There are a few possible reasons why you may not be able to see someone’s cover photo on Facebook:
The user has not set a cover photo
The simplest explanation is that the user simply has not uploaded and set a cover photo. On Facebook, setting a cover photo is optional. If a user has not selected a cover photo, only a gray background will appear in the cover photo area.
The user’s privacy settings don’t allow you to see it
Facebook’s privacy settings allow users to control who can see their cover photo. There are a few options:
- Public: Anyone can see the cover photo.
- Friends: Only the user’s friends can see the cover photo.
- Only Me: Only the user can see their own cover photo.
So if you are not friends with the user, or they have set their cover photo visibility to Only Me, you will not be able to see their cover photo.
You are blocked by the user
If a Facebook user has blocked you, you will be unable to see most of their profile information, including their cover photo. A blocked user will also not show up in your friend list or notifications.
It’s a glitch
In some rare cases, a Facebook glitch may cause a cover photo to not load properly or appear blank to some people. Trying logging out and back into Facebook to see if that fixes it. If the problem persists, it’s likely due to one of the other reasons on this list.
How to set your cover photo on Facebook
Here is a quick guide to setting your own cover photo on Facebook:
- Go to your profile page
- Hover over the camera icon in the cover photo area and select “Update Cover Photo”
- Choose a photo to upload from your computer or Facebook albums
- Drag the photo to reposition it
- Click “Save Changes”
You can also access cover photo settings by clicking on the camera icon and selecting “Update Cover Photo.” This will open a sidebar where you can upload a new photo, set the visibility, rearrange or delete your cover photo.
Cover photo size and dimensions
If you want to upload your own cover photo, it must meet the following specifications:
- Minimum width: 400 pixels
- Recommended width: 820 pixels
- Maximum width: 820 pixels
- Height: Adjustable, but displays 315 pixels tall on desktop
Landscape orientation works best for cover photos. Keep in mind the dimensions will be different on mobile devices. Photo editing apps like Photoshop or free online tools can help resize images to the ideal cover photo size.
Troubleshooting tips
If you can’t see someone’s cover photo, here are some troubleshooting steps to try:
- Refresh the page
- Check your internet connection
- Log out and back into Facebook
- Clear your browser cache and cookies
- Check if you are blocked by the user
- Use a different web browser or device
- Make sure you have the latest Facebook app version
- See if others can view the cover photo
If the issue persists across devices and browsers, it likely means the user has not uploaded a cover photo or has hidden it from you due to their privacy settings. There is no way to override someone else’s privacy settings.
Report a bug
If you are having an issue seeing someone’s cover photo and believe it’s a technical glitch, you can report the bug to Facebook:
- Go to the Facebook Help Community page
- Click “Report a Problem”
- Select “Report a Bug”
- Fill out the details about the problem you are experiencing
- Click “Next” and follow the steps to submit the report to Facebook
Keep in mind that due to privacy policies, Facebook Support cannot disclose if a specific user has hidden their cover photo from you. But reporting glitches and bugs can help improve the site for everyone.
Why Facebook cover photos are important
Although cover photos are an optional feature, they have become an important part of personal expression and branding on Facebook profiles. Here are some key reasons they matter:
- Photos are engaging – Including a photo makes your profile stand out and gives visitors something visual to look at.
- Shows your personality – You can choose cover photos that reflect your interests, causes, travels or hobbies.
- Branding – Businesses can use cover photos to reinforce their brand with colors, logos or images related to their products or services.
- Customization – It’s a simple way to personalize your profile and make it feel unique.
- Creative expression – Cover photos allow you to get creative with visuals, graphics and text overlays.
In many ways, your Facebook cover photo is like the front window display of your personal brand. That’s why many users put thought into creating one that makes the right impression. The ideal cover photo depends on your goals, audience and preferences.
Should I remove someone who blocked me?
If you discover someone has blocked you on Facebook, you may be wondering if you should remove them from your friends list. Here are some factors to consider:
- Will removing them impact your ability to communicate with mutual friends or participate in group conversations?
- Do you need to maintain a professional relationship or business partnership with this person?
- Could keeping them as a friend allow you to resolve the conflict in the future?
- Does seeing their name and blank profile on your list cause you distress?
- Are you okay with them controlling the terms of the relationship?
There is no right or wrong answer – it’s about deciding what makes you feel most comfortable. If seeing their name in your friends list upsets you or serves no purpose, removing the blocked person can help you move on. But you also don’t have to remove them right away. Taking some time to process the situation before deciding can be helpful.
How to remove someone who blocked you on Facebook
If you do decide to remove the person who blocked you, here is how to do it:
- Go to your Friends list
- Locate and click on the name of the person who blocked you
- Click on the Friends button below their cover photo
- Select Unfriend from the dropdown menu
- Click Confirm to complete unfriending them
This will remove them from your friends list. However, any mutual friends or groups you still share will remain.
Keep in mind you can also block someone who blocked you. This will prevent them from viewing your profile or posts. To block someone:
- Go to their profile
- Click on the three dots beside Message
- Select Block
- Click Confirm to block them
Dealing with being blocked on Facebook
Discovering you’ve been blocked on Facebook can stir up painful feelings or confusion, especially if it’s done by a friend, family member or partner. Here are some tips for coping and moving forward:
- Let yourself feel – Allow yourself time and space to process the hurt or anger you may feel.
- Resist overanalyzing – Don’t obsess over what you may have done wrong or what they are thinking.
- Refocus – Shift your attention and energy to positive relationships and activities.
- Create closure – If needed, write a letter expressing what you want to say, without sending it.
- Open communication – If appropriate and possible, try to discuss the issue openly and resolve it.
- Forgive – Forgiving the person can help free you from dwelling on the situation.
- Remove them – Delete or block them on social media if the constant reminders are painful.
- Seek support – Talking to trusted friends and family can help give perspective.
- Take care – Focus on your mental and emotional wellbeing by engaging in healthy distractions and self-care.
With time, the hurt will fade. Have compassion for yourself and the other person. This may simply be the end of your association or lead to personal growth in the long run.
Conclusion
Not being able to see someone’s Facebook cover photo can be frustrating, but is most often due to that user’s privacy settings or lack of an uploaded photo. Troubleshoot possible technical issues, but keep in mind you cannot override how others choose to share on Facebook. If being blocked hurts you, take time to heal and evaluate if removing that connection is healthiest for moving forward.