Making your friends list private on Facebook is a simple yet crucial step to protect your privacy. It ensures that only you can see who you’re connected with, keeping unwanted eyes away from your social circle. In just a few clicks, you can make this change through your Facebook settings.
How to Make Friends List Private on Facebook
Want to keep your Facebook friends list away from prying eyes? Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be able to hide your friends list from anyone but yourself.
Step 1: Log into Your Facebook Account
First, head over to Facebook and log in with your username and password.
Once you’re logged in, you’ll be on your homepage. From here, you can navigate to your profile settings with ease.
Step 2: Go to Your Profile
Click on your name or profile picture to go to your profile page.
Your profile page is where all your personal information is housed. This is also where you’ll find the settings to change the visibility of your friends list.
Step 3: Click on the “Friends” Tab
Locate the “Friends” tab on your profile and click on it.
The “Friends” tab is usually found below your cover photo. Clicking on it will take you to a page showing your current friends.
Step 4: Click on the Pencil Icon
On the Friends page, find and click on the pencil icon next to “Find Friends.”
This pencil icon is the gateway to editing your privacy settings for your friends list. It’s small but powerful!
Step 5: Select “Edit Privacy”
Click on “Edit Privacy” from the dropdown menu that appears.
This brings up a new window with several options for adjusting who can see your friends list.
Step 6: Change the Privacy Setting
Under the “Friends List” section, click on the dropdown menu and select “Only Me.”
By selecting “Only Me,” you’re ensuring that only you can see your friends list. This setting gives you maximum privacy.
Step 7: Save Your Changes
Click “Done” to save your changes.
Saving your changes locks in your new privacy settings, making your friends list invisible to others.
After you complete these steps, your friends list will be visible only to you. Anyone who visits your profile won’t be able to see who you’re friends with, providing you with an extra layer of privacy.
Tips for Making Friends List Private on Facebook
- Review Your Privacy Settings Regularly: Facebook updates its platform often, and it’s a good idea to check your settings periodically to ensure they are still to your liking.
- Use “View As” Feature: This feature allows you to see your profile as the public or a specific person sees it, helping you verify that your friends list remains private.
- Limit Friend Requests: Adjust your settings to control who can send you friend requests. This can further protect your privacy.
- Update App Permissions: Be aware of the apps connected to your Facebook account. Some third-party apps may have access to your friends list.
- Educate Your Friends: Let your friends know about your privacy preferences. This can prevent them from inadvertently sharing your information.
FAQs About Making Friends List Private on Facebook
Can Anyone See My Friends List After I Make It Private?
Only you will be able to see your friends list once you set it to “Only Me.”
Will My Friends Know That I’ve Made My Friends List Private?
No, Facebook does not notify your friends when you change your privacy settings.
Can I Choose to Hide My Friends List from Specific People?
No, the current Facebook settings only allow you to hide your friends list from everyone or make it visible to certain groups, but not individual users.
Does This Change Affect Mutual Friends Visibility?
Mutual friends will still be visible to others, even if your full friends list is private.
Can I Hide My Friends List on the Facebook App?
Yes, you can follow similar steps on the mobile app to make your friends list private.
Summary
- Log into Your Facebook Account
- Go to Your Profile
- Click on the “Friends” Tab
- Click on the Pencil Icon
- Select “Edit Privacy”
- Change the Privacy Setting
- Save Your Changes
Conclusion
Taking control of your privacy on Facebook is more important than ever. By making your friends list private, you can protect your social circle from unwanted attention and potential misuse of information. It’s a quick and easy process that can make a significant difference in keeping your personal information secure.
Remember, Facebook is a dynamic platform with frequent updates, so always stay vigilant about your privacy settings. If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring more about how to enhance your online privacy. The more you know, the safer you’ll be in the digital world. So, why wait? Make your friends list private on Facebook today and take the first step towards better online privacy!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.