Yes, you can create a Facebook account without a phone number. The sign-up form takes an email address instead, and in the app you tap Use your email address. You confirm it with a link or code sent to that inbox. Facebook may later suggest adding a number, or ask for one during a security check, but an email-only account works for everyday use.
Signing up with an email address instead
- On a computer Click Create new account and fill in name, email address, password, date of birth and gender. Leave the mobile number out.
- In the app When the app asks for your mobile number, tap Use your email address instead.
- Confirm the address Open the email from Facebook and click the link, or type the code. Until you do, parts of the account may stay locked.
- Do not leave it unconfirmed Facebook says an unconfirmed account may be deleted after a year of inactivity.
Facebook itself recommends keeping an email address on the account, so you can get back in if you ever lose your phone. An email-only account follows that advice by default.
When Facebook asks for a number anyway
| What it means | Your options | |
|---|---|---|
| A banner suggests adding a number | A recommendation for security | Dismiss it; nothing changes |
| A security check blocks the account | Facebook wants proof that a real person is behind it | Follow the check; it may accept email, may require a number |
| The email code never arrives | Spam folder, typo, or a slow provider | Check spam, then Update contact info with a corrected address |
| Two-factor sign-in by text | You chose SMS for login codes | Switch to an authenticator app to keep phones out |
Facebook at a glance
- Virtual numbers
- Depends on the number range
- Code sent by
- SMS
- Code length
- 5 digits
- Asks for the number again later
- Yes
- One number per account
- No
Keeping your number off your profile
- Contact info: Settings & privacy → Settings → Accounts Centre → Personal details → Contact info. Remove a number here.
- Search: Facebook says a search for your phone number does not show your profile. Who sees the number on your profile is a separate audience setting.
- Friend suggestions: by default Facebook may suggest you to people who uploaded your number. Under Settings → How people find and contact you → People with your phone number, set it to No one.
- Do not add a number for a one-off reason. Once it is on the account, it can be used for lookups and suggestions until you remove it.
If you add a number: own or one-time?
- Your own number
- Right for recovery and login codes. Hide it from your profile afterwards.
- A one-time number
- Gets past a check that wants a five-digit code by SMS. Remove it once you are through, and keep email as your way back in.
Codes that do not arrive have their own guide: Facebook code not received.
Common questions
Can I create a Facebook account without a phone number?
Yes. Use an email address on the sign-up form, or tap Use your email address in the app, then confirm it.
Can I create a Facebook account without email and without a phone number?
No. Facebook needs one of the two to confirm the account.
Why does Facebook keep asking for my phone number?
Usually it is a suggestion you can dismiss. During a security check it may insist; the check itself shows the options.
How do I remove my number from Facebook?
Go to Accounts Centre → Personal details → Contact info, select the number and delete it.