Having your mobile number linked to your Facebook account can be convenient for logging in and staying connected. However, there are times when you may want to unlink your number for privacy or security reasons. Fortunately, Facebook makes it possible to disconnect your phone number, even though the process is a bit hidden.
Why Would You Want to Unlink Your Phone Number?
Here are some common reasons for unlinking your mobile number from your Facebook account:
- You want to increase privacy and reduce spam calls/texts.
- You’re switching to a new phone number.
- You no longer want two-factor authentication via SMS.
- You’re tired of getting notifications by text message.
- You don’t want Facebook selling your number to advertisers.
Whatever your reasons, unlinking your phone number is easy to do by following the steps below.
How to Unlink Your Phone Number from Facebook
Here is a step-by-step guide to removing your mobile number from your Facebook account:
- Open Facebook and click on the down arrow in the top right corner.
- Choose “Settings & Privacy” from the dropdown menu.
- Click on “Settings” in the left sidebar.
- Select “Mobile” from the list of options.
- Look for the “Mobile Phones” section and click “Remove” next to your phone number.
- A popup will appear asking you to re-enter your password. Type it in and click “Continue.”
- Your phone number is now unlinked from your account.
And that’s all there is to it! Just a few quick steps allows you to disconnect your phone number from Facebook. Keep in mind that you may need to update any two-factor authentication settings that rely on SMS codes to your number.
Will Unlinking My Number Delete My Account?
No, unlinking your phone number does NOT delete your Facebook account or any of the data associated with it. Your profile, photos, posts, friends, and all other account details will remain intact. The only thing that changes is that your mobile number is no longer connected to your account.
Can I Re-Link My Number Later?
Yes, you can re-add your mobile number to your Facebook account at any time if you change your mind. Just go back to the “Mobile” settings and enter your phone number to link it again. This makes unlinking your phone number only a temporary change – you still have the option to connect it again whenever you want.
Will Unlinking My Number Improve Privacy?
Potentially. By removing your mobile number, you prevent Facebook from accessing any data associated with your phone. This includes call and text logs. It also means Facebook can no longer use your number for targeted ads or share it with third parties. However, keep in mind that Facebook will still have other data like your IP address and email address.
Can I Still Use SMS for Two-Factor Authentication?
No. Once you unlink your mobile number, you can no longer receive SMS-based two-factor login codes from Facebook. You will have to switch to using an authentication app or security key for two-factor. Or you can re-add your number solely for 2FA purposes without keeping it fully linked to your account.
What Happens if I Lost Access to My Number?
If you no longer have access to your phone number that’s linked to Facebook, you’ll need to take steps to secure your account. Here are a few options:
- Add a secondary number or authentication app.
- Upload ID and ask Facebook to unlink the old number.
- If you can still log in, remove the number yourself via settings.
- Submit ID to prove identity and regain access to your account.
Losing access to your linked mobile number can be stressful. The key is providing Facebook with verification of your identity so they can help you recover your account security.
Can Facebook Still See My Number if Unlinked?
No, unlinking your phone number completely disconnects it from your Facebook account. Facebook states that they delete any data associated with your mobile number when you remove it. Of course, any data they collected on your number prior to unlinking will still be retained. But the act of unlinking does cut off Facebook’s access going forward.
Will Unlinking Prevent Targeted Ads?
Potentially. Much of Facebook’s ad targeting comes from tracking data associated with your phone, such as your apps, websites visited, location, calls, and texts. By unlinking your number, Facebook loses access to this mobile data, thereby limiting their ability to target ads. However, they may still target you based on your other online activity.
Can I Stop Text Notifications?
Yes, removing your phone number is the best way to stop getting notifications from Facebook via text message. You can also turn off texts in your notification settings. But completely unlinking your mobile number guarantees Facebook can no longer text you account alerts.
What Are the Downsides of Unlinking?
Here are a few drawbacks to consider before unlinking your mobile number from Facebook:
- You may miss out on notifications about account activity.
- It removes the SMS two-factor login option.
- You can no longer use Facebook features that require a mobile number.
- It makes it harder to recover your account if you forget the password.
While unlinking your phone number enhances privacy, it also eliminates some account security features and conveniences that rely on your mobile number. Make sure you weigh both sides before making a decision.
Can I Just Deactivate My Account?
Deactivating your Facebook account does not unlink your phone number. It simply hides your profile until you log back in. Your data and linked mobile number remain on Facebook’s servers. You’ll need to fully delete your account to remove all data including your phone number.
Is Unlinking My Number Permanent?
No, fortunately any changes you make to unlink your mobile phone number are reversible. You can re-add your phone number at any time through the “Mobile” section of your Facebook account settings. Unless you delete your account entirely, your options are always open.
Will Unlinking Affect My Messenger or WhatsApp?
Unlinking your mobile number from Facebook does not affect Messenger or WhatsApp accounts connected to that number. Those are separate apps with their own accounts and settings. Your chats and contacts within each app will remain intact after unlinking from Facebook.
Can I Download My Data Before Unlinking?
Yes, it’s a good idea to download a copy of your Facebook data for your records before making any major changes. Here’s how to download your data:
- Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
- Click “Your Facebook Information” in the left menu.
- Select “Download Your Information” on the next screen.
- Choose date range and media types to include.
- Click “Create File” to request your archive.
- Once ready, click “Download” to save your Facebook data.
Saving this data makes it easy to look back on your Facebook history if you end up deleting your account down the road.
Can Facebook Tell I Unlinked My Number?
Yes. Facebook’s systems will know immediately once a user removes their phone number. And if you try to sign in using your unlinked number, it will notify you that it is no longer connected to your account. So there is no way to secretly unlink your mobile number without Facebook finding out.
Is Unlinking Safer Than Deleting My Account?
In some ways, yes. Unlinking your mobile number enhances privacy without losing access to your profile and data. Full account deletion erases your information (in theory), but relinquishes access to Facebook’s utilities. Unlinking also avoids the risk of your data being restored after deletion. Both options have pros and cons in terms of safety.
What Should I Do After Unlinking My Number?
After unlinking, it’s wise to take these additional steps:
- Turn on two-factor authentication via app or security key.
- Update your account recovery contacts and email.
- Remove your number from Messenger and other connected apps.
- Review all apps and sites linked to your Facebook account.
Strengthening your overall security settings helps safeguard your account after the added privacy of unlinking your phone number.
Can I Unlink Multiple Numbers?
If you have accidentally added multiple phone numbers to your Facebook account over the years, you can remove them all. Visit the “Mobile” settings and delete any numbers currently linked that you want detached from your account.
Conclusion
Unlinkng your mobile number from Facebook increases privacy, reduces spam, and stops social media companies from accessing call and text logs. The process only takes a few seconds through the mobile settings menu. Just be aware you will lose SMS-based two-factor login and other features dependent on your phone number.
Overall, unlinking your number allows you to maintain access to your Facebook profile while cutting off a key data source used for advertising and tracking. It’s an effective step towards reclaiming privacy without necessarily abandoning social media entirely.