Meta has built a more detailed file on you than most governments have. You’re not going to stop using Facebook. But you can close some of the doors they left wide open. Note: Facebook privacy settings change frequently — verify these paths are still accurate when you run through them.
DO / DON’T
DO:
- Use a picture of something other than yourself for cover and profile photos — cover and profile photos are always PUBLIC, no exceptions
- Use caution when posting images or videos — be aware of identifiable locations in backgrounds
- Select “Only Me” or “Friends” for every available privacy setting
- Ensure family members take similar precautions — their settings affect your exposure too
DON’T:
- Add your birthdate, location, phone number, or other personal details to your profile. If you must, set them to “Only Me”
- Link Facebook to any third-party applications (Twitter, LinkedIn, gaming apps) — linked apps share data bidirectionally
- Connect with individuals you don’t know and trust
- Discuss specific or sensitive personal details on Facebook
Privacy Checkup
Path: Home > Down Arrow (top right) > Settings & Privacy > Privacy Checkup
Walk through each section — it’s an abbreviated privacy review. Run this monthly. Also access Privacy Shortcuts for quick access to ad policy details.
Security and Login
Path: Settings > Security and Login
- Where You’re Logged In: Review all locations — if you see an unrecognized session, tap the three dots → “Not You?” to secure your account immediately
- Save your login info: Disable — log in manually each time; if your device is lost, you don’t want Facebook opening without credentials
- Two-Factor Authentication: Enable — strongly recommended. Use an authenticator app over SMS when possible.
General Settings
- Review your Username (visible in your profile URL) — this is always Public
- Review Name, email, phone number — you can add a secondary email to redirect marketing
- Manage what happens to your account after death (legacy contact) — worth setting up
Privacy Settings
Path: Settings > Privacy
This is the most important section. The recommended baseline: nothing set to “Public.”
- Set everything possible to “Only Me”
- If you have connections you don’t fully trust, set personal information to “Only Me”
- “Who can see your friends list” → Only Me (strongly recommended — your friends list is a social map)
- Where “Only Me” is unavailable, choose “Friends”
- Do NOT allow Facebook to link other search engines to your profile
Your Facebook Information
Path: Settings > Your Facebook Information > Off-Facebook Activity
- Select “Clear History”
- Select “More Options” → “Manage Future Activity” → limit future Off-Facebook data collection
This is the setting that controls what websites and apps report back to Facebook about your behavior when you’re not on Facebook. Turn it off.
Profile and Tagging
Path: Settings > Profile and Tagging
- Set all items from “Public” to “Friends” or “Only Me”
- Enable ALL sections under Reviewing — require your approval before any tag appears on your profile
- Use “View As” to see your profile from a public perspective — note what’s visible that shouldn’t be
Location
- Under Location settings: set Facebook location to OFF
- Also turn off location access on your mobile device to prevent Facebook from accessing it
Face Recognition
Path: Settings > Face Recognition
Recommended: OFF — select “No” from the dropdown. This prevents Facebook from identifying your face in photos and videos across the platform.
Apps and Websites
Path: Settings > Apps and Websites
Your goal here: zero apps and websites listed.
- Remove and delete any listed under “Active” and “Expired” tabs
- Linked apps can share data between platforms — each one is another door
Ads Settings
Path: Settings > Ads > Ad Settings
⚠ WARNING: This is where Meta’s data collection is most transparent — and most aggressive. Turn all of it off.
- Turn off ad personalization across all linked accounts (ideally: no linked accounts)
- In Categories used to reach you: toggle each section OFF
- Review Interest Categories and Other Categories — this is what Meta thinks it knows about you
- Audience-based advertising: Go through each advertiser → “Don’t Allow” where permitted
- Ads shown off of Facebook: Set to “Not Allowed”
Stories
Path: Settings > Stories
- Set both “Sharing Options” to “Don’t Allow”
Friends List
Path: Profile > Friends > ellipsis > Edit Privacy
- Set all three options to “Only Me”
Likes and Profile About Section
- Go to Profile → About → scroll to Likes
- Set privacy for each interest category to “Only Me” or “Friends”
- Review every topic visible on your profile and lock down or remove anything you don’t need public
Go to facebook.com/settings and start with Privacy Checkup. Then work down this list. Give yourself an hour — Meta made this tedious on purpose, but every section you tighten is one less data point working against you.