The simplest way to switch accounts

If you have more than one Facebook account, you can switch between them without logging out and back in each time. Facebook lets you add multiple accounts to the same device, then flip between them in seconds. This works on phones, tablets, and computers.

The fastest method is to use Facebook's built-in account switcher. On a phone or tablet, tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu) at the bottom right of the screen, scroll down, and look for your name or profile picture. Below that, you'll see "Switch Account" or a list of other accounts you've added. Tap the account you want to use, and Facebook loads that account when ready.

On a computer, click the down arrow next to your profile picture in the top right corner. You'll see a list of accounts you've added to this browser. Click the one you want to switch to.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add multiple Facebook accounts to one device and switch between them without logging out each time.
  • On phones and tablets, use the menu button and tap "Switch Account" to flip between accounts in seconds.
  • On computers, click the down arrow next to your profile picture to see all added accounts and select a different one.
  • Adding a second account requires you to log in once with that account's email and password, then you can switch freely afterward.
  • If you want to remove an account from your device, you can do that from the same menu without deleting the account itself.

How to add a second account to your device

Before you can switch accounts, you need to add the second account to your device. Start by logging out of your current account, or use the account switcher menu to find an option that says "Add Account" or "Log In Another Account."

When you choose that option, Facebook will ask for the email address (or phone number) and password for the second account. Enter those details exactly as they are. If you use two-factor authentication on that account—a security code that arrives by text or email when you log in—you'll need to enter that code as well.

Once you've logged in successfully, Facebook saves that account on your device. You'll now see both accounts in your switcher menu. You don't have to log in again each time you want to use that account.

Switching accounts on a phone or tablet

On an iPhone, iPad, or Android phone, the process is the same. Open Facebook and tap the three horizontal lines at the bottom right of the screen. This opens the menu.

Scroll all the way down. You'll see your name or profile picture, followed by a section labeled "Accounts" or "Switch Account." If you've added more than one account, you'll see them listed here. Tap the account you want to use. Facebook switches to that account when ready.

If you only see one account listed, you haven't added a second one yet. To add one, look for a button that says "Add Account" or "Log In Another Account" at the bottom of that section. Tap it and enter the login details for your second account.

Switching accounts on a computer

On a desktop or laptop, look at the top right corner of Facebook. You'll see your profile picture inside a small circle. Click on it.

A dropdown menu appears. At the top, you'll see your current account name. Below that, if you've added other accounts, they'll be listed. Click on the account you want to switch to. Facebook reloads the page with that account active.

To add a new account on a computer, look for a link at the bottom of that same dropdown menu that says "Add Account" or "Log In Another Account." Click it, then enter the email and password for the second account. After you log in, that account will appear in your switcher menu.

Removing an account from your device

If you no longer want to see a particular account in your switcher menu, you can remove it from your device. This does not delete the account itself—it just removes it from this device's quick-switch list.

On a phone or tablet, open the menu, scroll to the Accounts section, and look for the account you want to remove. You should see an option to remove it, often shown as an X or a "Remove" button. Tap it. The account disappears from your switcher menu but still exists on Facebook.

On a computer, click your profile picture, find the account you want to remove in the dropdown, and look for a remove or delete option next to it. Click it. The account is removed from this browser but remains active on Facebook.

What happens to your data when you switch

Each Facebook account is completely separate. When you switch to a different account, you see that account's friends, messages, photos, and settings. Your other account's information stays exactly as it was.

If you post something, send a message, or change a setting while logged into Account A, those changes only affect Account A. They don't touch Account B. This is why switching accounts is safe—you won't accidentally post from the wrong account or see the wrong person's messages.

The only thing that carries over between accounts is your device itself. If you use the same phone or computer to access both accounts, Facebook remembers both of them on that device. But the accounts themselves remain independent.

Troubleshooting account switching problems

If you can't see the account switcher menu, you may not have added a second account yet. Go back to the login screen, look for "Add Account" or "Log In Another Account," and enter the second account's details.

If you added an account but it's not showing up in your switcher, try logging out completely and logging back in with that account. Sometimes the account needs a fresh login to appear in the switcher menu.

If you're on a computer and the dropdown menu isn't appearing when you click your profile picture, try refreshing the page or clearing your browser's cache. If that doesn't work, try a different browser to see if the problem is specific to the one you're using.

If you've forgotten the password to your second account, you'll need to reset it before you can add it to your device. Go to Facebook's login page, click "Forgotten Password," and follow the steps to reset it using your email or phone number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch accounts without logging out?

Yes. Once you've added multiple accounts to your device, you can switch between them when ready using the account switcher menu. You never have to log out. This is the main advantage of adding accounts instead of logging out and back in each time.

Will switching accounts log me out of the other one?

No. Both accounts remain logged in on your device. When you switch to Account B, Account A stays active in the background. If you switch back to Account A, you'll be right where you left off.

Can I add more than two accounts to one device?

Yes. Facebook lets you add multiple accounts to the same device. The exact number varies, but most people can add three to five accounts without problems. Each one appears in your switcher menu.

What if I share my device with someone else?

Anyone with access to your device can see all the accounts in your switcher menu and switch to them. If you share a device with family or roommates, consider removing your account from the switcher when you're done, or use your device's built-in privacy features to lock your apps with a password or fingerprint.

Does switching accounts on my phone also switch it on my computer?

No. Each device keeps its own list of added accounts. If you add an account on your phone, it won't automatically appear on your computer. You'll need to add it separately on any other device where you want to use the switcher.