There are a few potential reasons why Facebook may not allow you to remove a phone number from your account:
Phone number is your primary login method
If your phone number is set as the primary login method for your Facebook account, Facebook requires you to have a phone number associated with your account. This is for security purposes – having a phone number linked allows Facebook to verify your identity and help secure your account.
So if your phone number is set as your primary login method, Facebook will not allow you to completely remove it from your account. The best you can do is change it to a different phone number.
Phone number is used for two-factor authentication
Similarly, if you have enabled two-factor authentication on your Facebook account using your phone number, Facebook will require you to have a phone number on file.
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring you to enter a code sent to your phone when logging in from a new device. Removing the associated phone number would disable two-factor authentication.
So in this case, you would need to update your two-factor authentication method before being able to delete the phone number from your account.
Phone number is associated with ads targeting
Facebook uses your phone number to help target ads and make ad reporting more accurate. If you’ve added your phone number for these purposes, Facebook may not allow you to permanently delete it.
However, you should be able to disconnect your phone number from ad targeting in your account settings. This would allow you to keep using your account while removing your number from ads.
Phone number is used to find friends
Facebook gives you the option to search for friends using your phone number or contacts uploaded from your phone. If you’ve previously used your phone number this way, it gets linked to your account.
Trying to remove your phone number could cause issues when finding friends in the future. But again, you should still have the option to unlink your number from the friends search function.
Bugs or glitches
In some cases, there may simply be a bug or glitch preventing you from removing your phone number. Facebook’s platforms are complex with many interconnecting features, so sometimes things don’t work as intended.
If you’ve checked all the above scenarios, try logging out and back into your account. You can also try removing your number using different devices or web browsers.
Steps to Try Removing a Phone Number from Facebook
If your phone number isn’t a primary login method and isn’t enabling important account security features, here are some troubleshooting steps to try removing it:
On Mobile
1. Open the Facebook app and tap the three-line Menu icon
2. Scroll down and choose “Settings & privacy”
3. Tap “Settings”
4. Tap “Personal information”
5. Tap “Contact info”
6. Tap the phone number you want to remove
7. Tap “Remove” to delete the number
On Desktop
1. Go to www.facebook.com and log into your account
2. Click the down arrow at the top right and choose “Settings & privacy”
3. Click “Settings” in the left menu
4. Click “Personal information” under the Account section
5. Go to “Contact info”
6. Click the “X” icon next to the phone number you want to remove
7. Click “Remove” to confirm deleting the number
Adding Exceptions for Login Approval
If your phone number is being used for login approvals or two-factor authentication, you’ll need to change these settings before removing the number:
Disable Login Approvals
1. Go to “Settings & privacy” then “Settings”
2. Click “Security and login”
3. Under “Use two-factor authentication” click “Edit”
4. Turn off the toggle for “Require a code to login”
5. Enter your Facebook password to confirm the change
Add Exceptions for when Login Approvals are off
You can also add exceptions for situations when login approvals are disabled. This prevents getting locked out if you remove your phone number.
1. Go to “Security and login” settings
2. Under “Use two-factor authentication” click “Edit”
3. Click “Add” next to “Exceptions when login approvals are off”
4. Check the boxes for situations where you don’t need approvals (e.g. using your home computer)
5. Click “Confirm” to save exceptions
Changing Ads Preferences
If your phone number is linked to ads preferences, here are instructions for disconnecting it:
On Mobile
1. Go to “Settings & privacy”
2. Tap “Ads”
3. Tap “Advertisers and business partners”
4. Tap “Your advertiser data”
5. Tap “Disconnect” next to the phone number
On Desktop
1. Click the down arrow and choose “Settings & privacy”
2. Click “Settings” then go to “Ads”
3. Under “Advertisers and business partners” click “Your advertiser data”
4. Locate the phone number and click “Disconnect”
This will stop your number from being used for ads targeting and measurement.
Removing Your Number from Account Recovery
If your phone number is listed under account recovery options, here’s how to delete it:
On Mobile
1. Go to “Settings & privacy”
2. Tap “Security and login”
3. Tap “Use two-factor authentication” then “Edit”
4. Scroll down to “Backup codes” and tap “Remove” next to your phone number
On Desktop
1. Click the down arrow and choose “Settings & privacy”
2. Click “Settings” then “Security and login”
3. Under “Use two-factor authentication” click “Edit”
4. Under “Backup codes” click “Remove” next to your phone number
Just make sure you still have another recovery method configured, like an authenticator app or recovery codes.
Unlinking Your Number from Facebook Pay
If your phone number is connected to Facebook Pay, follow these steps to unlink it:
On Mobile
1. Tap the Menu icon then choose “Facebook Pay”
2. Tap your phone number under “Contact info”
3. Scroll down and tap “Remove”
4. Enter your Facebook password and tap “Remove” again
On Desktop
1. Click the down arrow and choose “Facebook Pay”
2. Click “Contact Info” on the left
3. Locate your phone number and click “Remove”
4. Enter your password and click “Remove” to confirm
Your phone number will no longer be associated with your Facebook Pay account.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you still can’t remove your phone number after addressing all the above scenarios, here are some troubleshooting tips:
– Log out of Facebook completely, close your browser, then log back in and try again.
– Try removing your number using a different device or web browser.
– Double check that the number isn’t enabling important account security features.
– Consider adding a new phone number first before deleting your old one.
– Make sure your number isn’t listed under any other settings, like Messenger or notifications.
– Check if Facebook believes your number is associated with another account.
– Contact Facebook support for additional help removing your number.
Sometimes persistence is needed when dealing with Facebook account issues. Don’t give up if your first few attempts don’t work.
Why Facebook Makes Removing Numbers Difficult
While the inability to remove a phone number can be frustrating, Facebook does have some rational reasons for making it difficult:
– Phone numbers help secure accounts and reduce malicious activity.
– They improve ad targeting and measurement data.
– They’re needed for identity verification in some situations.
– Users forgetting login methods is a huge headache for Facebook.
Still, Facebook could make the process easier while still allowing numbers to be used for legitimate purposes:
– More transparency when a number can’t be removed.
– Separating numbers from ads vs security features.
– Grace periods before re-adding numbers after removal.
– Clearer account recovery options without a phone number.
Overall, while Facebook relies heavily on linked phone numbers, users should ultimately have control over their information. The balance of security, privacy, and convenience is an ongoing struggle.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key tips to remember when trying to remove a phone number from Facebook:
– Check if it’s used for login, two-factor authentication, or account recovery first. These need to be changed.
– Disconnect it from ads preferences, Facebook Pay, and friends search if linked.
– Try logging out and back in or using different devices/browsers.
– Contact Facebook support if you still can’t remove it after troubleshooting.
– Add a new number first before deleting your old one if possible.
– Understand Facebook’s dependence on numbers for security and ads, but users should have control.
– With patience and perseverance, most numbers can be removed with the right steps.
Conclusion
While Facebook makes it difficult to fully delete a phone number in some cases, there are steps you can take to remove your number from ads, payments, account recovery options, and other uses. Check that it’s not enabling important account security features, unlink it from other services, and persist through technical issues. Understand why Facebook relies on numbers, but recognize users should ultimately have control over their data. With time and the right approach, you can eliminate your phone number from Facebook without losing access to your account.