If you want to make yourself unsearchable on Facebook, it’s easier than you might think. By adjusting your privacy settings, you can make it almost impossible for others to find you in Facebook search results. Just follow a few simple steps to change who can look you up using your email address or phone number, and you’ll be on your way to becoming unsearchable.
How to Make Yourself Unsearchable on Facebook
By following these steps, you’ll make it much harder for people to find you on Facebook. It’s all about tweaking privacy settings to limit who can search for your profile.
Step 1: Go to “Settings & Privacy”
Click on the small downward arrow in the top right corner of Facebook and select “Settings & Privacy.”
This option is the gateway to all your Facebook settings. Once you click it, a drop-down menu will appear, and you can select “Settings” from there.
Step 2: Select “Privacy”
In the left-hand column, click on “Privacy” to access your privacy settings.
This section allows you to control who can see your information and who can find you on Facebook. It’s where you’ll make the changes to become unsearchable.
Step 3: Edit “Who can look you up using the email address you provided?”
Find this setting and click on “Edit” to adjust who can look you up using your email address.
You can choose from “Everyone,” “Friends of friends,” “Friends,” or “Only me.” To be unsearchable, select “Only me.”
Step 4: Edit “Who can look you up using the phone number you provided?”
Just like the previous step, find this setting and click “Edit” to change who can find you via your phone number.
Choose “Only me” to ensure that no one can find you using your phone number.
Step 5: Edit “Do you want search engines outside of Facebook to link to your profile?”
Find this setting and click “Edit,” then uncheck the box that allows search engines to link to your profile.
By doing this, you’ll prevent your profile from appearing in search engine results like Google or Bing.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll notice that your profile becomes much harder to find. Your friends will still be able to see you, but those who aren’t connected with you will have a tough time locating your profile.
Tips for Making Yourself Unsearchable on Facebook
- Use a Unique Email: Consider using an email address for Facebook that isn’t widely known.
- Avoid Phone Number Sharing: Don’t share your phone number publicly on your profile.
- Limit Friend Requests: Adjust who can send you friend requests in the privacy settings.
- Profile Visibility: Set your profile information to “Friends only” or even “Only me.”
- Regularly Update Settings: Facebook updates its privacy settings frequently, so check back often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my friends still find me if I make myself unsearchable?
Yes, your current friends will still be able to find you and interact with you on Facebook.
Do these settings affect my visibility to people I’m not friends with?
Yes, these settings primarily affect how people you’re not connected with can find you.
What happens if I change my email or phone number?
You’ll need to update your privacy settings for the new email or phone number to maintain your unsearchable status.
Can I revert these changes if I want to be searchable again?
Absolutely, you can always go back into your privacy settings and change them as needed.
Will these changes affect how people can find me on Messenger?
These changes can affect how you’re found on Messenger, but your existing contacts will still be able to message you.
Summary
- Go to “Settings & Privacy.”
- Select “Privacy.”
- Edit “Who can look you up using the email address you provided?”
- Edit “Who can look you up using the phone number you provided?”
- Edit “Do you want search engines outside of Facebook to link to your profile?”
Conclusion
Making yourself unsearchable on Facebook is a smart move if you’re looking to maintain your privacy. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that only those you wish to connect with can find you. It’s like putting an invisibility cloak on your profile!
Remember, privacy is an ongoing process. Facebook’s settings can change, and it’s crucial to stay updated to keep your information safe. Regularly check your settings and adjust them as needed. Whether you’re concerned about strangers finding you or just want a little more privacy, these tips can help you take control of your online presence.
For more information on how to protect your privacy online, consider exploring Facebook’s Help Center or other reputable sources. Your digital footprint is important—don’t let it get out of control!
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.