Changing your mobile number on Facebook is a common task that many users need to do for various reasons. Maybe you got a new phone number, switched mobile carriers, or just want to use a different number for your Facebook account. While changing your mobile number is easy to do when you’re logged into Facebook, it can be a bit trickier if you are currently unable to log into your account.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to change your mobile number on Facebook without being able to log in. We’ll look at ways to access your account when you can’t log in, how to remove your old number, verify your identity, add the new number, and ensure your account security throughout the process.
Why Change Facebook Mobile Number Without Logging In?
There are a few common reasons you may need to change your Facebook mobile number without being able to log in:
- You lost access to your old number – If you lost your old phone number due to switching carriers or not paying a phone bill, you’ll need to update Facebook with your new number without logging in first.
- You got locked out of your account – If you can’t log into Facebook because you forgot your password or your account was disabled, changing your mobile number can help you get back in.
- Suspicious login attempts – If you get alerts about suspicious logins to your account, you may want to change your mobile number for security purposes before logging back in.
- Two-factor authentication issues – Problems with two-factor authentication via SMS text messages may prevent you from logging in, requiring you to change your mobile number through other account recovery options.
In all of these cases, you will need to go through Facebook’s account recovery process to change your mobile number without being able to log in as usual. The process may take a little longer, but it is feasible for most users.
Preparing to Change Your Mobile Number
Before beginning the process to change your mobile number without logging in, there are a few things you should do to prepare:
- Know your old phone number – You will need your current mobile number listed on your Facebook account to verify your identity.
- Know your password – Resetting your password through the account recovery process requires knowing your current login password.
- Have access to your email – Recovering access to your account will involve steps sent to your email on file.
- Know answers to security questions – Part of the verification process may involve answering security questions only you would know.
- Understand the recovery options – You’ll need to use the account recovery options for resetting your password and regaining account access.
If you have access to all of this information, you should be able to change your mobile number through the account recovery process. Write down any passwords, security question answers, and other important account details before getting started.
Removing Your Old Mobile Number from Your Account
The first step is removing your old or current mobile number from your Facebook account. Here is how to do it:
- Go to Facebook.com and click “Forgotten Password?” on the login page.
- Enter your email address or mobile number when prompted.
- Choose to reset your password. Facebook will send a password reset link.
- Follow the password reset link from the email and enter a new password.
- Facebook will detect suspicious activity and prompt you to review recent logins.
- Choose to secure your account. Facebook will now initiate the account recovery steps.
At this point, you’ll be taken through the process to verify your identity and regain access to your account. This involves the following:
- Entering a security code sent to your email.
- Answering security questions about your account history.
- Reviewing and approving posts you’ve made on Facebook.
- Entering a new password again.
Once you complete all these steps, you should have access to your account again. You can now remove your old mobile number:
- Go to your Facebook Settings.
- Click “Mobile” in the left sidebar.
- Remove your old mobile number.
- Click “Remove” to confirm deleting the number.
Your previous mobile number will no longer be associated with your account after this step. Now you can add your new number.
Adding Your New Mobile Number
After removing your old number, it’s time to add your new phone number to your account:
- From your Facebook Settings, choose “Mobile” again.
- Enter your new phone number and click “Add”.
- Choose your country code and enter your full phone number.
- Facebook will send a confirmation code via SMS text.
- Enter the 6-digit confirmation code sent to your new number.
- Click “Confirm” to verify your new number.
Once you complete those steps, your new mobile number will be associated with your Facebook account. You can repeat the process if you need to add additional confirmed mobile numbers as well.
Securing Your Account After Changing Numbers
After going through the recovery process and changing your mobile number, it’s a good idea to take further steps to secure your Facebook account. Here are some tips:
- Change your password again – Reset to a new, strong password you don’t use on other sites.
- Update your security questions – Choose new questions and answers that only you know.
- Turn on login alerts – Get notifications about logins from new devices to watch for suspicious activity.
- Enable two-factor authentication – Require a code from your mobile to log in for extra security.
- Review privacy settings – Double check what info is visible on your profile and who can see posts.
- Remove unauthorized sessions – Log out of all active sessions to prevent access from old devices.
Taking these security precautions immediately after changing your number without logging in will help protect your account from potential compromise.
Troubleshooting Problems Changing Mobile Number
In some cases, you may encounter issues while trying to change your mobile number on Facebook without logging in. Here are some potential problems and solutions:
Can’t reset password:
- Make sure you are using the email/number currently associated with your Facebook account.
- Check spam folders for the password reset email.
- Try having the reset email sent again after a few minutes.
- Use alternate email or mobile number if you don’t have access to primary.
Not receiving SMS codes:
- Double check your country code and make sure your full mobile number is entered.
- Try a different mobile device on the same phone number.
- Use an alternate number to receive SMS codes if your main number doesn’t work.
- Contact your mobile carrier if you are not receiving any texts at all.
Can’t complete identity verification:
- Provide as many details as possible when prompted for account history and security info.
- Have recovery codes ready if you have set them up for your account.
- Try going through the verification process on a computer if on mobile.
- Use alternate email or number if your primary ones don’t work.
Account gets locked or disabled:
- Avoid entering incorrect info that could trigger locks.
- Contact Facebook support if your account gets disabled to appeal it.
- Wait out the specified time period before trying to reset password again.
With patience and using all available account recovery options, most users should be able to change their Facebook mobile number without login access. Contact Facebook support if you still cannot resolve specific issues you encounter.
Conclusion
Changing your mobile number on Facebook without being able to log in requires going through the account recovery process. Remove your old number, verify your identity, add your new number, and take steps to improve security after regaining access. Know your account info, use all available options, and reach out for help with any roadblocks. With the proper steps, you can update your mobile number and get back into Facebook even when locked out of your account.