Switch accounts without logging out and back in
Facebook lets you add multiple accounts to the same device and jump between them without typing passwords each time. This works on phones, tablets, and computers. The fastest way is to use the account switcher menu, which appears as a small icon or dropdown in the app or website.
On mobile, open the Facebook app, scroll to the bottom menu, tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon), scroll down, and look for your name or profile picture. Tap it to see a list of accounts you have added. Select the account you want to use. On a computer, click your profile picture in the top right corner, then click "Switch Account" if you see that option, or look for a dropdown showing other accounts you have added.
If you do not see other accounts listed, you will need to add them first. This means logging in with each account's email or phone number and password once, then the device will remember them.
Key Takeaways
- The account switcher menu appears in the Facebook app or website and shows all accounts you have added to that device.
- You only need to log in once per account; after that, you can switch between them instantly without re-entering passwords.
- On mobile, the switcher is usually at the bottom menu under your profile name; on desktop, it is in the top right corner under your profile picture.
- Switching accounts does not log you out of other accounts—you are simply changing which one is active on that device.
- If you want to remove an account from the switcher, you can do so in settings without deleting the account itself.
Adding a new account to the switcher
Before you can switch to an account, you need to add it to your device. On the Facebook app, go to the menu (three lines), scroll to the bottom, and tap "Log In With Another Account" or a similar option. Enter the email address or phone number and password for the account you want to add.
On a computer, click your profile picture in the top right, then look for "Log In With Another Account" or a link to add an account. Enter the login details and Facebook will save that account on your device. You will only have to do this once per account.
If you have two-factor authentication turned on for an account, Facebook will ask you to verify your identity the first time you add it to a new device. You can use a code from an authenticator app, a text message, or a backup code to complete the setup.
Switching on mobile versus desktop
Mobile and desktop have slightly different layouts, but the process is the same. On an iPhone or Android phone, the account switcher is in the bottom navigation menu. Tap the menu icon (three lines), scroll down to see your profile section, and tap your name or picture to see all added accounts.
On a computer or tablet browser, click your profile picture in the top right corner of the page. A dropdown menu will appear. Look for "Switch Account" or a list of other accounts you have added. Click the one you want to use and the page will refresh to show that account's feed and settings.
If you are using Facebook in a web browser on a phone instead of the app, the desktop version of the switcher will appear. The steps are the same, but the menu may look slightly different depending on your browser and screen size.
Removing an account from the switcher
If you no longer want an account to appear in your switcher menu, you can remove it without deleting the account. On mobile, go to the menu, tap your profile section, find the account you want to remove, and look for a "Remove" or "Log Out" option next to it. Tap that option and the account will no longer appear in your switcher.
On desktop, click your profile picture, find the account you want to remove from the list, and click "Log Out" or "Remove." The account will stay active on Facebook's servers, but it will no longer be saved on your device.
Removing an account from the switcher does not delete it or change its password. If you want to use that account again on this device, you will need to log in with its email and password once more.
What happens when you switch accounts
When you switch to a different account, Facebook shows you that account's feed, messages, notifications, and settings. Your previous account remains logged in on the device but is no longer active. If someone else picks up your phone or computer, they will see whichever account you last switched to.
Switching accounts does not log you out of other apps or services that use your Facebook login. If you have used your Facebook account to sign into Instagram, Messenger, or another app, switching your Facebook account on the device will not automatically switch those apps. You may need to log out and back in within those apps separately if you want to use a different Facebook account with them.
Messages, photos, and posts from one account do not appear in another account's feed. Each account is completely separate. If you want to see messages or posts from your other account, you will need to switch to it.
Troubleshooting account switcher problems
If the account switcher is not showing up, make sure you have added more than one account to your device. The switcher only appears when you have at least two accounts saved. If you have added an account but it is not appearing, try logging out completely and logging back in with that account's email and password.
If you see an error message when trying to switch accounts, your internet connection may be weak. Switch to a stronger Wi-Fi network or wait a moment and try again. If the problem continues, close the Facebook app completely (not just minimize it), wait 10 seconds, and open it again.
If you have changed the password for one of your accounts, you may need to log out and log back in with the new password. Facebook will prompt you to re-enter the password the next time you try to switch to that account. This is a security measure to keep your account safe.
Keeping your accounts secure when using the switcher
Saving multiple accounts on one device is convenient, but it means anyone with access to that device can switch to your accounts. If you share your phone or computer with family members, consider whether you want all your accounts saved on a shared device.
If you are using a public or shared computer, do not add your accounts to the switcher. Instead, log in and log out each time. This prevents someone else from switching to your account after you leave.
If you lose your phone or someone gains access to it without permission, you can log out of all accounts remotely. Go to your Facebook settings on another device, find "Where You're Logged In" or "Active Sessions," and log out of the lost device. This will remove all saved accounts from that device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch accounts without the other person knowing?
No. When you switch accounts on a shared device, the new account becomes active and visible to anyone using that device. If you want privacy, log out completely instead of using the switcher, or use a private browsing mode.
What if I forgot the password to one of my accounts?
You can still switch to that account if it is already saved on your device. If you need to change the password, go to Facebook's login page on another device, click "Forgotten Password," and follow the steps to reset it. Once you have reset it, you may need to re-enter the new password on your original device.
Does switching accounts log me out of Messenger?
Not automatically. Messenger is a separate app. If you want to use a different Facebook account in Messenger, you will need to log out and log back in within the Messenger app itself. Switching your Facebook account does not change which account is active in Messenger.
Can I switch accounts on a computer if I use Chrome or Firefox?
Yes. The account switcher works in any web browser. Click your profile picture in the top right corner of Facebook and select the account you want to use. If you have not added an account to that browser yet, you will need to log in with its email and password first.
What if I want to use two accounts at the same time?
You cannot be logged into two Facebook accounts simultaneously on the same browser tab. However, you can open Facebook in two different browser tabs or windows and log into different accounts in each one. On mobile, you can use the Facebook app for one account and the mobile website in a browser for another.