If you don’t want Facebook to hold onto your phone number anymore, the good news is, you can remove it. Whether you added it years ago for two-factor login, password recovery, or Messenger, your number doesn’t have to stay there. In a few minutes, you can unlink it, keep it private, or delete it altogether.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know. This guide is fresh (updated September 2025), simple to follow, and answers every question you might have about removing your number.
Why Would You Remove Your Phone Number from Facebook?
The first thing people ask me is, why even bother? After all, Facebook asked for your number to “make your account secure.” But here’s the catch:
Privacy – Having your number linked makes it easier for people to find you. Some prefer staying private.
Spam and unwanted calls – Ever noticed random texts after signing up with your number? It happens.
Account safety – Hackers sometimes use linked numbers for phishing.
No longer needed – Maybe you switched to a new number or use email recovery instead.
So if any of this sounds familiar, removing your number is the right move.
How Do I Remove My Phone Number from My Facebook Account?
The short answer: You go into your settings, edit your contact info, and delete your number. Here’s the long version.
1. Open Facebook app on your phone (or log in on desktop).
2. Tap the three-line menu (bottom right on iPhone, top right on Android).
3. Scroll down to Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings.
4. Under Account Settings, select Personal and Account Information.
5. Choose Contact Info.
6. Tap your phone number.
7. Hit Remove.
8. Confirm with your Facebook password.
That’s it. The number disappears from your account.
Tip: If Facebook won’t let you remove it, it could be because you set it as your primary login method. In that case, you must add an email first, then try again.
How Do I Unlink My Mobile Number from Facebook?
Unlinking sounds different, but it’s basically the same. You’re just making sure your phone number is no longer tied to login, recovery, or Messenger.
Go to Settings > Personal and Account Information > Contact Info.
If your number is listed as Primary, you need to add an email first.
After that, click Remove Number.
Now Facebook won’t use your number to send login alerts or codes.
Example: A friend of mine had Messenger linked to his number. Every time someone new saved his number, Messenger suggested him as a contact. Once he unlinked it, those suggestions stopped.
How Do I Remove My Phone Number from Public on Facebook?
Let’s say you don’t want to delete the number, but you also don’t want everyone seeing it. The solution is simple, change the privacy settings.
Here’s how:
Go to your Facebook profile.
Tap About > Contact and Basic Info.
Scroll down to Phone Number.
Tap the edit icon.
Change the audience to Only Me.
Now the number stays on file for Facebook (for login/recovery) but is invisible to everyone else.
Can Someone See If You Remove a Phone Number from Facebook?
No. When you delete your number, Facebook doesn’t notify your friends, contacts, or anyone else. The only change is, you won’t appear in searches by number anymore.
Good to know: If you’re in group chats on Messenger, those chats won’t be affected.
Step-by-Step: Remove Number on Facebook App vs. Desktop
Here’s a quick comparison so you don’t get lost.
| Action | Facebook App (Android/iPhone) | Facebook Desktop (Web) |
|---|---|---|
| Open Settings | Menu > Settings & Privacy > Settings | Top right arrow > Settings |
| Go to Contact Info | Personal & Account Information > Contact Info | General Account Settings > Contact Info |
| Remove Number | Select number > Remove > Confirm with password | Click Remove beside number > Confirm |
| Add Email (if needed) | Yes, required if phone is primary login | Same |
What Happens After Removing Your Phone Number?
You can still log in with your email or username.
Facebook will stop using your number for two-factor codes (unless you add a new one).
Your number won’t be visible or searchable.
Messenger won’t sync your contacts using that number.
So, it’s a clean break.
What If I Can’t Remove My Number?
Sometimes Facebook makes it tricky. Here’s why:
Number is your login ID – Add an email first.
Two-factor authentication is on – Add a backup method before removing.
Glitches on the app – Try removing from desktop or vice versa.
If all fails, go to Help & Support > Report a Problem.
Is It Safer to Keep or Remove My Number?
This is where people get divided.
Safer to keep: If you want quick two-factor authentication and password recovery.
Safer to remove: If you value privacy and don’t want your number linked to searches, ads, or spam.
Personally, I recommend removing it if you’ve already set up Authenticator apps (like Google Authenticator) for two-factor.
Quick Checklist Before You Remove Your Number
Do you have an active email linked to Facebook?
Do you use two-factor authentication? If yes, set up an alternative.
Are you okay losing password reset via SMS?
If you check all three, you’re good to go.
FAQs
Q: Can I add the same number back later?
Yes, you can always re-add it.
Q: Does removing my number log me out of Messenger?
No, Messenger stays active.
Q: Can I remove my number without a password?
No, Facebook requires your password for confirmation.
Should You Remove Your Phone Number from Facebook?
If you care about privacy, spam protection, or just don’t want Facebook linking everything to your number, removing it is smart. The process is quick, and you stay in full control. Just make sure you’ve got an email and alternative security options ready.
Bottom line: Yes, you can remove your phone number from Facebook, and it takes less than 5 minutes.
Farrukh Nawaz, tech guru & gaming aficionado. Your go-to for mobile news, gaming updates & expert blogging tips.