Adding a phone number to Facebook is something many users do when creating their accounts or for quick SMS verification. While it can be useful for password resets and security alerts, not everyone wants to keep their number linked forever. You might have changed carriers, lost access to the old number, or simply prefer to rely on an email instead.
The challenge is that Facebook doesn’t always make it obvious how to delete a phone number—especially if the account was originally created with SMS only and no email address attached. Luckily, there’s a simple process that works, and you don’t need access to the old number to remove it.
Why Remove a Phone Number from Facebook Account?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s quickly cover why many people decide to unlink their number:
Lost access – If the number no longer belongs to you, it could block you from recovering your account in the future.
Privacy – Some users prefer not to share their phone numbers online to reduce spam or limit exposure.
Account control – Relying on just one piece of contact info can be risky. Adding alternatives makes account recovery easier.
Switching login preferences – Email logins are often more reliable and easier to manage long term.
Why Remove Your Phone Number from Facebook?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s quickly cover why many people decide to unlink their number:
Lost access – If the number no longer belongs to you, it could block you from recovering your account in the future.
Privacy – Some users prefer not to share their phone numbers online to reduce spam or limit exposure.
Account control – Relying on just one piece of contact info can be risky. Adding alternatives makes account recovery easier.
Switching login preferences – Email logins are often more reliable and easier to manage long term.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting a Phone Number
1. Open Facebook’s Accounts Center
Go to accountscenter.facebook.com and log in. From there, navigate to:
Settings → Personal Details → Contact Info.
This page lists every email and phone number tied to your Facebook account.
2. Add a New Contact Method
If your account currently only has one number, you won’t be able to delete it yet. Facebook requires at least one active contact for verification.
Click Add new contact and choose either:
An email address you use often, or
A different phone number you currently control.
Once entered, confirm the code Facebook sends to your new contact.
3. Wait for Facebook to Recognize It
Here’s the important part: Facebook doesn’t always trust new information immediately. To prevent security issues, it usually requires a 2–3 week waiting period before you can remove your old number.
During this time, your new contact is considered “on file” and gains trusted status.
4. Go Back and Remove the Old Number
After two or three weeks, revisit Accounts Center → Contact Info. You should now see both your new and old contacts listed.
Select the old number, click Delete number, and confirm your choice.
5. Use the Backup Verification Option if Needed
In some cases, Facebook may still ask for extra verification. If this happens:
Click Try another way.
Select your new email or phone number.
Enter the code sent to confirm.
Once that’s verified, Facebook will allow you to remove the old number completely.
Final Thoughts
Removing a phone number from Facebook isn’t complicated, but the key is giving the platform an alternative way to confirm your identity. By adding a new email or number and waiting a short period, you can safely delete the outdated one.
For best security, consider keeping both an email and a phone number attached to your account. This gives you multiple recovery options if you ever get locked out.
With these steps, you’ll be able to take control of your Facebook account and update your contact details without stress.
Add an email or phone number that you have access to via “Add new contact”.
Check out our other blogs and learn about important Meta updates.