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Social Account Help · Facebook / Meta

How to Create a Facebook Account

Whether you're creating your first Facebook account or setting up a new one, here's the complete walkthrough for desktop and mobile — including age requirements, profile setup, and privacy basics to configure from day one.

Quick Answer

To create a Facebook account, go to facebook.com or download the Facebook app, click "Create new account," enter your name, email or phone number, password, birth date, and gender, then verify your email or phone with the code sent to you.

Before You Start: What You'll Need

Note that a Facebook account is part of your broader Meta account, which can also be used to access Messenger and, depending on settings, link with Instagram.

How to Create a Facebook Account (Step-by-Step)

Desktop / Web Browser

  1. Go to facebook.comOpen your browser and navigate to the homepage.
  2. Click "Create new account"This button is on the login page, separate from the sign-in fields.
  3. Enter your nameFirst and last name — Facebook's terms require using the name you go by in everyday life.
  4. Enter your email address or mobile numberEither works as your primary contact and login method.
  5. Create a passwordUse a strong, unique password.
  6. Enter your birth dateFacebook uses this to verify age eligibility (13+ in most regions).
  7. Select your genderOptions typically include Female, Male, and Custom.
  8. Click "Sign Up"This submits your information and creates your account.
  9. Verify your email or phone numberEnter the confirmation code sent to you to activate your account fully.
Tip: You don't need to provide a phone number if you'd rather sign up with email only, or vice versa — see our guide on creating an account without a phone number for details.

Creating an Account on Mobile (iPhone & Android)

  1. Download the Facebook appAvailable on the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android).
  2. Open the app and tap "Create new account"This option appears on the welcome screen.
  3. Follow the same steps as desktopName, contact info, password, birth date, and gender.
  4. Verify your accountEnter the confirmation code sent via email or SMS.

For more mobile-specific tips, see: How to Create a Facebook Account on Mobile

Age Requirements for Facebook

Facebook requires users to be at least 13 years old in most countries, though this minimum age can be higher in certain regions due to local data protection laws (for example, some European countries set the age of digital consent at 16).

Facebook's systems check the birth date entered during signup against the minimum age for the relevant region. Accounts that don't meet this requirement may be restricted or removed.

For more details on age policies and what happens if an account is flagged, see: Facebook Age Requirements Explained

Setting Up Your Profile After Signup

  1. Add a profile photoHelps friends recognize you and is often required to unlock full account features.
  2. Review your privacy settingsGo to Settings & Privacy → Settings → Privacy to control who can see your posts and profile information.
  3. Add basic profile info (optional)Work, education, location — only add what you're comfortable sharing.
  4. Find friendsFacebook may suggest contacts based on your email/phone contacts, with your permission.
  5. Set up two-factor authenticationAdds a critical security layer to protect your new account.

Creating a Business Page vs. a Personal Account

The signup flow above creates a personal Facebook profile, which represents an individual. If you're promoting a business, brand, or organization, you'll want to create a Facebook Page instead — Pages are created from within a personal account but operate separately, with their own name, profile picture, and public-facing presence.

For setup details, see: How to Create a Facebook Business Page

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to use my real name on Facebook?

Facebook's terms of service require users to provide the name they go by in everyday life. Accounts using clearly fake names, business names (for personal profiles), or impersonating others may be flagged or restricted.

Can I sign up for Facebook with just an email, no phone number?

Yes. During signup, Facebook asks for either an email address or a mobile number — you can choose either one and aren't required to provide both.

What happens if I enter the wrong birth date during signup?

Facebook allows users to update their birth date in account settings after signup, though repeated changes may trigger additional verification. If the birth date entered doesn't meet the minimum age requirement, the account may be restricted until the discrepancy is resolved.

Can I create multiple Facebook accounts?

Facebook's policies generally restrict users to one personal account per person. Maintaining multiple personal profiles may violate Facebook's terms, though Pages (for businesses) can be created in addition to a single personal profile.

Is creating a Facebook account free?

Yes, creating and using a personal Facebook account is free. Facebook generates revenue through advertising rather than charging users for basic access.