Locking your Facebook profile limits what people who are not your friends can see, hiding your posts, photos, and profile details from strangers. It is a quick privacy boost available in many regions, mainly through the mobile app.
What you'll need
- The Facebook mobile app
- Your account signed in
Step by step
- Open your own profileTap your profile picture or name to go to your profile page in the Facebook app.
- Open the profile menuTap the three-dot menu near your name or below your cover photo to see profile options.
- Select Lock ProfileChoose Lock Profile from the menu. If you do not see it, the feature may not be available in your region or app version.
- Read what changesFacebook explains that non-friends will not be able to see your full-size profile and cover photos, your posts, or older content.
- Confirm the lockTap Lock Your Profile to apply it. A shield or badge may appear on your profile to show it is locked.
Handy tips
- Locking is a fast shortcut, but you can also fine-tune each privacy setting manually if the option is missing.
- Review your friends list after locking, since friends still see your full content.
- You can unlock the profile from the same menu whenever you want to open it back up.
FAQ
Why do I not see the Lock Profile option?
The feature is not available everywhere. If it is missing, adjust individual privacy settings such as who can see your posts, photos, and profile fields instead.
Can my friends still see everything after I lock my profile?
Yes. Locking only restricts people who are not your friends. Anyone on your friends list continues to see your content normally.
Can I unlock my profile later?
Yes. Open the same profile menu and choose to unlock it. The restrictions are removed and non-friends can see content per your other settings.