen for several reasons:

• The phone number was previously associated with another Facebook account that violated Facebook’s terms of service
• The phone number has been used multiple times to verify different Facebook accounts
• There has been unusual login activity associated with the phone number

Once a phone number is designated as a limited use number, you’ll be restricted from using it for certain Facebook features, like:

• Associating the number with a Facebook account
• Using the number for 2-factor authentication
• Receiving SMS notifications from Facebook

This is Facebook’s way of protecting accounts from suspicious activity. However, if you believe your number has been incorrectly flagged, you can request to have the limited use restriction removed.

Requirements to Remove a Limited Use Number

To have a limited use number restriction lifted from your Facebook account, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

• The phone number must be registered under your legal name
• The phone number must be associated with your active Facebook account
• You’ll need to provide a valid photo ID that matches the name on your Facebook account

Meeting these requirements confirms your identity and ownership of the phone number in question. This gives Facebook the verification needed to remove the limited use designation safely.

Removing Limited Use Number on Mobile

If you need to remove a limited use number from the Facebook app on your iPhone or Android device, follow these steps:

1. Open the Facebook app and tap the three-line Menu icon in the top right
2. Select “Settings & privacy” then tap “Settings”
3. Tap “Personal and account information” then “Account ownership and control”
4. Under “Login approvals,” tap “Request Verification”
5. Select the limited use number you want to verify
6. Choose your verification method (ex: photo ID)
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to submit your verification information to Facebook

Once submitted, Facebook will review your verification request and remove the limited use restriction if you meet the requirements outlined above. This process can take up to 24 hours.

Troubleshooting Tips for Mobile

• Make sure the limited use number is associated with your current Facebook account before requesting verification.
• If you don’t see the option to request verification, tap “More Options” at the bottom of the Account Ownership screen.
• Double check that the photo ID you submit matches the name on your Facebook account exactly.

Removing Limited Use Number on Desktop

You can also remove a limited use number from the Facebook website. Just follow these steps:

1. Go to Facebook.com and click on the down arrow icon in the top right corner
2. Choose “Settings & privacy” then click “Settings”
3. Click “Security and login” in the left sidebar
4. Under “Use two-factor authentication and manage account recovery methods” click “Edit”
5. Click the “X” icon next to the limited use number to remove it
6. Choose your verification method (ex: photo ID) when prompted
7. Submit your verification information as instructed

As with mobile, after submitting your verification request, you’ll need to allow up to 24 hours for Facebook to review and lift the limited use restriction if requirements are met.

Troubleshooting Tips for Desktop

• The limited use number must already be added under the Two-Factor Authentication section before you can remove it.
• Make sure your computer allows pop-ups from Facebook.com so you can complete the verification steps.
• If asked, allow Facebook access to your webcam so you can submit a photo ID verification.

Why Might Facebook Reject a Verification Request?

In some cases, Facebook may reject a request to remove the limited use designation from a phone number. Here are some potential reasons why:

• The photo ID submitted cannot be verified or does not match the name on your Facebook account
• The phone number does not belong to you or is registered under a different name
• You have submitted too many verification requests in a short time period
• There are still active security concerns related to the phone number

If your verification request is rejected, you’ll receive an on-screen notification from Facebook explaining the reason. You may need to acquire documentation matching the name on your account or wait a period of time before trying again.

Alternative Options if Request is Rejected

If Facebook continues rejecting your requests to remove the limited use restriction, here are a few alternative options:

• Associate a new phone number with your Facebook account not subject to limitations
• Use alternative verification methods like authentication apps or security keys
• Submit an appeal request to Facebook including supporting documentation
• Create a new Facebook account and migrate your data over

While annoying, maintaining the limited use number is preferable over having your Facebook account disabled for suspicious activity. Proceeding cautiously and providing Facebook’s support team with everything they need can help get your account back to full functionality.

Preventing Limited Use Numbers in the Future

To avoid having your phone number get the limited use label again in the future, here are some tips:

• Only use your phone number with one Facebook account
• Avoid buying/selling Facebook accounts or phone numbers
• Don’t register your number to accounts that violate Facebook’s policies
• Secure your phone number and Facebook account with strong passwords
• Enable two-factor authentication using a non-limited method like an authentication app

Keeping your account access and activity compliant with Facebook’s terms of service is the best way to maintain full use of your phone number going forward.

Can I Delete a Number from Facebook if Limited?

If you want to completely delete a limited use number from Facebook rather than go through the verification process, that is possible. However, keep in mind:

• The number will still be designated limited use for any other Facebook accounts
• You may need to replace it with another number on your account for features like two-factor authentication
• Other users may still be able to search and find your profile using the numbe

To delete the number fully:

1. Go to your Facebook account’s General Account Settings
2. Click “Information” and “Contact Info”
3. Select the limited use number and click Remove
4. Confirm you want the number deleted

And that’s it! The number will be disassociated and deleted from your account, even if marked limited use.

Conclusion

Having a limited use number on Facebook can limit access to certain features, but thankfully removing the restriction is straightforward when following the proper verification steps. Make sure to submit valid documentation proving account ownership, and try alternative options if your request gets initially rejected. With some persistence, you can regain full use of your phone number on Facebook.